Chester Race Week concludes in fine style

by Lynn Helpard on 15 Aug 2010 The beautiful little village of Chester played host to another wonderful Race Week. The racing concluded with the last classes crossing the finish lines in the late afternoon and the crews anxiously waited to learn the results on the boards at Chester Yacht Club. Many of the boats sail in handicap fleets which have to be calculated before the results are final.

'The weather and wind conditions could not have been better' said Randy Stevens, chair of this year’s regatta. 'The winds were light earlier on but filled in on Friday and Saturday to make for excellent, competitive racing without the drama of gales and foul weather' Stevens added. 'The regatta did not experience any unpleasant events and protests were few'.

A total of 142 yachts competed in 12 classes on three different courses over the four day event which is the largest keel boat regatta in Canada. Boats were registered from all over Nova Scotia plus three from P.E.I. and two from New Brunswick.

For those viewing the racing from shore or on the water they were treated to a kaleidoscope of color with the spinnakers billowing and pulling the boats to the finish lines. The yachts varied from the 23ft. Bluenose class to the magnificent classic yachts and the large ocean racers.

The boats return to their local moorings and many prepared for their trip home. Before departure their was a presentation of prizes and beautiful Trophies, some of which are as old as the regatta.

The social side was not neglected with Barbeques and parties every night until the wee hours. The popular Hopping Penguins band entertained on both Thursday and Friday evenings. The festivities finished with an appearance of a band 'The Halifax Pirates' in full privateer regalia.

The Chester Race Week for 2010 now enters the record books and the large group of busy volunteers takes a well earned rest before preparing for next year. 'They came for the finest sailing available and stayed for the fun' said Chester Yacht Club Commodore Don McAlpine.

Preliminary results for Chester Race Week are as follows with a few protests yet to be heard and adjudicated.
Full and final results can be found at www.chesterraceweek.com

A1 Class
1st CIAO BELLA! RNSYS
2nd Wandrian LYC
3rd Triumph RNSYS

A2 Fleet
1st Savory1 FYC
2nd DUCK! RNSYS
3rd Powershift RNSYS

A3 Fleet
1st Anticipation RNSYS
2nd Poohsticks LYC
3rd Eleven CYC

B1 Fleet
1st Defiant DYC
2nd Intrepid RNSYS
3rd Head Games CYC

B2 Fleet
1st Sly Fox LYC
2nd Brigand CYC
3rd Gonzo N/C

B3 Fleet
1st Sisu
2nd Armada
3rd Little One

Distance Fleet
1st Brilliance RNSYS
2nd Samaya
3rd Mischief

J/24 Class
1st Sticky Fingers LYC
2nd Adrenalin Rush DYC
3rd Wave Runner SBYC

J/29 Class
1st Dog Party Charlottetown Yacht Club
2nd Scotch Mist IV LYC
3rd Jaeger CYC

Results for Bluenose Class, Classic Fleet, and Cruiser Fleet were not available at press time. For full results please visit www.chesterraceweek.com and press 'Race'.