Team 6mR Vancouver: 2012 Season Review

The 2012 Sailing Season for Team 6mR Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest fleet was rich with participation and success. Among the highlights was the return of CA VA (KC 12) to racing in English Bay, 1^st and 2^nd place finishes at the European Championships, plus a team of young sailors from Vancouver travel to Helsinki for the Queen Christina Nations Cup.

SASKIA II (KC 19) and CA VA (KC 12) being prepped for Wednesday Night racing at R.V.Y.C.

6 meter Sailing Videos on YouTube

YouTube is full of great videos of classic and modern 6 meter sailboats. We decided to put together a post compiling some of our favorites. Enjoy!



There is lots of great content on YouTube of classic sail boats. I'm sure we'll put together more playlists in the future and share them on the website.

6 Meter Class Sailboat Restoration: West-coast Canada

Classic 6 meter sailboats have been around for a very long time. The boats that we are currently racing date back to the 1930s and 1940s, and are all made of wood. Building, restoring and maintaining these yachts requires dedication, hard work, and above all skill. Without the right knowledge and experience, the 6 meter fleet would not be what it is today.

On the West-coast of Canada, we are particularly lucky to have some of the best in the business working on the boats that grace this website. Their boats have won World, North American and European championships, and as individuals they have long lists of accomplished restorations behind them. We thought it fitting that we would mention them here, and share a bit of background on who keeps our boats running smooth.

PHOTOS - 6 Meter European Championships 2012, Sweden

Main trimmer Barry Van Leeuwen, who was on-board the winning boat GALLANT (KC 10) at this year's 6 meter European Championships, snapped a whole gallery of great photos along with a few video clips. Here's the gallery:

2012 6 Meter European Championships - Photos by Barry Van Leeuwen

NADA (K12) and the following fleet, as seen from GALLANT (KC 10) who leads. - Photo: Barry Van Leeuwen

President Woodrow Wilson Trophy : The Story Behind the European Championship Trophy

Grand sailing trophies come and go, but it’s the classic cups - the one’s that move from event to event and generation to generation - that seem to be the most special. All trophies have a great story behind them; who made them and why, the path they followed and the places they’ve been.

The President Woodrow Wilson Cup - 1915

The President Woodrow Wilson Cup, which was handed to the winner’s of the 2012 European 6-meter Championships, is no exception. This historic trophy began its life being fought for by 6-meter sloops, so it is only fitting that it should once again be a prize of the 6-meter class.

2012 6mR Queen Christina Nations Cup - Helsinki & Espoo Finland

A truly unique event in the 6-meter world - and sailing in general - is the Queen Christina Nations Cup. Conceived by 6-meter enthusiast Kimo MacKey of Bainbridge Island, Washington, the QCNC brings sailors together from around the world every summer for an opportunity to bond, share in culture and race 6-meters.

Each year the event is hosted by a different country, with teams from other countries traveling from far and wide to participate. Each QCNC event is unique and special in its own right. 

2012 Queen Christina Nations Cup - The Boats

The Queen Christina Nations Cup is one of the most unique events in the sailing world. 

A host nation (typically the last year's winner) invites a number of other countries to assemble teams of 4 sailors each, travel to the venue, then race boats from the host nation's local fleet. The result is the building of community and friendship amongst a historic fleet of boats spread out around the globe.

2012 6mR North American Championships

Team 6mR Vancouver had a fantastic and successful weekend in Port Ludlow Washington this past weekend, for the 2012 6 Meter North American Championships.

 Both CA VA (KC 12) and SASKIA II (KC 19) were well raced in a competitive fleet of both classic and modern 6-meters from the Pacific Northwest. A mix of sailors from Washington and British Columbia helped crew the boats.

Team CA VA (KC 12): Brian Woodward, Barry Van Leeuwen, Don Martin (sitting), Tristan Schön and Jamie Oliver.

Team SASKIA II (KC 19): Chris Tutmark, Teesa Glass, Michele Rogalin (cockpit), Steve White and Rainer Müller.

