Eight Bells: John Clark

Feb 14, 2024

Following a struggle with cancer, adventurer, sailmaker and world champion, John Clark, passed away peacefully with assistance at the age of 59 with his family by his side at his home, just as he wished on January 17, 2024.

Born in 1964, John learned to sail at Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club and some of his many sailing accomplishments included being a multiple-time Shark World Champion between 1994 and 2004 and an Albacore World Champion. John’s sailing passions more recently turned to kiteboarding including locally and in exotic locations around the world.

John owned the well-respected Kingston Sail Loft (formerly JC Sails) for over 30 years, crafting race winning sails for many different sailing classes including Sharks, as well as for many offshore sailboats.

He will be missed.

Dragons Firing Up for ‘22

It’s been a quiet couple of years for Dragon sailing in North America. In 2020, most events, including Club Racing, were cancelled until late in the summer. But by 2021, a full set of local events were held. With the US-Canada border now open in both directions (with some restrictions), we expect 2022 to be better.

News & Events

Sailing Shorts

Ashbridges Bay YC held the Donald Summerville on Sept 23 with strong turnout in five divisions of FS and NFS and multiple courses. The open event included club finishes for ABYC and for the Lou Lalonde Frostbite Race at neighbouring THSC.

contenu français

Deux cours de survie personnelle et de sécurité en voile hauturière seront présentés en Ontario

Deux cours de survie personnelle et de sécurité en voile hauturière seront présentés en Ontario ce printemps.

Sail Tech

Sail Techology: Pre-Season Sail Inspection

Many sailors get their sails into the sail loft for inspection at the end of the sailing season for a professional inspection, recuts and repairs. The sailmakers can quickly assess the condition, get the sail hung up on their pulling rig, check the shape of the sail, and easily take care of damaged stitching.

Racing

Canadian Contingent Growing for June’s Newport Bermuda Race

The 635-mile biennial Newport Bermuda Race is the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race, one of very few international distance races, and (with the Transpac Race) one of just two of the world’s regularly scheduled races held almost entirely out of sight of land.

Sail Tech

Sail Techology: Simple Sailing Tips… That Everyone Forgets

Sailing really is a simple sport, just you and the wind and waves. And the boat, an infernal contraption made of twisted ropes, slipping cleats and flapping sails. Ok, so sailing is simple when you tame Hydra’s nest and get all the ropey bits correct.

R2K Features Melodie Schaffer and Original Red Jacket

Jul 26, 2024 As has become tradition, the event will kick off with registration and party at Mimico Cruising Club on Friday, August 16. Racers will muster for 1000 on the Saturday for the start from the Mimico Club racing area and head down lake for the finish off the break wall at Kingston Yacht… Read More…
J105 Women’s Championship This August

Jul 26, 2024 By Jessica Perraton The 2024 J105 Ontario Women’s Championship is coming to the Royal Canadian Yacht Club on August 17th, 2024. This Championship is all about women sailors putting their racing skills into action and about creating opportunities to gain experience and learn from each other. Participants range from teens to seniors,… Read More…