Race Courses
The nature of the course and the notoriously unpredictable winds and currents provide an exacting test of seamanship. Swiftsure consists of nine races over four courses (tabulated below) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, including the Rosedale Rock (formally "Sookesure") and "Classics" races. Therefore, it offers wide appeal to the experienced amateur sailor who takes pride in his or her boat, big or small. In some years, light winds led to the race being dubbed the "Driftsure;" in other years, like 1971, 1979, and 2012, strong winds (up to 35 knots) have led to many boats dropping out or being dismasted.
| Race name | Midpoint marker | Total distance (km) | First year run |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightship Classic | Swiftsure Bank lightship | 257 | 1930 |
| Juan de Fuca Race | Clallum Bay | 148 | 1962 |
| Cape Flattery Race | Neah Bay | 191 | 1988 |
| Short course | Pedder Bay | 33 | 2004 |
Read more about this topic: Swiftsure Yacht Race
Famous quotes containing the words race and/or courses:
“... a full notecase,
Dull Bodley, draught beer, and dark blue,
And most often losing the Boat Race ...”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
“However, our fates at least are social. Our courses do not diverge; but as the web of destiny is woven it is fulled, and we are cast more and more into the centre. Men naturally, though feebly, seek this alliance, and their actions faintly foretell it.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)