A generalized description of the LOWISA 47 week includes:
On-site registration, race instructions and charts will be available at the Northern Harbour Boaters’ Club in Northern Harbour on Saturday August 4th. Help with lifts in and out, will be provided by Gary Hall and his family at Northern Harbour. We will be offering a seminar which will provide local knowledge on navigating Lake of the Woods along with tips for having a successful week on the lake. The seminar will be held in the Northern Harbour Boaters’ Club on Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm. Those who are new to the lake will find it interesting and valuable. The Skippers’ meeting, Sailors Social, and dinner will follow starting at 6:00pm. Following dinner Gary Hall has provided LOWISA with a great band that is sure to kick start our week of sailing fun! The kids will be treated to a kids’ movie night with yummy snacks and drinks.
Day 1, Racing gets started on Sunday August 5th. The race starts at noon just north-west of the northern entrance to Keewatin Channel, finishing in the same vicinity.
Our first event of the week: the Lowisa Betty Crocker Event will take place that evening with sailors competing for the chance to win a culinary prize and most importantly, Top Chef LOWISA status. Kids will meet up in the bay to play on the Splash Mountain. Throughout the week, the kids’ activities will be announced on the VHS following the race.
Day 2, Monday, August 6th: Race starts at 10AM just south of Strawberry Island and finishes in the vicinity of Bunn Island.
Our second event of the week: the Mount Gay Wilderness Party. Hawaii Five-O attire is optional, but at the very least be sure to wear your Mount Gay Rum hat/T-shirt and your best smiles for the photo ops. Hawaiian Luau activities on the beach for the kids with special tropical punch and leis for kids to wear!
Day 3, Tuesday, August 7th: The race starts at 10AM in the vicinity of Bunn Island and finishes in the southern end of Ash Bay, just outside Ash Rapids Camp.
Fleet to enjoy Ash Rapids Camp restaurant, bar and lounge. Ash Rapids Camp is a full service wilderness lodge and well known for their hospitality. They offer great food, a rustic bar and sell fuel and ice. Nicely furnished cabins are available. See the LOWISA Website for their Internet link and to make reservations.
Day 4, Wednesday, August 8th is a day of rest. For those with the urge to race, we’ll have an optional and stand-alone windward leeward series of races. The skippers meeting will be held at 10:00am at which time, we’ll describe the location and course choices. We have lots of kid’s crafts and activities planned on shore this day. Ptarmigan Bay is close by and is a great place for a leisurely day-cruise for those who want to get away. Dinner in the dining room or on the patio will offer great items of your choice so be sure to make a reservation (807) 543-4025 for that evening for you and your crew members. A Fun Awards night is planned on the patio that evening including some fun activities for all! Pump out and garbage disposal will be available during the layover day.
Day 5, Thursday, August 9th: The race starts at 10AM just outside the north entrance to Ash Bay and finishes near the western end of Cliff Island.
Anchorage is at Deadbroke Island. There will be a kids’ activity planned and announced at the start of the week. Be sure to hail the kids’ events planner (Vivian Boychuk) on Ram Bunk Shus and they will provide the kids a dinghy ride to shore/ beach to explore as a group!
Day 6, Friday, August 10th: The race starts at 10AM off the western end of Deadbroke Island and finishes in an area ½ mile south of the western end of Shammis Island.
Anchorage is at 22 Foot Bay. Cabins are available at Crow Rock Lodge, which is just around the corner from our anchorage. See the LOWISA Website for their Internet link and to make reservations. Crow Rock Lodge offers a full service bar and dining. This evening will bring a true Mexican Fiesta full of salsa/tango music, dancing and margarita making. Our special blender will be on hand so be sure to bring your favorite vintage, a sombrero and your maracas! The kids will enjoy a pirate treasure hunt full of costumes, face paint and booty for all!
Day 7, Saturday, August 11th, marks our last day of racing. The race starts at 10AM in an area ½ mile south of the western end of Shammis Island and finishes in the northern end of Pine Portage Bay, just outside Northern Harbour Marina.
The LOWISA Commodore’s Dinner and the Awards Banquet will be hosted in the Northern Harbour Boaters’ Club on Saturday, August 11th, at Northern Harbour. Aqua Vitae has sponsored beautiful wines to pair with our buffet meal!
Miscellaneous Details
Free put-in Saturday August 4th at Northern Harbour between 1200 hrs and 1600 hrs. Free lifts out on Saturday August 11th at completion of racing. (For boats requiring a crane, see Gary Hall at Northern Harbour. See Gary Hall for car and trailer parking at Northern Harbour.
Lodging available in various hotels and motels in Kenora and Keewatin area; reservations recommended.
