Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Halifax St Pierre Ocean Race Update

J/133 offshore cruising sailboat- sailing off Halifax(Halifax, Nova Scotia)-  The Halifax-Saint-Pierre race 2012 is a world class ocean race held every two years (opposite the Marblehead - Halifax race) from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Saint-Pierre, France off of the beautiful coastal Newfoundland.  The Halifax-St Pierre Race attracts yachts from Canada, United States and France, sailors enjoy the challenge presented by sailing 350nm across the cold  waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, the Cabot Straits towards the French islands of St.Pierre and Miquelon.

The race continues to foster the close relationship between eastern Canada and the French islands, and the great social and economic relations between the two countries and maritime people everywhere. The race brings together sailors from many historic maritime regions who sail over a demanding course and end up at a destination extraordinaire - St.Pierre et Miquelon. There the fleet gets to enjoy a "Touch of France" and all the cultural, gastronomical and social delights that are part of French hospitality.  As the "chamber of commerce" description says, “Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, is really a French Homeland 25km from Newfoundland. The French flag flies high and the people speak with an authentic French accent. The “Gendarmes” stand tall over De Gaulle’s square with their signature “Kepi”. But “The rock” as named by the islanders has a character all its own.”


Looking forward to enjoying classic Gaelic hospitality at the end of their blast across part of the cool North Atlantic Ocean are the J/133 BELLA J sailed by Raymond Rhinelander in the IRC Class and the J/35 HARRIER skippered by Evan Petley-Jones in PHRF Class.  At midweek, both boats on the tracker appeared to be winning their respective classes on handicap-time.  Good luck and hope both crews continue to sail fast!  For more Halifax to St Pierre sailing information