A BEAUTIFUL SWIFTSURE DAY
Spectators watch the start of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race at Clover Point on a spectacular Saturday, with light winds and sunshine.
A spectacular formation of sailboats set off from the Inner Harbour Saturday in the 74th Swiftsure International Yacht Race.
Crowds watched from the shore and boardwalks as 176 boats and crews started races in light winds and sunshine, with a few spinnakers in sight. Others watched the boats’ progress live online.
Swiftsure chairman Vern Burkhardt said participants had come from all over Canada and the United States. “With men and women of all different levels of experience,” he added. “It’s always a wonderful experience.”
The event began in 1930 as a friendly challenge between yacht clubs in Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle. The tradition continues with an in-shore classic race that lasts several hours and a long course that racers finish by Monday morning at the latest.
The golden-hued teak, fir and oak wood schooner Martha stood out amidst several sleek white and technology-enhanced boats that had docked below the Empress Hotel on the eve of the race.
“She has a great history and heritage,” said captain Robert d’Arcy, aboard with several of his 11-strong crew.
Martha was built 1907 for a commodore at the San Francisco Yacht Club and named after his wife. She was once owned by the actor James Cagney and the aluminum magnate Edgar Kaiser, and underwent a major restoration after being damaged while being transported in the 1970s.
Since the mid-1990s, Martha has been owned and operated by the Schooner Martha Foundation in Port Townsend, Washington. The foundation uses Martha as a teaching tool for restoration and sailing for adults and youth, d’Arcy said.
“But she was designed and built to race. So being here is fulfilling that legacy,” he said.
“I admire the technology of some of the new boats, but on a bigger-picture level, it’s important for us to remember the culture, the past and the art of sailing — and to teach others.”
With strong currents and light winds, D’Arcy expected a more technical race. “It will really be a navigators race to find the best breeze,” he said.
Swiftsure includes lots of mingling and parties for participants as well. On Friday night, several sailors in brass-buttoned blazers and caps were spotted on the harbour. The official kick-off party took place at Distrikt Nightclub with the band Consenting Adults. There was a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and a barbecue at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Oak Bay on Saturday night.
To follow the race online, go to swiftsure.org/race-tracker/.