The Loyalist Soling Fleet is
entering its 6th Anniversary Season and is aggressively planning
for success and sustainability. Five years ago, the Club began
with only a couple of Solings racing amongst the PHRF Fleet and
has now grown to six boats strong. The Soling fleet now races
amongst themselves as a true one design fleet on Wednesday evenings
and has several boats that compete nationally and beyond. Our
Wednesday night club races are structured in three series of
racing. Spring, Summer and Fall Series with each series comprised
of 4 to 6 weeks of racing. Each Wednesday the races start around
6pm, run 'til dusk and are followed by a barbeque at the club
house. The Soling Club is always excited about introducing new
folks to the Soling and if you are interested in learning more
about the Soling or simply want to get out and crew, just call
Loyalist Cove Marina or any of the contacts below.
The Loyalist Soling Fleet sails out of the friendly Loyalist
Cove Marina. in the town of Bath, Ontario. Bath is located twenty
kilometers west of Kingston. Getting to the marina is easy, with
good access from upstate New York and Toronto. Take Highway 401
to the Camden East Road (133), head south until the road comes
to a "T", then head west about two kilometers where
you will see the marina sign on the left. There are no dry-sailing
facilities, but Dave Hinton (the owner of Loyalist Cove Marina
and fellow Soling owner), is more than happy to launch any visitors
for a very nominal fee.
Bath enjoys similar conditions to Kingston, with consistent summer
thermal breezes in the afternoons, but less of a swell as the
racing area is relatively protected by Amherst Island. The wind
is predominantly from the southwest, with frontal systems providing
a mix of conditions. The course can get a bit choppy, but the
water is warm in July and August, so the occasional spray bothers
no-one.
August 2003 saw our fleet host the inaugural Bath Bowl regatta.
Instituted as a replacement for the Solings in CORK (long story
there), the regatta was organized in about 12 hours. Ted Richards
(CAN 228) was largely responsible for the organization, but everyone
involved in the Bath fleet helped make arrangements. The Bath
Bowl has become an annual event, recognized by our National Authority
CISA (Canadian International Soling Association) and in recent
years has seen the Bath Bowl become the Ontario Championships
and the Canadian Championships.
Hope to see you out this year! Race hard, Race Fair, but most
of all Have Fun!
Cheers!
Larry Votary
"Ronin" CAN 198
