A reprint from the Ontario Fireball newsletter, May 2001

I've been sending these occasional bulletins out with the hope of getting more boats on the water this season. 'Fleet-building" for the entire province is somewhat difficult from Ottawa, so I'm also depending an all the old regulars out there to help nurture and encourage any fleet newcomers in their areas.I know for a fact that there are Fireballers out there that have never travelled to a regatta outside of their home waters. Guess what - it’s actually a lot of fun. The social side of Fireball sailing should never be overlooked either, it’s what keeps many of us in the fleet (okay, the boats are fun to sail too).

Let’s go over a list of concerns you might have before going on your first road trip: 

• Do you need a measurement certificate? While we encourage all boats to be "legal" Fireballs, with the certificate to prove it, in reality the only nearby regatta where you'll be asked for it this year will be the Canadians in Montreal in September. If this worries you, don't hesitate to contact our measurer, Dave Landsberg. ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) He can issue you a new certificate if there is a record of the boat being measured or arrange to have the boat measured or may grant you dispensation for the event.

• Do you need to know the rules? I'd encourage you to be familiar with the basics, and generally just try to do what everyone else does and stay out of trouble. It gets a bit aggressive at times at the front of the fleet, but if this is your first regatta that probably isn't a concern to you.

• Do you need a launch dolly? No. Sure, they make it convenient for getting on and off the water, but usually you can borrow one (or get a few others to just carry your boat to the water). You MAY need something to set the boat down on though - a couple of carpeted chunks of 4x4 will do the trick.

  • Nepean Sailing Club (NSC) - Nepean One Design in June and Fanfare in September - the dinghy area is gravel, but there is a grass strip near the water that will accommodate a few boats. Launching is from ramps. You can park near your boat. Camping is allowed on club grounds. Contact Jeremy Kennedy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you have questions about this venue.

  • Britannia Yacht Club (BYC) – National Capital in August – there is a small area near the gas dock that can accommodate a few Fireballs. Main dinghy are is around on the North side of the harbour and a long walk back to the Club

  • Pointe Claire Yacht Club (Montreal). All paved, no grass. Concrete ramps for launching.  No camping allowed on the property. Joe Jospe ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is your contact.

  • Sam Myers Regatta at Pymatuning Sailing Club (Andover Ohio) in July. Great venue. Camping on site is encouraged and the beer flows freely (there are a few B&Bs in Andover if you aren't a camper). All grass. Boats are lifted in off of floating docks. Duncan Schaefer ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) is your contact.

  • Pymatuning Yacht Club (Jamestown PA) Opposite end of the lake from PSC Lots of grass, camping club, ramp launching

• What else do you need to bring? Have a watch, preferably one that can be set to work as a countdown timer. Make sure you have a small paddle (it’s the law, and also handy for getting in & out of unfamiliar harbours) and a life jacket for each person on the boat. Pack a light lunch for each day, and have a bottle or two of water on the boat. Sunscreen is a good idea, and think about having more clothing (spraytops etc) on the boat than you think you'll need. It’s no fun being cold & wet. Most of these things can be stuffed into the tanks through the inspection ports. Have enough cash for the entry fee, dinners, and drinks. Most regattas aren't terribly expensive affairs, unless you're into staying at posh hotels. Don't be shy about asking the regatta contact if any of the fleet locals will put you up for the duration of the regatta - usually there are some billets available.

• Get to the site early enough to be sure you're rigged in time and not stressed out by rushing. This may mean arriving the night before. Look up the Notice of Race beforehand to know what time the first start is, and be out there on time. The Race Committee won't wait for you.

That's all there is to it. I hope to see a lot of boats out there this season!

Cheers

Phil Locker, CAN14678 

The Nepean One Design (NOD) received the benefit of a renewed effort in promoting the event as the premiere event on the Ottawa River.  Over 100 boats and 350 competitors arrived at the Nepean Sailing club this past weekend. 

Saturday was drizzly and light in the morning but after an AP ashore the fleets were sent out to one of three courses.  Five Fireballs on Charlie course sailed four races in very light and shify conditions.  Kattack replays were available after racing to relive the misery (Click here for a full version of the Live Feed. You must complete the Free Registration with Kattack to view). At the end of the day Rune Lausten and Jochen Mikosch had three bullets and a 4th and sat on top of the leaderboard.

A fabulous "heap" of beef dinner and dancing followed Saturday night.

Sunday morning saw even less wind than Saturday and a postponement was in play until 11AM.  The RC managed to get two more races off in light conditions. Dave Landsberg and Mona Barakat took two firsts which combined with Rune and Jochen's pair of thirds,  allowed them to win the regatta.

Full results are here

Josh and Karen have added another member to their family and so have decided to sell 12937.  Asking price is $1975 and includes trailer, dolly, new (2007 set of sails including a mylar mainsail), and 2 old sets of sails.

Rune has 14507 for sale and is offering a "fleet discount" if the boat remains in the local fleet.

Gary has L'Eau Rider for sale and $2500 will get you three suits of sails, trailer, dolly and other goodies

Mike has Lipstick for sale.  Asking price for this 2003 Winder is $12500 and includes two suits of sails, dolly, a top cover and a new mast.

Lots of options and price for everyone. See the "Boats for Sale" section for photos and contact coordinates.

Lets find new homes for these boats

Congratulations to Pierre Carpentier and Tom Bird representing Pointe Claire Yacht Club and sailing Friarballs,  on winning the 2009 Ontario Fire Bowl.  The event was hosted by Britannia Yacht Club as part of the 52nd National Capital Regatta.  In second place tied on points was Jeremy Kennedy and Elizabeth Wylie in Gringo Beaches  and in third was Matt Davidge and Bill McEwen in Rainmaker.  Both crews are from the Nepean Sailing Club.

By virtue of the participation in this event by two Montreal crews the Montreal Fleet takes the Ottawa-Montreal Challenge trophy (which is presently MIA).  Thanks to all who sailed the Quebec Open and the Ontarios over the last two weekends.

Special thanks to Trish and Andy Carran for the towboat service to and from the race course and for providing a swim platform with beer and wine while we waited  for the wind.