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      This page is where you will find "newsy" items about your boating community. Some are published in GAM on Yachting Magazine while others may be posted at theWebmaster's discretion. If you have a press release covering a new and interesting development potentialy of interest to GAM readers, please forward to Mark Searle at msearle@sympatico.ca

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LOCCA 2011 Rendevouz to be held at Port Credit Yacht Club, Port Credit
September 10th, 2011

Shawn Brayman,
Communication Director LOCCA
Racing regattas are known to bring together members of many Yacht Clubs, but Lake Ontario may be witnessing a first this season as the Lake Ontario Club Crusing Association (LOCCA) accomplishes the same thing with the first ever LOCCA Rendezvous on the weekend of September 10th, 2011, to be held at Port Credit Yacht Club (PCYC). LOCCA is comprised of 38 member Yacht Clubs from around Lake Ontario and early estimates are that as many as 20 of these clubs may have members attend the Rendezvous – an estimated 90 boats. “We were happy PCYC offered to host the event as they are one of the few clubs with the facilities to handle this many visitors on a weekend”, said Bruce Hannah, President of LOCCA .” PCYC has had up to 175 boats visit their harbour on other occasions, even if it means some close quarters and rafting.” At a March 8th organizing meeting of some of the LOCCA members, plans were made that tickets will be sold with a dinner put on by PCYC so the many guests will have full access to the tent, restaurant and bar, maximizing the ability to interact with members of other clubs.“LOCCA will be working to arrange entertainment at the event, starting with the Weathered Legs,
the Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club band possibly with bands from some
other clubs to add variety”, said Paul Lefneski, lead organizer for the
event “This is also the weekend of the popular Port Credit Blues and Jazz Festival opening up even more possibilities for visitors.” Although still in the early stages of organization, expect contests and prizes as well as special activities for younger crew aside from just the fun of taking advantage of the PCYC pool. If you are interested in participating
in this event keep your eyes open for the opportunity to register through
your Clubs LOCCA rep or online through links on the LOCCA web site (www.locca.org ) to be posted early in the season. Also remember to
check the LOCCA site this summer before setting sail for another club
to ensure that they are not already booked with other events. To find out more about LOCCA visit www.locca.org or talk to the Cruising Fleet Captain at your Yacht Club. To find out more about the Rendezvous
contact Paul Lefneski at plefneski@ rogers.com.

NEW MARINE ACTIVITY CENTRE (MAC)
Opens at RNSYS in Halifax

Paralympic sailing champion, Paul Tingley cut the ribbon to officially open
the Marine Activity Centre (MAC) at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (RNSYS) on Friday, May 27th, at 3:00 p.m. The MAC is a Canada Sport Centre of training excellence for the sport of sailing and is currently being used by members of Canada’s National Sailing Team for training in preparation for upcoming World Championships and next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

Hatfield secures third position overall in VELUX5 Oceans around the world solo race

May 30th, 2011 Derek Hatfield has crossed the finish line of the final sprint of the VELUX 5 OCEANS singlehanded round the world yacht race in second place to secure a third place overall in his second successful solo circumnavigation of the globe. The 58-year-old former Canadian Mountie sailed his 60ft yacht, Active House into La Rochelle, France, and across the ocean sprint five finish line at 0907 local time (0707 UTC) in fourth place, bringing the oldest and longest solo round the world race to a close.

SPIRIT OF CANADA OCEAN CHALLENGES
You can now train with Derek Hatfield aboard the Open 60 Spirit of Canada this summer. It’s a great way to increase your knowledge of what it’s like offshore, save time and money while getting the experience that you crave. For further information regarding booking an offshore training session on Spirit of Canada, please contact Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges at:info@spiritofcanada.net or call 902-531-2532. Full day and half day sailing sessions on the Open 60 Spirit of Canada are also available in Halifax and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia contact us for more details.

30TH ANNUAL C&C Owner’s Regatta & RENDEZVOUS July 1-3, 2011
Recently, the Builders of C&C Yachts were awarded the Legend of Ontario Sailors Award presented by Canadian Yachting Magazine at the Ontario Sailing
Celebration of Sailing Island Gala held on Saturday, April 3, 2011 at The Boulevard Club in Toronto. Honored were George Hinterhoeller, Rob Ball, Ian Morch, George Cassian, Erich Bruckmann and George Cuthbertson. NYC and the C&C Owners Regatta committee would like to congratulate these esteemed yachtsmen!! C&C yachts have enjoyed a longstanding reputation as excellent
sailing machines, and NYC is proud to continue their great racing tradition by hosting the 30th Annual C&C Owners’ Regatta & Rendezvous. All owners of C&C designed yachts are invited to participate in this great annual event.
Our theme this year is the “Dirty Thirties”. A great chance for you to
let your inner gangster and flapper to come out and shine! Glam up and hit the casino for some fun gambling, prizes and fireworks from our outstanding patio
with dancing to the Big Band sounds of the George Lake Band - a fabulous
weekend of fun and tradition – you’ll be glad you did! Registration is now open!!! For further visit www.thenyc.com

In Memory of George Blanchard

George Blanchard passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Village of Humber Heights in his 98th year.  Beloved husband of the late Vera Blanchard (nee Warren) and dear father of Pat (John Moffatt), Joy (Gord Holmes), and Ross (Lorraine).  Lovingly remembered by his seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
 
George retired from DeHavilland Canada in 1978 after a 49 1/2 year career and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 1994.  Up until his death, he was actively involved in the sailing community locally, nationally and internationally, specifically the Toronto Sailing and Canoe Club, the Canadian Wayfarer Association, the Ontario Sailing Association, and the Boulevard Club.  He was an Honorary Commodore of TSCC/CWA and Honorary Life Member of the Boulevard Club.  He was also Councillor of Honour of the Canadian Yachting Association.
 
He was the consummate volunteer, recognized by two Ontario Premiers.  He was selfless, dedicated, caring, innovative, patient and organized. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

 
 
George Blanchard at 2009 Ontario Sailing Awards.

In Memory of Jack Cameron

As a now Honorary but long term member of ABYC I was asked to write something about Jack Cameron. It is not hard to think of the many whose lives were touched by this man.  His contribution to the Sport of Sailing is legendary.

Jack was an International Judge whose career spanned many years. He was known for his understanding of the rules and for his strict adherence to proper procedure. He mentored many of us for many years and it was rare indeed that our actions went without some valid suggestion for improvement. It made us all better.

His career at the Bank of Montreal brought him to Toronto from Pointe Claire Yacht Club were he was very active. He became a member of Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club and took up duty as the Chief Judge there where he was instrumental in bringing many young people into the world of officiating both as Judge and Race Officer. There were many lessons learned over a beer in Duffy’s Lounge listening to Jack answer questions or discussing things with him.

He was a Past President of the Canadian Yachting Association and he was involved at CORK almost from its inception. After becoming their Chief Judge he was instrumental in raising the standard of Judging to its highest level at that event and set the benchmark that most of us are still trying to achieve. His contributions to CORK were recognized by its members when they made him the first recipient of the Douglas Heath Award for outstanding service as a volunteer. It was only one of many awards that Jack received.For those of us involved in the Sailing Community he will be missed. His contributions were many but it will be his steady counsel, advice, guidance, the jocular socializing and all those other things that made him our friend that we will remember.

by Pat Lymburner, Senior National Race Officer,

Member of PCYC and ABYC

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