Monday - August 27, Dartmouth - from Kevin Penny

After more than eight months of planning, August 27, 2007 finally arrived. The beginning of the Harding Medical Mobility Cup 2007 opened on a beautiful late August morning. Sailors began the day registering for the event. Before the races began, sailors had the opportunity to receive pointers from Brian Todd the national coach for the Canadian sailing team. As well, Paralympic athlete and former Mobility Cup champion Danny McCoy spoke to all the sailors giving them valuable information about the Martin 16 and even threw in a few pointers.

In the early afternoon, the opening ceremonies began with a very good turnout from both sponsors, government, and volunteers. After the opening ceremonies, everyone was led to the Dartmouth Yacht Club launch area by the RCMP pipe band to witness the christening of the two boats obtained by Sailable Association of Nova Scotia over the past four months.

Finally in the early afternoon, sailors had the opportunity to test the waters and feel out the winds in the Bedford basin. Silver and Gold Fleet sailors had an opportunity to compete in one practice race before retiring in the early evening.

Overall, the first day was very successful and everyone looks forward to another great day on the water. Furthermore everyone will enjoy some great maritime entertainment in the evening from the very popular maritime band McGinty.

Tuesday - August 28, Dartmouth - from Kevin Penny

Organizers, volunteers, and sailors were treated to another beautiful August day in Dartmouth. The weather forecast was for sunny, hot and humid weather with a potential sea breeze picking up in the early afternoon.

Silver Fleet sailors were first to hit the water with races scheduled to start at high noon. However, the wind did not cooperate and all of the Martin 16's joined together and surrounded the race committee boat. After about a half an hour of waiting, the promised sea breeze began to make its way into the Bedford basin and the race committee was able to begin a race. As individuals jockeyed for position on the start line, the gun sounded and half of the fleet headed on the starboard tack while the other half went on a port tack. It turned out that the latter half made the right decision and everyone else soon followed. Approximately 30 minutes later all of the fleet had crossed the finish line and were awaiting the start of the second race.

The principal race officer was optimistic that the wind would hold and changed the course to a windward - leeward - windward finish. Just as the race began, the winds died completely and the race had to be canceled not even a quarter of the way to the windward mark. Racers were then towed to the yacht club and their first day of racing was completed.

The Gold Fleet races where delayed due to the lack of wind and at one point the races seriously in jeopardy of being canceled. However, like a typical August afternoon in Nova Scotia, the sea breeze once again picked up dramatically and the sailors were treated to ideal conditions for their races. They were able to complete two races on the first day and arrived back to the dock awaiting an evening of entertainment.

The "big white tent" was transformed and everyone was treated to a traditional corn and mussel boil. More than 120 people enjoyed the feast and at approximately 7:30 p.m. the well-known band McGinty treated the crowd to a wonderful show of maritime music. During intermission, prizes were given away to sailors competing in this years event. McGinty then treated the crowd to another hour of music and everyone went home fed, entertained, and full of beer. A typical night in the Maritimes!

Wednesday - August 29, Dartmouth - from Kevin Penny

The midpoint of Mobility Cup arrived and the weather forecast for the afternoon was ideal. The winds were forecasted to blow at approximately 10 to 15 knots under sunny skies and warm temperatures. As I drove over the McKay Bridge shortly before noon, I could see the full masts and glistening sides of the 20 Martin 16's getting ready for their 12 o'clock Gold Fleet start.

Just as I arrived to the yacht club I could hear the gun starting the first race for the Gold Fleet. I made my way to the docks and could see the boats cruising around the race course enjoying heavy wins and close competition. The winds remained constant and the Gold Fleet racers were able to complete two full races before making their way to the docks where the Silver Fleet sailors were anticipating their chance to get out on the water and experience great maritime sailing.

As the sailors began loading in their boats, the wind picked up even more and everyone could hear the flapping sound of jibs and sails while the boats were at the dock. Some sailors were able to get off and headed to the basin while others had difficulties making it to open water because of the challenging head wind and limited space to tack out of the yacht club. Finally for safety reasons, the principal race officer had to postpone the afternoon races and eventually about 45 minutes later they were canceled for the day leaving many sailors and their companions disappointed.

Because the weather forecast is very similar for Thursday, the co-chairman of Harding Medical Mobility Cup 2007 decided to rearrange Thursday's schedule and the Silver Fleet sail first followed by the Gold Fleet later in the afternoon.

Thursday promises to be another great day of sailing and sailors are looking forward to the celebration dinner Thursday evening. I wonder if the organizers will be able to top the show that they put on Tuesday evening. Everyone will have to wait and see!

Thursday - August 30, Dartmouth - from Kevin Penny

Sunny skies prevailed over Bedford Basin for a fourth consecutive day. The weather forecast was for moderate to strong winds that would be picking up during the late afternoon. Because of this forecast, organizers decided to send the Silver Fleet out racing earlier in the day to ensure that they would complete some races.

Shortly after 12 p.m., the Silver Fleet were able to start their first of three races for the afternoon. By the end of the third race, the wind died dramatically and the fleet was sent back to the docks where the Gold Fleet anxiously awaited. The Gold Fleet were greeted with stronger winds by late afternoon and were actually able to complete four races bringing their total to nine races so far in the week. By the end of the fourth day, Robb Lawrence from Calgary Alberta had a commanding lead in the Gold Fleet. The Silver Fleet was a bit tighter with Rod Mack from Victoria British Columbia sitting atop the leaderboard after four races.

Thursday evening racers, volunteers, and organizers were treated to a wonderful dinner in the big white tent! Everyone was welcomed and thanked for all of their hard work. This hard work was necessary in order to make this event a success. The co-chairman recognized a few outstanding volunteers that went above and beyond the call of duty. As well, a couple of new awards were unveiled. Steve Alvey humbly accepted the Graham Alvey Award and shared some heartfelt memories of his late father Graham. A plaque representing the Angels of Mobility Cup was also unveiled and this is to commemorate all of the individuals who passed on during the year that made a significant contribution to disabled sailing in Canada.

After an enjoyable evening, everyone retired for the night in anticipation of the final day of racing!

Friday - August 31, Dartmouth - from Kevin Penny

Finally the final day of racing had arrived. For the first time in the week, the weatherman did not agree and the forecast was for rainy skies with the chance of thunder and lightning. Up first on the day was the Silver Fleet. As they went out to the Bedford Basin there was very little wind and racing was looking skeptical. However, shortly after 12 p.m., the wind picked up enough to allow the sailors to complete a race. The principal race officer was optimistic that a second race would take place however, after a 30 minute delay, further races were postponed and everybody made their way back to the docks.

On their return, the heavens opened up and the heavy rain that was forecasted finally arrived. Everybody scurried to the big white tent for shelter and shortly after everyone arrived the principal race officer called off any additional races for the afternoon. Mobility Cup racing was completed! Although the rain remained heavy all afternoon, it did not dampen anyone's spirits and the closing ceremonies began around 5:30 p.m.

The final standings were announced for both Fleets and plaques were given to those who finished in the top five. Besides presenting The Mobility Cup to the winner, trophies were also given to the winner of the Silver Fleet, the top sip and puff finisher, and to the sailor who exuded tenacity throughout the week. Below is a list of the winners:

Harding Medical Mobility Cup 2007 was officially closed! The Martin 16's were packed into the CN trailers and were ready to be sent back to their local clubs. A lot of time and effort finally paid off as everyone was very pleased with the regatta.

We look forward to seeing everyone at Mobility Cup 2008 in Montréal, Québec!

Kevin Penny - read his 2006 blog