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Swiftsure Race 2023

EVENT: Swiftsure International Yacht Race

DATE(S): May 25 to 29th, 2023

SET-UP will take place STARTING Wednesday, May 25 START: 0700 hrs May 26th FINISH: 1800 Hrs May 29th

LOCATION: Victoria Harbour and approaches

Approx. 200 sailing vessels and a number of spectator’s vessels will be departing the Inner Harbour via the vessel traffic lanes commencing at 07:00 thru 12:00 Thursday, May 25th to compete in the annual Swiftsure Yacht Race. The race start line will be off Clover Point and the race finish line will run from Ogden Pt Pier “A” to a marker buoy located off Harrison Island.

No delays to regular traffic are anticipated. TC Harbour Patrol will be on duty during the event and standing by on VHF 18A.

For all your yacht provisioning call our concierge desk at 778-432-0477.   If you’re looking for a  superyacht marina we accept 65′ to 220′ vessels.  Phone or book online to reserve your slip or book the ultimate yacht Rendezvous .

Victoria International Marina 1 Cooperage Place, Victoria, BC V9A 7J9 Ph. + 1 778 432 0477 Email. [email protected]

N 48°25’37.5  W 123°22’56.9

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Published on March 24th, 2022 | by Assoc Editor

Vic-Maui teams prepping for race

Published on March 24th, 2022 by Assoc Editor -->

(March 24, 2022) – This July, fifteen boats will race from Victoria, Canada in the Pacific Northwest to paradise in Lahaina, Maui in the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, a monohull race competed biennially since 1965, this being the 28th running. Throughout the years, almost 550 boats have raced to Maui.

Through intense race preparation, Vic-Maui skippers and crew have bonded this past winter, ensuring their boats meet the requirements in the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, the Notice of Race and appendices.

There are two classes in the race; the Lahaina Class, with more flexible racing requirements, and the Racing Class, with some competitive yachts coming a fair distance to race, such as Doug Baker’s Kernan 68 Peligroso, from Long Beach, California and, from Kaneohe Yacht Club, Gib Black’s Tripp 47 Lurline from Honolulu, Hawaii.

A record-breaking race is always possible – the Elapsed Race Record, set in 2016 by Gavin Brackett’s TP52 Valkyrie is 8 days, 9 hours, 17 minutes, 50 seconds – and there is at least one 2022 challenger gunning to beat this.

Vic-Maui boats will dock in the heart of the historic port city of Victoria, Canada. The race fleet begins arriving July 1. The 2 race starts for the different divisions, will take place near Brotchie Ledge on Victoria’s waterfront, with fine shoreside viewing from Ogden Point Breakwater.

Distinct from many offshore races of typically 600 nautical miles, the 2,308 nautical mile Vic-Maui race is a unique offshore experience, two races in one. The race starts with the challenge of the Juan de Fuca Strait with its fog, strong tidal currents, while avoiding incoming shipping traffic.

Boats then leave Duntze Rock off northern Washington to port, passing Tatoosh Island, then a long reach down the west coast until making a right turn around the North Pacific High, with navigators choosing their “slot” to the trade winds for the final gybe and warm winds, while avoiding approaching the center of the North Pacific High with its light winds centered near 45N; it’s huge, the potential influence may be felt from 30N to 60N.

The 2,308 nautical mile race will test the boats and crew. Shoreside watchers can follow the tracker; a transponder affixed to each boat will report the actual ongoing location and speed, and read the adventures via Daily Reports on the Vic-Maui home page. A daily Roll Call check-in with the Race Committee is done by each boat at a predetermined time.

This is an ORC Category One ocean race where safety requirements are very high, but the requirements don’t dissuade new racers from the challenge. At least two-thirds of the crew, including the Person in Charge, must hold a valid certificate for a World Sailing approved Offshore Personal Survival course. On-board satellite systems have become standard equipment, which also allows boats to maintain a connection to their ‘shore support’ to monitor their crew and boat.

