Sailing In Kingston

Kingston is a great place to visit and sail, it’s one of my favourite destinations in the world. It’s got a lively downtown core with lots of great restaurants and shops and best yet the sailing conditions are second to none.

On the water expect typical thermals out of the SW building through the afternoon usually 8-15knots but with the help of a system it’s not uncommon to reach into the 20’s. Look for a shorter steep chop near the east end of Alpha course and a smoother open swell farther west, a geographical shift to the left side of the course on the SW is usually a pretty safe bet. Keep an eye on some shallow shoals if you get up close to Snake Island, watch out for breaking waves or odd swell patterns.

With a North breeze be ready for big oscillating puffs off the land, more sporadic the closer you get to shore and typically a small chop. Get in sync with the shifts and connect the dots.

Although not as common if you find yourself in an East breeze you’ll see similar conditions to the North wind but a bit more stable longer puffs rolling down and usually the outsides of the course paying, expect smaller lake like chop on the Easterlies.

If you’ve never sailed in Kingston check out this site for a bit of background and the danger spots to avoid, Course Alpha - Kingston , Ontario waterfront.

The venue is well built to host regattas, it was the venue for the 1976 Olympic games and therefore is an excellent place to host the Nationals. With many major regattas being run throughout the summer months expect a very professional event, great conditions and a great atmosphere. Happy Racing!

Kevin Stittle
4th 2008 Olympic Games, Tornado Class
2008 Vice World Champion, Tornado Class

For more details, contact the CORK office at 613 545 1322, or .