 RESULTS - 2012 6 Meter North Amerian Championships

6 METER SAILING - EVENT PHOTOS 

6 METER SAILING - TEAM 6MR VANCOUVER PHOTOS 

North American Success at the 2012 European Championships

The 2012 6-meter European Championship - held this year in Nynäshamn, Sweden - concluded on Thursday, July 26th, with 7 races completed over the course of 3 days. Several North American boats competed, including 2 boats from the Pacific Northwest fleet - LLANORIA (US 83) and GALLANT (KC 10).

Photo © Johan Granath

Team 6mR Vancouver - 6 Meter European Championships 2012

The 2012 6 Meter European Championship is underway in Nynäshamn, Sweden, at the Nynäshamn Yacht Club. Team 6mR Vancouver is well represented, with 2 teams from The Pacific Northwest.

GALLANT (KC 10) is being skippered by Olympian Ross MacDonald of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. The recently restored S&S designed LLANORIA (US 83) is under the reigns of Erik Jespersen of Sidney BC.

An early, unofficial report from Europe has provided the following results for the first day of racing:
(Please visit the official link below, for correct results)

DAY 1:

Gallant - 1, 1, 1
Llanoria - 4, 7, 3

The Swedish website has proved to be a bit difficult for those in the English world to navigate, so here are a few quick short-cuts to help you get to the good stuff:

EVENT INFO AND SCHEDULE

LIVE TRACKING OF RACES (including replays)

RESULTS

SWEDISH CLASS CHAMPIONSHIP - FINAL RESULTS

PHOTO GALLERIES

6 Meter Sailing Pictures - Lipton Cup 2012

The recent 6 Meter Lipton Cup in Port Madison Washington was wet and wild! Here his a great gallery of images by marine photographer Dana E Olsen.

2012 6 Meter Lipton Cup Gallery - Photos by Dana E Olsen

CA VA (KC 12) Sails Again!

This Wednesday evening, the sailors of Vancouver were re-introduced to a local favorite and staple of the Canadian 6-meter fleet. CA VA (KC 12), the Wedellsborg-designed 6 from 1938, has been slowly brought back to life over the past 2 years. She will be racing in Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest though-out the summer.

PHOTOS OF THE FIRST SAIL OF CA VA (KC 12), VANCOUVER, SUMMER 2012

CA VA (KC 12) Has a Mast!

CA VA (KC 12), the classic 6-Meter from Vancouver that has been under restoration for the past 2 years, has finally been splashed in Sidney with a new mast. Keep following this blog for the latest up-dates on her status!

International 6 Meters at Seattle NOOD 2012

The 6 meter season in the Puget Sound got off to a great start, with 6 boats competing at Sailing World's 2012 Sperry Top-Sider NOOD Regatta.

"LUCIE" US 55

One of the best aspects of being involved in 6 meter racing, is the amazing global community that exists to foster the longevity of this classic fleet. We have made many great friends over the years, around the world. The enthusiasm that exists far and wide keeps us connected over great distances.

In an effort to help further connect these ties, we would like to start featuring OTHER websites, from other teams. here is a great one from our friends on LUCIE (US 55):

http://lucieyacht.com/blog/

Do you race on a 6 meter or own a 6 meter? Does your boat or team have a website? Send us the link, and we will share it with our readers.

Wednesday Night Racing at Royal Van

SASKIA II has started off the season with a bang, leading Division 2 of Wednesday Night Racing hosted by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

Photo Credit: Reuben R. Boulton Bangma

Team 6mR Vancouver 2012 Schedule

Both SASKIA and CA VA are looking forward to an active racing season this summer. Dates and events attended are subject to change. Please confirm dates and vessels by e-mail, at 6mrvancouver@gmail.com.

