May 17, 2010
That’s ok, it was good practise. Danno and I went out last night and put the mini around the marks during the ABYC race night. Danno has never been on the boat before and I’ve only had a handful of practises, so it was interesting to say the least. We had a great time and managed to do most of the course, but since we have no engine, we decided to head in while it was still light!  The Mini has a very wide tacking angle and to get to the Dry Sail crane there is a very narrow chanel, which guarantees the breeze is always on the nose!  We made it in not too badly, unlike during the practise session earlier that day where we ran aground a dozen times!  Tonight we race the A35 out at Port Credit Yacht Club…..Hope there’s breeze!
Diane

May 15, 2010

The Bermuda Ocean Race is less than 30 days away! The work list and training list is massive still, but it’s getting worked on a little at a time. We’ve just started Celestial Navigation with Nick deMunnick, the sprit pole still needs to be replaced, we still need an engine, and and and and 🙂 We’ll get there! Many thanks to Sheila who has been plugging away at logistics for while in Annapolis and in Bermuda!
Diane

May 10, 2010

WOOHOO!  What a fantastic night for the Ocean Challenge Gala on Saturday night.  We had a full house and the place was absolutely BUZZING with excitement.  Congratulations to all of the successful bidders on the wonderful auction items.  I hope you enjoy your new loot and your fantastic holidays! 

A big thank you goes to our Sponsors and our support team. 
David Cloutier and Lynn DeSouza – Apartment in France
Chef de Maison – Michelle Wolfson
Diablo Grande Motor Scooter – Mobility Unlimited
Farr 65 St. Thomas Rolex Regatta crew position – On Deck, Brian Meret
GISH outfit – Susan Bosley
Afternoon Cruise on TIU’sDay and Golf Bag – Mike Hren and Susan Bosley
Handheld VHF – The Rigging Shoppe
4 rare Antique nautical “The Boy’s Own Paper” – Patrick Flynn
Case of wine – Kathleen Walker and Jonathan Lewis
Jump Start Communications gift certificate – Tory Crowder
Blue pearl earrings and necklace – Louise Kelly
Afternoon cruise on “Cheri” – Bob and Cheryl Wright
Cadillac Fairview Shop Card – Finley McEwan
UK Halsey gift basket – Brian Chapman
Photography Portrait Sitting – Donna Miller
3 Royal Canadian Navy plaques – Mike Gillett
Toronto Consort and CD – Alison Booz
Raptor Tickets, TFC tickets – Roger VanVlack
TFC tickets – Tim Horton’s Mike MacDonald
Chivas Regal 12 and 18 year Scotch – Brian Meret
LogiTech equipment – LogiTech Paul Brennan
Catalina Jacket and sweater – Swan’s Yacht Sales
Nautilus inflatable PFD – The Store – Mason’s Chandlery
Southwinds Yacht Detailing gift certificates
Wine Basket – Brian and Carolyn Neysmith
Sailor Jones Media gift certificate – Barbara Jones
America’s Cup Model – Michael Flynn
Trisha Romance print and plate – John Chittley and Pat McCracken
Afternoon on a mini – Diane Reid
2 night’s stay at the Stewart Inn – Lynn Logie and Marc Armstrong
Prince Edward County 4 bedroom House – Phil Giddings and Krista Slack
Conrad Furey Painting original – Diane and Colin Brown
Chargriller bbq – Howard Franklin
Framed photography – Cheryl Wright
ABYC parking space – The board of ABYC

What a HUGE list!  Thank you to everyone. 

There was also a tremendous list of people who helped make the evening what it was.  That list is so long I couldn’t fit everyone in, so thank you to the staff at ABYC for making it a lovely night and giving us a wonderful dinner and thank you to the Gala team for making the place look great and making sure that everything flowed from start to finish.

Diane

We’re selling out!  If you want tickets, call the ABYC office at 416-698-4498 to get your tickets before they are all gone.  Saturday is the big day! 🙂

Here’s a short list of some of the auction items for the Gala!

OCEAN CHALLENGE GALA

AUCTION ITEMS

• Condo South of France-David Cloutier and Lynn DeSouza
• Trisha Romance Painting (original
• Conrad Furey Painting (original)
• Gish Outfit- Suse Bosley
• Afternoon Cruise with Lunch on Tiu’s Day
• Golf Bags
• Rigging Shoppe
• Model half keel
• Reserved Parking Space-ABYC Board
• Case of Wine
• Case of Boat Wax
• Dinner Party for 8-Michele Wolfson (Chef D’Maison)
• Antique Nautical item
• $1,000 Communications Services –Tory Crowder
• Gemstone Jewelry
• Spa Package
• Framed Art Photography
• Cruise for a Day
• Step Exercise Machine
• $200 Cadillac Fairview Shop Card
• UK Halsey Gift Certificate-Brian Chapman
• Photography Portrait Sitting-Donna Miller
• Gift Voucher for 2 Tickets Toronto Consort and CD
• 4 Raptor tickets for 2010/2011
• 2 TFC tickets for 2010
• 4 Bedroom house for a week in Picton (Oct/Nov 2101 or April/May 2011)
• One week St. Thomas Rolex Regatta 2011 on a Farr 65-On Deck
• Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
• Chivas Regal 18 Year Old
• BBQ
• LogiTech Harmony One Universal Remote
• Logitech Outdoor Camera Security System
• Logitech-Fancy Mouse
• Diablo Grande Motor Scooter- Mobility Unlimited
• Catalina Jacket-Swan’s Yacht Sales
• Nautilus Inflatable PFD-Mason’s Chandlery Ltd.-The Store

April 29, 2010
How to mangle a sprit pole in one easy step! When we were out last weekend we forgot to ease the line on the sprit pole you use to swing it out. When we tried to pull the sprit up to weather a little, everything held fast and then KABOOM! Learned a valuable lesson for sure! Fortunately we have a spare and the ability to build a new one.  We learned a valuable lesson for sure….!

April 23, 2010

It’s been a busy week with lots of work to do on boats before launch next weekend.  So tomorrow will officially be the third day sailing the mini.  We’re going to go upwind to check out the other jib and then come back and put ALL the kits up to see what they look like.  I’ll try to take pictures to show you everyone!.

Hope your week has been good!

May 8, 2010 6pm

Come to the party and suport a dream!  There will be a wonderful dinner and live and silent auction.   Tickets are available at the Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club bar and at the ABYC office. 416-698-4498. 

April 10, 2010

What a great day!  We had a fantastic Press release with tons of Media out to get a look at One Girl’s Ocean Challenge.  We also had a wonderful Christening at the dock afterwards.  The skies cleared just long enough to christen the boat smash the champagne bottle and say a few nice words!  A big thank you goes out to Competition Yachts for bringing out their Archembault 35 and acting as support boat.  Also our thanks goes out to RCYC for the use of their chase boat.  Also thanks to Terry Fagan for organizing a fantastic Launch Party and Christening. 

April 6, 2010

Well we’re all rigged and ready for tomorrow! It’s going to be a great day with the press release from 10am to 4pm and then the Launch Party from 5pm to 7pm with the christening at 6pm! See you all there!

Diane