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From Parking Lot To Full Spinnakers: Swiftsure 2008 Offered It All
by Donna F. Randall From one year to the next, Swiftsure offers up a veritable mixed bag of conditions and, therefore, racing experiences. One year the winds and currents can combine to create a barnburner of a race with both records and gear broken, as was the case in 2007. While another year will see the racing yachts having to be anchored shortly after the start of the race, to avoid their crews finding themselves outside Trial or Discovery Islands – well behind the starting line. This was the case in 2002: the last total “Driftsure”. This year's Swiftsure offered up yet another option: a combination of both these scenarios, with a twist. With the winds light at the starting line but the current in favour of the racers, most yachts got a good or at least reasonable start. The trick, however, was to make it through Race Passage before approximately 1300 hours, when the current became adverse. Although the yachts going to Swiftsure Bank and some going to Neah Bay made it through in time, some struggled and floundered as they neared the passage, many with spinnakers slack and in the water. Once the tide turned, the yachts started to stack up, with 30 to 40 anchored between Albert Head and Race Passage. Race Committee personnel confirm that as late as 1700 hours on Saturday almost 100 yachts were still inside Race Passage, including the few inshore race registrants who didn’t call it quits. But, in the true spirit of sailing, the racers made the best of their unwelcome time at rest by sharing their comments, company, and refreshments, while undoubtedly cussing once or twice at the unexpectedly hot, still, and sunny day. However, a good time was had by most, with one group of young women deciding to take a refreshing dip in the ocean water, and one crew determined not to anchor and, therefore, floating amongst the anchored yachts, and receiving a beverage or two, and a comment or two, while being fended and fending off.
By 1900 to 2000 hours, approximately 50 yachts had withdrawn, with the crews having carefully weighed their options. No doubt, wishing they’d made it through Race Passage, were nearing rounding their marks, or were soon to be heading back to Victoria’s inner harbour, they decided to cut their losses and get back to the harbour to drown their sorrows, either aboard their yachts or at the party in the Bimini. For the racers who persisted, the westerly filled in early in the evening and out further in the Juan de Fuca Strait, making for a good race, including the signature Swiftsure spinnaker ride back in through Race Passage and home. But, once again the weather gods and goddesses couldn’t resist providing a challenge, which is where the twist comes in - proving to be of benefit to some and detrimental to others. Depending upon the timing, this twist of fate saw the yachts screeching to a halt painfully close to Ogden Point, with enough time and space until the finish line for positions to change. Such was the case for Mad Max and Kairos, in the Cape Flattery race, when the change in position saw Kairos earning line honours by finishing 10 minutes head of Mad Max, when Mad Max had been in the lead; but, luckily for Mad Max, her delay in the hole was short lived enough to allow her to correct ahead of Kairos, and still win that race by 18 minutes. Ultimately, it was John Buchan, and his crew aboard Glory, who benefited most by sticking it out during the light air. While there was very little question the Glory might just take line honours in the Swifsture Lightship Classic, her rating of -126 provided a major challenge. As John noted on the Friday of race weekend, “If I can even see another boat, I’m done.” When all was said and done, he and his crew must have been in danger of becoming very lonely on their way home, before catching up with the boats in the shorter races, because win they did, correcting to finish the race by 11 minutes and 18 seconds over Mystic. And, in fact, Glory took the only Triple Crown, being first home, first in class, and first overall in the race to The Bank. Despite, or quite likely because of, the challenges provided this year, most racers vow they’ll return again in 2009, to see what conditions the Swiftsure International Yacht Race has up its sleeves. Donna joined the Swiftsure Publicity & Promotion Committee for the 2003 event, when she helped organize the return of some of the original and now classic yachts for the 60th running of this international yacht race. In 2005, Donna created the NUTs (News Update Team), of which she remains at the helm. Final results can be view at the Race Website ...back to page one of Swiftsure Classis 2008 ...back to 48° North title page. |
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