2023 Regatta

2023 HHA Regatta

The most glorious day of weather for the year of 2023 happened on August 5th for the annual Honey Harbour Regatta. Families gathered on the rock of the old school house for a day of canoeing, swimming, competition and memory making. The turnout was reminiscent of the past with young and old partaking in the events of the day. This year we the Dymond and Nicolucci families were tasked with the organization and running of the Regatta as we were co-champions of the 2022 Family Cup.

In true Honey Harbour form, our families went from strangers to fast friends. The day was a gift as we watched the many smiling faces and happy children participate in the enjoyment. The under 6 age group was particularly strong in both numbers and muscle. The swimming performance of the junior category was notable. Intermediates continued to dazzle with style and technique. The Senior performers had previous years under their belts and showed the others the ropes. We had the moms demonstrating that they still had what it takes. The dads were there to win, and there was a no hold bar undertone to the gusto at which they competed. Grandmothers and Grandfathers made it clear that the value of family is strong in the water of Honey Harbour.

We rock!

The day began with the much anticipated canoe races. It was not for the faint at heart- there were collisions and even a capsized canoe. Much like the old days. Strategy became more important than muscle. As leaders to the buoy quickly found out a lead could disappear in a flash, the wind blew hard but the determination won in the end. One onlooker remarked that the competitors reminded them of the thorough bread horses of the Kentucky Derby. The canoe races had a little for everyone of all ages, single canoeing, parent and child. It was the family canoe race that finished it off, which left us all knowing who paddles best.

The Egg Toss

Mixed in the day were the stationary events that separate the good from the best. Leo Parwicki kept the peace at the knot tying. He meticulously checked our bowline, sheep shank and clove hitch. At the popcorn spit the lungs and the force of Honey Harbour were on display. The Mokedanzs measured spits with such precision that only years of practice will bring. The day ended with the balloon toss for the kids and egg toss for the adults. The balloon toss proved to be a slippery business with the partners coming up with strategy on the fly. The egg toss grouped the best pairs showing that practice makes perfect.

Thank you volunteers

Swimming followed with fast races and exceptional opposition. The lifejacket swim for the 5 and under remained to be a fan favorite. The young juniors and intermediates demonstrated the hours of swimming that have been done at our cottages over the years. There were beautiful dives and excellent front crawl. The talent of swimming in a straight line became apparent in the races as there were many close finishes. It was beautiful to see the older boys and girls digging deep to get the fastest time for the ribbon. The wet t-shirt swim remains a crowd pleaser as the determination of the teams wraps up as we headed to the tally of the final scores. Though the women had a stronger swim team it was the men who seemed to have a strategy that left the others in the dust.

Hard-fought Races

With our judges ready to go (Brenda Buchannan, Kyra Buchannan and Lisa Harding)….the first of many canoe races began and the 2022 Honey Harbour Regatta had officially begun! Yeah! The water was perfect and the so was the weather, as the wind died down in time for the events. After some anxious moments getting paddles for the canoe races (can’t go far without them) the races began. Every race was tight and competitive and to our surprise not one canoe tipped! Shocker of the day! We definitely had some kids who had practiced their canoe strokes as they looked like pros in the water. As the action on the water kept the crowd’s attention there were many other events happening to keep everyone entertained.

Swimming Races

It was a pleasure to bring the Regatta to life. We look forward to gathering next year on August 3, 2024 for this annual day. We are also incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, the Honey Harbour General Store, Thrive Foods Café & Marketplace, Harbour House, Little Beausoleil Candle Shop, McLaren Equipment, Oak Bay Golf Club and Fin City Fish and Chips.

The Honey Harbour Regatta remains to be a favorite day of the summer. The event has been running strong since the 1940s. Looking at the closeness of the families and spirit at which the competition runs, you cannot help but hope that long after we are gone our future generations will stand on the rock at the old schoolhouse continuing on the tradition. Looking at the trophies that are old and still very spectacular, we look forward to next year and are warmed with hope for the future. Please remember to bring out friends and family as all are always welcome-it’s the Honey Harbour way!

“There are good ships and wood ships, ships that set to sea, but the best ships are friendships and may they always be.”

Sincerely,

The Dymond and Nicolucci Families

Record Attendance!

The day ended with the community gathering under the pavilion to announce the winners of the day. The under six group left with shiny gold to boast. Avery Needham, Alex Needham, Alex Nicolucci, Andrew Grieve and Will Dymond all took home cups. With the Nicoluccis, once again, bringing home the much coveted Family Cup.

Although the day was put on by the two families, it would have never come together so seamlessly without the helping hands of the Honey Harbor volunteers. We would like to thank all that came out! Jackie Wingfelder continued the tradition of being the score keeper. Bev Jarvis, Carol Martin and Heather Grieve handed out the ribbons. Alex Buchanan was the day’s Emcee with jokes, wise insight and Hoots trivia. Brenda and Kyra Buchanan showed what fourth and fifth generation Honey Harbour ladies are made of. Lisa Harding and Sue Burford manned the races and acted as the judges. At the beach, the dads Steve MacMillan, Eric Frape and Dave Carr made sure we all had our paddles, lifejackets, and the canoes were dry. Jenny Roy and Sarah Papple were creative in their face paint skills and encouragement for the kids. Mark Dymond was there to rescue the tin boat. Our master kayaker Peter Koetsier worked up an appetite with each race he patrolled in the water for the canoeing. Rachel MacMillan, Dawn Carr and Nic Frape helped with lunch and collecting the money. Cam Dunker, Morris Panighel, Bill Cooper and many others showed that barbequing hot dogs and hamburgers can be a culinary art. Laurence Hartshorn, the head of the Honey Harbour Association set up the sound system while coffee was made by his beautiful wife, Debbie. Al Hazleton and Sarah Roy photographed the day. Will Dymond put together a very professional flyer advertising the event. Alex Nicolucci put her creative hand to the colouring pages of the day. Kate Dymond and Izzy Frape filled the water balloons and picked up the egg shells. Cam Shaw and Bob Derby tirelessly moved the docks for the swimming competition, giving up a whole day to do it. Patti and Roger D’Cunha, longtime Family Cup champions, passed us the reins and prepped us so well. Frank Woodley polished the trophies with gusto. All the volunteers did their tasks with such effort.

THANK YOU!