Competitive racing, especially sailing the Wayfarer, really gets in one's blood in spite of many setbacks.

Deciding to compete in the U.K. National Championships was a quick decision, and one which I will never regret. Anyway, here goes, and Oh Boy, what a hectic schedule.

Sept. 1st, Thursday, all's well at work until 10.30 a.m. when daughter, Joy, has serious problems.  Rush full speed to hospital where Joy has major operation at 1.30 p.m. Felt quite upset. Will I have to cancel my trip to Windsor & U.K.? Decide no, as Joy was in good hands, so at 6 p.m., with crew Leo Maarse, left for Windsor.

Sept. 2nd, Friday, phoned hospital, all's well, so rigged boat and enjoyed a relaxed sail in Lake St. Clair.  I was pleased that the Championships were being held in this area.  Returned to hotel to rest up, did not sleep very well.

Sept. 3rd, Saturday, up 6.00 a.m., breakfast, off to Yacht Club and had 2 fine races placed 4th and 1st.  Enjoyed the evening cook out put on by the South Port Sailing Club committee.

Sept. 4th, Sunday, 3 races placed 5th, DNF, 1st.  Enjoyed the fine dinner held at the Windsor Yacht Club.

Sept. 5th, Monday. A tough day as winds increase from 20 to 25, gusty to 30 and 35 M.P.H. After two attempts, races had to be cancelled due to lack of rescue boats and gale warnings.  It was a disappointment to many of the heavy weather sailors but the committee who did such a splendid job, decided in the best interest of safety to call it off with regrets. Anyway after we all cooled down, it was obvious that their decision was justified.

A very fine sailor from USA, Don Healy and his wife, Gen, won the North American Championships and were presented with the trophies and flags by the Mayor of Windsor and Commodore of South Port Sailing Club.  John Green and his committee were warmly congratulated for a fine program and warm hospitality extended to U.S.A. and Canadian Wayfarer Owners.
At 2.45, Leo and I left in a mad dash to Toronto, exceeding the speed limit to arrive in Toronto at 6.15 p.m.  Changed, re-packed and raced to hospital to see how daughter Joy was doing.  Everything OK, so at 7.30 left for Airport. Finally took off at 9 p.m. At last I can get some rest, I hope.  11 p.m. drinks and dinner served, by 12 midnight wide awake, everyone talking or busy reading.  3 a.m. or 8 a.m. U.K. time, sun rising, breakfast served.  Oh boy, no sleep yet, arrived Prestwick 8.45 a.m.  Left 9.15 a.m., arrived London airport 10 a.m.

Met by Geoffrey Lusty, Manager of Smallcraft Blue Hulls. Motored 2 hours to Chipping Camden. Visited his lovely wife and family, then off to Plant to pick up new fibreglass Wayfarer.  Motored to Colwyn Bay in 4½ hours.  Just couldn't fall asleep as the scenery in the country, towns and villages was terrific.  Colwyn Bay was out of this world and a beautiful sight to behold.  Booked in at Colwyn Bay Hotel and trailed the boat to the launching area, centre area of the Bay. Allocated parking space by the committee who operated from a Caravan.  Eighteen Wayfarers registered. Receiving racing program, returned to Hotel for dinner. Still awake and darn tired. Retired early but  at 2 a.m. wide awake again and restless.

Sept. 7th, Wednesday:  Up at 7 a.m. in a daze. Breakfast, then off to the Caravan at 9 a.m. Tide going out fast. Left 10 a.m. to drag boats across stones, boulders and sand, about 1500 ft. or more, to  launch. Oh gosh was I tuckered out and tired.  Into the sea up to my waist with crew. Jumped in and off to try our luck in the last race of the Northern Championships. Winds 2 to 5 knots very light.  Used a dollar watch for starting, was almost last over, what a mess. Anyway, we got through eventually and placed 3rd, over a very fine race course.

