|

R2K Report

Melodie Schaffer at the dock after finishing

Sept 12, 2024

The race started at 1015 on Saturday morning with a forecast of light winds, occasional storms and a slow run.  What happened was the wind built in from the South and from reports from various competitors, held steady at 15-20 knots – all from the south.  Although there was rain ashore, most crews were dry until they got to Kingston.  Morning rain there, then it dried out for the balance of Sunday.  This produced a 1 (or possibly 2) tack race on a reach.  Speeds were very fast with 5 boats completing the race before 0700 (less than 21 hours).

Red Jacket  the restored original 1966 C&C champ

In the end, 31 boats started (and completed) the race.  We had a number of very late dropouts and one that had mechanical issues while en route to register on Friday.  As we were competing on the date with the LOSHR race, we lost about 5 boats (our estimate) to that race because they were in contention for awards.

The 2024 Red Jacket crew

This year two special boats joined the event – Red Jacket, the iconic C&C champ from 1966 and Melodie Schaffer – Sail Canada’s 2023 Rolex Sailor of the Year. Prior to race day, Melodie presents her experience in the “Globe 40 Round World Double Handed Race” as part of the program on August 15.

Whiskey Jack had sail issues early on.  Melodie went up the mast to cut the lashing holding her jib to the stay.  Once they got this sorted out (and dealt with a delaminating code 0), they got into high gear and realized a speed of 17 knots for a while.  Their trip home, with sail issues fully sorted, took 14 hours only.

Red Jacket had some issues – particularly with the steering.  There was lots of play in the wheel and was very difficult to steer once engaged.  This coupled with the helm position (no seat and very little room behind the wheel) caused fatigue with the drivers and there were frequent crew changes to help them get rest.  In the end, they finished 5th in their fleet.  Overall, they finished 14th on corrected time.  They did win the “Vintage Yacht” award for being the oldest boat in the fleet (beating out Jilasi by a couple of months).

Afterburn took her division and line honours setting a new record time from MCC to KYC of18:32:14

One of the highlights, certainly for me, was the finish between Neptune’s Car and Perspective.  We were at the finish line watching them dogfight it out coming between the islands approaching Kingston Harbour.  At the finish line, after ~145 nautical miles, Neptune’s Car beat Perspective by 7 seconds.  He finished second in his division.

We are gathering testimonials from various competitors but the overall comments from virtually everyone was “great race”, “will be back again next year”, “superb organization” etc…  

  • Joe Malon
    R2K Race Co-Chair

Results from the 2024 Race to Kingston

Overall Line Honours – Afterburn Total time from MCC to KYC:  18:32:14 (new R2K record)

Overall Spinnaker Division – Act II

Spinnaker Division 1 –                            Panta Rhei X          (KYC)                          1st

                                                                     Sea Ya                        (MCC)                        2nd

                                                                     Afterburn                (PCYC)                      3rd

Spinnaker Division 2 –                            Act II                            (MCC)                        1st

                                                                      Neptune’s Car     (MCC)                        2nd

                                                                      Perspective           (RHYC)                      3rd

Spinnaker Division 3 –                            Isley                             (PCYC)                      1st

                                                                      Blast                            (MCC)                        2nd

                                                                      Rum Kist                  (MCC)                        3rd

Spinnaker Division 4 –                            Supra                         (CBYC)                      1st

                                                                      Blew by U                (NYC)                          2nd

                                                                      Sassy                          (PEYC)                       3rd

Spinnaker Double-Handed –             Liberte                      (Boulevard)            1st             

                                                                    Tonic                           (RCYC)                      2nd

White Sails –                                                  Sakajewa                 (MCC)                        1st

                                                                          Jilasi                            (MCC)                        2nd

                                                                          Fritha                          (QCYC)                      3rd

Related Articles

  • Undertakings: Thunder Bay’s Dan Turk Around the Globe on Home Built 5.8M

    Undertakings: Thunder Bay’s Dan Turk Around the Globe on Home Built 5.8M

    Oct 10, 2024 On the continuum of adventurous sailing journeys, the Mini Globe Race 2025 sits right at the end – either craziest or bravest, take your pick. On February 23, 2025, the McIntyre Mini Globe Race (MGR) will commence, marking the beginning of a 13-month sailing adventure that challenges both the physical and psychological endurance of its… Read More…

  • Mandate Wins J105 NAs

    Mandate Wins J105 NAs

    Oct 10, 2024 Seven Canadian boats headed to Cleveland for the 2024 J105 NAs September 24-29.  Consistency proved to be the highlight, as now four-time winner Terry McLaughlin and Rod Wilmer’s Mandate came out on top at the J/105 North American Championship in Cleveland, OH. Fraser Howell, Ian Howes, Andrew Kenny and John Millen from… Read More…