Time to celebrate!

The ocean race is over now but the fun is just beginning. First of all, celebrations were in order for many crews as they arrived in Saint-Pierre. After all, finishing a 353 nm mile ocean race, no matter what your final place in the fleet, is an achievement.
The Volvo 60, Spirit of Adventure, wins line honours for crossing to Saint-Pierre the fastest of any boat in the fleet - 37:52:31.

The rest of the results are all calculated by using handicap systems.
Ciao Baby!, an Archambault 31 owned and skippered by race originator Philippe Paturel of Saint-Pierre comes out top in the IRC class.  While there were just two competitors in the non-spinnaker class this year, the winner is worth mentioning.  It's Race Chair Scott MacLeod with his Oceanis 40 Easy Company.

A Mini - a Nacira 6.50, Shanawdithit owned and skippered by Rodolphe Victorri also of Saint-Pierre is the overall PHRF and the PHR-1 class winner, as well as top double-handed crew.  Victorri sailed the distance in 44 hours and 7 minutes.
And Sea Smoke, the Bavaria 38 from the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron owned and skippered by Mike Evans takes the PHR-2 class honours.

Line honours to Spirit of Adventure!

The big Volvo 60 Spirit of Adventure crossed the finish line in St. Pierre overnight with an elapsed time of 37:52:31.  And then Sirius made it through the fog to arrive after 39:14:17 hours of sailing, the first double-handed crew to arrive.  Chantal Briand in Saint-Pierre sent us these pictures from the welcome:

Spirit of Adventure crew celebrates

Skipper Derek Hatfield at the helm

Stephane Bry and crew celebrate the finish

Sirius arrives in Saint-Pierre in the fog

Wed. 1900 update

Spirit of Adventure is closing in on Saint-Pierre this evening.  The big Volvo 60 was just 66 nm away from the finish at 1900 Wednesday.  Wind speed in the area is 18-20 kts.

Photo: Mike Cyr

Sirius, a Saint-Pierre boat skippered by Stephane Bry is keeping up the chase.  There's just 8 nm between the two vessels at this hour. The mini Nacira 6.50 owned by Rodolphe Victorri of Saint-Pierre is living up to its racing reputation.  He's moved into first place in PHRF racing and holding a strong boat speed of 11.4 kts despite its 21 foot length.  Larry Cohen and "Dawn Treader" are pushing through to the finish, holding on to first position for IRC racers. 

Wed., July 9th Race Update

Derek Hatfield’s Volvo 60 “Spirit of Adventure” is leading the fleet in Route Halifax Saint-Pierre as the second day of racing gets underway.  The 353 nm race started in Halifax harbour at noon on Tuesday, July 8^th.  The 18 boats are racing along the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia and will be heading out to the ocean to cross over to Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, the French islands off the Newfoundland coast.

Hatfield’s crew on “Spirit of Adventure” is paying for the opportunity to learn how to sail the grand prix racer. Many of them are experienced sailors but the chance to crew on vessel of this size and type is rare in the Maritimes. “Spirit of Adventure” is the largest vessel in the race this year.  The vessel is the former Amer Sports One from the 2001 Volvo Ocean Race.

"Spirit of Adventure" gets ready to start

Challenging “Spirit of Adventure” for line honours is Sirius, an Akilaria 40 from the Saint-Pierre Yacht Club skippered by Stephane Bry.Past race chair Mike Evans and his “Sea Smoke” is overall leader in the PHRF class.  Evans is racing double-handed with Andrew Sergeant.  “Sea Smoke” is a Bavaria 38.

There are boats from Virginia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Saint-Pierre competing this year.  While the largest is the Volvo 60, the smallest is a 21-ft. Nacira 6.50 from the Saint-Pierre Yacht Club that owned by Rodolphe Victorri.  That’s a class of high performance racing yachts built for the Mini-Transat race among others.

There was a spread of about 70 nm between the leader and the back of the fleet early Wednesday morning.  The race weather forecaster is predicting favourable southwest winds of 20 to 25 kt for the next day or so although there could be some fog.

The racers are carrying Yellowbricks and you can track their progress at: http://yb.tl/halifax2014

CTV report on the start of Route Halifax Saint-Pierre 2014

CTV reporter Amanda Debison met some competitors and was on the water to watch the start of this year's race.  Here's a link to her report:

CTV's Amanda Debison reports.

