Bella J is more than just a sailing team. We are united by our love for the ocean, our passion for performance and our commitment to developing a welcoming program for sailors.
From the rugged coastline of Eastern Canada, we proudly represent our region on the international stage in our J/133 — standing as one of few East Coast Canadian teams competing at the highest level of offshore racing. Our team of passionate young sailors have had the opportunity to compete in renowned races such as the Newport to Bermuda, RORC Caribbean 600, Antigua to Bermuda Race, and Marblehead to Halifax Race. These opportunities are rare for young sailors, especially from our area. We hope to continue performing in offshore races for years to come, and plan to participate in Newport to Bermuda, RORC Caribbean 600, Rolex Fastnet and Rolex Middle Sea Race in the near future. We're committed to keeping offshore events accessible for our team, despite the considerable cost associated for the crew.
Despite the generosity of the owner in preparing the boat, each major event costs the crew between $1000-$3000 each to participate. These costs come from flights, accommodations, race registration, fuel, berthing – just to name a few! The Bella J Team is also committed to providing equal opportunity for females in this male dominated sport. With nearly 40% female representation in our offshore team, including a female co-skipper, we believe in equality as well as equal responsibility. Additionally, our inshore team always maintains a minimum 50% female participation in all events.
Our inshore program provides incredible opportunities for new sailors and development of the next generation by facilitating the transition from dinghy to keelboat racing. Over the past three years, our team has helped twelve young athletes transition from dinghy racing to keelboat racing. We believe this is an integral transition to maintain an active and competitive keelboat racing scene in our region. Our inshore team participates in local Nova Scotia events such as Chester Race Week, as well as international events including Heineken Race Week and Antigua Sailing Week.
Your donation will not only support our team's pursuit of excellence in offshore sailing but also contribute to fostering a more inclusive and diverse sailing community for the next generation. Together, let's empower the future of our sport!