Pacific Westcoast annual Swiftsure regatta: a handicap race, Davids versus Goliaths. The little
guy ($2,000 boat) versus the multi-million dollar ones will have a chance in
this popular international regatta. The
Swiftsure race began in 1850 when the Royal Navy challenged early colonists
here at Juan de Fuca Strait. But the race really took off in the late 1930’s. Three
yacht clubs (Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle) challenged each other for a race. There were 45 sailboats entered. Now it has
morphed into 190-plus sailboats.
Swiftsure flotilla with Olympic Mountain range in background
There are five different
races, to avoid clogging the space.
Map showing the various race courses
We’re fortunate to be living here in James
Bay, a neighbourhood village in Victoria, BC.
Not only live here but from our rental apartment we have an unobstructed
view of the Olympic Mountain range of Washington State. Marine traffic is almost nonstop. The beautiful Inner Harbour will be the centre
point of on shore festivities, designed around this event. Food stalls, hawkers, musicians, even tents
for relaxation. All will make sure that
the “human family” is entertained.
Spinnakers 'blowing in the Wind'
We leave the port and starboard tacking and gybing, sailing against the wind,
and numerous other manoeuvres, to those able mariners. On our part, we
will sit on comfy wicker chairs on our porch watching those colourful sails
glide by. This is our annual contribution to the Swiftsure regatta. This time,
however, the entry on this Blog is new. Swiftsure race is the
longest on the west coast for all types of sailboats. Entries are from Hawaii,
New Zealand, California, Washington, Oregon and elsewhere. All this adds to the international flair. The
crews are not only local, but come from anywhere in the world. Some races are
half a day or one day.
Battling the currents too
Others, like the
250 km Swiftsure Lightship Classic to Cape Flattery, bring in the boats late
Sunday night or even the early hours Monday morning. Night sailing demands
extra training for mental and physical preparations. They are a must. There’s not only fatigue and other challenges
to battle, but also correct navigating the winds and currents, not to speak of
hitting a rock. The skipper sees to it
that each crew member has enough rest.
Colourful sails gliding by our abode
The winners get trophies. There is
no prize money. Like we said, the little
guy will have a chance against the big fellow.
For such is the nature and rule of a handicap race. If you wish to follow the regatta live, hereis the link: Enjoy!
Henri van Bentum
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