Dark clouds, rain and strong winds got the 2022 BMQ Lasqueti Island Regatta off to a spinnaker start on Saturdary, June 4.
The 33rd annual regatta, organized by the Schooner Cove Yacht Club in Nanoose Bay, featured 23 boats from seven B.C. yacht clubs who tackled one of the most spectacular and challenging courses in the Vancouver Island Racing Series.
With three divisions starting from outside Fairwinds Marina, 110-plus skippers and crew set a course clockwise around Lasqueti Island.
It was a skipper’s race from start to finish as moderate southeast winds at the start gradually grew to 30 knots up the west side of Lasqueti Island.
Faster boats beat the tide change and managed to finish late afternoon, while others were challenged by the tide and periods of less wind. After 41 nautical miles (nm), the fastest boats were back at the dock just after 3 p.m. and most boats were back at the dock by 7 p.m.
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The overall winner, that took home the Windsor Plywood Cup, was Jack Rabbit, skippered by Colin Nichols from the Canadian Forces Sailing Association.
The winner of Division One was Dream Chaser, skippered by Greg Keel of Nanaimo Yacht Club. Jack Rabbit, skippered by Colin Nichols of CFSA placed second, with Blue Shift, skippered by Ron Turner, Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club, placing third.
The Division Two winner was Duet, skippered by Bob Skinner from CFSA, with Pitoraq, skippered by Graham Heath, CSFA, placing second and SPUD, skippered by John Collins, from Schooner Cove Yacht Club, placing third.
The Division Three (Cruising Division) winner was Kemre, skippered by James Robinson of Comox, with Katana, skippered by Wade Major, Campbell River Yacht Club, placing second. Starlight Express, skippered by Tim Rann, Schooner Cove Yacht Club, placed third.
Line Honours went to Jack Rabbit, skippered by Colin Nichols, CFSA.
The best Overall performance by a Schooner Cove Yacht Club member and recipient of the Fairwinds Cup, was Starlight Express, skippered by Tim Rann.
“Our club was excited to host the 2022 BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta as our racing community returns to post-COVID activity,” said John Collins, this year’s regatta chair. We were also pleased to see a growing Cruising Division for sailors who have broader sailing interests but love the challenge of a race. We wish to thank all the skippers and crew who braved the elements this year but found the race both exhilarating and fun and plan to return next year.
Collins also expressed a tremendous thank you to the 35 sponsors and prize donors, particularly the presenting sponsor, BMW Nanaimo, major sponsors Windsor Plywood, and UK Sails, who all contributed to the success of the event. He also lauded the club volunteers who organized the pre-race events, served hundreds of meals, participated in the planning, promotion and details. The club thanked Fairwinds Marina and Seascape Restaurant, and staff, for their cooperation and support in the use of their facilities for the weekend.
For a full list of results and information about the regatta, go to https://scyc.ca/bmw- lasqueti-island-regatta/
The 34th Annual BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta will be held June 2-4, 2023.
— NEWS Staff