For 56 years, sailors from across Canada and the world have flocked to Kingston, thanks to CORK/Sail Kingston.
In 1969, a group of local sailors established the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta Kingston, or CORK. With the natural venue of Lake Ontario and winds friendly to sailors, Kingston is one of the most attractive destinations for competitive sailing in the world.
Every summer, thousands of sailors and their families come to Kingston to take part in what’s known as Kingston’s Freshwater Sailing Festival.
This summer we have competitors from all across Canada and the USA, as well as Australia, Bermuda and Hawaii,
“This summer we have competitors from all across Canada and the USA, as well as Australia, Bermuda and Hawaii,” says Rae-Marie Holmberg, CORK/Sail Kingston’s general manager. Approximately 1,000 competitors, coaches, and family members are expected over 11 events and 39 racing days.
Over the last 20 years CORK has hosted dozens of North American and World Championships in a variety of boat classes in senior and junior events.
Summer sailing events started July 5. The summer season ends on August 18 with the 29er Canadian Championship. CORK will also host a pair of sailing events in September.
“Our busiest time this year is definitely going to be the last week of July when we host Opti Internationals and then first week of August when we host Sail Canada Youth Festival,” says Holmberg.
The Optimist, used in the Opti Internationals, is a small single-handed sailing dinghy used by sailors under the age of 15.
CORK regatta organizers want the sailors and their families to spend more time in Kingston on dry land when not competing.
“We encourage people to take part in simply experiencing Kingston,” Holmberg says. “We will let our Opti parents know about Movies in the Square, and have partnered with the Great Lakes Museum to offer discounted tickets this summer. Basically, we host during the day (on the water) and then provide information on activities in the evenings.”
“The water is our biggest draw—the wind in this area attracts people,” Holmberg says. CORK/Sail Kingston staff and volunteers look forward to welcoming sailors to their home base at Portsmouth Olympic Harbour. “Portsmouth Olympic Harbour is getting some much-needed upgrades this summer,” says Holmberg, “with a new roof and parking lines painted, which should help in increasing our standard as it relates to bringing top sailors to this City of Kingston venue.” For information on this summer’s sailing events for participants, spectators, and volunteers, check out the CORK website.
