On behalf of the WYC Race Committee, we wish you a warm welcome to our last race of the 2026 season, the Chimo Race!

The word "Chimo" is an exclamation used as a greeting among the Inuit people. This year’s race marks the 52nd running of the WYC Chimo Race.  

This river-start race is challenging for several reasons. First, the current works against the sailors as they race upriver. Secondly, the wind is unpredictable due to the effects of Peche Island and Solidarity Tower. These factors make it a thrilling race to watch from the Windsor Yacht Club and along the shoreline, as the boats both start and finish in front of the Club.
The CHIMO race originated from a desire to add more racing events to the WYC calendar. Cy and Bev Lane, who owned a sailboat named *CHIMO*, wanted to include another race in the program. Sailboat racing was very popular at WYC 50 years ago, with many WYC boats participating. At that time, Race Chair Ken Crooks approved the addition of the race but noted, "We need a trophy!" The Lane family donated a beautiful half-hull to be used as the CHIMO Race Trophy, with one condition: it could only be awarded to WYC boats. This trophy, which now hangs in the Lookout Room, holds the names of many WYC winners, both past and present.  

 
As the race's popularity grew, boats from other clubs began joining and eventually winning the race. This led to the need for a second CHIMO Trophy for non-WYC boats. Longstanding members Alyce Sandi and Bernice Schindler generously donated this second trophy, which is displayed in the front trophy case as you enter the Club.

 
On September 30th all members will have the unique opportunity to see the START from our Clubhouse. The Chimo Race is the ONLY race to start and finish in the river, right in front of our club.

The first of 4 starts begins at 6:50 pm.

Please make a reservation to ensure you get a prime seat for the all the excitement of the start line!