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.