14 Comments
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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Wow! Just wow.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Right?

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Julie Gammack's avatar

This is an amazing story, Phoebe.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Thank you for reading and commenting, Jules.

I'm following US/Canada sailor updates carefully.

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Chris Siebrasse's avatar

American here. Americans claiming Canadians as overreacting are ostriches with their heads under the sand, giving proof they have no idea what crimes are being committed against humanity in America’s name. These acts will damage our reputation for years to come. Canada is correct in not trusting us.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Chris, Thank you for reading and sharing your perspective.

It's hard to get this quote out of my head: "As a Canadian it is f**ing surreal to acknowledge that the United States is no longer our ally and friend.”

Reporting the story below nearly two months ago illustrated for me the depth of hurt.

https://phoebewallhoward.substack.com/p/my-neighbors-fly-a-canadian-flag

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Cara Uyl's avatar

There is no place in the world that is free from the impact of politics, including sailing… in international waters. Makes you wonder if this will become Canadian policy in all international waters.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

You ask a compelling question. At the end of the day, it's not a government policy but a sailing policy for race organizers. That's the key. The decision reflects concern for personal safety. So people criticizing sailors for being honest about how they actually feel during these uncertain times only salts the wound.

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Cara Uyl's avatar

Okay, so there is no possibility that government could “close down” Canadian waters similar to 2020 due to it being associated with closing the border entirely?

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Gregg Wilczynski's avatar

Had to happen!

Good Thursday morning sports fans!

I too have sailed however in bays or harbor areas where 13’ Banshees belong. BUT, I’ve never met a sailor who wasn’t kool, friendly and void of politics! To read the most recent International sailboat ruling, as you have succinctly written, is a F’ing shame. It’s amazing how one misplaced person can interfere with very positive activities where politics should never infringe. As a (once) proud American, (as the Big 8’s Byron MacGregor narrated) friend of our northern neighbor, please accept my apologies, although I had nothing to do with it other than live here.

This is Ms. Howard’s FIRST less than fun. inspirational, heart warming stories AND hopefully the last… please!

Gregg Wilczynski

PEACE

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

I enjoy covering all aspects of sailing.

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Dan Roeske, PhD's avatar

This tariff war with our Canadian friends is really getting out of hand.

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Phoebe Wall Howard's avatar

Thank you for reading, commenting. It's a situation worth monitoring.

Anyone who sails on the Great Lakes is aware of a border patrol presence. Border patrol/ICE fall under US Homeland Security, which has made headlines for increasingly unorthodox activity. Anyone who lives in a border city or state understands the nuances of discomfort.

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Bruce Hubble's avatar

I blame Trudeau.

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