Second annual succcessful Riverest Regatta in L’Orignal

The second annual racing season from the Riverest Marina, 69, rue Wharf, in L’Orignal, Ontario., set sail on Saturday, July 9, 2022; and will run every second Saturday through to September.

“Typically ten or so boats come out,” said L’Orignal resident and boating enthusiast Kevin Jonasson, regarding their past events. ” We’ve (the sailboat owners) talked about it for years and finally, we decided to create a course to race our boats.”

 

With the success of last year’s events, it was quickly decided to repeat the format in 2022 and eight participants answered the starter’s horn at 11 a.m. on July 9, sailing around a triangular course in La Baie de L’Orignal. The weather held up, and participants welcomed onlookers to the opening day of the event.

 

“We started late this year due to the May 21st “Derecho,” said Jonasson, explaining the delayed start to the season, attributed to the storm that tore through the area.  The second event is scheduled for August 13, along with the final on September 10.

 

Jonasson joked with Review editor Reid Masson about colleague and staff-writer James Morgan joining Jonasson’s brigade and hopping aboard for the August race.  “James crewed with us last year; and based on his contribution to a first-place finish, he is welcome to come along again,” said Jonasson, commenting on Morgan’s interest dating back to last year’s event, which he (Morgan) covered.

 

Fans can watch from the shoreline, as the sailboats provide a photograph-worthy view, while the river and nature provide a scenic backdrop to the competitors’ racetrack.  Jonasson and his wife Susan Thompson were the winners of the first race of 2022, aboard their sailboat, a Tanzer 22 called Evergreen.

 

Come along to a local event, which allows you a plein-aire experience; grab a camera, some sunscreen and a picnic basket and make a day out of it, taking in L’Orignal’s views. Drop your anchor at the Riverest Marina, for a day of family fun, competitive action, good food and beautiful weather.

 

The event page can be accessed via the Marina – Riverest website and/or phone call at – 613-675-3663.