75th SWIFTSURE IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
For 75 years in a row, thousands of Pacific Northwest sailors have participated in a yacht race that started as an overnight sail to round a lightship anchored off the Swiftsure Bank, at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the waterway between Washington State and Vancouver Island. The lightship is long gone, but this historic race continues, growing in size and popularity. Best of all, it’s a race for all kinds of sailors, especially those aboard good old boats. I was at the starting line in Victoria, BC, in 2013 to report on the race for Good Old Boat magazine (a Swiftsure media sponsor). I’ll tell you up front that I’m not a big sailboat racing fan, but I loved the vibe and camaraderie of this event. Read my report here. Registration for the 75th annual race began January 2, and there’s still time for you to enter — you’ll likely love it.—Michael Robertson
