51 replies to this topic

[Sorta]

So, for those out there who have already dusted off the winter blues to go sailing, the first performance dinghy event of the season MUST be the Ottawa Skiff & Cat Grand Prix. Running June 2/3 in Ottawa (Ontario, Canada) at the Nepean Sailing Club. Regatta website is here : www.osrf.ca and a real cool promo video is here :
I am in of course (live across the street). Who else?
cheers,
Sorta.
(I-14 CAN612)

[Skaf]

I wouldn't dream of missing it!

[Reht]

I'll be there, wouldn't miss it for the world! I'll be on a 49er, but I'll be bringing a 29er and possibly a contender along too, to be decided...

I have heard a rumour that Luka (Kalu.ca) will be there once again shooting photos, he should be here soon to confirm...

Will we be seeing anyone from the states this year?

[Broseidon]

depends how many 49ers commit

[m90]

depends how many 49ers commit

There are usually quite a few. They also race on the same course as the I14s so you can also see if your good old 49er can still keep up to the hottest new boats.

[Reht]

depends how many 49ers commit

I'm pretty sure just about the entire Montreal fleet will be there (that makes 5 at least), it's the second regatta of the year on the GP circuit so I'd expect plenty of boats. Last year (even though we didn't race) there were at least 10 boats (there weren't results so I'm going off the top of my head), and when we race with the I14s we're pretty close which means we're racing in a fleet of 20+ boats easily.

Get your boat there! Doesn't matter if you know how to sail it or not, new rig or not, we'll help you get set and the fleets are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Anyone planning on doing a Friday training day? Last year the Friday was awesome sailing, would be even better if we were a few boats to practice together...

[cantp1]

I wouldn't dream of missing it!

+1

49er's should have about 10 to 15 in attendance!

[cantp1]

depends how many 49ers commit

I'm pretty sure just about the entire Montreal fleet will be there (that makes 5 at least), it's the second regatta of the year on the GP circuit so I'd expect plenty of boats. Last year (even though we didn't race) there were at least 10 boats (there weren't results so I'm going off the top of my head), and when we race with the I14s we're pretty close which means we're racing in a fleet of 20+ boats easily.

Get your boat there! Doesn't matter if you know how to sail it or not, new rig or not, we'll help you get set and the fleets are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Anyone planning on doing a Friday training day? Last year the Friday was awesome sailing, would be even better if we were a few boats to practice together...

Montreal 49er fleet is 7 boats. At least 5 or 6 will come. MINIMUM!
Toronto 49er fleet should have about 7 or 8 coming as well.
Ottawa has 2 boats.
USA has at least one coming, but potential for 5+. (Trevor Burd & Ryan Pesch, USA 1097, confirmed yesterday)
Plus a few stragglers here and there... We could have 15 without breaking a sweat. So I think that's reason enough to come!

EDIT: Oh, depending on how the 49erFX decision goes at ISAF, some girls will definitely also attend (in the 49er!)!

[Matt D]

We're bringing a coach in for training on Friday. If anyone's interested in participating in the training, PM me. So far we have commitment from 3 I14s for Friday training.

[ADK]

The OSGP is a great regatta!

I'm hoping to make the trip up from VT.

Anyone know of an I-14 driver looking for a boat & crew? I don't need (or deserve) a rockstar, but would prefer to sail with someone who has some solid I-14 experience and a good attitude on the water. I'll make do with a crew if I can't find a driver, but I'd prefer to crew.

The boat is a decently set up B3.

[Reht]

We're bringing a coach in for training on Friday. If anyone's interested in participating in the training, PM me. So far we have commitment from 3 I14s for Friday training.

I'd PM you, but your inbox is full...

[cantp1]

We're bringing a coach in for training on Friday. If anyone's interested in participating in the training, PM me. So far we have commitment from 3 I14s for Friday training.

I'd PM you, but your inbox is full...

Princess is looking for dates... Being a male gigolo can be demanding!

[Matt D]

We're bringing a coach in for training on Friday. If anyone's interested in participating in the training, PM me. So far we have commitment from 3 I14s for Friday training.

I'd PM you, but your inbox is full...

Princess is looking for dates... Being a male gigolo can be demanding!

lol. Thanks T-Bonus. Glad to have a fellow man-whore whom understands my daily predicament...

[Kelm872]

You know how many 29ers are going?

[Matt D]

Last few years, there's been roughly a dozen 29ers. It's on the NE GP circuit, I hear that there should be a similar sized fleet.

[cantp1]

Last few years, there's been roughly a dozen 29ers. It's on the NE GP circuit, I hear that there should be a similar sized fleet.

You can expect about 10 29er's. And yes it is confirmed on their GP.

[cdc]

This is such a fun event. Gotta talk to my skipper, I hope we're in again this year.

[cantp1]

This is such a fun event. Gotta talk to my skipper, I hope we're in again this year.

Missing it would be like a muslim skipping Ramadhan!

[Matt D]

One of my favorite aspects of the regatta is seeing latest innovations and development. This is a regatta that has seen 18' skiffs match racing, Steve Clark's Locust, Fred Eaton's single handed, Beiker designed version of an 18', the latest in A-class cats, F-18s, ICs, and I14s.

