Start Sequence Details and Courses

The 2020 Swiftsure International Yacht Race starts are a 9-minute sequence.

The 2020 Start Sequence Details are available here. Also check out this graphic image of the Four Long Courses.

Swiftsure is several races in one event. When registering, choose from the following races:

A. The Four Long Courses
The Swiftsure Lightship Classic (PHRF and ORC handicapped yachts)
• Start to Swiftsure Bank and return to Finish – 138.2 NM
• Open to monohull yachts with a PHRF or ORC rating
• There will NOT be a double-handed division.
Yachts may race under PHRF or ORC handicap and the fleets may be split into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible, it being understood that PHRF and ORC handicapped yachts will compete and be scored as separate classes.  The Race Committee will use PHRF Rating Certificates and ORC Rating Certificates, as applicable.

The Hein Bank Race (ORC handicapped yachts)
• 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 238 degrees M from Hein Bank, and crossing a finish line across the Victoria Harbour – 118.1 NM
• Open to monohull yachts with an ORC rating
• There will NOT be a double-handed division.
Yachts may be split into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible.

The Cape Flattery Race for Monohulls (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• Start to Neah Bay and return to Finish – 101.9 NM
• Open to monohull yachts with a PHRF rating
• Double-handed entries welcome
The fleet will be split into Heavy and Light Classes, and each class may be grouped into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible. The Race Committee will use PHRF measurements as per rating certificates.

The Cape Flattery Race for Multihulls (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• Start to Neah Bay and return to Finish – 101.9 NM
• Open to multihull yachts with a PHRF rating
• There will NOT be double-handed divisions
The fleet will be split into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible. The Race Committee will use PHRF measurements as per rating certificates.

The Juan de Fuca Race for Monohulls (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• Start to Clallam Bay and return to Finish – 78.7 NM
• Open to yachts rating 40 and slower
• Double-handed entries welcome
The fleet will be split into Heavy, Light, and Double-handed Classes and each class may be grouped into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible.  The Race Committee will use PHRF measurements as per rating certificates.

The Juan de Fuca Race for Multihulls (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• Start to Clallam Bay and return to Finish – 78.7 NM
• Open to multihull yachts with a PHRF rating
• There will NOT be double-handed divisions
The fleet will be split into divisions, in order to create the best competition possible. The Race Committee will use PHRF measurements as per rating certificates.

B. Swiftsure Inshore Classic Races for Monohulls
• Racing will be from a starting line at Clover Point and will occur in the vicinity of Juan de Fuca Strait and the Victoria waterfront reaching from William Head to Trial Island, and in the vicinity of Haro Strait, as far easterly as Beaumont Shoal and northerly to D’Arcy Shoals and Zero Rock.
• The course will be determined for each Race after consideration of the weather prediction and tidal currents.
• The finish will be in Cadboro Bay near the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

Flying Sails Race (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• There are no restrictions on handicap ratings

Cruising Flying Sails Race (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• There are no restrictions on handicap ratings

Cruising Non-flying Sails Race (PHRF handicapped yachts)
• There are no restrictions on handicap ratings

C. Race Committee Notices
• The race committee reserves the right to move you to another race if your yacht does not meet the correct criteria for the race. You will be contacted before this occurs.
• Each race will be divided into divisions to create the best competition possible. Your finish position will be calculated for the Race, the Class (where applicable), and the Division.