YC
FIRST 36.7 NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Last year’s race in Buffalo, New York was the most
to three miles offshore on Lake Michigan and will be
successful First 36.7 North American Championship (NAC)
comprised of both windward and leeward stretches.
to date, and this year’s promises to be even better. The 2007 First 36.7 NAC winner, Richard Reid, is competing again this year, as are more than 30 other entrants.
The fees include dockage at the Belmont Harbor in Chicago during the event. The official boat yard will be Crowley’s Yacht Yard just south of the city. Crowley’s
The 2008 NAC will be hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club
is a full-service yard with a ship’s store and full rigging
from September 3 to 6, with all of the on-land events to
department, and it will serve as the “base camp” for boats
be held at Belmont Station. The race courses will be two
arriving and departing from out of town. chicagoyachtclub.org
FALL ROUND-THE-ISLAND RACE Toronto’s National Yacht Club (NYC),
include both racing fleets and cruising
founded in 1894, has traditionally
fleets. In the cruising race, the goal
run two events to mark the opening
is not only to have the best time but
and ending of the boating season.
also to have cooked something tasty
The spring round-the-island race
aboard that will be judged by fellow
marks the start, and the fall round-
sailors upon reaching the dock. The
the-island race is the last official race.
racing fleet has it much easier—they
This year’s fall race is scheduled
only have to deal with lines, sheets
for October 4 with a start at 2:00
and sails.
In total, there will be 75 to 85 boats
The race usually starts just south of
taking part, and the crews come
Ontario Place at the Dufferin buoy.
prepared for almost any weather from
The boats sail south of Gibraltar,
warm, bright sun to rain, sleet and
around the T1 buoy at the entrance to
snow. It’s a great way to finish the
The race has a strong following, so
the Eastern Gap and finish just inside
sailing season.
NYC has had to split the race in two to
of the harbor at the Western Gap.
p.m. Afternoon starts are a tradition too, since work parties to paint the clubhouse or layout the yard precede the races each year.
thenyc.com
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