The largest sailing regatta on Georgian Bay set sail on Thursday morning out of Collingwood harbour.
The 37th annual Georgian Bay Regatta kicked off this week, with 40 participants this year. Participating boaters started out of the Collingwood Harbour on Thursday, and will hit ports in Christian Island, Discovery Harbour, and Hog Bay before finishing up in Midland on Aug. 6.
Jesse Woolnough, president and regatta co-chair, says this year is the first time the regatta has had trimarans participate. A trimaran is a three-hulled sailboat.
“It’s the first time we’ve had multi-hulls ever,” he said.
Woolnough’s father, Al Woolnough, was one of the founding members of the Collingwood Yacht Club and is also participating in this year’s regatta.
“I sailed with my dad when I was really young. I developed a passion for it in my 20s, and have been sailing regularly for the past 20 years,” said Woolnough.
Participants this year hail from all over Georgian Bay and beyond, including Meaford, Collingwood, Midland and from as far away as Michigan, Barrie and Napanee.
“Living in this area, we’re lucky to have great bodies of water. This is a great activity. Sailing is competitive, but there’s also a lot of camaraderie. Everyone looks out for each other,” he said.
Daily results of the regatta will be posted on the Ontario Sailing website here.