When boats arrive in Lahaina, crew are greeted with leis, kisses from loved ones, a welcome banner, and a party is hosted for their arrival and amazing achievement of sailing to this isolated Pacific island. After the race officially ends on Friday, July 22, a Gala celebration will follow for the racers, with trophies awarded and stories shared, this possibly being the last time the entire fleet will be together.

The Vic-Maui race is co-hosted by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Lahaina Yacht Club and couldn’t take place without the engagement of both clubs and dedicated, skillful volunteers.

All Vic-Maui competitors are winners; it’s a marathon race. Why this race? Vic-Maui is an offshore yacht race, one of the few great challenges and adventures still possible for amateur yachtsmen, with teamwork on a sailboat in the world’s largest and deepest ocean teaching skills carried throughout life. Then they arrive in paradise, as captured in 2018 by Kraken. Competing in Vic-Maui is the pinnacle race for many, and decades of proud stories to share of ‘Challenge, Adventure, Teamwork’.

While it’s too late to enter the 2022 Vic-Maui, if this adventure speaks to you, now’s a perfect time to consider the 2024 Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, as some are already considering and inquiries coming from as far as Europe.

Preliminary race dates: Start dates July 2-8, 2022 Finish Time Limit July 22, 2022 Awards Banquet July 23, 2022

Event Details – FaceBook – Twitter

Source: Event Media

Tags: Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race

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  |   N48 27.2' W123 17.7' |     WEBCAMS

WELCOME TO THE ROYAL VICTORIA YACHT CLUB

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club was founded in June 1892 and is the oldest yacht club in western Canada. Our main clubhouse and marina is located on the protected waters of Cadboro Bay while our Tsehum Haven marina is located near the town of Sidney.

Title & Summary Title

Our club promotes yachting, boating, navigation, seamanship and offers racing events, cruising excursions, moorage, kayak & stand up paddle boards rentals (free of charge), dining, themed events and much more. The Royal Victoria Yacht Club is fun for kids from two to one hundred and two. With more than just a clubhouse facility, we can offer members something to meet every need. For more information on the benefits of becoming a members, application information and frequently asked questions, please click here.

Our club promotes yachting, boating, navigation, seamanship and offers racing events, cruising excursions, moorage, kayaks & stand up paddle board rentals (free of charge), dining, themed events and much more.

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club offers a little something for everyone. More than just a Clubhouse facility, we are a group of like-minded individuals sharing a passion for “messing about in boats.”

For more information on the benefits of becoming a member and application information please  click here.

New Club Hours

Effective July 8th, 2024. Click here to view the hours.

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Click here to view the catalogue.

• Team Information Team Profiles Crew Bank Crew Bank Registration Events & Logistics Shackles & Cotterpins Newsletter Victoria, BC Information Lahaina, Maui Information
• Official Notice Board Official Notice Board Vic-Maui Knowledge Base Ratings & Measurement Mentor Program Qualifying Races Events & Logistics Skippers Forum Race Documents Archives
• Courses Personal Survival Training Introduction Coastal Personal Survival Course Offshore Personal Survival Course Personal Survival Training Introduction (legacy link) Offshore Weather & Routing Seminar Offshore First Aid Course
• Store Online Entry Offshore Preparation Seminar Official Merchandise Send-off Social Waiting Wahine Luncheon Awards Banquet Moorage Bottom Cleaning Diver Tracker Rental for Return Delivery after Vic-Maui ORC Measurement Appointment Booking Safety Consultation Appointment Booking
• Archives Race Information & History Introduction Specific Race Years Results, Winners, Records, Trophies All Years (downloadable information) All Years Trustees, Chairs and Commodores The Boats Photo Gallery Archives Video Gallery Archives Audio Reports and Interviews Daily Position Reports and Tracks Media Coverage
• Media Media Contact Artwork Media Coverage Photo Gallery Video Gallery Shackles & Cotterpins Newsletter

Vic-Maui Overall Winners

Vic-Maui Record Holder

Vic-Maui Line Honours

Trophies Awarded

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** Where any archival information is believed to be incomplete or inaccurate, we welcome submissions to  [email protected]

**  Due to the closure of the Canada US border in 2020 for non-essential travel and the cancelling of Qualifying Races required for competitors, the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race Organizers made the decision to cancel the 2020 race.

