2026 Southern Straits Race on Strum

Name: 2026 Southern Straits Race on Strum
Start: 2026-04-03T10:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-04-06T01:00:00-07:00
Location: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (Official)

Schedule

Fri, 03 Apr, 2026 at 10:00 am to Mon, 06 Apr, 2026 at 01:00 am

UTC-07:00

Location

Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (Official) | Vancouver, BC

This Event is for potential crew on the Riptide50 Strum for the Good Friday, April 03 2026 WVYC Southern Straits Race. Apply within.
ABOUT STRAITS
The April 03-05, 2026 WVYC 56th Southern Straits race will be Strum’s 2nd race of the season (after the Mar28 VARC Opener, which will be our “practice race”).
Strum's ORC Div-0 (APH≤615.0) will race the Sisters Islets Course (100 nm) of,
West Van, Dunderave start,
Sisters Islets (to port),
Ballenas (to port),
Virtual Finish Line.
See below for,
Crew Schedule
Event NOR/SIs
Event Registration
Event Schedule
ABOUT STRUM
With substantial refits in 2022, 2023 & 2024, Strum is ready to battle this iconic PNW sailing event near her home port. This will be Strum's 10th Straits Race (previously racing 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2023 & 2024) & Strum skipper's 35th Straits Race (on such boats as Dream Machine, Mad Max, Karma, Renegade, Mach II & Strum). Strum’s all time top speed of +30 knots was during the 2011 Straits storm. The 2025 event saw most of Strum's Core-Crew race on the Andrews77 Mach II in preparation for the 2025 TransPac Race (LA-Oahu) which Strum skipper crewed on. 2026 will be the first Straits Race with our new North 3Di square-top mainsail, replacing the original Quantum fat-head main destroyed during the 2023 Southern Straits race storm.
Strum's 2026 ORC is 463.5
Strum's 2026 PHRF-BC is -77
ABOUT VARC
Southern Straits is a VARC (Vancouver Area Racing Council) Distance event in the new (for 2026) VARC-Spring Series. Strum will be racing in ORC Division-0 for the Sisters Islets Long Course of 100nm. Strum skipper is the 2026 VARC.bc.ca Div-0 Rep.
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CREW (CALL)
If you or someone you know is interested in racing on Strum for the Southern Straits Race, look no further.
Select GOING if you can commit, confirmed crew will appear below.
Select INTERESTED if you cannot commit, and we will contact you if needed.
As always, Core-Crew have priority. This event is mandatory for Strum’s Core-Crew, which leaves room for a few more sailors. Crew preference is given to those with a valid Safety At Sea certificate, who can help prepare Strum for this event. There will be a crew dinner the night before (at WVYC or skippers home, TBD) and free room & board for all out of town crew. Please sign up for a spot ASAP before all are confirmed.
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CREW (CONFIRMED)**
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Reto Corfu (CANBC2623)*
3. Matt Humer*
4. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)*
5. Michael Mkwelele*
6. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*?
7. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
8. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
9. Kris Vogel*
10. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
11.
REGULAR CREW NOT RACING
1. Calvin Goldschmidt (overseas)
*Core-Crew
**Subject To Change
SAS=Valid Safety At Sea # (7/10=70%)
Room & board available to out-of-town crew (AM). Strum will registered when mainsheet free & 10 crew confirmed. Thursday $35 WVYC dinner/skippers meeting.
CREW (FACEBOOK RESPONSES)
GOING (8)
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Reto Corfu (CANBC2623)*
3. Matt Humer*
4. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)*
5. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
6. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
7. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
8. Riptide50 Strum (Host)
9.
10.
INTERESTED (1)
Charlotte Silverman (away?)
CORE-CREW NOT RACING
Calving Goldschmidt (overseas)
NO FB REPLY (3)
Michael Mkwelele*
Carl Mulherin*
Kris Vogel*
*Confirmed Crew
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CREW (SAILING GEAR)
WHILE RACING, last names
A-M gear in PQB, inboard
N-Z gear in SQB, inboard
AT ALL TIMES, to be closed & secured.
