TRAPSEAT 16 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
<br>Central Okanagan Sailing Association
<br>July 13 – 15, 2001
<br>Kelowna, BC
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<br>Twenty-two sailors from California, Idaho, Ontario, Alberta, and B.C. participated in the Canadian Open Trapseat 16 championships held at the Central Okanagan Sailing Association (COSA) in Kelowna, B.C. The Trapseat 16 is a modified Hobie 16 that accommodates the disabled skipper and an able-bodied crew.
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<br>Over the course of twelve races, Mike and Carl Strahle of Redding, California, captured first in the Gold fleet, followed by the team of Danny McCoy of Toronto, Ontario, and Gilles Ladouceur from Quebec. Third place was nabbed by the team of John McRoberts from Victoria and Larry Robinson of Whiterock, BC.
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<br>On top of the Silver fleet was Rick Largent and Miles Moore from Moscow, Idaho, followed by Robb Lawrence of Calgary and Carol Hilton from William’s Lake. Right behind Robb and Carol were Dale Keith of Calgary and Bob Hilton from William’s Lake.
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<br>Regatta Director, Gillian Thomson organized the event and gently persuaded out of towners to lend their boats, their families, and their time to this exciting regatta. While Hobie 16s are plentiful in the Pacific Northwest, “Trapseats” are a rare commodity. As a result, Gill has spent hours on the phone and on e-mail getting pieces built and parts assembled in order for sailors to take to the water by the start of Friday’s race clinic. Her work however, wasn’t done then as she then dashed onto the fifth place boat, only taking time out on Saturday night to make sure that all the knives and forks were in place for a perfect dinner on the deck which featured a glorious Okanagan sunset.
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<br>Friday’s race clinic was sponsored by Canadian Yachting Association with National Sailing Coach Devin Rubadeau, and the Saturday/Sunday races were run by his Internationally qualified dad, Ron. Randy Newman was our Beach Captain, boat repair specialist, problem solver, and all round “gopher,” while Emily Battilana and Margaret Brunsden made sure that everyone was well fed at lunch time. And a big thanks goes out to Chris Everson of California for his willingness to go hundreds of miles out of his way to bring several sets of Trapseats to the regatta.
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<br>This is the second year that the Trapseats have visited Kelowna. Canadian and American representatives were so impressed with the site and the organization that COSA is being considered for the 2002 Trapseat World Championships. More than 50 sailors from England, France, Netherlands, Armenia, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, Australia, United States, and Canada will be on hand for this event.
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<br>TRAPSEAT 16 CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
<br>Central Okanagan Sailing Association
<br>Kelowna, BC
<br>July 13-15, 2001
<br>Results:
<br> GOLD FLEET
<br>1. Mike Strahle/Carl Strahle Redding, California
<br>2. Danny McCoy/Gilles Ladouceur-Toronto, Ontario/Quebec
<br>3. John McRoberts/Larry Robinson-Victoria,BC/Whiterock, BC
<br>4. Paul Tingley/Devin Rubadeau Victoria, BC/Kelowna, BC
<br>5. Ken Kelly/Gillian Thomson Victoria, BC/Kelowna, BC
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<br> SILVER FLEET
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<br>6. Rick Largent/Miles Moore Moscow, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho
<br>7. Robb Lawrence/Carol Hilton-Calgary,Alta/WilliamsLake, BC
<br>8. Dale Keith/Bob Hilton Calgary, Alta/Williams Lake, BC
<br>9. Terry Pope/Jim Rackham Calgary, Alta
<br>10. Peter Steele/Katy Hill Victoria, BC
<br>11. Chris Everson/Ryan McLeod California/Kelowna, BC<br><br>