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Featured Yacht Profile

Xiomara (2022).

Life is short. When you have a dream, today is the time to make it happen. We are a team with a dream; we will be sailing across the Pacific Ocean straight to paradise. We all have our stories that brought us together on this journey. This adventure is about new friendships, excitement and life achievement. 

 Xiomara is brand new to the world of racing. She was born just before COVID in 2019. She is an X-Yacht 4.3. Xiomara stands for Ready for battle and the Brightest star in the universe. We are ready to shine our way to Maui, skippered by Aidan Walters. Elaine, Glyn, Ian, Isa, Kurt, Scott, Shannon and Steve are all members of the new family of Xiomara.  We will be racing Patos Island, Southern Straights and Swiftsure this season. As part of our journey, we will be raising money for awareness on cancer research in the name of the BC Cancer foundation.  Please donate if you know someone battling with this terrible disease so we can make a difference.

DONATE BC Cancer foundation

Follow us on Instagram on this journey @sailxiomara

And on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/sailxiomara/

Aidan Walters

Elaine Dumoulin

Glyn Walters

Scott Macdonald

Shannon Rae

Steve Colleaux

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Stunning Scenery - Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

Tight TP52 Racing at Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

The two RP66's were locked together all week - Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

Team of the Week - Team Hollywood - Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

Multihull White starting their final race at Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

Best performing North QLD boat - Zoe - Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

Volunteers - Hamilton Island Race Week - Credit - Salty Dingo 2024

39th Edition of Hamilton Island Race Week Comes to a Close

The final day of on water action at Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 pushed all the way to the wire, with match racing finishes pushing right to the end in multiple divisions as placings remained in contention across all divisions.

It was a fitting end to a great Race Week, with the 2000 sailors, 22 volunteers and locals embracing the event in its full scale, from the racing to the on shore community and spirit. 

“The 39th Hamilton Island Race Week has been a fantastic celebration of camaraderie, competition, and our shared love of sailing. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for our 40th milestone—it’s going to be an event to remember!” said Hamilton Island Chief Executive Officer, Pete Brulisauer.

Conditions for the final day of racing left the whole fleet with a smile on their face; 15 knots of building trade winds, the stunning Whitsunday blue water and seriously tight racing. 

The Rating and Hamilton Island Blue Divisions started from Dent Passage, with the remainder of the fleet, including Multihull and Trailable Divisions, starting from Eastern Passage. All divisions completed an island race to Lindeman, with the finish line awash with colour as fleets overlapped on the downwind return via Dent Passage to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

In Rating Division 1, Alive, skippered by Duncan Hine, and Wild Oats X, skippered by Mark Richards, showed their intentions early with fierce match racing in the prestart. The two were looking for the early upper hand with only two points separating them overall. They ended up locked together for the race, with Alive eventually winning out across the line by just 29 seconds, giving them the IRC win as well. The match race gave Wild Thing 100, skippered by Grant Wharrington,  clear air to sail a clean race and lead the division over the line by 20 minutes.

“The week’s been really good, I missed not having my friend Phillip Turner (owner of Alive) with us, we couldn’t have had better racing,” said Duncan Hine, skipper of Rating Division 1 winner Alive.

“This is probably our favourite destination for racing and we come every year if we are here. It is perfect, professional race management and the level of talent in the fleet is quite amazing. The hospitality has to be mentioned as well, we just love coming here,” he finished. 

Rating Division 2 saw a similar battle emerge in the prestart between overall leader Matador, skippered by David Doherty, and Hooligan, skippered by Marcus Blackmore. The match racing between the two saw Zen, skippered by Gordon Ketelbey, take the lead, which they would hold across the line for a second on corrected time. Despite being back in the pack, Matador did enough and held out Hooligan to take the IRC race win and the overall regatta win. Hooligan and Zen secured second and third places respectively.

