Hundreds of boats from all across B.C. and the Pacific coast lined up to take part in the 73rd annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race.
The race started at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
Although the morning breeze was favourable for sailing, conditions are expected to ease-up.
“I don’t think there will be race records broken. Conditions are good but maybe not record breaking,” Swiftsure emcee Ralph Lapp told CTV News.
The race consists of five different courses - the longest being the Swiftsure Lightship Classic at 256 kilometres.
“It’s very competitive. Boats from all over the Pacific Northwest compete to take the honour of racing in each of their divisions,” Swiftsure emcee Heather Seaman said. “Although there’s no monetary stakes, there are trophies and bragging rights.”
The event brings in more than 1,000 boaters and crew as well as thousands of spectators – many from the U.S.
“This is the premier yacht race in the Pacific Northwest. It attracts a lot of American sailors. I’ll make a rough estimate, about 40 per cent of the yachts and sailors came here from the U.S. to compete in this race,” Lapp noted.
The Canadian Forces from Comox Valley also attended the event on Saturday to perform a search and rescue demonstration.
The boats will cross the finish line throughout the day Sunday. The best place to see that is at Ogden Point.
“There’s really no race that gives me a bigger thrill than Swiftsure. It’s epic,” Lapp added.
