MAC Opening at RNSYS – Friday, 27 May 2011

This summer the sparkling blue waters of Georgian Bay will come alive with brightly coloured international flags flying from traditional French gigs as Midland welcomes the world to its shores for Atlantic Challenge Canada's (ACC) International Contest of Seamanship July 24-31.

Centred in Southern Georgian Bay since 1992 this unique experiential education program has been teaching kids leadership and teamwork skills using the 38-foot boats.

At the ISAF Sailing World Championships in Perth, fantastic sailing conditions were delivered for what was to be the Canadians' final day. Action kicked off with the medal race in the Star class with the Canadian team of Richard Clarke and Tyler Bjorn holding down the final spot for medal race contention. The medal races took place very close to the shore which made for great racing entertainment.

The Canadians had a good start and rounded the first mark in fifth place.

A tough start to the 30,000-mile round the world race saw CSM's yacht Spartan cross the line in last place, plagued with minor breakages. But CSM, an experienced sailor fresh from leading a crew of 18 in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, has since settled into life at sea, clawing back miles on the rest of the fleet to move into second position.