SHELBURNE, N.S. – Fourteen Albacore racing teams competed for the title of East Coast Albacore Champion during the recent 10th annual East Coast Albacore Championship hosted at the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club Aug. 25 and 26.
Ten races were held over two days in light-to-moderate wind conditions, challenging shifty winds and very close, tough competition.
In addition to several Shelburne-based teams, participants travelled from Ontario, Virginia, New York, Maryland and California to compete in the regatta. Competitors ranged in age from 11 years old to over 50. Taking first place was Raines Koby (Ontario) and Rafael Pedro (Nova Scotia). In second were Barney Harris (Virginia) and David Byron (California) and in third Paul Clifford (Ontario) and Mia Brandt (New York).
Regatta organizer Henry Pedro said he was pleased with the running of the regatta.
“The race committee worked very hard in challenging conditions to run 10 great races,” he said. “The athletes competing in the regatta, while fierce competitors on the water, were best of friends on land, celebrating the day’s races together and enjoying themselves. Members of the community really came together to volunteer with race organization and shore activities, and came to watch the proceedings on shore and the races on the water.”
The East Coast Albacore Championship was started 10 years ago as an idea generated by Pedro, then living in Toronto, and local sailor Guy Tipton. Pedro challenged Tipton to put on an Albacore regatta of championship calibre and in return Pedro promised that he would convince some sailing friends to attend. The East Coast Albacore Championship has been held every August since.
Next year, the Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club will host the 2019 Albacore International Regatta, scheduled for Aug. 24 to 30, 2019.
The Albacore is a 15-foot-long sailing dinghy and is one of the most popular sailboat classes in Canada. The Shelburne Harbour Yacht Club is a not-for-profit society.