In Rating Division 3 Ikon, skippered by Bruce McCraken, had already secured the overall IRC win before the day’s racing, but put it beyond doubt with a final win on corrected time in the last race. In the minor placings, Wazza Red Boat and ToyBox2, skippered by Ian Box, finished in second and third, which broke the tie heading into the day and matched the overall results.

Ray Roberts’ Team Hollywood took line honours in the Super 40’s, securing them a perfect scorecard on IRC corrected time, the overall win and “Boat of the Regatta”. Secret Weapon, skippered by Rob Appleyard, secured second place in the last race to move up and take second place from Kukukerchu, skippered by David Ross, in third place on the IRC table.

In the Cape 31 National Championship, Kukukerchu took the honours, with their dropped third place the only time they were out of the top two all week. Taking second place was Game On31, skippered by Julian Newton, with three wins in the last three races pushing them past Sam Haynes’ B4 – Celestial.

Multihull Black saw big changes to the overall standings as drops flipped placings throughout. Drew Carruthers’ Rush Hour took the handicap win in the final race. Zero, skippered by Jeff Dodd came in second, doing enough to take the overall lead and secure the division win. Stuart Cox’s Cut Snake rounded out a consistent week with second overall, with Alba Dash taking third.

Hamilton Island Blue also saw a shuffling of overall results in what has been a tightly contested division all event. Katana, skippered by Brett Cooper took the handicap win for the day, with Oroton Drumfire, skippered by Phillip Neil, and Eureka II, skippered by Mal Robertson, taking second and third. Overall Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Magic Miles took the win, with Gin and Tonic, skippered by Mitch White, in second place. Third was Caol Ila, skippered by Walter Carpenter.

Hamilton Island Yellow saw another tight overall finish with two and a half points between winner Zoe, skippered by Wayne Millar, second placed Kerazy, skippered by Shane McKay, and third placed Carla M, skippered by Mark Michalowsky. As one of the biggest divisions in the fleet, most boats had a high drop, and only ten points separated fourth to twelfth place.

Shearwater, skippered by Peter Barry, won Hamilton Island Orange by a clear margin. Solaire, skippered by Gary Davison was second, with Rampallion, skippered by Geoff Adams, taking third. Also a large division, Orange saw mini battles throughout the week all the way through the table. 

Hamilton Island Pink was won overall by Banter, skippered by Scott Robertson and Stephen Jurd, despite having their lowest score of the regatta in the final race. Second and third place was tied, with L’Esprit, skippered by Rick Rogers and David Stoopman, securing second on a countback from Tim Lewis’ Charm Offensive. 

In Multihull White Tao, skippered by Mick Hodgins, held on to their overnight lead to take the overall win. Vivacious, skippered by Kevin Lord, secured second place. Sea Dragon, skippered by Stephen Leonard, secured third place on a countback from Ralph Norton’s St Arnou. 

The Trailable Yachts division saw the closest top three of the event, with just one point covering first to third. 5 O’Clock Somewhere, skippered by Paul Hawkins, took first place on a countback. Masquerade, skippered by Tom Vujasinovic, was equal points in second place. Third place was secured by Keep on Running, skippered by Gordon Syme, just one point behind in third place.

The Non-Spinnaker division was won by Bigger Day Out, skippered by Remco Pen. Second overall was Catcha Star, skippered by Jim Holroyd who moved up from their overnight position. Third place was secured by Sea Change, skippered by Clive Saunders. The results are a reflection of the varied yachts making up the division, with a wide range of scores across the week. 

The 39th Hamilton Island Race Week was a fantastic celebration of sailing in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Next year promises to be even better as the event celebrates its 40th edition.

Full Results

All details relating to Hamilton Island Race Week 2024 are on  the website . 