Very pleased with the fibreglass Wayfarer in spite of new sails which sure needed a good blow to smooth out the wrinkles and tight areas.

Sept. 8th, Thursday: Had a little more rest and at 10 a.m. out to sea again to start National Championships.  Better start, winds 3 to 6 knots.  Tide going out - nearly hit second mark. Found that you had to over tack to reach and clear marks due to current. Anyway, came 5th. Afternoon race getting smarter or luckier, lost 2nd spot on final spinnaker run to place 3rd, but felt that Geoffrey and I did fairly well, so back to Hotel to celebrate with Bob & Katie Bishop and crew, Nick. Fine dinner, champagne, lobster, etc. Also cocktails, what a fine time!

Sept. 9th. Friday. Too much partying.  Crew not too good.  Skipper almost the same. Anyway, off to the races and did we get clobbered, 9th spot. Winds still light, just as well, no shape for a blow.  Better luck tomorrow.  On Friday evening the cocktail party with an excellent dinner was served at the Metropole Hotel attended by Mayor Madam Naylor and her husband; Mr. Bob Simpson, Chairman U.K.W.O.A. and wife; Commodore Dr. Wharton and wife and officers and race committee from Bay of Colwyn Sailing Club. Following the dinner, everyone enjoyed dancing in the ballroom to a fine orchestra to make the evening a fine success.

Sept. 10. Saturday.  Off to last race, winds better, 8 to 10 knots, fine start, in 5th spot until second time around when winds dropped suddenly at home mark, shifted, boats behind suddenly on top of leaders. What a situation.  Skippers who stayed inside triangle got away on those who tacked towards shore, including us.  So we dropped back to finish 10th. A real disappointment. This race we sure threw out.  Ending up with 6th spot overall. At 3 p.m. Mayor Madam Naylor presented the trophies and prizes to winning skippers and crews. We received prizes for placing 3rd in two races.  Geoffrey and I felt quite satisfied with our effort and the show we made with the fibreglass Wayfarer against the wooden Wayfarer.

I was very impressed with the performance of the glass boat.  If tuned correctly and sailed well, it can sure match the wooden boat in all points of sailing.

I expressed my sincere thanks to Geoffrey Lusty for arranging and giving me the opportunity to sail the only glass boat in the National Races.  If all goes well, I sure want to race again next year, as I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Meeting the Chairman, Colonel Bob Simpson of the U.K.W.O.A. and the Colwyn Sailing Club Commodore and members who made such a splendid job of organizing and running the races so efficiently was a privilege.  I know Bob was disappointed at the turnout, but the 18 participating skippers & crew certainly were a fine, keen group of sailors. It was very noticeable that the competitors were right on the start line at the gun, which was an impressive sight.

The Colwyn Bay Race Committee carried out various measurement checks on boats prior to the start of the National Races. Any discrepancies had to be rectified before boats allowed to compete. After presentations, we returned to load boat and gear on trailer.

Saturday evening, we enjoyed a relaxed get together at Hotel. At last it had started to rain after a perfect week of weather. 

Sept. 11 Sunday: Motored back to Chipping Camden and stayed at Lusty's residence.

Sept. 12 Monday: Travelled to London to stay with and visit family relatives.

Returned to Toronto on Thursday to end a very exciting visit to U.K.

GEORGE BLANCHARD TORONTO WINNER IN '66
Despite a heavy out-of-town schedule, CWOA Chairman, George Blanchard of Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club has won the Toronto Fleet Championship.  Runner-up in this unique series was Dr. Laurie Oxenham of the same Club.
Results were based on a series of ten regattas held under the auspices of George Hurrell and the Metro Yacht Racing Council at the various Yacht Clubs in the Metro area. The two worst races could be discarded.
These were the official results:

 

Defending Champion, Mike Schoenborn of Queen City Yacht Club had trouble getting to all the races as well as being a bit less sharp than usual when he was there and dropped to sixth.  Last year's runner-up, Harry Jones, has sold W720 and left the class.