Pre-1975 entries almost double for 2005
Issue 44: Sept/Oct 2005
SEQUELS AREN’T AS good as originals, so the theory goes. But, this year’s Classics Race sponsored by Good Old Boat — part of the Swiftsure International Yacht Race at Victoria, British Columbia — launched a fleet nearly double that of last year. Over half of last year’s rivals returned to challenge 19 newcomers. A Cal 20 fleet was new for 2005, and the classics divisions comprised 16 different makes of sailboat, ranging in length from 20 to 67 feet. With 90 percent of the 28-boat flotilla finishing the contest, most sailors proclaimed it to be even better than the 2004 inaugural event.
The Swiftsure event includes races with multiple divisions, sailing overnight round trips of 140, 103, or 78 nautical miles to turning points of either Swiftsure Bank, Clallam Bay, or Cape Flattery. Classic pre-1975 sailboats pursued fun and glory around one of two inshore courses. The Cal 20 fleet raced 17 miles, as did higher-rated classics. Lower-rated classics covered 22 miles. The long-distance routes were contested by many other classics that opted to test their endurance and seasickness tolerance. The regatta is run under the auspices of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club and reflects the efforts of 300 volunteers and the generosity of sponsors.
Race day — May 28th, 2005 — dawned to limp flags. Light air stifled the start area, where classics mingled in the 215-boat armada awaiting divisional guns. A problem setting the line delayed the start. Fading breezes made departures painfully slow. Some boats languished for an hour barely past the line, struggling to grab wind rising just out of reach.
Sheltered waters
Later the wind and sea escalated, but the classics were sheltered from 35-knot winds and seas up to 12 feet that pummeled the long-distance courses. Instead, the classics divisions enjoyed 15-knot breeze and fairly flat water, with a brief dose of 20 knots and 4-foot lumps.
“The day was perfect. The course wasn’t challenging. My son and grandson crewed with me, then we met family for pizza,” said Pat Carey (Kismet, Cal 40).
When the spray settled, Dystocia (Cal 2-30, Bob Bentham) repeated as long-course winner; Lifestyle (Paceship 26, Mike Byrnes) won the short course; and Lemon Pie (Cal 20, Ewan Cadger) won the Cal 20 race.
“We got up our kite sooner than the leading boat, caught it by surprise, and passed it to win,” said Bob Bentham.
“We had our pre-race Scotch, then motored until 17 seconds before the 10-minute warning, trying to find wind on the line. The air was tragic — less than 1 knot — and the chop stopped us. We loosened everything to keep it soft,” said Mike Byrnes.
“It was great being in the big-boat starts — even better to be in a day-race and home in bed that night. We loved seeing the old boats, with their beautiful lines. We’re newcomers to the Cal 20 fleet and feel humble to get the trophy. I’m sure they won’t let that happen again next year,” said Ewan Cadger.
Coming back next year is a recurring sentiment among competitors, according to Bob Bentham: “Friendships come out of this event.”
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
