Canadian Sailing in 2012 Olympics

Canada qualified boats for the 2012 London Summer Olympics in the classes it entered at the at the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Perth, Australia in which they entered boats: RS:X (women's windsurfing), Radial (women's one-person dinghy), Finn (men's one-man dinghy /heavyweight) and 470 (men's two-man dinghy). The sailors chosen to represent Canada next summer is still to be determined.

Richard Clarke and Tyler Bjorn have qualified Canada and themselves in Star class at the world sailing championships off Fremantle, Australia.

The eleven Olympic sailing events are: Neilpride RX:S men and women, Laser Men, Laser Radial women, Finn men, 470 men, 470 women, 49er, Star & Women's Match Racing. The Paralympic events are the Sonar and 2.4m and SKUD-18.

Record Muskie released in St. Lawrence River

A 54-inch muskie (over 70 lb.) was released back to the St. Lawrence River last week by Jason Phillips of Brockville. Phillips and Sandra Ellis were trying out a new boat to fish for some pickerel. He was trolling in 220 feet of water about 6 pm west of St. Lawrence Park when the monster fish struck. He managed to pull it into the boat for measure - without a net!
In 2009, a 65-pound muskie, released back into the St. Lawrence by an Ottawa angler, was recognized as world's biggest catch-and-release.
More: www.ottawasun.com

Fishing along the Canadian border just got complicated

Canada Border Services went overboard June 29, 2011 by fining Roy Andersen, an American boater in the St. Lawrence, $1000 for fishing in Gananoque Narrows (just across the border in the middle of the river) without reporting to customs. It was either "pay on-the-spot" or CBSA would have handcuffed them and towed the boat to shore.

According to MP Pierre Polievre, the CBSA refunded $999 of the poor guy's fine. One has to wonder what the federal government needed to keep that extra $1 for - I'd love to see the paperwork on that. So far, CBSA has been too proud to back down on this fiasco, which would have solved everything. They "improved" the so-called rules to allow people cruising along the border to phone in, instead of going to a border port. Big deal. You still have to check in if you are simply cruising in the river. Result? No one will come anywhere near Canada - to shop, fish, spend the night, or anything else. Who needs the hassle?! It makes you wonder why anyone would buy a boat. The days of freedom on the water are long over.

There is only improvement that would keep borders open to legitimate travel, but closed to criminals -- just go back to the previous practice of requiring border check-in only after docking or anchoring in Canadian waters. Just like the US border does. Just like it's been for decades. The border in the St. Lawrlence River is invisible for heaven's sake!

86 year old Canadian sails across North Atlantic

Jack Nye from Mississauga, ON, is currently just north of Flemish Cap (the Grand Banks) sailing to Long Pond, Newfoundland from Bantry Bay, Ireland - his final trans-Atlantic double crossing. He is sailing his specially rigged 29-ft Alberg sailboat with Irish friend Julian as crew. Earlier this summer he left Halifax, sailing non-stop to England, then continued on to Ireland, and now sailing back to Canada. He is about 10 days late, but his family has received a one-way radio message from a ship to say that they are OK. They estimate he should arrive in Long Pond around September 3rd. He should have some good stories to tell - perhaps of an encounter with Hurricane Irene! [Sep.2/2011]

Jack Nye is 86 years old, and a World War 2 Royal Navy veteran. This is his 18th trans-Atlantic double crossing.

Sep. 13, 2011: Jack Nye has returned home safely to Canada.

Update Sep. 28, 2011 from Mark Nye, Jack's son:
This is an update to let you know that my dad has arrived home safe and sound after an amazing double crossing of the North Atlantic aboard his 29-ft Alberg sailboat. He had quite a time with broken rigging and ripped sails on the way over, then pounding rain and strong headwinds on the return crossing. His friend Julian is back in Ireland, and Jack and the boat are back in Mississauga. This was his last of 18 Atlantic crossings plus 3 times around the Horn.

More: Jack Nye 2011 Atlantic Crossings in "Panderama II"

Hatfield takes 3rd in Velux 5 Oceans

Derek Hatfield, Canada's top solo sailor, took third place in the 30,000-mile 2010/11 Velux 5 Oceans solo round the world yacht race. The 58-year-old sailed the 60-foot Active House across the finish line at 0707 UTC on May 29 in La Rochelle, France. Derek sailed a total of 32,216 miles which took 130 days, 17 hours, 42 minutes. Derek edged out Chris Stanmore-Major for 3rd place overall by only 3 points in the world's toughest sailing race.

