A string of 40 sailboats made their way from Collingwood to Thornbury, last Wednesday, making it to the mid-point of the Georgian Bay Regatta.

The seven-day regatta started in Midland on July 30, racing to Hope Island. From Hope Island the sailboats raced to Collingwood on July 31. From Collingwood it was off to Thornbury, Thornbury to White Cloud Island, and on to Meaford, Saturday, after a day of course races around White Cloud Island.

Wednesday's race was a challenge, with fewer than seven boats finishing before the cut-off time of 5 p.m.

“It was a long race,” said Steven Wimmer, co-captain of the regatta's overall winner, Crazy Eights from Thornbury Yacht Club.

Wimmer's boat made it past the finish line just before the cut-off tim.

“The wind died through the course of the day and only filled up in the end.”

Earlier in the day, the sailboats competed in a course race off of Collingwood Harbour.

“The race this morning was around a preset course set up as a triangle – a windward leg, a reach leg, and a second reach leg. And then they added a sausage, which is a second upwind leg and a downwind finish,” said Wimmer. “It's a little more even with regard to wind conditions on the course. It causes you to sail in every different direction.”

Wimmer has been sailing since he was four. He's been racing in the Georgian Bay Regatta for seven years.

“I thought it would be wonderful to try it,” he said. “It's an extraordinary event and great people to meet, great camaraderie, and a way to learn how to experience the Georgian Bay.”

Blue Raven, representing the Midland Bay Sailing Club just barely made it past the finish line by the 5 p.m. deadline. The race committee didn't record their time, which the captains indicated they would be protesting.

 “We'll be discussing the finish further,” said co-captain Larry Donaldson.

Teams have an hour after the race to protest to the race committee.

Despite the unsure finish time, the captains say they had a good day.

“It was a wonderful day of yachting,” said John Bishop.

The Georgian Bay Regatta finished in Meaford on Aug. 4 with the Georgian Bay Sailing Association's annual meeting, followed by an awards dinner. Several awards were handed out including Midland Bay Sailing Club was awarded for the club with most participants, Collingwood Yacht Club was awarded for club with best overall performance.