I'm really interested in seeing how the K3 and modern rig 49ers compare.

[Reht]

Are we likely to see any one-off boats this year?

[Haywire]

I14CAN 601 "Something Rude" will be there. Here's an edit from our 1st session in Toronto last week...


http://www.youtube.c...h?v=aJLV9usXQmo

[m90]

I14CAN 601 "Something Rude" will be there. Here's an edit from our 1st session in Toronto last week...


http://www.youtube.c...h?v=aJLV9usXQmo

Nice video! Any news from the HPT regatta last weekend?

[cantp1]

One of my favorite aspects of the regatta is seeing latest innovations and development. This is a regatta that has seen 18' skiffs match racing, Steve Clark's Locust, Fred Eaton's single handed, Beiker designed version of an 18', the latest in A-class cats, F-18s, ICs, and I14s.

I'm really interested in seeing how the K3 and modern rig 49ers compare.

We'll still beat 'em. Perhaps just by a slimmer margin now...

[Matt D]

Double-handed participants that register online and pay will save $10, single handed participants will save $5 if they register prior to May 25th. Registration is open.

Also, please note that participants under 18 will need to have their parents sign the regatta waiver and the photography release in order to participate.

[m90]

Only two weeks away now!

Enjoy the updated promo video...

OSGP 2012

[_Chris_]

Only two weeks away now!

Enjoy the updated promo video...

OSGP 2012

...ads have ads now?

[m90]

Only two weeks away now!

Enjoy the updated promo video...

OSGP 2012

...ads have ads now?

I just do what I'm told. Are you coming or what?

[Steve Clark]

Just decided to make the sojourn with Willy and David.
So at least 3 new rules ICs.
The harder it blows the faster they goes.
SHC

[Reht]

Maybe this year will make up for last year's total lack of racing. Early registration deadline is today, anyone have rough numbers on how many boats in what classes are registered?

[Matt D]

Just decided to make the sojourn with Willy and David.
So at least 3 new rules ICs.
The harder it blows the faster they goes.
SHC

Nice! It'll be good to see the Canoes again!

[Matt D]

Early registration deadline is today, anyone have rough numbers on how many boats in what classes are registered?

So far,
8 29ers
5 I14s (the locals are racing, yet have yet to register)
9 49ers.

From memory, roughly 20% of the fleet normally pre-registers, so I would expect a lot more registrations to come.

[cdc]

I can't wait.

[Matt D]

Final pre-registration count is 25 boats. Much higher than in previous years...

[cantp1]

Early registration deadline is today, anyone have rough numbers on how many boats in what classes are registered?

So far,
8 29ers
5 I14s (the locals are racing, yet have yet to register)
9 49ers.

From memory, roughly 20% of the fleet normally pre-registers, so I would expect a lot more registrations to come.

16 49er's presently confirmed. Probably gonna have 1 or 2 show up last minute...

[Reht]

From what I hear the contenders won't be showing themselves this year, anyone want to confirm/deny? It would be a shame to not have them there...

[John K]

Add one more IC!

[Merde2]

Can't wait although I won't enjoy the weather.
Have the contenders been scared off by the little I14 incident a couple of years back?

[Matt D]

From what I understand it's due to burnout from having all just traveled to Florida for the Worlds recently. Good group, they will be missed.

[Reht]

I heard the same as Matt. It seems that the Toronto fleet (which is all but a couple boats) have organized their own training session (in TO) this Sunday instead...

To the contender sailors who read this: you're missing out, and you will be missed...

[shiosai]

I heard the same as Matt. It seems that the Toronto fleet (which is all but a couple boats) have organized their own training session (in TO) this Sunday instead...

To the contender sailors who read this: you're missing out, and you will be missed...

Unfortunately it's true - there is no spear-the-contender-sailor at this year's OGSP. Many spouses were unwilling to issue full weekend passes after permitting a two-week reprieve from spring chores for the Worlds. We are going to run a newbie training afternoon on Sunday instead. It looks pretty windy this weekend here in Toronto - you guys look good too - send someone down the rapids for me.

We'll make it up to you next year by painting targets on ourselves AND our boats, and carrying sirens so we're super easy to locate.

[Reht]

Shame really, the contenders make such easy targets being alone in the boat, once you take out the skipper there's no crew to jump at you. I guess we'll have to see if we can pick canoers off their seats instead (more of a challenge).

Weather is looking nice (little damp, but we can deal with that), a little more breeze and I'll be happy!

[Matt D]

lol. Shiosai - you just made me spit coffee all over my monitor, and Reht made me almost pee my pants in laughter...

Understandable as it is, it's still too bad we won't see the Contenders on the weekend. Good relaxed group that they are. I'll have to look for siren and rash-guard sponsors for the contender fleet next year...

[Reht]

Matt, always happy to be of service! I look forward to sirens and targets, we could even have RC keep score.

I'm hoping we get good conditions for photos, last year didn't provide much in the way of stunning material (at least compared to 2010)...

[Merde2]

Shots can be viewed here.

