photo courtesy of wildmanphotography.com


West Vancouver Yacht Club’s


Southern Straits “Patience & Determination”


The tactician & racing strategist, Dr . Stuart Walker Race, courage was a necessity In its 43rd running, the Southern


Straits Race hosted by the West Vancouver Yacht Club, offered just the challenge that all Pacific Northwest sailboat racers have come to expect. Held over Easter Weekend, the race is known for its cold, heavy seas and “dog’s off chains” wind conditions. The Strait of Georgia is the ideal place to hold a multi day distance race, because of its strong weather patterns. Set squarely between Lasqueti Island, Nanaimo and Vancouver,BC; the race this year consisted of three multi leg courses of varying lengths with fleets divided by their PHRF ratings. Divided into seven divisions, 54


sailboats signed up for the Challenge of the Strait; nine of which, made the journey north from the Puget Sound area. Among the Washington boats, Josh Larsen’s Olson 30 Lunch Box signed up 48° NORTH, JUNE 2011 PAGE 54


,


once wrote that racing in light wind requires, above all, courage. For the US and Canadian sailors that took part in this year’


s WVYC Southern Straits .


to race double handed in his division. As one of only three boats planning to race shorthanded, Larsen’s crew was also the youngest over all. As with any distance race, getting enough rest is critical to keep your edge and maintain your boat’s performance. Josh Larsen understood that the race would provide all sorts of mental & physical challenges, but he did not expect the toll that it took on him and his fellow crew member Andrew Nelson. Together they persevered and pushed into the night to complete their short handed race. Getting into a sleep and rest rhythm


while racing a multi-day distance race often proves to be the most trying task. As fatigue sets in overnight, it can be difficult to focus and identify potential tactical advantages. The night race is often the opportunity to win a race. Aboard Kotuku


Graeme Esarey’s Farr 1220, the crew made the strategic call of racing hard during the day and getting into their night rhythm early so that everyone was rested for the following morning. Friday afternoon‘s beat to Ballenas Island took its toll on the long and medium course competitors. The plan to rest shortly after the beat and through the early hours of the night proved affective for Graeme’s crew as they would find themselves in a gybing duel near the finish with Pierre Marten’s J-109 Mojo. Graeme remarked, “the combined challenge of the night race and the quality of his crew’s work made the race very enjoyable.” Aboard Wasabi, Greg Slyngstad’s


Kernan 44, we knew our race would not be an easy one. Our long course fleet consisted of seven exceptionally sailed boats. As we started into a light northerly breeze and a brass band playing ashore, we sought current relief and a consistent wind. With the objective of covering the majority of the fleet, we chose the east shore. A portion of the fleet split with Tim Vogel’s Strum heading west to Vancouver Island, followed closely by Andrew Allan’s Farr 40 Gem. After a long northerly beat toward White Island,


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