Derek is the only Canadian to have sailed solo around the world twice. In the 2002/3 Velux 5 Oceans, his yacht was capsized and the mast lost rounding Cape Horn, but he managed to repair the boat and finished the race. In 2008 he raced in the Vendée Globe but he had to retire when his yacht's rig was damaged.

Derek said, "This was a huge project, two years in preparation and then nine months of sailing and to get it all done is amazing. The sense of accomplishment is huge. It will sink in a bit later when we're tied to the dock and able to relax a bit, but right now it feels good. ... It's my third race round the world, and my second complete circumnavigation. It feels good to be representing Canada and the flag, and that's what it's all about for us."

Canada loves you too Derek!
[www.velux5oceans.com]

New Engine Emission Regulations

Environment Canada working with NMMA Canada has created new engine emission regulations, which means engines sold in Canada and the U.S.A. will have the same emission requirements. The new regulations will take effect January 2012 affecting outboard, PWC and sterndrive/inboard engines up to 500 hp. Stern drive/inboard engines over 500 hp will begin January 2013. Boat Evaporative Emission systems in January 2015. Announcement: canadagazette.gc.ca

Canadian Derek Hatfield standing 2nd in Velux 5 Oceans

Derek Hatfield is now tied for 2nd in the overall points heading into the final leg of the Velux 5 Oceans single-handed around-the-world sailing race. In sprint 4 he won the speed gate and came in 2nd. Sprint 5 from Charleston SC to France is 3,600-nautical miles and starts Saturday, May 14. Dekek's site is spiritofcanada.org. You can also follow news via Facebook, Twitter (@Velux5oceans) and the sponsor site Activehouse.info.

Do you Have the Card?

All boaters in Canada must have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card
to operate a boat with a motor. Even someone driving a fishing boat with a small trolling motor or motorized dinghy must carry the card. If you are caught without it, you could be fined $250!

To obtain an Operator Card, one must learn some boating safety basics and regulations and then pass an exam – available online from BoaterExam.com. You can get a temporary card right away if you pass. The "card" is good for life. (Visiting boaters are exempt unless they boat in Canada for more than 45 days. Rentals have special rules.) For more information see Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety. A summary can be found on Pat's Boating in Canada: Pleasure Craft Operator Card .

ICC now available to Canadians

The International Certificate of Competence, issued by the RYA (Britain) and available to those who pass their Day Skipper exam, is recognized by many charter firms in Europe and elsewhere as a marine "operator licence". In the past, it has only been available to British citizens, but a recent change means that the ICC is now available to Canadian and American sailors who already have a Day Skipper (Practical) certificate. [www.classicboat.co.uk]

Canadian Derek Hatfield racing well in Velux 5 Oceans

Derek Hatfield, currently running a close 3rd in the Velux 5 Oceans race. The sailors have reached the Tasman Sea in the second sprint from South Africa to New Zealand, but they still have about 1000 miles to go, with a choice of routes to be made. You can view the boats on the Raceviewer and listen to his latest voice recording. Dekek's site is spiritofcanada.org. You can also follow news via Facebook, Twitter (@Velux5oceans) and the sponsor site Activehouse.info.

Graeme Kendall Sails Non-stop through Northwest Passage

63-year-old Kiwi sailor Graeme Kendall has become the first person to sail solo non-stop through the Northwest Passage, completing it in 12 days in a 12.5m boat built for the trip. He is currently in the North Pacific returning home to Auckland, New Zealand. The ice-bound passage north of Canada and Alaska is considered the "Everest of the sailing world". [nzherald.co.nz]

LoranC terminated in both Canada & U.S.A.

Both the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) terminated Loran-C navigation services earlier this year. LoranC service is no longer available on the east and west coasts and the Great Lakes and therefore cannot be used for navigation. Comments should be directed to John Festarini, A/Manager, Aids to Navigation, Canadian Coast Guard: John.Festarini@dfo-mpo.gc.ca (613) 998-1411.

U.S. Boaters don't know Canadian Laws

It probably wouldn't surprise boaters who cruise across that invisible border in the St. Lawrence River that they might run into the Ontario Provincial Police for a safety check. Visitors don't require an operator licence for short stays, but the OPP will check for required safety equipment such as life vests, paddle, throwable floating device, and even a waterproof flashlight. Fines for not having mandatory safety equipment can cost up to $200 for each missing item.