The race is on!

The boats are on their way to France.  A flawless starting sequence took place at noon off Sackville Landing on the Halifax waterfront.  The wind is coming from the southwest and the sun is out now.

Follow all the progress by using our Yellowbrick tracker:   http://yb.tl/halifax2014

Here are some of the sights from the dock where blasts from the navy gun crew sent the crews on their way.

Gun crew at easy, waiting for the start.

The Radio-Canada cameraman lines his shot up with the
Race Committee boat.

Boom!

Madame Karine Claireaux, maire de Saint-Pierre,
visits HMCS Sackville for the race
reception and a tour.

Smallest boat in the fleet

Meet a first-time participant in Route Halifax Saint-Pierre. This is the smallest boat to be entered in the Race this year - a Nacira 6.50 m. 

Owner Rodolphe Victorri of Saint-Pierre arrived safely on Friday night before the storm. He had just passed the boat inspection when we caught this picture of "Shanawdithit" at the RNSYS in the beautiful sun of Sunday afternoon. In case you are wondering, the boat is named for the last Beothuk who lived in Newfoundland.  Although small in size, the boat is designed for ocean racing.  After purchasing the vessel in Europe, Victorri sailed home to Saint-Pierre single-handed.

Off to France!

Read a feature about our race on Sail-World.com:
http://www.sail-world.com/Canada/Route-Halifax-Saint-Pierre---Off-to-France!/124114

Sail-World.com - Route Halifax Saint-Pierre - Off to France!

www.sail-world.com     

Ocean racers from the Maritimes, Newfoundland, the U.S.A. and France are heading out on another edition of Route Halifax Saint-Pierre on Tues., July 8th. The starting gun fires at noon and sends the fleet from Halifax harbour racing up the Atlantic Coast.

  The fog was starting to roll in around the RNSYS,  just as our Acadian-themed dinner was being served at the Spar Shed on Friday night.  Weldon Boudreau and his daughter provided excellent Acadian music for the event which included a fresh fish dinner thanks to one of our sponsors, Bluenose Seafoods.

Dinners in the Spar Shed!

With "Arthur" on his way to the Maritimes, race organizers have decided to move the Friday and Saturday night parties for Route Halifax Saint-Pierre 2014 inside to the Spar Shed at RNSYS.  Same great music, same delicious food.

Friday, July 4 - Acadian Night featuring a fresh fish dinner, great wine and the music of Weldon Boudreau, a well-known Acadian musician from Nova Scotia.

Saturday, July 5 - BBQ starts at 7:00 pm... mixed in with Gosling's Rum Squall (Dark 'n Stormies R US!), Heineken and the music of The Classics.

Weldon Boudreau

The Classics

Information about Shipping to Saint-Pierre

For race participants wishing to ship sailing equipment not required during the race to St. Pierre, a container will be available at RNSYS per the detail below. Details relating to the return shipment will be provided in St.Pierre.

1.    The container is for race participants only. There is no charge for this service.

2.    Acceptable goods for shipment are sails, cruising equipment, clothing, etc.

3.    No perishable goods, foodstuffs or prohibited materials are permitted.

4.    No liquids including fuel of any type are permitted

5.    RHSP 2014, RNSYS and the carrier will NOT be responsible for loss or damage. The owner of the goods assumes all risks.

6.    Each item must be securely tagged, clearly identified as to ownership and numbered.

7.    A complete listing of shipped goods and contents is required for customs.

8.    A work form is provided below. Official forms will be available for completion at RNSYS and in St.Pierre when the goods are received for loading. No goods will be loaded without a completed manifest.

9.    The container will be available for loading at RNSYS between 1000 hrs and 1700 hrs, Wednesday July 2 and 09:00 and 15:00 hrs, Thursday July 3. No goods will be accepted outside these times. The advanced loading dates are due to the schedule of the vessel carrying the container.

10. The container will leave RNSYS after 1500 hrs Thursday July 3 for shipment to St. Pierre. It will be available upon arrival.

11. Instructions for the retrieval of goods will be provided in St.Pierre.

12.  A return container will be available in St.Pierre to return excess sails and equipment to RNSYS. Details will be available in St.Pierre.
13. Customs will want to see clear documentation and demonstration of ownership.

