Heritage Harbour Classic 2

Last Sunday was the second annual Heritage Harbour Classic sailing race – 8 boats from our harbour took part, and the light winds proved to be quite a challenge!  Half the fleet made two rounds of the course, with ERN taking the honours, followed by last year’s winner, Winsome III, with Button Swan hot on her tail!  Ragna also made it round twice.

The fleet was increased from last year’s 5 participants, and it was great to have a mix of boats – Oarlock & Sail’s two 12’ers, Ragna and Button Swan, the mid-size boats Odin, Sylvester, and Adios, a lovely Nordic Folkboat new to Heritage Harbour this summer.  The big boats were ERN, Winsome III, and Moonbeam.

Off the start, Ragna took an early lead, but once Button Swan got underway in the light air, the race was on!

After a 5 minute head start, the 3 midsize boats took chase.

And after another 20 minutes or so, the big boats were set loose.

The light wind proved ideal for Button Swan, who was first around the opening lap of the course, and was far in the lead as she rounded the red buoy!  However, the breeze picked up slightly for the next lap, and ERN and Winsome III took advantage of that, overtaking the little boat handily on the upwind leg, despite her best attempts at fighting them off.

The home stretch was easily won by ERN, but it was a close race between 2nd and 3rd place, as the wind died off again, letting Button Swan get very close to catching Winsome III as they crossed the line.

It was great fun to be out on the water with this bunch of boats, meeting the challenge of light wind and strong current, spurring each other on in friendly competition!

The BBQ on the dock afterward was much enjoyed by the sailors, spectators, and friends from the Maritime Museum, False Creek Ferries, and the False Creek e-Tours!  Thanks to Bourton and his lovely tug boat Ella McKenzie for keeping the racers company on the water, and giving some spectators a close-up view of the event – and apparently, the snacks and refreshments were a big hit.  Thanks also to Joost, Bourton, Valerie, and others who provided photos – much appreciated.  And HUGE thanks to Sheila and Bruce for organizing the event and providing and cooking the salmon and veggie burgers and toppings!  The day was a great success, and a whole lot of fun!