In a community named after the wind, the 麻豆社国产Open Annual Regatta doesn鈥檛 disappoint, says its race organizer.
This year marks a big milestone for one of the best kept secrets in the Pacific Northwest, Scott Shaw-MacLaren said. In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the three day racing event in Howe Sound, the 麻豆社国产Yacht Club partnered with the 麻豆社国产Arts Council (SAC) to create one big bash: the Squamish
Wind Festival.聽
It all kicks off with the nine-nautical-mile Inflow Race from Porteau Cove to Squamish.聽
The race guarantees some fast-paced action, Shaw-MacLaren said. In 2010, sailors zipped downwind among gusts of up to 35 knots. That year, 麻豆社国产yacht Red Heather took line honours, just as her spinnaker exploded at the finish line, he noted. Vancouver yacht, Mischief, holds the record on the course, completing it in 49 minutes in 2011, with an average speed of 11 knots.
鈥淭here is no other race like it in British Columbia: a downwind spinnaker sprint in sunshine, building breeze and flat water to finish in front of a big crowd cheering you on,鈥� Shaw-MacLaren added.
Once berthed, racers will be welcomed to town with a concert in Pavilion Park, featuring jazz-funk band The Boom Booms. The party will include food from New York-style food trucks and a dedicated Wind Fest beer crafted by Howe Sound Brewing Company.
Approximately 35 yachts are set to hit the start line for the Distance Race on Saturday, July 26. Competitors can choose either a short (18 nautical miles) or a long (24 nautical miles) course, with the turning mark being the Defense Islands. Last year, an uncommon lack of wind delayed the race by 90 minutes. But by the afternoon the Sound filled in with gusts of 25 knots.聽
鈥淭he SOAR Distance race is a favourite of racers as it features consistent winds, currents and lots of passing opportunities. It is also a scored distance event in the BMW VARC Championship series,鈥� Shaw-MacLaren said.聽
On shore, the wind festival will continue with a water and wind sports gear swap from 8 to 10 a.m., followed by an expo highlighting wind and water activities and paddle sport demonstrations in the Mamquam Blind Channel.聽
Sunday starts with the Hangover Race to Porteau Cove. By 2 p.m. kiteboarders will be joining the action with a Big Air Competition at the 麻豆社国产Spit.
鈥淪OAR has always been a weekend of non-stop action and entertainment for its participants in one of the most beautiful venues in North America; now with the expanded family friendly festival you can expect it to be like nothing else you have experienced here on the West Coast,鈥� Shaw-MacLaren said.聽
Shaw-MacLaren expects to see the West Vancouver Yacht Club鈥檚 members out in force, defending last year鈥檚 clean sweep of Division 1. Bruce Chan鈥檚 65 Red Roses snagged the top spot, followed by Peter Salusbury鈥檚 Longboard and Kirk
Leslie鈥檚 Prowler.聽
Division 2 was dominated by Gord Shannon and the Melges 24, Honey Bucket. The boat cranked up speeds of more than 16 knots, with the team securing a four-minute lead on the fleet.聽
Shaw-MacLaren will be on the waters on Natural High to reclaim Division 3鈥檚 top spot. Last year, his crew edged out Kitsilano Yacht Club鈥檚 Andy Allan by just 18 seconds, after Allan鈥檚 kite ripped just a few hundred yards from the finish line.聽
鈥淪ailboat racing in 麻豆社国产is both challenging and exciting with the gusty winds and variable currents, but that just adds to the satisfaction of pushing the team and improving,鈥� Shaw-MacLaren said.聽
