Swiftsure 2025 Recap

Posted on March 1, 2026

As the Royal Victoria Yacht Club prepares to welcome competitors for the 81st running of
the event, a recap of the 2025 edition is in order.


We hope competitors from last year will return to defend their victories, or claw their way
back onto the leaderboard in 2026. We also look forward to welcoming back past
competitors from prior years, and those new to Swiftsure.


Last years numbers (95 boats) were consistent with past trends; we hope to increase
these numbers in 2026.

  • Swiftsure Lightship Classic 7 boats
  • Cape Flatter
  • ORC 37 boats
  • PHRF 11 boats (6 J-105s)
  • Juan de Fuca Monohulls 18 boats
  • Juan de Fuca Multihulls 4 boats
  • Inshore Racing 7 boats
  • Inshore Cruising 11 boats


The Cape Flattery ORC class continues to grow, and with 37 boats spread across four
divisions, providing arguably the most competitive racing. The J 105 fleet may disagree.


Long-Course Results Recap
The SLC once again was a war of attrition. Sir Isaac and Hana Mari hung in for a close
finish on Sunday evening, with the Orcas Island Yacht Club based schooner Sir Isaac
finishing 10 minutes ahead, and correcting out by 26 minutes on the locals.


Cape Flattery ORC ranged from the Reichel Pugh 55 Scatteration to a Hobie 33. After a
light start and park-up at Race Rocks several of the fastest-rating boats called it a day.
The wind filled in shortly, thereafter, making for a classic Swiftsure in a nice moderate
westerly for most Neah Bay boats.


The top three boats were no strangers to the podium; with the always well-sailed Riptide
35 Teramoto on top; followed by the also well sailed J-111 65 Red Roses out of West
Van Yacht Club, and Maelstrom Dan Kaesler’s new Melges 30 from Point Madison in
third.


Cape Flattery PHRF was the J-105 show. Starring: Moose Unknown (1 st ), Panic (2 nd .),
and Jaded (3 rd .)

The Juan de Fuca monohulls saw Peter Dennis, with Star class world-champion Ross
MacDonald doing what he does on Setri, easily sail to victory. Mata Hari and Cherokee
rounded out the top three.


In the small multihull class, the new to the PNW Kelona took first.


For full results, including Inshore see.


Swiftsure International Yacht Race » Swiftsure 2025 Results


Dugald Smith
Swiftsure Principal Race Officer