At home, an open container of beer wouldn't cause much trouble, but in Ontario it's illegal and could cost you a $125 fine. If you are impaired, an offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, you can expect a fine of $600 or more. Having or using fishing equipment requires a provincial fishing licence, which can be purchased at some marinas and towns. And leave your guns at home! [Entering Canada by Boat | Transport Canada]

7 Gold for Canadian rowers - first day

Aug 1/2010: Canadian rowers won 7 gold medals on the first day of the Commonwealth Rowing Championships in Welland, Ontario. Josh Morris (Victoria) gold in men’s singles, silver in men’s four with Tom Watson (Victoria), Mike Lewis (Dorchester ON), and Kristjan Joubert (St.-Lambert PQ), and bronze with Lewis in men’s pair. Watson and Joubert won gold in men’s doubles. Liz Fenje and Patricia Obee (Victoria), won lightweight women’s doubles. Catherine Bouchard-Piolte (Boucherville PQ) and Laura Cowel (Thorold ON), won women’s pair. Obee won gold in lightweight women’s singles. Canada also won gold in the men’s doubles and lightweight men’s doubles. [news: ottawacitizen.com | crc2010.org ]

Transport Canada launches E-licensing

Mélanie Quesnel, Transport Canada, says: “Participating boat dealers (only 35 this year) will able to submit applications for pleasure craft licences electronically on behalf of their customers”. The current procedure is to fax in licence applications, which will take anywhere from 4-7 days. Licences can be obtained faster from Service Canada offices. Boat licences moves from Service Canada to Transport Canada in November 2010.

Atlantic Salmon returning to Lake Ontario

After 150-years, Atlantic salmon from hatcheries are adapting to the wild, and once again spawning in the Credit River, Cobourg Creek and Duffins Creek, near Toronto. It's hoped the salmon will spread to other creeks around Lake Ontario. Native Atlantics died out due to overfishing, development, mills, and dams that stopped the fish from travelling upstream to spawn. A government restoration program coordinated with local fishing groups has resulted in success last fall. [mnr.gov.on.ca]

2 Canadians to race in Velux 5 Oceans

Canada currently has two sailors committed to race in the Velux 5 Oceans (former Around Alone) starting October 17: Derek Hatfield and John Dennis. Derek Hatfield has entered several ocean races in "Spirit of Canada". Hatfield was forced to quit the non-stop Vendee Globe 2008 in Australia. Dennis was forced to retire from the Around Alone 2002 on the third leg to New Zealand, and was the first sailor with diabetes to compete in a solo around-the-world race.

The Velux 5 Oceans is the longest single-handed event in the world - 30,000 nautical miles (55,000 km) around the world raced in legs in Open 60 monohull sailboats. [Velux 5 Oceans | John Dennis | spiritofcanada.net: Derek Hatfield ]

Canadian Yacht leads Race 7 of Clipper 09-10

The Canadian yacht Cape Breton Island, is 405 km in the lead in Race 7 from Qindago to San Francisco of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race. Starting in September 2009, the race is expected to finish in Britain in July 2010. www.clipperroundtheworld.com

Canadian Sailors missing after Earthquake

Josée (Jade) Chabot (Montreal) was one of six aboard the training vessel SS Columbia, a 13-metre sailboat that was en route from Ecuador on Jan. 16 to Coquimbo, Chile to arrive end of February. An 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Chile on Feb. 27, resulting in a tsunami along the coast. The boat has not been heard from since. Chabot took the journey to earn her skipper's licence. Another person on board is reported to be a woman from Nelson, B.C. [www.cbc.ca] Posted March 22, 2010.

April 12, 2010: The SS Columbia and all crew finally arrived in Chile after their families reported them missing at sea. The crew claimed the captain refused to let them use the radio to contact family when they found themselves becalmed far out to sea. [www.cbc.ca]

Canadian Students survive Ship Sinking

Sixty-four Canadian students spent nearly 40 hours in life rafts after their three-mast ship, the SV Concordia sank in stormy conditions February 18. The ship was caught in a microburst - a vertical column of air pushing downward - in the Atlantic Ocean 550 km off southeastern coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The survival of all aboard is attributed to preparation, training, equipment and communal effort. All returned safely to Canada. The class-at-sea is operated by West Island College International of Lunenburg, N.S. (www.canada.com)