Gear to be hung up or in your bag/quarter berth. Orphaned gear will be moved to same side quarter berth.
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CREW (WATCH)
Watch A (A-I)
1. Peter Bodifee
2. Reto Corfu (co-skipper)
3. Matt Humer
Watch B (J-R)
1. Adam Macdonald (WC)
2. Michael Mkwelele
3. Carl Mulherin
Watch C (S-Z)
1. Steve Small
2. Zach Thompson
3. Kris Vogel
4. Randy Vogel (skipper)
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CREW (WATCH ROTATION)
Watch rotation starts after 8pm sunset. 2 hour rotations, starting with A down.
FRIDAY
1000h START
1000-1200h ALL HANDS
1200-1400h ALL HANDS
1400-1600h Watch A (optional)
1600-1800h Watch B (optional)
1800-2000h Watch C (optional)
2000-2200h Watch A (Last name A-I)
2200-0000h Watch B (Last name J-R)
SATURDAY
0000-0200h Watch C (Last name S-Z)
0200-0400h A
0400-0600h B
0600-0800h C
0800-1000h A*
1000-1200h B
1200-1400h C
1400-1600h A
1600-1800h B
1800-2000h C
2000-2200 A
2200-2400 B
SUNDAY
2400-0200 C (0030h Time Limit)
*Expected Finish
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EVENT
WVYC SOUTHER STRAITS
Fri Apr03/26
2026 WVYC Official Notice Board (ONB)
https://theclubspot.com/regatta/s0LES7S2b0
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EVENT (DOCUMENTATION)
ENTRY LIST (SISTERS ISLETS 100nm)
https://theclubspot.com/regatta/s0LES7S2b0
NOR/SIs
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/cRUokycVgIbl_2026ClassicER-v1.1-February-4-2026.pdf
SAIL CANADA CAT3
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/KuiKYHIVefxq_SC-Cat-3-2026-Mo3_2026-2027_v1.pdf
SAIL CANADA CAT3 AMENDMENTS
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/xJPtjCFQlKhu_BC-Sailing-Cat3moAmendments2026v3.pdf
SAIL CANADA CAT4
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/tObYQkYBHntB_SC-Cat-4-2026-Mo4_2026-2027_v1.pdf
SAIL CANADA CAT4 AMENDMENTS
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/pllMGJMpkLOY_WVYC-OA-Cat4moAmendments2026v1.pdf
TS APPENDIX (TRAFIC SEPERATION)
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/gQdygEPxKkqs_ER-1.8-2025-2028-Appendix-TS_Traffic-Separation-Schemes_-V4.0_January2025.pdf
RV APPENDIX (REDUCED VISABILITY)
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/uxVPGQqfOdNi_ER-1.7-2025-28_Appendix_RV__Reduced_Visibility_Racing_Rules__v2.0__January_2025.pdf
SAIL CANADA PERSCRIPTION 2025-2028
https://d282wvk2qi4wzk.cloudfront.net/dYiQJxOuxKDD_ER-1.2-Sail-Canada-Prescriptions-to-the-RRS-2025-2028_revfinal.pdf
$29 DINNER TICKETS (APR02 WVYC)
https://theclubspot.com/shop/regatta/s0LES7S2b0/merchandise
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EVENT (HOST CLUB)
West Vancouver Yacht Club
5854 Marine Drive
West Vancouver BC V7W 2S2
Front Desk 604-921-7575
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
WVYC.ca
SouthernStraits.ca
wvyc.ca/on-the-water/racing/southern-straits
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EVENT (NOR/SIs 2026 posted here)
1.5 [DP] All monohull boats on the Sisters Islets and Entrance Island Courses shall comply with Category 3 of the 2026-2027 World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations for Monohulls with Sail Canada Prescriptions (“OSR”) as amended by BC Sailing (See ER 1.5.1). The World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, Extract for Category 3 Monohulls with Sail Canada Prescriptions will be are posted to the ONB once available.