April 25 - May 16
RVYC Wednesday Night Racing - May Series
Jericho Station, Vancouver
Every Wednesday night through out the summer
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12)
* Please Confirm for Exact Dates

May 18 - 20
NOOD Regatta Seattle (National Offshore One Design)
Shilshole Bay, Seattle Yacht Club/Corinthian Yacht Club
SOCKEYE (USA 119)
(Team Members Only)

May 23 - June 13
RVYC Wednesday Night Racing - June Series
Jericho Station, Vancouver
Every Wednesday night through out the summer
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12)
* Please Confirm for Exact Dates

June 23 – 24
Sir Thomas Lipton Cup
Port Madison, Bainbridge Island, Washington
*TBA

June 20 - July 11
RVYC Wednesday Night Racing - July Series
Jericho Station, Vancouver
Every Wednesday night through out the summer
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12)
* Please Confirm for Exact Dates

July 20 - 27
European Championships
Nynashamn, Sweden
GALLANT (KC 10) & LLANORIA (US 83)

August
Queen Christina Nations Cup 2012
NJK, Finland
* Team Members Only
* exact dates TBA

July 18 - August 15
RVYC Wednesday Night Racing - August Series
Jericho Station, Vancouver
Every Wednesday night through out the summer
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12)
* Please Confirm for Exact Dates

August 25 - 26
North American Championships
Port Townsend, WA
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12), SOCKEYE (USA 119)

August 22 - September 26
RVYC Wednesday Night Racing - September Series
Jericho Station, Vancouver
Every Wednesday night through out the summer
SASKIA II (KC 19) & CA VA (KC 12)
* Please Confirm for Exact Dates

September 7 - 9
Wooden Boat Festival 
Port Townsend, WA
*TBA

September  15 - 16
Star & Bar Regatta (King Olav V Cup)
Shilshole Bay, Seattle Yacht Club
*TBA

SASKIA II Ready for Racing

SASKIA II, scrubbed down and ready for another great season of racing in the Pacific Northwest. First race is this Wednesday - the 25th of April 2012 - for the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club's Wednesday Night Racing.

Website Facelift, Pre-Season News and New Photos

It's hard to believe winter is already over, and that we are starting to gear up for another fantastic season of 6 meter sailing in the Pacific Northwest. 

We recently did a "haul out" of the website as well, for a minor "re-fit" and refresh. We're happy to say, she's back in tip-top shape and ready to provide information on our team's activities and adventures.

  

CA VA (KC 12) is approaching completion in Sidney, and will soon be seen back in the water sailing.

SAKSIA (KC 19) is back in Vancouver from her trip to Helsinki and his being prepped for Wednesday night racing at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

A few sailors from Vancouver will be traveling to Washington in May for the Sperry Top-Sider N.O.O.D. Regatta, where they will be joining our friends from the Puget Sound Fleet as crew. Numerous boats are confirmed, including PACEMAKER (USA 126), GOOSE (US 81) and SOCKEYE (US 119).

For new comers, our website now includes more information on the 6 Meter Rule, helpful links to other 6 metre associations around the world, as well as details on the boats we race locally. 

If you have more information for our pages, would like to contribute articles or design notes, these details are always most appreciated. Photos, stories, technical notes and historical documents can be e-mailed to: 

6mrvancouver@gmail.com

Photos can be sent to:

6mRVancouver.photos@picasaweb.com 

We will continue to up-date these pages through-out the summer, so keep checking back. In the meantime, here are some photos from past events, sent in by crew member Tony Griffin. Enjoy!

Helsinki World Cup 2011:



Queen Christina Nations Cup 2007:



Queen Christina Nations Cup 2010:

Book Review: “The Six Metre - 100 Years of Racing”

If you consider yourself a 6 meter enthusiast, and have not yet picked up a copy of “The Six Metre - 100 Years of Racing”, I highly advice you do so immediately.

The Six Metre - Pekka Barck and Tim Street

I was lucky enough to receive a copy during my trip to the 2012 6 Meter World Cup, in Helsinki, and recently found a nice quiet weekend to give the book the focused attention it deserves.