Swiftsure Yacht Race


The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is the premier long distance sailing race in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia area. Starting and ending in Victoria, BC, Canada, the Swiftsure is international because the midpoint markers for the four long courses are in U.S. waters. Organized by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, the race occurs during the Memorial Day weekend in May with staggered starts on Saturday morning. The race is most popular with sailors from British Columbia and Washington, but it has drawn boats from as far away as California, Hawaii, New Zealand, and even Russia.

Race courses

The nature of the course and the notoriously unpredictable winds and currents provide an exacting test of seamanship. Swiftsure consists of nine races over five courses in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including the Swiftsure Inshore Classic and "Classics" races. Therefore, it offers wide appeal to the professional and experienced amateur sailor who takes pride in his or her boat, big or small. In some years, light winds led to the race being dubbed the "Driftsure;" in other years, like 1971, 1979, and 2012, strong winds led to boats dropping out or even being dismasted.
Race nameMidpoint markerTotal distance First year run
Lightship ClassicSwiftsure Bank2561930
Juan de Fuca RaceClallam Bay1461962
Cape Flattery RaceNeah Bay1891988
Swiftsure Inshore ClassicPedder Bayvaries each year2004
Hein Bank RaceNeah Bay to ODAS buoy 460882192015

History

The first Swiftsure Lightship Classic Race took place in 1930. Six vessels began in Cadboro Bay, raced out the Strait of Juan de Fuca to its mouth, rounded the lightship on Swiftsure Bank, and returned to Victoria. From 1948-1950, the race began in Port Townsend, WA, and ended in Victoria. Beginning in 1951, the current long courses have remained; yachts start in Victoria, race to their rounding mark in the United States, finishing back in Victoria.