1.5.1 [DP] The BC Sailing Amendments to the Category 3 Monohull OSR document (“BCCat3”) apply. BCCat3 will be are posted on the ONB once available.
1.13 [DP] All boats registered on the Sisters Islets and Entrance Island Courses shall broadcast their posi-
tion via AIS transponder while they are racing.
1.15 [DP] [NP] All boats are required to be equipped with a YB Tracker which is a tracking device supplied
by the Organizing Authority. RRS 56.3 applies.
1.15.1 [DP][NP] The YB Tracker shall be installed on deck, within 5’ of the stern of the boat. It shall be mounted to a stable, secure fixture on the boat, with antennae pointing skyward. It shall not be placed under any cover, instrument, or platform of any material type.
1.15.2 [DP][NP] The person in charge of the boat (see RRS 46) shall ensure that the provided YB position transponder remains properly installed, and must make every effort to ensure it is functional and in operation while racing.
1.15.3 Boats shall return the tracker in working order.
3.2 The race office is located in the Yachting Centre building, west of the West Vancouver Yacht Club
clubhouse.
• Voice phone number: (604) 921-7575
• Text message number: (XXX) XXX-XXXX.
• Email address: [email protected]
3.3 [DP] All boats shall carry at least one VHF radio capable of communicating on channels:
• VHF Channel 11 - VICTORIA Traffic,
• VHF Channel 12 - Vancouver Traffic,
• VHF Channel 16 - Distress/Safety/Coast Guard,
• VHF Channel 71 - COMOX Traffic, and
• VHF Channel 73 - Race Committee.
This radio shall be programmed with a MMSI number registered with their National Authority, provided
to the Organizing Authority at registration. MMSI numbers registered with BoatUS are not allowed as
they are not valid outside of US borders.
3.8 On the water, the Race Committee will make courtesy broadcasts to competitors on VHF channel 73
and text message via Connect Rocket. Failure to receive a radio call or text message shall not be
grounds for a request for redress. This changes RRS 61.1(a).
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15 SCHEDULE OF RACES (2026)
15.1 The first warning signal is scheduled to be displayed at 9:55 Friday April 3, 202. Four start sequences
are scheduled. The start order shall be:
• Halibut Bank Course
• Entrance Island Course
• Sisters Islets Course
• Inshore Course
16 COURSE FLAGS AND DIVISION SPLITS
16.1 Boats may be divided and assigned into rating band divisions. Division splits will be posted on the ONB
by end of day Tuesday, March 31, 2026. All divisions sailing the same course will start together.
16.2 Standard numeral pennants corresponding with assigned Courses will be used by the Race Committee during the starting sequences (as the Class flag/Warning Signal):
a) The Halibut Bank Course will be with numeral pennant 3
b) The Entrance Island Course will be with numeral pennant 2.
c) The Sisters Islets Course will be with numeral pennant 1.
d) The Inshore Course will be with numeral pennant 4.
18.2 The descriptions below also supersede the graphical representations of the Courses as contained on
the Southern Straits website, posters, and other collateral. See ER 28.1 and ER 28.1.1 for Check-in requirements.
Check In Required when YB Tracker not working (YES/NO)*
SISTERS ISLETS COURSE (Distance approximately 100 NM):
1. Start Line, at Dundarave Pier, West Vancouver (YES),
2. Sisters Islets, Port while also passing through the gate described in Addendum D (YES),
3. Ballenas Islands, Port while also passing through the gate described in Addendum D (YES),
4. Virtual Finish (YES)
*When YB Tracker not working (see ER 28.2).
18.5 While an option, the Race Committee does not intend to shorten courses unless due to a lack of wind. See ER 24.3.
19 MARKS
19.1 The Starting marks and Finishing line are described in ER 21 “THE START” and ER 23 “THE FINISH”
respectively.
