Whatever floats your boat: hardworking northerners take to the big waters for a bit of fun and relaxation.

• Author: Louiseize, Kelly
• Position: LIVING WELL

Ask any sailor why they love the sport and they say it is a combination of strategy, serenity and the social yet feisty competition that stirs the soul and brings hundreds together for regattas.

Winters in Northern Ontario are long, even longer when there is a Tartan 10 in shrink wrap waiting to be lifted back into the icy waters of Lake Superior.

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Andre St. Jacques captain of such a boat in Thunder Bay, says Lake Superior has some of the best sailing in the world with fantastic remote islands between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie.

"We drop anchor and take our dingy to shore. Lake Superior doesn't warm up and that is half the reason it has not been over exploited," says the northwest sales director for Grand and Toy.

Wearing a life jacket and a ski jacket are a must, particularly when racing, St. Jacques says. No one wants to start at a disadvantage.

There is a strong and healthy competition at the Thunder Bay Yacht Club with more than 150 races held Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings throughout the season.

One particular event that is dear to St. Jacques is the Breast Cancer Regatta held Aug. 29. Typically 20 to 45 boats show up with each crew member gathering pledges.

St. Jacques hails the participants who have the most pledges rather than the winner of the regatta. Last year, a cheque of more than $50,000 was given to the Northwest Ontario Regional Cancer Centre.

But in the spirit of competition, "we are a pretty competitive bunch," he laughs.

"We go out to win at all costs. We don't go out unless we are going to win."

Sailors size up their competition long before the boats enter the water. They know who to watch for, what boats are rocket ships and who has purchased new equipment to get an edge up. They know who has joined what team and so each captain picks their battles wisely.

Sailing is all about strategy, a game of chess on water. A decision to hoist the jib or spinnaker could mean the difference between the old "hero to zero" label in a few short seconds.

It is a team effort and the captain knows what his crew is made of, knows their strengths and builds on it. Each is responsible for their respective position but when there is a course change, all hands come together. Of course the captain has final say. It is much like business in that you chose a support'team to work with and provide resources for them to flourish, he says.

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There is also a sense of leadership, confidence and...