Chester Race Week continues to draw numerous competitors

by Katie Nicoll on 16 Aug 2012 Chester, Nova Scotia will once again be home to the famous Chester Race Week which takes places from August 15-18. The race has been in existence for more than 100 years, starting originally with fishermen’s sailboats. This year saw registrations remain at a healthy 143 boats with the addition of another race course.

Alpha course is lucky enough to have former Olympian, Andreas Josenhans, as their PRO and will host one-design J/24 and J/29 boats, large PHRF boats and the distance class.

Bravo Course, led by RO Elizabeth Shaw, will support the small to medium PHRF boats.

Charlie course will be located in the harbour with the Bluenose class and RO Ray Cambria. Olympian, Mike Wolfs, has joined this class for the week to enjoy the fun here in Chester.

Finally, Delta course will be officiated by RO Jay Hooper and have the cruising and classic boats. Classic boats are yachts that, independent of their launch date, were built in conformity with a design existing prior to December 31, 1953. A Cruiser is defined as a yacht that is sailed by head sail and main OR mainsail only.

There is also a team trophy up for grabs. It is for three boats from one yacht club who sail in different classes.

Of note is a humourous section in the Notice of Race about local conditions, 'There is a chance of fog. Rain is possible one in three days of August.' Sounds like Nova Scotia!