19.2 Rounding Marks are described in ER 18 “COURSES.”
20 OBSTRUCTIONS
20.1 [NP] The Military Activity area known as “WG” on charts may be declared “active” during the race. A Notice to Competitors will be posted to the ONB prior to 20:00 April 2, 2026 specifying whether this region will be an obstruction during the race.
21 THE START
21.1 The race will be started using RRS 26 with the warning signal made 5 minutes before the starting signal.
21.2 The starting line is between a staff displaying an orange flag on the Signal Vessel at the port end of the
start line and the course side of a staff displaying an orange flag on the Pin Vessel anchored at the
inshore (starboard) end of the start line.
21.5 A boat that does not start within 30 minutes after her starting signal will be scored Did Not Start without a hearing. This changes RRS A5.
22 CHANGE OF THE NEXT LEG OF THE COURSE
22.1 Race Committee does not intend to change legs of the course after the preparatory signal.
23 FINISH
23.1 The finish line near the entrances to English Bay and Howe Sound is shown in Addendum C and the coordinates of each virtual waypoint are:
23.1.1 North end of Finish Line located at 49° 18.0’N 123° 21.6’W
23.1.2 South end of Finish Line located at 49° 17.0’N 123° 21.6’W
23.1.3 While the English Bay Buoy 46304 is approximately located at the North of the virtual finish line, it is not considered an end of the finish line, nor is the Buoy considered part of the finish line. The Buoy is not a mark on the course.
23.2 To Finish the race after Sailing the Course, boats shall record their own Pacific Daylight Time (PST) finish time and position when they cross 123° 21.6’W in an easterly direction, and whether they are taking a Scoring Penalty (see ER 25.1), and if discernible, the names of boats immediately in front and behind at the finish line. The recommended approach for documenting the finish is as follows:
i. A photo of the boat’s GPS chart plotter or position reporting application is also required when crossing123° 21.6’W in an easterly direction, showing time in Pacific Daylight Time (PDST) to the second along with latitude and longitude must be submitted. If the reported time does not include seconds, it shall be assumed to be 59. It is recommended to film a video of the chart plotter dur-
ing the finish and then take a photo of the exact finish from the video.
In the case of an issue with the tracking and/or finishing technology, Race Committee may request the boat to provide evidence of their finish time.
23.4 After a boat has finished, Race Committee may contact the boat via ConnectRocket/Text or VHF to confirm their provisional finish time. The boat shall acknowledge receipt of the provisional time within 60 minutes via ConnectRocket/Text or VHF radio.
Should Race Committee not contact the boat within 30 minutes of finishing the boat shall contact “Straits Race Committee” via Text at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or on VHF radio 73 to confirm their finish time.
23.5 If the Race Committee does not respond after several hails, the vessel shall report her finishing time, and her position in relation to nearby boats and to the Race Committee at the first reasonable opportunity with a phone call, text or email message to the race office (see ER 3.2) not later than 00:35 on Sunday April 5,
2026. A boat failing to do so will be scored DNF without a hearing. This changes RRS 35, A4 and A5.
24 TIME LIMIT(S) AND SHORTENED COURSE
24.1 The time limit for all boats on the Sisters Islets and Entrance Island Courses is 00:30 Sunday April 5, 2026. This changes RRS 35.
28. SAFETY
28.1 [DP] Check-in is mandatory:
a) At the Start Line (via VHF radio 73) as per ER 28.1.1 below.
b) At the Finish Line (by Text at (XXX) XXX-XXXX or VHF radio 73) as per ER 23.4 and ER 23.5.
28.1.1 [DP] All boats SHALL check in with the Race Committee by answering the Roll Call that will take place between 0915 and 0945 hours before the Start of racing, unless delayed due to AP ashore (see ER 14.2).
Race Committee will conduct the Roll Call by Division, starting with Division X and ending with ORC X. Within the Division, Race Committee will hail boats in sail number order.
When a boat’s sail number is called, the boat shall immediately reply with the Boat Name and total number of crew aboard.
At the end of the Roll Call, Race Committee will re-call boats that missed responding. Boats shall NOT reply other than immediately after being called.
