The ILCA Laser 4.7 World Championships took place this summer in Kingston, ON. The event provided highly competitive sailing for 185 youth from 35 countries. Combined with the Laser Radial Youth World Championship in July, POH saw 120 charter boats from the UK, Australia and the U.S. which contributed to the high level of participation from around the world. By all accounts, there was great International competition for sailors with winds that challenged their skills. Racing was conducted over 6 days in 3 fleets, 2 for the boys and 1 for the girls. In all, 33 races were completed with only 1 scheduled race missed on the last day of racing.
The regatta was well organized and delivered through an extensive regatta management structure that included experience certified officials as required by the Class Association in addition to an extensive range of seasonal volunteers. A comprehensive communication Network ensured that results were communicated onshore within minutes of completion.
CORK continues year after year to seek out every opportunity they can to provide training for their officials, judges, race committee, and volunteers, to ensure they bring out the best during events. With over 50 years of experience, it is no doubt that CORK continues to provide world-class events for sailors across the globe.
How does it feel to have been selected as the recipient of the Chisholm Trophy for Excellence in Race Management?
CORK is honoured to be selected for 2019 Chisholm Trophy. We great pride in excelling in race management, whether it’s for a World Championship or one of our many annual regattas.
The ILCA Laser Radial Youth World Championships and the 4.7 Youth World Championships were demanding events that showcased the passion, talent and skill of the entire CORK team! The leadership and teamwork necessary to effectively run 81 races for the 393 youth athletes from 45 countries for two world championships were incredible!
What are the biggest factors that have allowed CORK to be such a successful event year over year?
CORK has two great assets; the thermals that help amplify the prevailing winds, and dedicated volunteers. We can’t take credit for the geography, but we are extremely proud of our volunteers. We have had people volunteering for 5, 10, 25 or even more years, working on planning, equipment preparation, boats, race documents, volunteer training and coaching, and then those that are there for the event, helping with measurement, registration, safety, communications, jury and of course, managing and scoring the races. We are fortunate to have dedicated volunteers that travel from across Canada and around the world that join the CORK race management team, year after year.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a young sailor coming to CORK for the first time?
For a new young sailor at CORK, there are two pieces of advice: BE READY (to quote a young sailor at the ramp, who found himself stuck behind another young sailor who was at the water with boat but without rudder and centreboard, “Dude, you’re at CORK now!”), and HAVE FUN! CORK welcomes sailors from everywhere, equally. We’re not a club, we’re a place where sailors from around the world come together for one purpose, to race!
Join us in recognizing the 2019 Sail Canada Awards recipients at the Sail Canada Rolex Sailor of the Year Awards on Friday, March 6th, 2020 in Toronto, Ontario at The Carlu.
Click here for more information about the Sail Canada Rolex Sailor of the Year Awards night.
-30-
