This year's Cassidy's Bay Long-Distance Race was EPIC! In an east wind, not the prevailing conditions this time of year, we went counter-clockwise around Howe Island. The goal is to always pass through the Bateau Channel under spinnaker as it gets very narrow. In 2009 the first boat crossed the finish after 3hr 15min. This year it was 5hr 19min, with the last boat rolling in after 7hrs! 
The 23 NM felt particularly long in the dying wind.The race was started on time off the dock in Cassidy's Bay. With the east wind it was a downwind start in light and puffy conditions. Puckey/Peterson took an early lead after an excellent start.
Rounding to leeward of Hickey's Point and heading upwind in
Middle Channel, the fleet was met with a beautiful 12-15 knots which lasted nearly half the beat through Middle Channel before slowly easing to 5-8 knots.The fleet came back together at the eastern end of Howe Island, rounding Aubrey Island to port. First around was Yates/Curtis, followed closely by Puckey/Peterson. Third round was McGhan/Davidge, and fourth was Lemieux/Lockett. Battling for 5th round Aubrey was a group of 6 boats including last years winners Gooderham/Hogan.
The downwind through Bateau Channel was long and provided much opportunity for passing. The wind all but died and the fleet spent its time looking
backwards for small puffs to ride. Passing Trident Yacht Club, Yates/Curtis had managed about a 1nm lead, with 6 boats battling for second place.Coming through the Bateau Channel, Lemieux/Lockett had managed to squeak ahead of Yates/Curtis, rounding the Cassidy's Shoal a few boats lengths ahead. Settling more quickly into the final beat to the finish, Yates/Curtis managed to regain the lead. However it wasn't to last as Lemieux/Lockett caught a final puff a couple hundred yards from the finish, pulling ahead and winning the 2010 Cassidy's Bay Invitational Regatta Long Distance Race.
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