@hamiltonislandraceweek @hamiltonisland 

Nic Douglass – Sailing Content Manager HIRW | 0402 454 885 |  [email protected]

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Day Done: A Letter From Race Boss

Let’s start with the facts. Forty-four teams started with dreams of glory and sea spray, fears of the rugged places, and pedaling-induced injuries. Of those, 32 aimed for the whole enchilada: the 750-mile gut-punch to Ketchikan. And to start the thing off, the Proving Ground didn’t disappoint. A perfect blend of (almost) Coast Guard-free waters…

Continue Reading Day Done: A Letter From Race Boss

Stage 2, Day 19: Spirit of X

Upon the news of the final finish, a sad foghorn was heard somewhere north of Bella Bella as the Grim Sweeper gave up its chase. Yesterday, two incredible solo teams etched their names into the R2AK annals with finishes that exemplified tenacity. Ohad of Team Spirit of Nevetz, on his XCAT (which received its share…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 19: Spirit of X

Stage 2, Day 18: Hold Your Breath

The good folks of Bella Bella are advised to keep off the water as the Grim Sweeper passes through sometime this afternoon. Team Outtaspace arrived in Ketchikan last night at the precise hour of “We’re not tired; you’re tired.” The trio of Caleb (son), Carlin (mom), and Olin (other guy), hit the finish line with…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 18: Hold Your Breath

Stage 2, Day 17: Whaling in the Rain

The Grim Sweeper will pass near Port Hardy around noon today. We hear it’s been blasting Norwegian Black Metal on its unholy sound system. Day 17 of R2AK 2024, and the race continues. Yesterday, Team Victory Oar Duff rowed their way into Ketchikan, grabbing the 22nd finishing spot with a time of 16 days, 10…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 17: Whaling in the Rain

Stage 2, Day 16: Talking To Ourselves, a Wood Stove Finish

From the depths of the R2Archives, we present a Daily Update written in 2018, updated for modern times. (Hey, you’ve read Siddhartha a half dozen times, perhaps you may not have squeezed all the juice out of our written words.) — We’re keeping busy, thanks for asking. The following is an excerpt from a fictitious…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 16: Talking To Ourselves, a Wood Stove Finish

Stage 2, Day 15: Metal on Metal, Mid-channel Napping

Grim Sweeper Update: By noon today (June 27), the nasty fumes of the GS will reach Comox. Yesterday in Ketchikan was the first 24-hour stretch with no racer arrivals since Team Malolo rolled into town. The lull sent everybody’s minds and tracker screens back down the course to check in on the five remaining teams:…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 15: Metal on Metal, Mid-channel Napping

Stage 2, Day 14: SLAM Takeover

Greetings, race viewers and tracker fans! Brianna, from Team Sail Like A Mother, here for a friendly Daily Update takeover. We thought you might like to see a snapshot of the finish line from a racer’s perspective. First, let’s set the scene: the home stretch. Racers have been crammed together aboard a small vessel for…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 14: SLAM Takeover

Stage 2, Day 13:  City of Fish and the Glory of 19th

Ketchikan.  The city where “done” lives isn’t just a place; it’s a whole freakin’ vibe. Equal parts Wild West and Disney Funland, it’s a town where summers are measured in numbers of tourists (1.5 million a year), pounds of salmon candied (a bunch), First Nation totem poles (over 80), and amount of rain—measured in feet…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 13:  City of Fish and the Glory of 19th

Stage 2, Day 12: Sun-Squinting; Soloing an Oval

R2AK and the Pacific Crest Trail are two grueling endurance events where ambition defies comfort, and participants trade soft beds for whatever flat surface they can find. Both start with a spark of inspiration, a mess of logistics, and the struggle to fit big dreams into small lives. Gear is bought, plans are shuffled, and…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 12: Sun-Squinting; Soloing an Oval

Stage 2, Day 11: Phantom whispers of the Grim Sweeper, eau de Ketchikan and some magic.

Halfway point, folks. The moment where some next level magic happens, or the gremlins in the gears start dancing. It’s at this point minds begin to wander back to the start in Port Townsend, even as their eyes stay glued to the Ketchikan finish line. Sitting somewhere in a dark corner, perhaps an old woodshed…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 11: Phantom whispers of the Grim Sweeper, eau de Ketchikan and some magic.

Stage 2, day 10: Racing because of things; Dynamite Required.

