Dear Fellow Contender Sailors:

First off, the Euro and Pound are at all time highs compared to North American currencies, coming for a visit to North America has never come at a better time for those Europeans wishing to take advantage of our hospitality.

The winter is upon most of us (most of us unlucky enough not to live in Australia, that is), but the downtime is the perfect opportunity to start planning next year's trip to the 2008 Worlds in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. I know Neil, Roger, and Bernie were hassling many of you at Medemblik to come down to our neck of the woods to compete, and unless you want to see three grown men cry, please make plans to compete at what is generally regarded as one of the top sailing areas in all of North America. Without further adieu, here are some more reasons to come to the Worlds (in addition to supporting this great class):

1. Kingston is a fantastic place to sail

Every year, thousands of sailors and hundreds of boats from across the globe congregate in Kingston, Ontario, to take part in the Canadian Olympic-training Regatta, Kingston (CORK). Recognizing how the consistent thermal provided challenging sailing conditions, CORK was started by Olympic-class sailors back in 1969. In 1976, the Portsmouth Olympic Harbour (CORK’s headquarters) hosted the Olympics, and since then, it has also hosted other world class sailing events, including the 2001 Contender Worlds.

Competitors can expect good breeze (15+ knots), warm and clean water with big waves, hot, sunny weather, and best of all, no sharks, sting rays, ferries, tankers, pirates, or sunglasses crusted over with salt.

2. Kingston is also a fantastic place to visit

The city of Kingston is a popular vacation destination for both Canadian and international tourists. Competitors with families can enjoy attractions such as a cruise of the picturesque 1,000 islands; a visit to Fort Henry, a 19th century British military fortress; or they can take part in the infamous “haunted walk” - where guides will take you to the haunted parts of the city. Kingston is also a foodie paradise. Restaurants range from cheap and cheerful authentic Asian noodle joints, to gourmet fare (at reasonable prices) - Greek, Italian, Canadian, Cajun- Kingston has it all. No one will go hungry during the Worlds. Competitors should also note that Kingston is the home of Queen’s University, which means lots of local pubs that sell very cheap beer.

Kingston is located exactly between Toronto (a two-hour drive west) and Ottawa (a two-hour drive east). Often called a cleaner and safer New York, Toronto is a vibrant and young city, with outstanding museums, clean parks, a large theatre district, world class restaurants, and friendly citizens. Ottawa, our nation’s capital, is also a thriving metropolis, with its own unique character. If you’re willing to do a bit more travelling, you are also well situated to visit the city of Montreal (four hours east of Kingston), which is Canada’s answer to a European city. Niagara Falls is also a four hour drive from Kingston (east), which is always a popular place to visit, especially for families. The falls are a geographic marvel, and the city has tons to do - casinos, rides, museums, gardens, and shopping  just to name a few activities. Niagara-on-the-Lake, just outside Niagara Falls, is also well worth visiting, as it is home to vineyards that produce Canada’s world famous wines.

3. Because if you don’t come, you can’t win

In 2001, 32 boats competed in the Worlds, and they all had a fantastic time. We’re expecting just as many competitors this time around, and you can expect some great racing, great people, great beer, and an overall great time.

See ya in Kingston in 2008!

Links:

www.cityofkingston.com

www.cityofottawa.com

www.toronto.ca

www.inforniagara.com

www.montreal.com

www.aircanada.ca

www.cork.org

And keep an eye on the Canadian Contender Association website at ccc.contenderclass.org for more info as the event draws nearer.

Stephanie Mah - 2008 CCA dictator

stephanie.mah@gmail.com