News Release
Civic Reception to Mark 100th Anniversary of Marblehead/Halifax Ocean Race
(HALIFAX, Thursday, July 7, 2005) - Residents of Halifax Regional Municipality will be able to take a walk back in time next week as the municipality and local organizers prepare to host a civic reception on the historic waterfront to mark the 100th anniversary of the Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race.
Historic Properties, in conjunction with the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and the Boston Yacht Club, will be holding a “Celebration of Sail” and civic reception on Wednesday, July 13th at 1100 hours to 1400 hours at the Historic Properties, Central Courtyard.
Mayor Peter Kelly and members of Halifax Regional Municipality will be among the dignitaries at the event, which will include a display of classic and modern day sailing vessels tied up at Historic properties and along the waterfront. The captains and crew of all of the vessels participating in this year’s Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race have been invited to the civic reception to enjoy some famous Nova Scotia hospitality.
The public and all those interested in sail are invited to attend this “Celebration of Sail”.
Former broadcaster Don Tremaine will serve as Master of Ceremonies and guest speakers will include Honourable Myra A. Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works, Premier John Hamm and Mayor Kelly.
Presentations will include a “Rum Weigh-In” for the first skipper across the Marblehead race finish line, who will be awarded an ounce of rum for every pound of his/her body weight. Don’t miss the fun!
When: Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Time: Noon (for official ceremonies)
Where: Centre Courtyard (off Upper Water Street, Historic Properties)
This year will mark the 100th anniversary of the first Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race, the oldest international yacht race in North America. This race brings both professional and seasoned sailors from all over North America. The race begins Sunday, July 10th at 13:00hr just outside of Marblehead Harbor. The 360 nautical mile course runs slightly north of due east when leaving Marblehead waters and sailing past Cape Ann, then crossing the Gulf of Maine, through the strong currents of the Bay of Fundy, to shoreline of Nova Scotia and finishing in the Halifax Harbour. Depending on weather conditions, the majority of boats will finish late Tuesday, early Wednesday morning. For further information on this race, please visit the official race website www.marbleheadtohalifax.com
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John O’Brien
HRM Corporate Communications
902-490-6531
Helen Ormston
Communications Committee
Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
902-830-3060
