Organizers of Pacific Northwest Offshore (formerly the Oregon Offshore) have announced that the 2021 race is on and scheduled for June 10-13.

48° North was encouraged to hear the news that CYC Portland and Schooner Creek Boat Works have found a workaround to the closed border, and will run the 2021 Pacific Northwest Offshore Race from Ilwaco, Washington to Port Angeles, Washington (as opposed to its traditional finish in Victoria, British Columbia). The race has conventionally been a feeder for the Swiftsure race (canceled for 2021) but is also a qualifier for Vic-Maui and the Van Isle 360. It absolutely ranks among the best ways for Pacific Northwest sailors to try their hands at real offshore racing.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: These dates have changed from what the organizers told 48° North for the SARC. The printed document cannot change, but our digital calendar will be adjusted to reflect these dates. The new dates are now the correct dates.

Here’s the announcement from race organizers:

CYC Portland and Schooner Creek Boat Works Announces the 2021 Pacific Northwest Offshore is On!!

June 10-13 2021 from Ilwaco, WA to Port Angeles, WA

With 2020 now in the rear view mirror and with title sponsorship by Schooner Creek Boat Works, the Corinthian Yacht Club of Portland is committed to hold the PNW Offshore this coming summer. We made our decision with deep respect for the challenges faced by every one of us this past year, but with an optimism that by the time set for the race in mid-June precautions and restrictions will allow us to proceed safely for skippers and crew.

So, LET’S GO RACING! We will gather for the start in our host city, Ilwaco, Washington and everyone there is eager to finally have a chance to put on a welcome for the fleet. We will then race 193 rated miles from the Columbia River to the finish line near Port Angeles where we will be hosted by the Port Angeles Yacht Club and welcomed by The City of Port Angeles. The Port Angeles marina has space for us and is eager to have us visit.

The Notice of Race (NOR) will be published shortly, and we will be opening registration at the end of January. So let’s start getting ready. This is going to be a great race and a lot of fun, not to mention the start of a return to offshore racing in the Pacific Northwest.

The elephant in the room is how realistic it is that we can actually hold the race. All we can say is that the CYC Board and all the volunteers are intensely committed to finding a way to make this race happen. We have every intention of providing routine and complete information to competitors as to our progress and to notify them of any changes that would require boats to make adjustments to their preparations including conditions that might lead to cancellation. We intend to include in both the NOR and SI clear provisions relating to cancellation and the refunding of fees. That’s the best we can do for now given the changing Covid landscape.

But, as we said above – LET’S GO RACING! Here’s to seeing you in Ilwaco in June!

cycportland.org/