(submitted photo/Marty Houle)

By Jeff D'Andrea

Smooth sailing

P.A. Sailing Club to host Regatta once again this weekend

Sep 4, 2020 | 10:00 AM

The Prince Albert Sailing Club has been holding its Annual Open Regatta every year since 1962, and every year at its current Emma Lake location since 1964.

That 58-year streak was in jeopardy of being ended by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We certainly didn’t know if we would have a season this year during COVID. There were many challenges in getting our club opened up and our provincial sailing program going,” said P.A. Sailing Club vice commodore Marty Houle.

But it was smoother sailing than originally thought, as the club will host its Annual Open Regatta and the Provincial Catamaran Championship on Sept. 5 to 6 at Emma Lake.

“It’s great to be able to do the sport we do and not have it cancelled this year. I think everybody is very happy that they’re able to be out sailing and doing what they love to do,” Houle said. “We didn’t know at the beginning of this year if we could get into our sailboats or if our local sailing club would be open or not.”

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Houle is expecting a bigger fleet to participate this year, as anywhere from 12-20 boats could be participating this year. Houle will be one of them and half-jokingly predicted a victory. He’s also expecting a good turnout from Saskatoon and Regina sailors as well.

There will be some changes made to this year’s edition. There won’t be a canteen or a breakfast like year’s past. Physical distancing will be required from those not in their bubble, and to avoid wearing a face mask while on the water.

Races will begin both on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW