BACK AT IT WITH THE SUSAN HOOD TROPHY RACE

Chilly But Fun For The Overnight Adventure

In classic Susan Hood fashion, it was breeze on at the start for the first three divisions then let off towards the remaining few. 77 boats showed up for the 2022 Susan Hood Trophy Race sponsored by DriveHG. It was exciting to see so many clients out on the water again after trying restrictions for the past two years. Father-daughter duo Doug Folsetter and Zoe Folsetter were on the line again in their Farr 30, Sabotage. By now, Zoe is a pro at the Susan Hood Trophy Race, having first sailed the 75nm overnight race back in 2017. She even convinced her mom, and fellow sailor Marnie, to join the Sabotage team this year, making the overnight race a family affair. Reflecting on the race at the dock Saturday morning, Zoe shared, “The race was a lot of fun and it was great to do it again. I learned a lot and remembered much more of the race as I hardly slept. The race was as cold as ever but I would do it again! It was good to see a few more younger sailors out there but more kids should give racing like this a try.” Meanwhile her dad Doug Folsetter, skipper and North Sails expert, shares “It’s nice to be back sailing across the lake again. This race always offers up something different. This year it was more about keeping the boat moving towards the next mark and finding the best sail combination to do so. Irrespective of how you do, this race always provides a lesson for the next one.”

Joining the Folsetter family was North Sails designer Phil Williamson who has a wealth of experience and knowledge when it comes to racing on Lake Ontario. On this year’s race, Phil shares, “I am always amazed by the great effort owners and crew put forth to get their boats race ready, provisioned and on the start line. No easy task especially early in the season. The Susan Hood is an excellent race to kick off the distance race season. It gives everyone a chance to shake down their boat, assess sail selections and re-evaluate personal gear. Better to learn, or remember lessons, on a shorter course that can throw many challenges your way.”

North Sails expert Hugh Beaton joined Soto 40 Afterburn for the season kick off. He shares, “ Aside from more jib reaching than we would have liked, it was a beautiful night for racing with a clear sky, some stars and wind that stayed up for the entire race. Congratulations to Hooligan and the other class winners for a well sailed race, and to all competitors for making it a fun event. Thanks must also go to LOOR for making the event possible - Great job.” Podium sweep for North Sails powered customers Hooligan, Xoomer Xpress, and Afterburn in the ORC division. While High Tea, powered by 3Di Raw, took first in the flying sails short handed division and Arrow took third with their new 3Di Raw mainsail. Congratulations to all competitors and a big thank you to RC and all the volunteers who helped make the event happen. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the water the rest of the season.