On August 15, 10 women’s sailing teams competed in the sixth annual J/105 Ontario Women’s Championship hosted by the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto Canada. The event was proudly sponsored by Scotiabank Women Initiative®️ and The Mountford Group of Scotia Wealth Management and new sponsor PwC Canada. The regatta was founded six years ago to encourage and support women’s racing. It has grown into an empowering event: sailed by women, run by women, women race committee and judges, and continues to support the Broad Reach Foundation. The 2026 Championship team Un-Usual Suspects with RCYC sailors Amanda Karahanas (skipper) and crew Michelle Parker, Pamela Campbell, Kim Clark, Rachel Kozicz, Gayle Gray of PCYC and Skylar Van Rossem of KYC claimed the title with solid racing and a decisive lead in the four races of the day. Amanda commented, “Tough conditions this year! Easterly came in early bringing big waves, and we were seeing consistent 18-21 knots on our instruments. I absolutely loved sailing with my team this year. Everyone is so seasoned and experienced that we were able to just get down to business, and the day was almost flawless. This event is so important to continue holding, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make it happen. What a team, what a day, what an event!” Chantal Hearst skippering Forro took second, Jen Provan finished third on Hey Jude, Kathy Pask skippering Full Tilt Boogie finished fourth and Julie Mitchell skippering The Kernel with owner Janet Heisey finished fifth. The Race Committee, led by Irene McNeill, set a fantastic course for all four races. Check out the video highlights at https://youtu.be/qW9ubhmXZws?si=22uT9XCUrq96CKCo.
