Mackenzie Financial
Two Modern 8 Metres named Natural (SBYC) and Sarissa (EYC) enjoyed a three day tuning/racing weekend on September 19,20,21 on Lake Ontario off Toronto in ideal sailing conditions. Philip Crebbin of America’s Cup fame together with owner John Fowler and crew, sailed the Natural while Ralph Reimann and crew sailed Sarissa. Friday was an all day tuning and speed testing experience including evaluation of new and existing sails. Sail maker Al Declercq from the Doyle, Detroit loft spent the day on board Natural.
Both Modern 8s joined the Classic 8s for the 8 Metre “Fall Series” one day regatta the following day, hosted by the RCYC. A ten boat fleet sailing two races in moderate winds made for a wonderful season wrap up for all 8 Metres. Awards and dinner at the RCYC Marine Triangle followed that evening making for a fun, social gathering.
The final day on Sunday followed with additional sailing of both boats including skipper and crew exchanges. Again, the weather cooperated favourably. This time with lighter winds, it gave both boats the chance to test their skills in the five knot wind range. After a final exchange of information and data, Crebbin returned to Europe to participate in the Classic Yacht regatta series in St. Tropez.
Design and construction of Modern 8 Metres are a direct result of Amerca’s Cup 1983 where Austraila II with her novel “wing keel” won the Cup away from the New York Yacht Club. Today, these designs include refined fin keels with trim tabs and high aspect ratio wings which, together with deep, slender rudders provide significant lift when sailing to windward. There are currently seven Modern 8s owned on Lake Ontario which will compete with visiting European 8s at the Eight Metre World Cup events at RCYC in 2010 and NYYC(Newport) in 2011.
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