Regatta time for COSA

Photo: Bruce McKee

The Central Okanagan Sailing Association held its 39th annual Springtime Regatta over the May long weekend, with 58 sailboats from around Western Canada competing in nine fleets. 

The regatta is the Interior’s largest dinghy event, and competitors were not disappointed this year with consistent winds contributing to a busy weekend of fast-paced racing.  

Young racers aged seven to 14 competed in Optimist, Feva, and Laser 4.7 classes. 

Ava Halperin of COSA won the 4.7 fleet, followed closely by teammates Rory Wiebe and Lauren Grey in second and third place, respectively. First Overall in the Optimist fleet and first in the Blue Division was COSA sailor Tyler Rubadeau, who took the podium, followed by Max Ramsey and Kyle Wright. 

Rubadeau’s win was particularly impressive, as he finished ahead of sailors in the Red Division, which is the oldest age category. 

Ryan Yan Ching Lai of Port Moody placed first in the Red Division, while Kai Ramsey of COSA placed first in the White Division for the youngest sailors. The Green Division for sailors participating in their first regatta, included sailors Fiona Atkinson, Nora Wagner, and Logan Wright.

Tiger Xiao of Port Moody finished first in the large Laser Radial fleet, followed by Alizon Littleton of COSA and Victoria Coady of Port Coquitlam, while the Laser Full Rig fleet was won by Josh Dean of West Vancouver. The X-Class fleet was won by Andrew Parker and Brenda Bouchette of COSA on their Laser Vago XD, while the Hobie 18 fleet was led by William Schwenger and Angela McLaughlin of Cultus Lake.

“Thirteen podium spots were secured by COSA sailors, which bodes well for the coming race season," says Regatta organizer and head coach Devin Rubadeau.