Blank forms to help you list your goods for both shipping directions have been sent to your skipper's email address.

Double-handed update

There have been two new entries in the double-handed competition since the last entry. Stephane Bry from Saint-Pierre will be skipper on Sirius - an Akilaria 40 and Rodolphe Victorri, also of Saint-Pierre has registered a Nacira 6.50 which is just 21 ft. in length but a racing yacht designed for the Mini Transat.  It is named "Shanawdithit", the name of the last known member of the Beothuk in Newfoundland

"Shanawdithit" competed in Route Rimouski/Anticosti

.

Doublehanded competition - head to head!

This year's Route Halifax Saint-Pierre double-handed competition is a head to head affair.  Two veterans of the race are entered.  Evan Petley-Jones and his sailing partner Ben Maloney are getting "Harrier" ready. And now past chair Mike Evans has decided that he will do a short-handed race on "Sea Smoke" this year.   

Safety First - Royal Canadian Navy

Race Chair Scott MacLeod has received word that the Royal Canadian Navy will once again be supporting RHSP.  HMCS Shawinigan will act as an escort vessel for RHSP, following the fleet up the coast of Nova Scotia. Shawinigan won’t be at the start line this year.  That role will be carried out by French navy patrol vessel Fulmar, which will also accompany the race through to Saint-Pierre. “These vessels are great assets to the Race and provide peace of mind to all participants and their families,” according to Scott. 

Deadline to order specially embroidered crew gear Mon., June 9th

The deadline to special order RHSP crew gear with your boat name is coming up tomorrow - Mon., June 9th. You'll find the form to order on this website. Just look for the tab "Shop for RHSP gear". 

And you can still order other items from the catalogue after tomorrow - you just won't be able to get the special embroidering done in time for the race. If you want see the items, Kathy MacLeod has set up a display in the front lounge at the Squadron.

Race Reception at Saraguay House

RHSP 2014 chair Scott MacLeod enjoys the reception with the Saint-Pierre delegation including Saint-Pierre race chair Valerie Claireaux.

   There was a grand reception to kick off the 2014 edition of Route Halifax Saint-Pierre on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the RNSYS Saraguay House. 

  Our partners from Saint-Pierre including Deputy Mayor Joanne Briand were in town for the occasion. 

   Guest of honour was RHSP honorary patron, Brigadier-General, The Hon. J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD (Ret’d) Lieutenant Governor, Province of Nova Scotia.

Halifax Regional Councillor Steve Adams shares thoughts with Saint-Pierre Deputy Mayor Joanne Briand at the conclusion of the RHSP 2014 event.

Vice chair Ross MacDougall estimates the 2012 race generated $1-million in economic activity in the Halifax area from hotel stays, boat preparations, and events at the RNSYS and downtown Halifax.

RHSP chair Scott MacLeod recounts happy memories of
hospitality experienced on arriving in Saint-Pierre.

RHSP Events chair Michelle Derible ably MC'd the event in both official languages.

Best dressed crew for 2014?

Just look at how sharp the guys from Life of Reilly
 look in their collared crew shirts!

There are many ways to shine in Route Halifax Saint-Pierre and one of them is to present yourself and your crew as the best-dressed group on the waterfront.  The many choices available to make that possible this year are out and ready for selection.  The full catalogue of shirts, hats, jackets and other items is now listed on the race webpage under "Shop for RHSP gear".  You'll find pictures and the order form on the page.   Orders must be received no later than June 9th for pick up at registration.  

Exciting news about a new entry in the race!  There is a whole new way to experience offshore racing to Saint-Pierre.  Derek Hatfield's Spirit of Adventure Challenges is signed up and will be taking reservations from sailors with all levels of ability who want the experience of ocean racing on a Volvo 60. Joining Derek is Chris Stanmore-Major, also an experienced round the world sailor who was a rival of Derek's in the VELUX 5 Oceans race.

Details are available by calling or emailing Patianne Verburgh, Spirit of Canada Ocean Challenges, Office: 902.531.2532; Mobile: 902.529.2626 or sail@spiritofcanada.net

Liferaft rule clarified:

Race Director Richard Hinterhoeller has filed a new amendment to the Notice of Race today. It is of specific interest to skippers planning for boat inspections who are wondering if their liferafts will meet regulations. This amendment of the Offshore Special Regulations is an initiative of the organizing committee to operate with reasonable expectations. You'll see the amendment posted with the Official Documents on our webpage. Here is the amended text:

5.8 Liferafts Servicing and Inspection: In OSR 4.20.5 delete sections a), b), c), d) e) and f) in their entirety and replace with “A yacht shall carry in-date certificates, or copies, of life raft servicing by an authorized facility. The life raft shall show no signs of damage or deterioration.”

