2012 Route Halifax Saint-Pierre now open for entries

by Kathy Large on 15 Feb 2012 The 2012 Route Halifax Saint-Pierre Race is dedicated to founder Hal Davies.

Skippers are invited to register for a challenging international sailing event that connects eastern Canada and the French islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon. This 350-mile race starts in Halifax on July 8, 2012 and ends at the small French island of Saint-Pierre, which lies just off the coast of Newfoundland. Social events are planned for both host cities. The race is sponsored by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and Le Yacht Club de Saint-Pierre.

Racing takes place on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean along Nova Scotia, through the Cabot Strait and on to St. Pierre et Miquelon. This is an ISAF Category 2 race.

The intention of the event is to create relationships between sailors from Europe and North America, to celebrate the sea and to enjoy the truly French environment at Saint-Pierre by joining the Bastille Day celebrations on July 14th.

The race was created by two men - both keen ocean racers who wanted to foster good relationships between eastern Canada and the French Islands, Philippe Paturel and Hal Davies, a retired navy officer. Capt. Davies passed away last February.

'Hal was a great friend to many, including myself, ' according to race chair, Mike Evans. 'His influence on ocean sailing is well known and the Route Halifax Saint-Pierre Race will honour his memory with a new trophy. The 'Hal Davies Memorial Trophy' will be awarded to the best performing yacht that is doing the race for first time,' said Evans.

Capt. Davies was a well known promoter of ocean racing in the Maritimes and was recognized with the Canadian Yachting Association Gerry Roufs Award in 2005 for excellence in offshore racing.

Race organizers were happy that the last edition of the race attracted the largest fleet so far. Expectations for 2012 are higher still and the size of the fleet should surpass all previous years with the largest ever once again.

The registration form with full details is available on-line so interested ocean racers can get an early start on preparation. Also, find us on Facebook for continuing details of the event.

La Route Halifax Saint-Pierre 2012 est une course océanique de classe mondiale qui se déroule tous les deux ans lors des années paires (en alternance avec la course Marblehead-Halifax) de Halifax en Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada a Saint-Pierre, France au large des magnifique côtes de Terre-Neuve.

Photos and captions can be found at:
http://www.routehalifaxsaintpierre.com/release_photos/Picturescaptions.doc

For information, and to register, please visit:
http://www.routehalifaxsaintpierre.com