[Amati]

I heard the same as Matt. It seems that the Toronto fleet (which is all but a couple boats) have organized their own training session (in TO) this Sunday instead...

To the contender sailors who read this: you're missing out, and you will be missed...

And the I 14 fleet might try to miss you!

[Reht]

Shots can be viewed here.

Thanks for the photos! We didn't give you much to work with, but you got some amazing shots anyways (and this is why we should ban you from ever actually sailing that contender you bought, that and the contender fleet is no fun anymore ).

Thanks to all the organizers and sponsors, that was good fun despite the light-ish conditions. Maybe one year soon we'll get a breeze-on weekend...

[cantp1]

Shots can be viewed here.

Thanks for the photos! We didn't give you much to work with, but you got some amazing shots anyways (and this is why we should ban you from ever actually sailing that contender you bought, that and the contender fleet is no fun anymore ).

Thanks to all the organizers and sponsors, that was good fun despite the light-ish conditions. Maybe one year soon we'll get a breeze-on weekend...

Just want to echo Tony's thoughts. Thanks again to the OSRF and NSC for organizing another awesome OSGP. It's already on our calendar for next year! Also a big thanks to those that travelled (SHC you included).

I was so drunk. Mega hang over for 2 days...

[Willy Clark]

Great regatta. Big thanks once again to Matt and Sorta. Well worth the journey.

[Reht]

Great regatta. Big thanks once again to Matt and Sorta. Well worth the journey.

I recommend the ICs come more often, would be cool to watch you race against the contenders for the Skiff B title (and any other single-handed toy that comes out). And come promote your toys, we don't see them much (if at all) up here...

We also missed the Quebec F18 fleet, anyone know what happened to those guys?

[Fishingmickey]

Great regatta. Big thanks once again to Matt and Sorta. Well worth the journey.

I recommend the ICs come more often, would be cool to watch you race against the contenders for the Skiff B title (and any other single-handed toy that comes out). And come promote your toys, we don't see them much (if at all) up here...

We also missed the Quebec F18 fleet, anyone know what happened to those guys?

Unless it is thermonuclear Reht... A well sailed IC will stomp a Contender straight up.
FM

[Reht]

Great regatta. Big thanks once again to Matt and Sorta. Well worth the journey.

I recommend the ICs come more often, would be cool to watch you race against the contenders for the Skiff B title (and any other single-handed toy that comes out). And come promote your toys, we don't see them much (if at all) up here...

We also missed the Quebec F18 fleet, anyone know what happened to those guys?

Unless it is thermonuclear Reht... A well sailed IC will stomp a Contender straight up.
FM

If the contenders show up we'll have some very well sailed contenders against some very well sailed new-rules ICs, and after the last 2 years our luck might turn around and we could get a thermo-nuclear weekend (though I'm not sure I'd want to race a 49er in those sorts of conditions). Though one may trounce the other, it would be cool to watch them line up against each other, even if its only at the start line...

[Matt D]

Regatta Report: Ottawa Skiff and Cats Grand Prix


In what has become a cornerstone of the North American Ultra-High Performance Sailing Calendar for the first weekend of June, the Nepean Sailing Club once again hosted the Ottawa Skiff and Cat Grand Prix on June 2, and 3, with a coached clinic on June 1. Unlike other regattas whose participants are mostly local amateurs, the Grand Prix has firmly established NSC on the North American high performance scene due to the latest evolution in sailing designs, as well as its high calibre participants. Here is a regatta that regularly sees past and current Olympic campaigners, professional boat builders, top sailing coaches, and sheer adrenaline junkies precariously navigating their speed machines to speeds of upwards of 20+ knots.

With the Grand Prix in its 9th year, it’s become extremely well known on the continental stage, attracting 41 boats in 2012 in the latest International 14s, 29ers, 49ers, International Canoes, and a myriad of catamarans including the Tornado.

On Friday, a handful of sailors were lucky to receive coaching from Rob Frost, one of Canada's top 49er helms. Rob ran some excellent boat handling drills, followed with some speed training, with video debrief following.

During the regatta, the Skiffies and cat sailors saw challenging, shifty conditions, with winds ranging from 0-12 knots, getting 5 races off on the Olympic Circle over two days thanks to Dave Searle and his reputable team of RCs R Us.

Other than the latest in sailboat design, and extreme top level competition, the Grand Prix is also known for NSCs legendary social atmosphere and 2012 did not disappoint. Following racing, the 49er fleet held a public debrief where top sailors shared the keys to racecourse success and with a Q&A period to help the fleet develop. The Galley served a fantastic dinner, and the evening festivities alternated between Stanley Cup Final Hockey and music by the Acoustic Shooters during an open bar for those of age.

The biggest thank you of all though goes out to our sponsors; The Chandlery, Beau’s, CCI, as well as the individuals who made this all happen; the Ottawa Skiff Racing Fleet headed by Regatta Chair Matt Davidge and the Race Committee headed up by David Searle.

Everyone is looking forward to next year’s edition and whatever it may bring. Hopefully it’s nuclear windy, since a regatta without breakage is like a hockey game without a fistfight!

Photos courtesy of Luka Bartulovik @ Kalu.ca