Page 10 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 128

10 Issue #128 September 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

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SYC Borland Race was one to Remember!

By Ann Marie Blinkhorn Smith) being one, were rewarded with
at least a 20-minute gain on those who
ONG SAULT (ON) – Since 1975, stayed south through Delaney Shoal.
Lboats from the Stormont Yacht The boats happily found each other
Club (SYC) have held an annual once again in the main Seaway, being
two-day club race called the Borland careful to avoid Cat Island Shoal,
Race, from SYC to Crysler Marina in later the Steen Shoal, and finally the
Morrisburg and back. This year the cargo ship, Algosea. Congratulations
race was set for August 12–13. The to Essoin (Skipper Chris Williamson),
pandemic cancelled the event for two who used his spinnaker which won
summers but this year the popular him that leg, both in real-time and
event came roaring back with twelve adjusted time.
boats racing. All were excited to start hearing
The race is in memory of Bill boats announcing their arrival at the
Borland. For several years prior to Crysler Park Marina. The SYC Fleet
1975 Bill used his “big” boat, a 19ft was welcomed by a steady downpour
Cygnus and later a 22ft Hurley, to which continued until 6 pm. Photo Submitted
lead an annual dinghy fleet cruise up The next morning, a blustery 12-
the river for a two-day beat. The fleet knot wind on the down-leg departure
camped on Croil Island and Broder grew steadily over the following two
Island near Morrisburg. The race hours. This made for a great sail for at near maximum hull speed. It was make the final stretch of the race quite
evolved to bigger keel boats over the most of the day with Outback (Skipper a nail-biting battle to the finish and exhilarating. (Nathalie Desrosier,
years and remains today. Brian Clinton) leading the way for Sealestial triumphed! Essoin)
Those choosing to race the up-river a good part of the race, followed by The final winners after adjusted First Borland, great experience!
leg compete for the Upper Canada Knot Normal and Essoin. Sealestial times for handicaps were: Essoin for Peter’s great spinnaker, Brian’s huge
Village Trophy, while the down-river (Skipper Paul Rodrigue) was patient the up-river leg and Sealestial for sail, bold moves around Croil Island,

leg is for the Sails and Paddles Trophy. in slowly overtaking Essoin before the down-river leg and the overall rain and lightning, chai tea in the
A third trophy, The Borland Memorial the ‘cut’ and then Knot Normal at the for both legs. Congratulations to the morning, and a vigorous sprint to the
Plaque, is awarded to the overall entrance to the SYC bay. entire sailing fleet for a fantastic race. finish line. (Chris Williamson, Essoin)
winner of both legs. Handicaps are While Outback easily crossed the Quotes from the race: We see the SYC fleet on the horizon!
used to even the racing field. line first, Essoin had made up time so It was crazy! In 19 knot (John St Marseille, Mer Soleil)
This year was unusual in that the Knot Normal, Sealestial, and Essoin winds!!! (Julia Meldrum Smith, Knot The SYC racing season continues
fleet had wind at their sterns for most battled to get over the line second. Normal) with the Ladies Day Race August
of both legs. This made for great At this point, the wind was gusting Thanks to everyone for such a great 26, the Fall Race Series starting
sailing. On the up-river leg, moderate to 19 knots, forcing the boats to heel weekend, lots of fun! (Natalie Bray, September 3, and the Enduro Race
winds took the fleet to Croil Island dramatically to leeward. The perfect Lagan III) September 30.
where they had to decide to keep north placement of the finish marker really Sunday was fabulous! (AM You can learn more about the
of the island or go through Delaney made this race one to remember. As Blinkhorn, Sealestial) Stormont Yacht Club by visiting
Shoal. Those who went north of the the boats neared the finish line at A wonderful weekend of racing, their website at https://www.
island, Knot Normal (Skipper Scott least one tack was required and this camaraderie, and a great wind to stormontyachtclub.ca/.