Boats will have at least three chances (i.e. one initial and two recalls) to answer their call.
28.2 [DP] Should their YB tracker stop working Race Committee may contact them to require them to check-in at mark roundings consisting of notifying the Race Committee by text message of the boat’s name, sail number and mark name using the device phone number supplied in your registration. The rounding time will be the time at which the boat crosses the Shorten Course line defined in Addendum D when applicable. Due to technical limitations of the logging system, text messages must be initiated from the registered device phone number only. Failure of a boat to check-in may cause the Race Committee to enact its “No Contact” protocol, which begins with attempts to contact the silent boat and may proceed through to escalation to the Coast Guard.
28.3 [DP] A boat that retires from a race shall notify the Race Committee at the first reasonable opportunity
and retain the Communications Confirmation Number provided by Race Committee.
29.6 Boats selected for a post race inspection will receive breakfast tickets for Saturday morning for all
crew.
34.2 For further information please contact us through one of the following:
West Vancouver Yacht Club contact information:
5854 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, BC, V7W 2S2
Tel: 604-921-7575
Email: [email protected]
Southern Straits Chair: Email: [email protected]
Southern Straits Race Office: Email: [email protected]
Southern Straits Safety Team: Email: [email protected]
Southern Straits Registration:
https://theclubspot.com/register/regatta/s0LES7S2b0/class
Email: [email protected]
Official Notice Board:
https://theclubspot.com/regatta/s0LES7S2b0/#notice-board
Event Website:
https://www.wvyc.ca/on-the-water/racing/southern-strait
Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernstraits
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/southernstraits/
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SCHEDULE
SCHEDULE (REGISTRATION)
Jan01 Registration opened
Feb01 Early bird registration closes
Strum not registered yet for
ORC Div-0 Sisters Islet Long Course (100nm)
Must free mainsheet from deck tube
Mar15 Strum confirms racing
Apr01 Registration closed (11:59pm)
SCHEDULE (STRUM)
Jan01 Strum at RVYC Jericho (B3)
Mar07 Mainsheet still stuck in deck tube*
Mar09 Engine service (belts/filters/fluids)
Mar09 New engine starter
Mar14 Sat 12-4 (MH/KV/RV)
Mar15 Sun 12-4 (SS/RV)
Mar21 Sat 12-4 (As/Js/main)
Mar22 Sun 12-4 (clean/galley)
Mar28 VARC Opener (practice sail)
Mar29 Sun 12-4 (lighten ship)
Mar?? Strum safety inspection
Apr01 12-4 (provisions)
Apr02 1800 WVYC Skippers Meeting/$35 Dinner (AM/RV)
Apr03 FRIDAY (Race Day)
0800 Crew on board Strum
0900 ETD for Strum off the dock
0915 Roll Call for all competitors starts
0945 Roll Call for all competitors ends
0955 The first warning signal for the Halibut Bank Race.
NOR 15.1
The first warning signal is scheduled to be displayed at 9:55 Four start sequences are scheduled. The start order shall be:
• Halibut Bank Course (#1 0955)
• Entrance Island Course (#2)
• Sisters Islets Course (#3/Strum) numeral pennant 1 as the Class flag/Warning signal.
• Inshore Course (#4)
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Apr04 SATURDAY
1200 Strum typically finished*
Apr05 0030 Time Limit for all courses.*
*Free room & board for out of town crew
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STRUM
STRUM (RATING ORC)
2025 ORC CERTIFICATE
https://data.orc.org/public/WPub.dll/CC/221878
STRUM (RATING PHRF)
2025 PHRF-BC -77
STRUM (SHORE CONTACT)
Primary Contact, Pam Vogel
[email protected]
c604-307-2300
STRUM (TO-DO)
[ ] Clean, bilge/boards
[ ] Clean, bottom (RM?)
