Two Canadian schools compete in world's largest collegiate regatta

by Clarity Nicoll on 10 Oct 2012 The Larchmont Yacht Club was host to the Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta, the largest collegiate regatta in the world. On October 6-7 there were approximately 450 young athletes from 41 schools, including two Canadian schools, University of Ottawa and Queen’s University, who were present at the regatta. The entire event is free to racers and boat owners thanks to many sponsors.

This is a very unique event, since boat owners donate their boats and their time to schools and allow them to race. The fleet of boats included one design classes of J44’s, J109’s and J105’s. There was also a PRHF and IRC fleet that included Express 37’s, a King 40 and several Swan 42’s. This year, the IOR had its first match racing series, run on a different course with on water judges. Four teams and two boats raced on Brewers Yacht Yard’s 52-foot match racing machines. Both the fleet racing and match racing were a great success.

There were two days of racing that came with very different wind conditions. The first day of racing was high winds with gusts of up to 20 knots, many boats broached and several spinnakers were ripped apart. Race committee managed to get off three races before winds increased too much. The racers were met with free sponsor Heineken beer, a fantastic dinner buffet and a large raffle with jackets from sponsors.

The next day of racing had much lighter winds and two races were held, the final race of the series was shortened due to fading breeze. Division winners were Navy in IRC 1, Maine Maritime in J44, Mass Maritime in J109, Bowdoin in J105 and Drexel in PRHF 1.

Special mention goes to the University of Ottawa and Queen’s University who both finished fourth in their fleets, for full results click here.