What is LOWISA 59?
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 its vast shoreline intersects 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 a sustainability focus to recognize and promote the heath of the lake and environment. LOWISA strives to promote sustainable practices in recreation, in homes, and in communities by raising awareness, providing information and encouraging sustainable practices. LOWISA has been recognized as a PLATINUM level Regatta by the Sailors for the Sea organization (insert hyperlink to Sailors for the Sea). Sailors for the Sea is an independent organization that audits regattas around the world to ensure events are run in a manner that protects and sustains the lake and surrounding area.
LOWISA is a 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 cans” regatta, as each day we have a different course around and among the 14,500 islands on beautiful Lake of the Woods. 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 young families participate with their infants and toddlers and we have also had 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 Northern Harbour (www.northernharbour.ca). We also welcome power cruisers to join the social events and cruise along with us.
As for sailing on Lake of the Woods, it is 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 are many islands and shore to navigate around you will find competitive and exciting challenges. The wind curves around the islands creating ever changing conditions. It takes some experience to learn the unique behaviours of the wind on this lake and even the most experienced of sailors can find it challenging.
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 must 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.
Traditional Race Divisions are 6, 22-nautical mile races where vessels can choose to run white sails or flying sails. In this class we have a start line with a traditional 5-minute start sequence to create some excitement right off the line.
Pursuit Race Division is 6, 12-mile courses with a pursuit timed start based on your vessel’s handicap. Again, vessels can choose to run white sails or flying sails.
LOWISA lite is great for those who cannot commit to a full week of racing. Join us for the weekend races and events at a lower cost. Learn more below.
Cruising Class. Cruising vessels explore the lake at their own pace, joining the fleet in the anchorages each evening.
If you would like to know more about the race divisions, please contact us Here. We will be happy to help you determine which division is the best fit for your vessel and crew.
LOWISA LITE
LOWISA LITE
Join the event and enjoy the sailing and good times with great people for one or two weekend races.
How this works:
Saturday, August 2nd - Join us for the kick off day, grab some LOWISA merch, join us in Moore's Bay East for the Captain’s Star Raft Extravaganza with live music.
Sunday, August 3rd - Race in the traditional race or pursuit division.
Monday-Friday - keep your day job or take a break
Friday, August 8th find us in 22 Foot Bay (SE corner of Crow Rock Island) and join us for the evening festivities
Saturday August 9th-Race in the Come Together Pursuit Race. All vessels will compete in the same race which starts at 22 foot bay and finishes at Northern Harbour. Join us for the awards dinner that follow at Northern Harbour.
LOWISA HALF WEEK
Join the event and enjoy the sailing and good times with great people for only half the week, either Aug 2 - 5 or Aug 6 - 9.
LOWISA 59 Anchorages
Saturday, August 2: Moore Bay East
Sunday, August 3: Bottle Bay
Monday, August 4: Fox Bay (east of Blueberry)
Tuesday, August 5: Crow Rock Lodge - lodging is available, contact Crow Rock directly to book
Wednesday, August 6: Crow Rock Lodge
Thursday, August 7: Tranquil Chanel Bay
Friday, August 8: 22 Foot Bay
Saturday, August 9: Northern Harbour (Pine Portage Bay)
LOWISA 59 Courses
Courses will be shared with participants ahead of the event:
Digital copies will be distributed electronically by July 15th; and
Printed copies will be available for pick-up at in-person registration Saturday, August 3rd at Northern Harbour 8am - 12pm.
We hope you will join us to at LOWISA 59 where we can Come Together.
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