That's a wrap!

Lake of the Woods International Sailing Association (LOWISA) hosts a 7-day regatta on Lake of the Woods (LOTW) for sailors and cruisers alike. Race days are followed by social events, while a mid-week layover day provides for rest, repairs, and on-shore events.

As this year’s Commodores, it became very clear to us that LOWISA means something different for every participant. Some love the competitive racing while others focus on the camaraderie of the event. Each day, participants get to share experiences and stories with others who share their passion and love for LOTW. 

For some, experiencing the peace and quiet of an early morning swim or paddleboard in a wilderness anchorage is just what the doctor ordered; for others, it’s a bonfire with friends at night. Everyone can do what they love the most to make LOWISA a memorable and fun experience for all.

During the regatta, several events and contests were held in the nighttime anchorages. These have become famous amongst the LOWISA fleet, with much advance planning and hype and friendly competition for the coveted title (and prize) winners. Participants spent many hours preparing for the Betty Crocker cooking contest—the entries were amazing, especially considering the facilities and supplies available to each contestant. We also had a cocktail mixing contest, where judges quickly learned the depth of knowledge of sailors when it comes to the art of mixology. Other social activities included onshore gatherings at Queen Island and 22-ft-bay and this year, the band North of Springsteen entertained everyone during the layover day dinner and dance at Ash Rapids Lodge.

The LOWISA organization is a strong supporter of the environment, especially as it relates to preserving LOTW. To increase sustainability awareness, each boat was judged on its level of sustainability preparedness. Prizes were provided from several sponsors with the primary sponsorship coming from Volvo Cars Winnipeg.

Realizing that not all participants are hardcore sailboat racers, for LOWISA 56 we added a Leisure Pursuit Division. This was a pursuit-style race approximately ½ the distance of our regular course designed for those that are less experienced, had less crew, or preferred to wake up later in the morning. To keep it more entertaining for all, the pursuit courses overlapped the regular courses.

Race Results:

  • Leisure Pursuit 1st Winded, 2nd Amazing Grace, 3rd Wee McGregor

  • Non-Flying Sails: 1st AFTICA, 2nd Auberge, 3rd Kapriz

  • Flying Sails Division 1: 1st Borderline, 2nd Karma, 3rd  Legacy

  • Flying Sails Division 2: 1st Nepenthe, 2nd Riddari, 3rd Kite

Other Competitions:

  • Betty Crocker Contest: 1st Iceberg, 2nd Micalangelo, 3rd Knockout

  • Cocktail Contest: 1st Beagle, 2nd AFTICA, 3rd Blackpearl

  • Sustainability Contest: 1st Borderline, 2nd Freedom, 3rd Micalangelo

  • Winner of the Grand Prize for a new sail: Grand Cru

  • Spirit of LOWISA: Jeff Merchant

  • Rookie of the Year: 3-way tie between Micalangelo, Knockout and Obsession

  • Sportsperson Award: Paul Gomori

  • Mentor / Helper award: REPAX - Nightcap

 

Start planning to join this adventure holiday for LOWISA 57 in 2023: the Greatest Fresh Water Regatta in the World!

Stewart Anderson and Quinn Anderson
Commodores, LOWISA 56

 
 
Kim Ovitz