If Trueman "Trap" Stright were still alive, odds are he'd be sailing in Pictou Harbour this weekend.
Since he's not, his friends and those who share his love of sailing will do it in his honour.
The Trap Stright Memorial Regatta is sailing into its fifth year today through Sunday.
Stright was a founding member of the Pictou Yacht Club and an avid sailor who, when he passed away at 83, was still sailing.
"Whether racing with his regular crew or cruising with Ollie and later Ann he always enjoyed his time on the water, but equally important to Trap was the social aspect of the yacht club," says chairman of the regatta Andy Heighton.
Heighton met Stright when he joined the yacht club in the 1990s.
"He taught me a lot," he said.
It was Stright's son Bill who actually came up with the idea to hold the Regatta and he remains heavily involved.
In the past between 16 and 18 boats have taken part in the regatta, but this year the club has its sights set on 25.
"It's been growing every year," Heighton said. "I started the first year with locals and the year after that we had visitors coming."
Heighton said he is expecting boats to come from along the Northumberland Strait ports including Charlottetown and Summerside and perhaps a few from Cape Breton.
Because they have two races that are sanctioned with the Northumberland Strait Yachting Club Association, sailors have the chance to earn a lot of points.
"They come here because they can knock out two races in one weekend," Heighton said.
The regatta will see some changes this year. Mount Gay Rum has come on board as the main sponsor, and most of the racing will take place in the Pictou Harbour which will make the regatta more visible for spectators. The way the route is set up, people downtown and around the Hector Quay will be able to see the boats for much of the races.
For more information visit www.pictouyachtclub.ca
Schedule of events
Today
Registration 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Scoot Race - skippers meeting 5:30 p.m.
Scoot Race - start 6:30 p.m.
Steamed mussels and a Mount Gay Rum tasting at the club following the race. Entertainment at the club
Saturday
Muffins and coffee at the club starting at 8:30 a.m.
Decision Race - skippers meeting 9 a.m.
Decision Race - start 10 a.m.
Lunch at the club following the race
Dauntless Race - skippers meeting - 1 p.m.
Dauntless Race - start 2 p.m.
BBQ at the club following the race
Entertainment at the club 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday
Muffins and coffee at the club starting at 8:30 a.m.
Gull Rock Race - skippers meeting 9 a.m.
Gull Rock Race - start 10 a.m.
Pork Chop barbecue starting at 4 p.m.
Awards following the barbecue.
