By Joanne Rodgers,
Bruce Peninsula Press
The 39th Annual Georgian Bay Regatta made an overnight stop at the Lion’s Head Marina. John Malott, Lion’s Head Harbourmaster reported that he was expecting 50 boats to arrive on 1 August 2025. The regatta set out from Meaford on July 31 to White Cloud Island. The planned race on 1 August was to take the sailors from Hay Island to Lion’s Head.
Tim Matheson, Captain of the Lion’s Head based sailboat Elusive, reported that about half the fleet abandoned the race due to lack of wind. For the sailboats still racing, the course was shortened to end at Jackson’s Shoal.
Community members and supporters came to the Lion’s Head Marina to see the end of the race, but were disappointed as the boats motored in one by one over the course of the afternoon.
However, the sailors, their supporters and community members were able to enjoy a pleasant summer evening at Lion’s Head Marina. The local sailors hosted a harbour party and beer garden. Tagwerk Brewery were on site selling wood fired oven baked pizzas and beverages.
It was a lively atmosphere at the Marina as people enjoyed their pizza and drinks while socializing with each other. The Chantry Derby was also in progress as anglers arrived with their catch. The staff and volunteers for Bayside Astronomy offered viewings of the night sky. Additionally there was an evening of live music at the Harbourside stage.
On the following morning, Mary Hewton of The Booth Takeout & Catering set up a food tent to supply breakfast for the sailors before their departure and to people stopping by the Marina.
By 8 a.m. the fleet was on the move. The winds conditions were no more favorable as the fleet motored out of the Lion’s Head harbour heading to Hope Bay.
For full results of the Georgian Bay Regatta https://www.sailwave.com/results/
For more photos of the races, check out the Georgian Bay Regatta facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/683262327176603/
