Regatta Highlights
The 2011 regatta was yet another success in the over 40 years of KAPOA run regattas! The weather was superb for both the beach events and the sailing this year. The sailing race brought out more competitors than in recent years, and the sailing trophy was awarded to long time race participants, John and Marie Craig of Kamaniskeg Lake Road. The swimming competitions saw a return trophy winner for the Women’s swim trophy, Olivia Joiner of Runnalls Lane, who remains unbeaten for a third year in a row! For the first time, Olivia also received the Best Overall Competitor trophy, for her combined swimming and canoe scores for the day. Ian Cox of Blackfish Bay, a first time regatta participant this year, was all smiles while receiving the Best Overall Male swimming Competitor trophy. He’s sure to be back, after his inaugural regatta year!
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The event that continues to bring out the most participation is the sand castle competition. 12 teams vied for the winning ribbons, and it was heartbreaking not to be able to award everyone for their creativity and effort. We will be rectifying that next year, with participant certificates for all in that event.
Last but not least, the tug-of-war event had it’s share of controversy and catastrophe, with the rope breaking more than once during key pulls. Team Slo-Pull prevailed despite the stops and starts. You can be sure that the regatta team will be shopping for rope in the coming year, to be sure that this event continues to be the day’s final, and most talked about, event of the day!
The entire day could not have been possible without monetary support and prizes provided by our sponsors: Home Hardware (Combermere & Barry’s Bay), Cathy Pitts Realty, MV Electronics, Sand Bay Camp and the Pyz family. And without the numerous KAPOA volunteers, all of the setup, tabulation, membership, event running and food sales could not have been possible. If you didn’t help out this year, it’s never too late to contribute a little of your time next year. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated.
Some enhancements made to this year’s regatta included a chaser boat for the “around the buoy” canoe races, and KAPOA t-shirt sales. Further enhancements are planned for next year, including participant certificates mentioned already, and more refined age categories for the noodle races (including a first ever “adult” noodle race!) If you have any other suggestions for next year’s regatta that would make the annual event safer, more fun and more memorable for your family, we’d love to receive your suggestions. Send your emails to klwylie@sympatico.ca with any helpful suggestions, and please let us know if you’d be willing to help next year!
Kerra Wylie, KAPOA Regatta Director
