Vic-Maui Yacht Race
A 2308 nautical mile offshore yacht race from Victoria to Maui
The Vic-Maui yacht race sails every two years. Participants can race in two distinct classes and enjoy world-class water.
Starting with only four boats in 1965, the Royal Vancouver and Lahaina Yacht Clubs have sponsored an ocean yacht race from Victoria, British Columbia to Maui, Hawaii. The two yacht clubs sponsor the race every two years and planning is currently underway for the 2008 sailing event. This event features two of the most picturesque marinas found on the Pacific Ocean. The parties thrown by both clubs at each end of the race are memorable.
Seventeen vessels crewed by 130 men and women participated in the 2308 nautical mile to Maui in 2006. Boats vary in size from 35 to 72 feet in length and can take from 9 to 16 days to finish the race. Voodoo Child, skippered by Brian Duchin of Tacoma, Washington took line honors, finishing after 13 days at sea. Grand Illusion of the Lahaina Yacht Club is the current race record holder, completing the course in nine days, two hours and eight minutes during the 2000 race. A video diary from the 53-foot S/V JAM highlights some of the excitement found in the 2004 edition of the race.
Two classes of vessels will compete in the 2008 race allowing both serious racers and recreational boaters a chance to participate. The cruising class start is scheduled for June 21, 2008 and the racing class on June 23, 2008. Sponsors will publish the notice of race in February 2007 and entry deadline will be January 15, 2008. Sponsors are celebrating 2008 as the fortieth anniversary of the Pacific Ocean race.
Commercial sponsors for the upcoming race in 2008 include IMB Canada, AGF Investments, Pacific Yachting Magazine, Grand Pacific Hotel, HUB International, OCENS WeatherNet, Spinnakers Brewpub, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Reboot Consulting, Precious Yacht Charters, and News1130 Radio. Those businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Betty-Ann Thomson for more details.
Race announcements will be posted the Vic-Maui event webpage and here at Boating and Sailing. Interested sailors can signup for the race newsletter, Shackles & Cotterpins, delivered via e-mail. Specific questions concerning the Vic-Maui race can be addressed to Paddy Thomson.
