THE SWIFTSURE
begin today, Saturday, May 28
The Swiftsure International Yacht Race is always a great weekend to watch and track the boats online.
Photos courtesy Gary Woodburn
The Swiftsure Race is named because the Swiftsure Bank is the furthest point of the race. The HMS Swiftsure was a Royal Navy boat of the 1870 - 1908 period, however, the earliest ship of that name was was involved in action against the Spanish Armada in 1588!
The first recorded sailboat racing in the Victoria area took place in the late 1850's between boats of the Royal Navy and the early colonists. By 1930 six boats competed in the race from Cadboro Bay at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, and around the entrance to the Juan de Fuca Strait.
Nowadays, there are 4 races, the longest being the Swiftsure Lightship Classic. The weather today is mild, but of course the sailors are hoping for "good winds". There is great challenges to these races and for all of us who enjoying sailing it's a wonderful annual weekend event.
Good Luck to all entrants!
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