2009 Cow Bay Regatta – Another GREAT Event
In fact, Everything was great! – wind conditions, committee work, the parties, and the sunshine. The wind Doctor came in both days at 8am, and by race time resulted in a full-on hiking breeze.
Wineries and organic farms in the region around Cowichan Bay make the event worth more than just the weekend racing, especially when river rafting down the Cowichan River after the event is added in. One of the other highlights on the delivery trip from Vancouver was swimming in 24 degree water at Idle Island near Southey Point on Saltspring.
In addition, for those that like seafood, Cow Bay has one of the most productive Dungeness Crab populations in BC given the nearby river estuary. The Wicked and Daisy crews teamed up on a couple of traps and hauled out 13 on Saturday morning, so the group had a crab party after racing Sunday with the Blackadder team.
Lots of spectators watching the racing, including ex-242 owners Alex and Sue Foley – more than most other events in BC.
Lots of one-design classes were present: A-Cats, J-80’s, Cal 20’s, and M242’s. In addition, over 20 large cats and trimarans had their own start – many traveling at 15 knots+ at the start, including Dragonfly – a Formula 40 cat – quite a sight.
Competition was tough, with 11 boats showing up from Vancouver, Victoria and Nanaimo. Close quarter combat tacking duels up the beach for over a mile both days resulted in sore butts all round, but it was good fun once again.
This was also not a regatta for drinking lightweights – the parties Friday and Saturday nights took their toll.
Team Wicked won the event, followed by Daisy and Blackadder, so once again Team Wicked bought ice cream cones for the Daisy team as a consolation prize. Daisy vowed to win the event in 2010 and return the favor.
Michael Clements
Aug. 3, 2009