Skippers needing crew?

The trip to Saint-Pierre and back can put a strain on your regular crew resources.  But don't let that keep you from registering for our race this summer. Check out the crew bank this year and you'll see there are numerous (26 at last count) willing sailors who want to take part.  It could be the answer to your crew needs.  Just "Browse the Crew Bank"  and you'll find the latest list and all the details you need to make contact.

A Warm Welcome is Waiting!

RHSP 2014 chair Scott MacLeod presented a strong argument for taking part in Route Halifax Saint-Pierre to a group of sailors attending the Halifax International Boat Show Saturday, Feb. 22nd.   Scott recounted some of the events that will take place on shore in Halifax before the race departs on July 8, 2014.  And he showed pictures from previous years of the warm welcome that awaits sailors arriving in Saint-Pierre where each boat is assigned to a family who welcome the crew to their homes and entertain with fine French cuisine and friendship.  These special arrangements are one of the features that sets this ocean race apart from many others.  As conceived by Philippe Paturel and Capt. Hal Davies, this is a race that fosters a close relationship between eastern Canada, the U.S. and the French islands.

Scott also talked about some new ideas that are still under consideration.  There may be a second start in Sydney this year.  And if you are a cruiser and prefer a more predictable voyage, we are talking about having a rally class, which means you would be permitted to run your engines for a certain period of each day.  If either of those ideas appeal to you, please contact Scott MacLeod directly to discuss: info@routehalifaxsaintpierre.com

Meet us at the Halifax International Boat Show

Don't miss a chance to learn about ocean racing at the Halifax International Boat Show. Capt. Mike Evans talks about the challenges and rewards of Offshore racing as well as various ocean races you can enter. 

We'll be there with all the details you need about Route Halifax Saint-Pierre. If you are going to be in Halifax for the boat show, make sure you are there at 12:30 on Saturday, Feb. 22nd at Exhibition Park. 

Here's a link to the Boat Show program where you can read Michelle Derible's touching story about her Route Halifax Saint-Pierre experience in 2012. 

The Halifax International Boat Show presents the 2014 Show Guide as an on-line Flip Book: 
http://digital.turn-page.com/i/259768

RHSP 2014 Notice of Race is Amended

Race Director Richard Hinterhoeller reports the 2014 Notice of Race has been amended as of today - Feb. 12th - to remove the minimum requirement of 5 boats so as to form an IRC division.

The amendment can be found at: http://www.routehalifaxsaintpierre.com/updates/rhsp2014nor_amend1.pdf

The Notice of Race at http://www.routehalifaxsaintpierre.com/updates/rhsp2014nor.pdf includes these changes.

The Offshore Special Regulations for this race, including Sail Canada prescriptions, is now posted at: http://www.routehalifaxsaintpierre.com/updates/SC_OSR_2014-2015_Extracts_Mo2.pdf

Anybody wishing to see a summary of changes since 2012 can view them at: http://www.sailing.org/tools/documents/OSR2014AmendmentSheet19122013-%5B16039%5D.pdf

Join us for TGIF at the Squadron - Jan. 24th

Join Route Halifax Saint-Pierre committee members for TGIF at the Squadron in Halifax on Friday, Jan. 24th starting at 6:30.  We'll be providing some hors d'oeuvres while answering your questions about the Race and how you can get ready to join us in July as we sail from Halifax to Saint-Pierre. 

Committee chair Michelle Derible makes the following offer: 
"Come join us for a fun and informative evening all about the most exciting ocean race in the region this year." 

It is a great chance to get all your questions answered if you are thinking of joining the race for the first time....or share your memories of the 2012 race with fellow sailors.

Time to Register!

It's time to register! Race director Richard Hinterhoeller has completed the forms and we encourage you to register as soon as you can for another epic race from Halifax to Saint-Pierre. Here is the link to the registration form which will be administered through yachtscoring.com:

http://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=983http://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=983