05/25/2026
In the summer of 1977, three sailors from Bedford Basin Yacht Club did something extraordinary.
Glen Dexter, Andreas Josenhans, and Sandy MacMillan travelled to Hanko, Norway to compete in the World Soling Championships. They were racing against 180 boats from 19 nations , the best Soling sailors on the planet.
Their results across seven races: 15, 4, 16, 1, 3, 13, 3. After discarding their worst finish they won with a margin of 59 points to 73 for second place.
They came home to a reception at BBYC. Premier Gerald Regan was there on behalf of all Nova Scotians to congratulate them. The Chronicle-Herald covered it.
Three years later in 1980 they did it again, winning the World Soling Championships a second time in Ponce, Puerto Rico. In 1981 all three were inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
Bedford Basin. World champions. Twice.
Did you watch them race, or know any of these sailors personally? Tell us about it in the comments.
Based on "Fast by Design" by Ex-Commodore James R. O'Hagan.
