Over eighty yachts and hundreds of sailors are participating in the Annual Southern Straits yacht race (now in its 48th year) in the Salish Sea, during the weekend. On Friday morning, the race started from West Vancouver’s Dundarave Pier, and the very first racers would cross the end-line early on Saturday morning — if the weather and wind cooperates.
Southern Straits starts the yacht race season in Vancouver-Seattle area, and features 3 course lengths, arraying from 98 to 138 NM. Kelsey said that this year is also kind of special for them, because they have the HMCS Oriole racing in the race.
At 95, the Royal Canadian Navy’s oldest yacht is participating in the medium-length race. Even though HMCS Oriole fell way behind the pack quickly early in the race, yet if the wind is strong, she would do quite well, believes Kelsey. Teflord said that she has 102 feet and a little bit heavy. Therefore, it takes a bit to get her going.