Quickly Away, Then OOMPH!

by Race Committee, July 4th, 2014

The six boats that started on July 3rd quickly worked their way out of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, turning the corner at Cape Flattery in daylight - a great run. But a wall of calm has beset them - and we are not talking yoga. With wind of 3 to 6 kts from various directions, nobody is getting closer to Maui very quickly. Except Losloper - the sole boat in Cruising Division. They can use their engine to power past the calms to head for better wind. And that is what they've done, staying closer to the Washington coastline and trying to find stronger winds off Oregon. 

Meanwhile Avalon, Bedlam II, Passepartout, Turnagain and Turicum are all probably fishing for tuna and having a great dinner.

The second start is set for Saturday morning with the faster boats looking to close the 2 day headstart quickly. But will the wind gods be any more favourable?? Stay tuned. 

The Race Tracker is live - you can follow the fleet from the comfort of home - see www.vicmaui.org. 

A Happy Fourth of July to our American boats! 

Featured Sponsor - Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority was established in 2002 to act as an advocate and steward for Victoria's beautiful harbour. We are passionate about the power of the harbour to act as a catalyst for Victoria to fulfill its destiny as having one of the most outstanding harbours in the world.

The GVHA is proud to sponsor marine-based festivals and events on its properties for all to enjoy. We envision a harbour where people live, learn, work, and play; a spectacular gateway into Victoria's past and into its future, monumental in look and feel, linking communities and all people together.

Website: http://www.victoriaharbour.org/

See more Vic-Maui Sponsors at the end of this newsletter. 

Vic-Maui Awards Banquet

The Vic-Maui Awards Banquet is the closing event of the Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, co-hosted by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Lahaina Yacht Club. The Awards Banquet will be held Saturday July 26, 2014, starting at 5:30 pm. 

As of June 20, the Awards Banquet venue has been changed to the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.  The capacity of the event has been increased, the wait list has been cleared, and ticket sales have resumed. 

Click Here for Awards Banquet Information and Ticket Purchase

Vic-Maui Official Merchandise

Online sales of Vic-Maui Official Merchandise were launched in April.  Orders are shipping!  Select your Vic-Maui team gear from a wide range of products including T-shirts and polo shirts, hats and burgees, fleeces and jackets, waterproof gear bags.  Team gear can be customized with the boat's name. We also have in-person shopping for select items at the LYC Ship's Store on Front Street in Lahaina. 

Click Here for Vic-Maui Official Merchandise

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Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race

The Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race is hosted by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Lahaina Yacht Club.  First contested in 1965 and sailed every second year since 1968, Vic-Maui is the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest ocean racing. Vic-Maui starts in July off Victoria, British Columbia and finishes near Lahaina, Maui, a distance of approximately 2308 nautical miles.  

Vic-Maui challenges navigators to demonstrate their weather routing and navigational skills. Success depends on the navigator’s skill in predicting where the Pacific High pressure zone and trade winds will be, nearly a week into the future.  

The adventure includes sailing around the Pacific High and surfing downwind in the trades. The days pass quickly with the fleet surrounded by dolphins and albatross, spectacular sunrises, sunsets and brilliant starlit nights.  

Teamwork gets the boats to the finish line near Lahaina, where each arriving boat is greeted with an outstanding Hawaiian welcoming party. Family and friends meet the racers to celebrate the accomplishment with hugs, leis and mai-tais. Many crew stay to spend more time enjoying Maui with their families before heading home.

Visit www.vicmaui.org for Challenge - Adventure - Teamwork!

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Vic-Maui Sponsors

Hosts

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club • Lahaina Yacht Club

Gold

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority • Navis Marine Insurance • Pacific Yachting • Westerly Yachts

Silver

Azaris Studios • CSR Marine • First Yacht Services • North Sails • Signature Yachts

Supporters

Mount Gay Rum • Hester Creek • Whistler Brewing

Tremewen Art • Kingwell Island Art • Serendipity Maui • West Maui Sail & Canvas • Trilogy Excursions

Victoria Preferred Accommodations

Harbour Towers Hotel • Hotel Grand Pacific • Sandman • Strathcona Hotel

Maui Preferred Accommodations

Aston Kaanapali Shores • Outrigger Hotels and Resorts • Pioneer Inn • Sheraton Maui

 Vic-Maui Qualifying Races

Southern Straits • Oregon Offshore • Swiftsure • Van Isle 360

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