New Race Leader - 1900 Monday

As of 1900 Monday, Esprit de Corps III has taken over the lead position in the race. The Quebec boat is showing a strong increase in boat speed to approx. 10.0 kts as the fleet sets out in the Gulf for the push to St. Pierre. Celebrations*1816-2016 is in 2nd place, about 6 nm behind, still in the hunt for line honors. Grey Ghost leads PHR-1 and Easy Company is at the head of the non-spinnaker class.

Two Boats Out of Race

Two boats have already left the race. 

The Nacira 6.50 "St. Pierre et Miquelon" owned by Rodolphe Victorri of Saint-Pierre was dismasted close to McNab's Island as the fleet left the harbour. The chain plate holding the port side forestay failed. The Race Committee answered the call for help as well as an inshore rescue boat. Both Rodolphe and his daughter were unharmed. But they had to cut down what remained of the mast. They were towed back to RNSYS where they are securing the boat and assessing the damage. 

The other boat that is out of the competition is Rich Morrow's Wabi. The skipper has told the Race Director Wabi is retiring from the event..

Racers are on course to Saint-Pierre

Thirteen entries left Halifax harbour heading for Saint-Pierre in three separate classes at noon today.  PHN 1, PHR 1 and the Ocean class are now all on their way, disappearing in fog and drizzle as they left Halifax harbour.

        

Skippers' meeting provides weather and traffic details

Skippers and crew members gathered for a race meeting on Saturday at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.  The participants are from the United States, Quebec, Nova Scotia and France. The Race co-chair for RNSYS is past-commodore, George Chisholm, who kicked off the discussion.

Meteorologist Jim Abraham briefed the sailors on the weather they can expect.  He says crews
will face the worst conditions of the race on Sunday night into Monday morning when there will be rain and a North wind.  Wind speeds are forecast to be 15-20 kts.  But the sun should come out on Monday and the wind is expected to move to a more favourable position for sailing into Saint-Pierre.

Race Director Richard Hinterhoeller is working with the crews to make sure they avoid traffic in the busy commercial shipping lanes off Nova Scotia, while still finding the fastest route to Saint-Pierre.

It's Race Weekend in Halifax!

Competitors are arriving and the countdown is on to the start on Sunday.  Check-ins are underway at the Commodore's Room at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron. 

An important change was made in the Notice of Race earlier this week.  The start will be at 12 Noon on Sunday (not 13:00) off the Museum of the Atlantic dock on the Halifax waterfront.

Make plans to attend RHSP 2016 social events in Halifax.

Join RNSYS members for hors d'oeuvre night on Friday at the clubhouse starting at 6 pm, sponsored by the Race Committee. Then on Saturday night, The Action Figures provide live music on the Clubhouse patio, also starting at 6 pm for the RHSP 2016 Crew Party.

July	9	Saturday	1200	RHSP Skipper's Meeting RNSYS Tent
			1600	RHSP VIP Reception (by invite only) RNSYS Tent
			1800	RHSP Crew Party featuring music by The Action Figures RNSYS Tent

NOW OPEN: Registration for RHSP 2016

Time to commit to this summer's Route Halifax Saint-Pierre! Registration is open on Yachtscoring and you can get to the right place by clicking here.   If you start planning now, gathering a crew and the logistics will be so much easier.

This race can be the keystone to a great summer adventure for all concerned. You'll be racing from Halifax on July 6th with a group of like-minded sailors.  But you can also consider adding to your adventure.  What about a short cruise along the south coast of Newfoundland or stopping in the Bras D'Or Lakes on the way back to the Maritimes.

Here is the link once again to get you to Yachtscoring for registration:  Click Here.

Past race chair Scott MacLeod is already registered to compete with his Oceanis 40 "Easy Company".

Route Halifax Saint-Pierre 2016 Notice of Race Now Posted!

Race Director Richard Hinterhoeller has now posted the Notice of Race for the 2016 edition of Route Halifax Saint-Pierre.  Click here to get the PDF document.

The 360 nautical mile race will start in Halifax harbour at 1300 on Sunday, July 10th.  The time limit to finish the race is 0900 on Thursday, July 14th.  Prize giving ceremonies will take place later that day in Saint-Pierre.

RNSYS Race chair George Chisholm and vice-chair James Luther have started planning meetings in Halifax. RHSP 2016 is a joint project of the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and the Yacht Club de Saint-Pierre.