Wellington Cup competitors fought high winds on Conestogo Lake

Conestoga Sailing Club hosted the Wellington Cup Regatta on June 12 in very heavy gusty winds on Conestogo Lake.

This event is an annual sailing challenge between Belwood Lake Sailing Club (BLSC), Conestoga Sailing Club (CSC) and Guelph Community Boating Club (GCBC).

The format of the competition involves boats from all three clubs racing at the same time using the Portsmouth rating handicap tables.

There is a Club Team Trophy, but the Wellington Cup itself for the individual winning boat is the coveted prize.

The format encourages both club participation and individual performances in an informal setting where all are winners by enjoying a day on the water, officials say.

There were eight competitors, three from CSC, four from BLSC and one from GCBC.

Of the four laser class boats, three had elected to use the smaller radial rig due to the strong wind conditions.  In the first race, two boats had to retire due to equipment failure and one did not finish, which left the remaining five to battle it out.

Harri Palm of GCBC won with Colin King second and Chris Zimmermann third, both from BLSC.

In the second race only four boats competed. Mike Bibby of BLSC sailing a hobie 17 catamaran won, Harri Palm was second and Chris Zimmermann third.

A third race was cancelled due to the exhaustion of the sailors.

In the final analysis, Harri Palm of GCBC won overall and so was awarded both the Wellington Cup and the Team Trophy. All competitors enjoyed a barbecue put on by the host club, CSC.

Next year, the Wellington Cup will be held at Belwood Lake.