The Van Isle 360 is a biennial (odd year), 580 nm. point to point race circumnavigating wild and rugged Vancouver Island, B.C. Sailed in a series of legs the course provides inshore, offshore and overnight legs through some of the most stunning and challenging waters on the planet. Now in its 20th year the race will reach Port Hardy on Wednesday, June 5th. During the lead up to this event we will be posting information about the competitors.
Meet the next round of competitors:
When we first acquired Fortuna direct from the factory, the plan was to just cruise. Funny how a race develops whenever two boats meet up, and so we entered the realm of racing. Smith Island was our first race, where we learned a lot! Oregon Offshore was next to get a feel for offshore legs, and now we are focused on getting Fotuna ready for Van Isle by stream lining for a crew of six. We are looking forward to the adventure.
The Fortuna
Sail #: 62
Skipper: David De Lanoy
Province/State: Washington
Yacht Club: Sloop Tavern Yacht Club
Type: C&C 115
Designer: Jackett
Builder: C&C
ORC GPH: Working on it – about 595ish
LOA: 11.5m
Beam: 3.654m
Draft: 2.052m
This will be the first Van Isle for Freja and her team. We are looking forward to the event to provide a test of our preparations for offshore events.
The Freja
Sail #: USA 2
Skipper: Jonathan Cruse
Province/State: Washington
Yacht Club: Sloop Tavern Yacht Club
Type: Aerodyne 43
Designer: R. Martin
Builder: Aerodyne Marine
ORC GPH: In the works (estimated 549ish)
LOA: 13.027m
Beam: 4.304m
Draft: 2.454m
This will be the first Van Isle for the skipper and Crew of Galmegi. We know she knows the way around the Island having won her division in 2013, and wish Jeremy and his crew all the best.
The Galmegi.
Sail #: 69307
Skipper: Jeremy Hale
Province/State: British Columbia
Yacht Club: Vancouver Rowing Club
Type: Ross 930
Designer: Ross
Builder: Hopwood Yachts
ORC GPH: 617.8
LOA: 9.290m
Beam: 2.810m
Draft: 2.078m
One of 4 TP52’s competing in the Van Isle 360, Glory will join MIST, Smoke and Sonic on the start line. John has been racing boats in the Pacific North West for over half a century.
The Glory.
Sail #: 88008
Skipper: John Buchan
Province/State: Washington
Yacht Club: Seattle Yacht Club
Type: TP52
Designer: Judel/Vrolijk
Builder: Goetz
ORC GPH: 447.4
LOA: 15.850m
Beam: 4.440m
Draft: 3.191m
Goldcrest is one of two CS 36 Sailboats operated by the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Fleet School Pacific. Her mission is to provide Sail Training Opportunities to summer students and students waiting for formal trades training. Goldcrest was commissioned 3 May 1985 and has served the West Coast since. She has participated in many prominent races in the Pacific Northwest throughout the years
In 2018 she was joined by her sister ship Tuna which was recently transferred from the East.
She is the second RCN ship to hold the name Goldcrest. The first was the sailing sloop Dontaff which was transferred to the RCN as a war prize from the German Navy after the Second World War.
The Goldcrest.
Sail #: KC2355
Skipper: Kevin Greenwood
Province/State British Columbia – Actually Canada
Yacht Club: Canadian Forces Sailing Association, Esquimalt
Type: CS 36
Designer: Raymond Wall
Builder: Canadian Sailcraft
ORC GPH: Currently underway (estimated at 670ish)
LOA: 11.125m
Beam: 3.505m
Draft: 1.890m
Having purchased Gusto less than 2 years ago, we decided to forgo a Vancouver Island circumnavigation cruising adventure for the 2018 Pac Cup, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Now in 2019 we look forward to racing around Vancouver Island, perhaps making a few notes for a return cruise.
The Gusto.
Sail #: 44119
Skipper: Holm Albrecht/Beth Miller
Province/State: Washington
Yacht Club: Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle
Type: Swan 441
Designer: Ron Holland
Builder: Nautor Swan
ORC GPH: Working on it (625ish estimated)
Length: 13.520m
Beam: 4.060m
Draft: 1.980m