Swiftsure brings boatloads of fun
Sailors, sailboats and sailboat lovers can look ahead to a weekend of colourful spinnakers and fun during the 76th Swiftsure International Yacht Race.
Beginning today and continuing Friday, boat lovers are welcome to stroll the docks of the Inner Harbour to peek at some of the sleek racing yachts.
During the day, volunteer Swiftsure ambassadors will answer questions and maybe even make an introduction to a yacht sailor.
On race day, Saturday at 8 a.m., head to Clover Point for a pancake breakfast served by the Central Saanich Lions. Clover Point and Dallas Road are great viewing spots for anyone looking for sails.
The starting line for the Swiftsure races will be from a red flag on Clover Point out to HMCS Edmonton at anchor in the Strait.
Edmonton’s gun will sound the official start of the races, beginning at 9 a.m. with the Juan de Fuca event. Race starts continue every 10 minutes: • 9:10 a.m. — Cape Flattery • 9:20 a.m. — Cape Flattery and Juan de Fuca for multi-hulls • 9:30 a.m. — Swiftsure Lightship and Hein Bank • 9:40 a.m. — Inshore Classic, flying sails • 9:50 a.m. — Inshore Classic, cruisers
Afterwards, weather permitting, RCAF 442 Squadron, the Canadian Coast Guard and members of the volunteer Canadian Marine Search and Rescue will conduct a demonstration over the water.
The finish line is from Ogden Point Breakwater over to the west side of the harbour in Esquimalt.
First finishers are expected to be the speedy multi-hulls, which could arrive before midnight on Saturday.
Mono-hulls are expected to begin arriving in the early hours of Sunday. All racers must be finished by 6 a.m. on Monday, the official close of Swiftsure.
Follow the long-course racers, all of which carry GPS transmitters, at swiftsure.org.