[x] Clean, deck/hull
[x] Clean, engine sump
[ ] Clean, mast/spreaders
[x] Cushions off, bow/mid/seat (17)
[x] Cushions on, nav/QB (6)
[x] Diesel heat (working)
[x] Engine, filters/fluids (Mar09)
[x] Engine, starter (new Mar 2026)
[x] Fusion stereo (working)
[x] Galley, clean/reset
[x] LEDs AAs (new Mar15/26)
[x] LEDs AAAs (new Mar15/26)
[x] Harken BM75mm on (5)
[ ] Harken Diverter (P pit)
[x] Pantry, clean/reset
[ ] Provisions (TBD)
[x] Rating, ORC 2026
[x] Rope, halyards in (race x4)
[ ] Rope, main sheet (deck tube)?
[x] Running rigging (clean/dry/on)
[x] Safety gear (compliant/on)
[x] Sail on, As (A2+4+5)
[x] Sail on, Js (J1+4+JT)
[x] Sail on, Main (M4/on boom)
[x] Sail on Stays (SSG+SSS)
[x] Sail on, Storm (SJ+T)
[x] Sails off, As (A0+3+6)*
[x] Sails off, Js (J2+3RF+3.5R)
[x] Sails pack As (A2+4+5)
[ ] Sails pack/bone Js (J1+4)
[x] Tank, diesel (17%/100%)
[x] Tank, black water (0%)
[x] Tank, fresh water (100%)
[x] Tank, water-maker (0%)
[x] VHF B&G V50 x2 (charged)
[x] VHF iCom M34 (charged)
[x] VHF iCom M37 x2 (charged)
[x] Victron, lithium/system (AOK)
[x] WWG/Tethers (S/M/L/XL x2)
[x] Yeti (P=water/S=beer)
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2026 STRUM SERIES SCORING (DIV-0)
VARC-SPRING SERIES
1. VARC Opener
2. Southern Straits*
3. Halibut Bank
4. Round Bowen
VARC-SUMMER SERIES
5. Summer Regatta
6. English Bay Scramble (EBS)
7. SOAR
VARC-FALL SERIES
8. Salish Sea Regatta
9. Fraser River Light Ship
10. Howe Sound Regatta (HSR)
11. VARC Closer
VIRS=Vancouver Island Racing Series
1. Patos Island
2. Round Saltspring
3. Swiftsure
4. Lasqueti Regatta
5. Sailing In Nanaimo (SIN)
WES=Wednesday Evening Series
May; Apr29, May 6, 13, 20
June; May 27, Jun 3, 10, 17
July; June 24, July 1, 8, 15
August; July 23, 29, Aug 5, 12
Sept; Aug 19, 26, Sep 2, 9.
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STRUM (SCHEDULE 2026)
1. Jan13 House Party (+100 ppl)
Feb01 Core-Crew (declared)
2. Mar21 Patos (VIRS-1/DNC)
3. Mar28 Opener (VARC-Spring)
4. Apr03 Straits (VARC-Spring)*
5. Apr25 Halibut (VARC-Spring)
6. Apr29 Wednesdays (start)
May, Apr29, May 6, 13, 20
June, May 27, Jun 3, 10, 17
July, June 24, July 1, 8, 15
August, July 23, 29, Aug 5, 12
Sept, Aug 19, 26, Sep 2, 9.
7. May02 Dock Party
8. May09 SailPast (Last sailboat)
9. May16 Saltspring (VIRS-2)?
10. May23 Swiftsure (VIRS-3)?
11. May30 Lasqueti (VIRS-4)?
12. Jun06 SIN (VIRS-5)?
13. Jun13 Bowen (VARC-Spring)
14. Jul11 Summer (VARC-Summer)
15. Aug15 EBS (VARC-Summer)
Sep09 Wednesdays (end)
16. Sep11-13 Salish (VARC-Fall)
17. Sep26 HSR (VARC-Fall)
18. Oct03 FRLS (VARC-Fall)
19. Oct04 Closer (VARC-Fall)
20. Nov7-8 Round The County?
*This Event
?Events at risk/low crew
Host club determines date/Div-0 course. Please apply for each Series separately.