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