[record scratch] Here on Day 10, the sequitur-less stylings of the masked scrivener of R2AK must give way to my far less metaphorically-driven reportage. Notice a shift: less meandering BS, more facts. And maybe a couple hundred fewer words. —Race Boss [resume play] The happenings on day nine of this Alaska Race provide a punctuative…

Continue Reading Stage 2, day 10: Racing because of things; Dynamite Required.

Stage 2, Day 9: The Kids, the Stench, and the Comfort

Like the difference in the water between calms and storms, R2AK can be drastically different experiences—even in the same year, even in teams finishing close to one another. Day Eight’s finish line proved a study in stark contrasts. We can’t make this stuff up.  The Kids. In the three hours between 06:00 and 09:00 local…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 9: The Kids, the Stench, and the Comfort

Stage 2, Day 8: French, Non-disasters, the Danger of Strangers, and We Use All the Words

The finish line was active for roughly the last 36 hours between Team Stranger Danger’s Day 6 finish and the early morning finishes of the High School Armada. (They got in too late to make the press deadline, more on them tomorrow.)  Working backward from time of arrival, here are the rest:  Day 7, 22:43,…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 8: French, Non-disasters, the Danger of Strangers, and We Use All the Words

Stage 2, Day 7: Cash, Knives, and Two Buckets of Nothing

Hey, you with the screen.  Before you plunge brains deep into this latest update, think about this: this update and this race, are created by a team of Top Ramen and coffee-fueled humans who work long into the night to keep the racers safe and the story factory churning. There’s no paywall because we love…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 7: Cash, Knives, and Two Buckets of Nothing

Stage 2, Day 6: Third Time’s a Charm for an Overnight Success 9 Years in the Making.

The world of media coverage needs things simple. Life is complicated. Depending on how you tilt your head, today’s top story was both. After somewhere between five days and nine years of hard-fought effort, Team Malolo crossed the line and rang in their rightful place in the annals of R2AK.  It would be easy to…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 6: Third Time’s a Charm for an Overnight Success 9 Years in the Making.

Stage 2, Day 5: Just Live in Liquid Suspense

It’s a big day for the Santa’s elves in Race to Alaska’s High Command. In all likelihood, today is the day when the tidal wave of racer energy washes onto Ketchikan shores and the first teams cross the finish line, ring the bell, and flop exhausted into the warm embrace of the 49th’s first city.…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 5: Just Live in Liquid Suspense

Stage 2, Day 4: More Biking–Now with Rain

Either this is the most wind-starved Race to Alaska in recent memory or we’re suffering from early onset whatever it’s called.  Seriously though, it’s like the wind was cut off because we forgot to pay the bill. Not a great look for a race that bills itself as “the most hardcore, go if you dare,…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 4: More Biking–Now with Rain

Stage 2, day 3: Seymour yawned, everyone finds their race, Team Barely Heumann allegedly sang karaoke.

By all accounts Seymour Narrows is one of the few made guys in the R2AK mafia. There’s never been enough evidence to convict, but Seymour has a well earned reputation as a tidal maelstrom with a rap sheet a mile long that includes massive whirlpools that suck under humans and small boats alike. When all…

Continue Reading Stage 2, day 3: Seymour yawned, everyone finds their race, Team Barely Heumann allegedly sang karaoke.

Stage 2, Day 2: The bikiest sailing race on the planet

Not that we had a solid bid to begin with, but whatever chance there was for the Race to Alaska to be inducted into the Society of Normal Sailing Races may just have been destroyed during the course of Day 2. Our inside source said that given the heavy weather and safe resolution of the…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 2: The bikiest sailing race on the planet

Stage 2, Day 1: Race Start, washing underwear in the sink, and somebody licks a Ouija Board. 

If you were to have invented, patented, then produced a new geiger counter that measured the levels of nervous energy instead of radiation, then deploy that device on the docks in Victoria for the 24-hours between noon on Tuesday and noon on Wednesday at least two things would be true: You would have spent a…

Continue Reading Stage 2, Day 1: Race Start, washing underwear in the sink, and somebody licks a Ouija Board. 

Stage 1, Day 2: The Little Ones Make It (Mostly), Thinly Veiled Plagiarism, and Human-Powered Suppositories.

