Special thanks to Dan Lefebvre for finding and providing the following article written by Nick Cox back in 1972. The article was published in The Log, a newsletter distributed to employees of the Cornwall Mill. A photo of the full cover and the original article can be found below.
All You Need Is Wind
Article by: Nick Cox
With the departure of the permafrost, many people are anxious to get out on the river. For some, it is the quiet enjoyment of a cottage on the water, the whir of a fishing reel, the hot sun on the beach or gentle splash of the canoe paddle. For members of the sailing fraternity, it is a lively boat slicing through the water with only the sound of waves breaking at the bow and the creak of the rigging.
The month of May is spent in preparation for a busy summer. The cruising boats are busy touching up the hull and slapping on a fresh coat of anti-fouling paint. Most of the brightwork is sanded down and revarnished. Sails are sewn and frayed rigging replaced. Almost too soon the crane arrives to pick up the boats and launch them for another season. The dinghies are doing the same with special emphasis on feathering down and putting a tenth coat of paint on the centreboard and rudder.
Rule books are found to refresh memories of forgotten racing rules and tactics as sailing is one of very few sports where a referee is not required. A strict honour code is enforced.
This spring the Stormont Yacht Club fleet captain, John Mahoney, was the first out, pushing away the ice floes on April 29th. Since then the clubhouse in Long Sault has been tidied up, the docks put out and the ravage s of winter repaired. The first regatta of the season was the Frostbit e in Brockville in mid May. The next is the Upper Canada Regatta at S.Y.C. June 10-11th.
The majority of the boats at S.Y.C. are dry sailed Alba cores and G.P. 14’s-14 to 15 foot long centreboard dinghies. However, there , are at least ten other classes of dinghies and several cruising sloops. A trailer ramp, 150 foot jetty and swimming craft are provided on the waterfront. The clubhouse includes a lounge, kitchen facilities, lockers and change rooms needed by an active sailing and social calendar.
As in past years, the S.Y.C. will be holding a series of two week sailing courses during July and August. Boys and girls 9 years and up from Cornwall and Long Sault, will be taught the fundamentals of sailing under the watchful eye of three qualified instructors.
Practical sailing is done in the Club owned Cadets — an 11 foot long junior sized sloop complete with main sail, jib, centreboard and full flotation. Member boats are used for the oldest students. Four standards of proficiency, set up by the Canadian Yachting Association, stress seamanship, water safety, rules and swimming.
Among the club’s members are Domtar employees Hugh Banfill, Nick Cox, John Mahoney, George Tomlinson and Bill Borland.