If you are familiar with LOWISA you know that this is an incredible tradition that was originally created to bring sailors from the US and Canada together for an entire week of competitive and recreational sailing in the amazing Lake of the Woods. The lake plays a great part in the success of LOWISA as it is positioned geographically as a connection between the northern US states, Ontario, and Manitoba. For nearly 6 decades this event has evolved and we are looking forward to continuing this incredible tradition.
In the past 5 years LOWISA has taken on an extra cause, a cause to recognize the incredible value of our environment and use this event to promote sustainable practices both in our recreation, in our homes, and in our communities. As a record of this incredible success LOWISA has been recognized as a PLATINUM level Regatta by the Sailors for the Sea organization. Sailors for the Sea is an organization that audits regattas around the world to ensure that the event is run in a manner that creates a positive impact on our environment by respecting and sustaining the lake and all that it feeds.
LOWISA is a full 7 day experience where days are filled with friendly competitions on the water and socializing and spirit activities each night. This is not a round the can's regatta, as each day and every year we have a different path around a our 14,500 islands. We change the anchorage each night where we engage in socializing and group events. We welcome absolutely everyone with a passion for the water, we've had mothers carrying their infants participating in the racing and we have experienced sailors with decades of experience and knowledge. We have boats that range from 14 foot sailing dinghies, to 40+ foot sailing yachts, from hobiecats to hand made sailing vessels. Many are from Lake of the Woods and others travel with their vessels and get launched at the incredible Norther Harbour. We also welcome power cruisers to join the social events.
As for sailing on Lake of the Woods, it's unique. My sailing experience comes from many years on Lake Winnipeg and a year away sailing through the west indies. Nothing I've ever seen compares to the type of sailing you get on LOTW. As there is so many islands and so much shore to navigate around you will find competitive and exciting challenges. The wind curves around the islands creating ever changing conditions where you are being lifted or knocked. It takes some experience to learn the unique behaviours of the wind on this lake and even the most experienced of sailors will find it to be challenging.
So what does it mean to come together for LOWISA 59?
In everything we do for LOWISA 59 we are finding exciting ways to bring people together for the greatest freshwater regatta in the world. We want everyone to feel welcome, we will create a community that helps people come together. We will only partner with companies that support our sustainability message not simply by saying so but because they act it. Volvo Winnipeg has been a long time supporter of LOWISA and they provide our grand prize to the vessel, not that wins the regatta, but the one that demonstrates their sustainability behaviours. We will also partner with Mondetta for our clothing as we are proud to support a high quality product from a company that puts efforts into their B-Corp certifications. If you know other B-Corps or companies with a focus on sustainability and the environment, please let us know.
Coming together is also making an event for our wide array of participants. One of our new partners is SOBR Market, while sailors love a good drink we also want to provide a safe environment and encourage restraint and alternatives. We plan to have an extra focus on how our sailing lake was once cared for by the indigenous tribes who used much of this space as sacred and traditional land. Our focus will be on bringing sailors together for fun, bringing people together for support, bringing generations together for knowledge and experience.
How can you participate in this event. I have many options and we hope to see you on the water.
Competitive Sailing is 6, 22 nautical mile races where faster (often larger) vessels can choose to run white sails or flying sails. In this class we have a start line with a traditional 5 minute countdown to create some excitement right off the line. It's best to have navigator and a competent crew to run your vessel at it's absolute highest level of performance.
Pursuit class runs 6, 12 mile courses with a pursuit timed start based on your vessels handicap. Flying sails or white sails.
LOWISA lite is perfect for those that can't commit to a full week. Join us for the weekend races and events at a lower cost. Learn more here.
Cruising Class. Cruising vessels join us for the good times, you miss out on the sailing/racing. Sorry.
As commodores for LOWISA 59 we are excited and honoured bring you an event at builds on the legacy of nearly 60 years of LOWISA regattas.
We hope you will join us to at LOWISA 59 where we can Come Together.
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