LO600 Challenge: Twice Round, Why Not?
The 2nd running of the Lake Ontario 600 will occur this July. The first LO600 took place in 2014 with 14 boats entering and eight crossing the finish line. We reached out to the skippers from the 2014 race and asked for their comments about what was special to them about this race.
Dan McKindsey, from 'Happy Puppy' a C&C 115, (1st place in the 2014 LO600!), found the extended race more interesting due to the opportunities a race of this distance presents for multiple lead changes. He shared what he appreciated the most about the race,
"Several things I think. First, at 600 miles for most "real world" boats it is a true long distance race - you can't fake it and forego sleep for that period so you end up in a true offshore mode where energy, stores and sleep management is a big part of the equation. Love that offshore rhythm :). Second, the fleet spreads out a bit and you see different options opening up for different parts of the fleet. Finally, the likelihood of real weather changes over multiple cycles."
- Dan McKindsey
Brian Mitchell, from 'Doubletime' a C&C 27 MK V, also likes the extra-long distance of the LO600 and the opportunity to 'live the dream'. His comments,
"I think all of us "crazy" solo guys harbour visions of Transat and Vendee Globe races in our own Class 40s and Open 60s, but few of us have either the time or money (especially the money) to see those dreams through. The Lake Ontario 600, fortunately, is like a mini-transat in our own backyard! Almost a week on the water, you'll come to see and expect just about everything you might experience in those more famous races, except maybe rogue freight containers and dolphins. The truly surprising thing to me was that I actually found the Lake Ontario 600 easier than the 300: you've got more time to find a rhythm-and live the dream!"
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Brian Mitchell
So, what are you waiting for? Registration is now open for the LO600. Be a part of something special that only comes around every two years!
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