Race to Alaska is a lot of things, but it’s at least a race. Yes to Alaska, but first prove you can get to Victoria.  To get there, you need to cross the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We’re public school graduates here at Race Command, but we all agree that in addition to being…

Continue Reading Stage 1, Day 2: The Little Ones Make It (Mostly), Thinly Veiled Plagiarism, and Human-Powered Suppositories.

Stage 1, Day 1: Start, Gales, and the Right Turn to Nowhere

If you haven’t been, if you weren’t there, the Port Townsend start of the Race to Alaska is as magic a moment of early morning ridiculous as you could possibly imagine.  3 AM wake up? Ridiculous.  The thousand-fan community lining the docks in predawn camaraderie? Ridiculous.  The Unexpected Brass Band that shows up like clockwork…

Continue Reading Stage 1, Day 1: Start, Gales, and the Right Turn to Nowhere

Pre-Race Update: Ruckus? You Hardly Know Us.

Mic check, testing, one two, one two. (*Ahem*) Welcome to Race Day, you gender-non-specific and glorious bastards of the R2AK. Time to dust off the dopamine receptors, set your decoder rings to 11, and rise and frigging grind—it’s June and there’s a Ketchikan to catch.  It’s been a while: 364 agonizing sleeps since the last…

Continue Reading Pre-Race Update: Ruckus? You Hardly Know Us.

Big R2AK News: Now With Less More.

Dear adventure artists, tracker hounds, dreamers of terrifying dreams, As you know, we, the cobblers’ children of Race to Alaska, pride ourselves on delivering an experience that’s as unpredictable as Johnstone Strait winds and makes failure but a tasty appetizer to triumph.  With that spirit in mind, we’re announcing the next evolution of our beloved…

Continue Reading Big R2AK News: Now With Less More.

@RACETOALASKA

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Dragon boat racers embrace the rain

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A rainy Saturday morning was no deterrent to the participants of the Vancouver Island International Dragon Boat Festival, with one team from Vancouver even claiming that it was a performance enhancer.

“Honestly, we wanted to keep the rain going. I felt like we had a bit of an edge,” said Mauro Moya of DZ Dragon Hybrids. “It kind of gives us a +2 advantage in our stats.”

Erik Ages, the festival’s race director and longtime general manager at the paddling club, said most of the teams are well-versed with paddling in the rain. “Rain never bothers dragon boaters, paddlers in general. It’s just a fact of life.”

“It was raining, but the conditions were perfect for racing,” he said. “The tides were gracious today.”

The last racers of the day had to deal with a westerly wind perpendicular to the course, but that was no problem for the experienced paddlers, Ages said.

It’s the second year that the Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival has run its pentathlon format, where racers have to compete in a medley of different races to determine the weekend’s overall champions.

Ages said the festival’s offering is akin to a flight of wine where paddlers can get a taste of everything that they’ve trained for over the dragon boating season.

Sunday’s 1,500 metre-races are expected to be particularly exciting with lots of teams passing each other, Ages said. “It’s seeded so the fastest teams are in the back, so no matter what happens, they will pass.”

Will Slater, captain of the VIP Navy Dragon Anchors, said Sunday’s 1,500 metre race offering will require more thinking than some of the shorter races, as the steersperson will have to plan out the racecourse turns well in advance.

“It is very strategic,” he said. “If you’re in a turn before somebody has got past your stern, then they can’t pass you during the turn. [They] would have to back off a bit.”

The Navy Dragon Anchors, which are made up of active-duty and retired military members, CFB Esquimalt employees and their family members, practice often on the Gorge.

Asked if there was a home advantage for Victoria-based teams, Slater said it likely will depend more on how the lanes are assigned for the races.

Moya said his team, which was optimized to perform well in the Saturday’s shorter races, will likely suffer in Sunday’s endurance entries.

“Tomorrow, you’re going to see a team that’s going to pause every two minutes, take a breather and then it’s going go again,” he said to laughs from his team. “We’re going to do that five times until we finish. So it’s going to be quite a race tomorrow.”

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