What’s New for Swiftsure 2015?
Swiftsure Sponsors
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
MEDIA SPONSORS
New Long Course – Hein Bank Race
This 118.1 nautical mile race is open to all PHRF and IRC handicapped monohull yachts. It is a fourth “Long Course” option for racing in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
The course goes from a starting line at Clover Point, leaving a mark at Neah Bay to port, leaving to port the ODAS 46088 (located about 5 nautical miles bearing approximately 2380 M from Hein Bank), and crossing a finish line across the Victoria Harbour (at Ogden Point Breakwater). See the Notice of Race for the Four Long Courses and the Safety Equipment Requirements for Monohulls on Swiftsure’s website under Race Info.
New Location for Swiftsure Centre
In previous years Swiftsure Centre was located in a large tent on Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It is being re-located to the Steamship Grill and Bar located on the south side of the Victoria Inner Harbour (on Belleville Street across from the Parliament Buildings). This is the location for skippers to check in and pick up their skippers’ package, and where the Swiftsure party will occur on Thursday May 21 and Friday May 22. The Swiftsure party will be complete with beer, rum, wine, and bands playing from 2000 to 2300. At the new Swiftsure Centre racers, their friends and relatives, and the public will be able to escape from the music volume if they wish to have a more relaxed atmosphere.
Combined Skippers’ Meeting
For the past several races there were separate skippers’ meeting for the Long Courses and for the Swiftsure Inshore Classic. They are being combined and will occur at The Distrikt (previously called Club 9ONE9) in the Strathcona Hotel starting at 1600 on May 22nd. The Trophies presentation for the winners of the three Long Courses in 2014 will take place starting at 1500 at The Distrikt.
Pre-ordering of Swiftsure Garments
Beginning in mid-April some beautiful Stormtech garments can be pre-ordered for pick up during Swiftsure week in Victoria or for shipment directly to an identified address. The Swiftsure logo can be embroidered on the left chest, and a beautiful design of the US and Canadian ensign can be embroidered on the sleeve – and your embroidered boat name can be added.
The choices will be available in men’s and women’s sizes and multiple colour choices. Garment options will include:
Piranha performance polo shirts IPS-4, IPS-4W
Phoenix fleece pullovers PL-2, PL-2W
Traverse microfleece vests VFV-1, VFV-1W
Hybrid fleece softshell jackets SFJ-2, SFJ-2W
Cruise Softshell Waterproof/Breathable jackets XSJ-1, XSJ-1W
Swiftsure Lapel Pin
Cloisonné Domed Lapel Pins using black, gold, blue, and white colours will be available for purchase at the Concierge desk in Swiftsure Centre. The supply is limited.
Maui Jim Sunglasses for Sale at Swiftsure Centre
Seldom seen in western Canada – a full Maui Jim Sunglasses sales booth at a sailing regatta.
Swiftsure is proud to have IRIS The Visual Group as a sponsor with the widest selection of Maui Jim Sunglasses.
Buffet Breakfast for Racers at Steamship Grill Saturday from 6:30 AM
Skippers may pre-purchase breakfast tickets online when registering to race, or racers and their family and friends may purchase tickets at Swiftsure’s Concierge Desk on May 21st and May 22nd. The available food will be scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit and hash browns plus Starbucks Coffee.
Battle Flag for 1st Overall in the 2014 Swiftsure Lightship Classic
UK Sails have produced a Swiftsure Battle Flag for presentation to the 1st Overall 2014 Winner of the Lightship Classic race, which will be presented at The Distrikt in Strathcona Hotel on Friday, May 23rd at the Trophy Presentation beginning at 1500. And a battle flag will be given to the winner of the 2015 Swiftsure Lightship Classic.
Sperry Gold Cup shoes for women – and men, too
Sperry shoes, including a pair of men’s Gold Cup and a pair of the newly created Gold Cup for women will be included in Swiftsure’s Silent Auction on Friday May 22nd at the Swiftsure Centre and at the Silent Auction following the Swiftsure Inshore Classic on Saturday May 23rd at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
Food served with Drinks at Swiftsure Centre
Great West Coast finger food and simple meals will be produced by Steamship Grill for racers, family, and friends while they share drinks and stories on May 21st and 22nd.
Swiftsure Safety & Technical Night held March 18th
If you missed this presentation by 3 of the most talented sailors and racers around, some materials are available online.
Tidal Currents during Swiftsure
Dr. Richard Dewey has provided updated currents analysis for the race period – study these to get a competitive edge. These charts show the projected currents for each hour and cover all of the race area in the Strait of Juan de Fuca plus the race area for the Swiftsure Inshore Classic course.
Race Key Dates
A short summary of dates, times and locations of events race skippers need to know.
RETURNING AFTER A SUCCESSFUL 2014:
Ship Point Market
2014 was the first time the Night Market on Ship Point was in place during Swiftsure. It will return for 2015 – Friday, May 22nd from noon and all day Saturday.
Spinnakers Swiftsure India Session Ale 
Sold out in 2014, Spinnakers Swiftsure India Session Ale is back plus more for 2015.
Captain Jack Sparrow and Scarlett
On the afternoon of Friday, May 22nd Captain Jack Sparrow and his wench Scarlett will swash some buckles with repartee and maybe even some swordplay.
Romance Package for Two
Courtesy of Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort & Spa, a Romance Package of 2 nights plus champagne and chocolate-dipped strawberries for Swiftsure’s Silent Auction on June 4th at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
Maui Jim Sunglasses and IRIS The Visual Group $100 Gift Certificates
Swiftsure’s Silent Auction on Friday May 22nd will present renowned Maui Jim Sunglasses and gift certificates for IRIS the Visual Group toward any of their products.
Preferred Accommodation Partners
Accommodation with Swiftsure’s 2015 Preferred Accommodation Partners is limited and reservations are coming in now. Take a look and book soon.
Swiftsure’s Crew Bank
Talented and skillful yacht racers are available through Swiftsure’s Crew Bank. Fill in the contact form and racer will contact you – they are keen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Always relevant and updated regularly are those key questions Swiftsure hears often, with answers – at your fingertips.
Community Events
For family and friends of Swiftsure, check out the Swiftsure events and locations to experience the race shoreside.