2023 Swiftsure International Yacht Race sets sail

The Swiftsure International Yacht Race sets sail Saturday, marking the event’s 78th year.

This year 119 yachts registered to participate in the event.

Officials say today’s forecast is making for some ideal conditions, with full gales blowing in by the afternoon — setting the stage for a quick race.

Still, the event is slated to run into the night and early morning Sunday.

The event is made up of 5 courses, each with their own length. The Lightship Classic, which is the longest and oldest course in the race, will have participants travel a distance of 256 kilometres, starting and finishing in Victoria.

The event is considered an international race due to the mid-point markers being in American waters.

For complete results of each race, head to the official website at www.swiftsure.org, where each ship can be seen in real-time.

PREVIOUS YEAR: Skippers return to waters off Vancouver Island for 77th Swiftsure International Yacht Race

Courtesy of James Ferguson

Editorial Policies Report an Error