Sailing Conditions on Hamilton Harbour
"Late summer sailing conditions range from the moderate seabreeze from the east, the prevailing frontal winds from the west and northwest, and local thunderstorm or raincloud activities. Generally, the seabreeze provides the wind in the summer, providing a moderate, steady east wind, which funnels down the axis of the bay. It is this direction that produces the best conditions for both the racers and the race committee. In late August and early September, the weather systems start to move farther south and can bring blustery fall winds. Any sort of wind from the west to the north passes over the cliffs and can create shifty, tricky sailing. Local thunderstorms or large rain clouds can pass through the area and generate strong wind and rain for short periods of time. The water is warm and the short, choppy waves produce ideal dinghy sailing conditions. As the Europe Worlds are several days long, one should expect a mix of wind directions with some races being steady and others shifty and tricky.
Marty Essig, Canadian Olympic Sailing Team, Sydney Olympics
"Racing on Hamilton Harbour helped me prepare for the many different types of sailing conditions I have experienced racing Olympic class boats in international competition. I wish the Europe sailors good luck on the challenging waters of Hamilton Harbour."
Larry Scott, Star Sailor and member of the 1972 Canadian Olympic Sailing Team
"I've sailed on Hamilton Harbour for 30 years and I'm always impressed how it can challenge even the most experienced sailor! Nowhere else will you find great winds on a course area only ten minutes from the yacht club!"
Kevin McAuley, RHYC member, Soling sailor
"I've raced all over North America, the Caribbean and across the Atlantic, but my home waters of Hamilton Harbour always provide me with exciting and challenging racing."
Colin Brown, RHYC member, Shark sailor
"Sailing on the beautiful Hamilton Harbour is like sailing on an idyllic Danish fjord with the tree-lined hills and large homes on one side and the city on the other, lots of swans, geese and a large waterfront park for watching the races."
John Broe, Past Commodore RHYC, 1955 North American Dragon Champion
|
