Your Complete Guide to Global Yacht Races

Yacht races pit sailing yachts against each other or the clock to race through a course marked out by buoys or over long distances from one location to another. 

Many sailing enthusiasts take up racing not only out of a desire to win but because they enjoy the mental and physical challenge of the sport. 

Yacht races take place all over the world, from hyper-local races organized by yachting clubs to global-scale events watched around the world.

In this article, we’ll discuss the types of yachts used in racing, as well as highlight some of the most famous yacht races around the world.

The History of Yacht Racing

The word “yacht” comes from the Norwegian word “Jagt”, which means “a swift, light vessel of war, commerce or pleasure.”

Formalized boat racing began in Norway in the 17th century, but boats specifically made for racing first emerged in England around 1815, when the Royal Yacht Squadron was established. In 1875, the Yacht Racing Association was formed—this association is credited with writing the standardized yacht racing rules, some of which are still in use today.

These days, World Sailing governs boat racing of all kinds and every four years, they publish a revised edition of The Racing Rules of Sailing.

3 Types of Sailing Yachts

When it comes to yacht racing, there are 3 types of boats that are usually seen: monohulls, catamarans and trimarans.

Monohulls have a traditional hull type – being single-hulled with one or more masts. This type of yacht is stable and able to travel long distances at speed. That said, they can be tricky to handle in tight spaces and may not be able to withstand rough seas as well as other types of yachts.

Catamarans are a newer type of yacht, having first appeared in the late 19th century. They feature two parallel hulls that are connected by a platform or a frame. Catamarans are wider than single-hulled yachts, so they offer better stability in rough waters and are easier to manoeuvre. They also have great cargo and passenger capacity. The downside of a catamaran is that they are slower and less fuel efficient.

Trimarans are a variation on the catamaran, having three hulls instead of two. The outside hulls are smaller than the main hull in the centre, which offers greater stability than the other two yacht types. They’re known to be the fastest of the three yachts, making them a popular choice for racing. That said, they can be hard to handle without the right crew, and they are not as suited to long-distance travel as the other two types

The Top Global Yacht Races

In yacht racing, there are four different categories of competition: 

• Inshore
• Offshore
• Ocean Racing
• Around the World

Below, you’ll find a quick summary of what these categories mean as well as examples of some of the most popular races in each category.

Inshore Yacht Races

Inshore races are short yacht races that occur on open water that is typically only a few kilometres away from shore. These races can take place on a large lake or the ocean, using buoys or other markers to outline the course.

The 3 most popular inshore races include:

• Cowes Week – featuring 40 daily races with up to 1,000 boats. This race takes place every year in August on the Solent Channel, between the Isle of Wight and mainland England.
• The Americas Cup – known informally as the Auld Mug, it’s arguably the most exclusive yacht racing event in the world. Racing yachts must conform to specific requirements and only two yachts participate, the challenger and the defender. The race is held every three to four years and in a different location each time.
• Les Voiles de Saint Tropez – this competition, located in the south of France, unfolds over a week and features over 300 yachts with over 3,500 crew members taking part.

Offshore Yacht Races

Offshore racing is typically of the point-to-point variety, meaning that the racers start at one location and race to another. 

Three of the most popular offshore races include:

• The Sydney-Hobart Race – is an annual race that runs from Sydney, Australia, to Hobart, Tasmania.
• The Tour de France a la Voile – runs parallel to the cycling competition of the same name, covering 1000 miles of the French coast along the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
• The Fastnet YachtRace – covers 600 miles from the Isle of Wight, rounding the southern tip of Ireland and ending up at Plymouth, England.

Ocean Yacht Racing

Yacht races in this category are also of the point-to-point type, except that they often—though not always—cover longer distances than the offshore type of race.

• The South Atlantic Race hosts over 50 participant yachts and covers over 3600 miles from Cape Town, South Africa to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

• The Route du Rhum is a primarily single-handed yacht race that happens every 4 years, covering approximately 3700 miles from the northern tip of France to the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe.
• The Ostar was first held in 1960. It runs from Plymouth, England to Newport, Wales, and covers approximately 3000 miles.

Around the World Yacht Races

As the category name implies, Around the World races cover long distances and are usually completed in segments or legs.

• The Ocean Race began in 1973 and is one of the toughest yacht races. It consists of nine legs and covers over 27,930 miles.
• The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, though no longer running, was still notable. The race was established by the first man to complete a continuous, single-handed circumnavigation: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Participating boats were designed specifically for the race and crewed by a professional skipper and paying novice sailors. 
• The Global Solo Challenge pits participants in a circumnavigation race against the wind and the current. Yachts are specifically designed for the race and are manned by a professional skipper and a crew of novice sailors.

The 4 Main Rules of Yacht Racing

There are many different rules governing the sport of yacht racing, according to The Racing Rules of Sailing, but the four most important are as follows:

• Rule 10: “Boats on a port tack shall keep clear of boats on a starboard tack.”
• Rule 11: “When boats are on the same tack and overlapped, the boat to windward shall keep clear of a leeward boat.”
• Rule 12: “When boats are on the same tack and not overlapped, the boat that is astern shall keep clear of the boat ahead.”
• Rule 13: “When a boat is tacking, it shall keep clear of boats that are not tacking.”

Get Started Locally with Van Isle Marina

Interested in purchasing a vessel? Speak to one of our knowledgeable marina yacht brokers, they’re always happy to help and answer any questions you may have.

If you participate in a local yacht race, why not extend your trip to visit Van Isle Marina? We offer nightly moorage and usage of all our state-of-the-art facilities including showers, laundry, dog wash, fire pit and more! Contact us today for more information.

Your Complete Guide to Whales of the Pacific

One of the great things about living on the West Coast is that we are privy to an amazing diversity of wildlife includes the whales of the Pacific.  

If you are a boater, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve seen seals, dolphins, transient or resident orcas and other whales as you cruise the waters around Vancouver Island. 

While orcas and seals are fairly easy to identify, it isn’t always that easy to know what you are looking at.

This quick guide will help you identify the whales of the Pacific and teach you the do’s and don’ts of interacting with these amazing creatures.

What are the Types of Whales Found in the Pacific?

Along with orcas, dolphins and porpoises, whales belong to the order Cetacea, which consists of completely aquatic mammals. 

There are 8 types of whales found in the Pacific, including:

• Grey whale
• Humpback Whale
• Blue Whale
• Minke Whale
• Sperm Whale
• Short-Finned Pilot Whale
• North-Pacific Right Whale
• Fin Whale

Gray Whale

Gray whales are a species of baleen whale, which means that they have a comb-like plate in their mouth that serves to sift plankton from the water. As a migratory species, the gray whale travels between their breeding grounds in Mexico through the Pacific to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea. They are typically dark gray, mottled with lighter gray. Their throat has 4 deep ridges running backward from the mouth to their short flippers.

Average Length: 44 to 48 feet

Life Span: 50 to 70 years

Status: Protected

Humpback Whale

Humpback whales are a species of baleen whale. Their heads are knobby, they have long pectoral fins and a torpedo-shaped body that is narrow and tapered at both ends. Male humpbacks can produce a song that can last anywhere from 4 to 33 minutes.

Average Length: 46 to 56 feet

Life Span: 45 to 50 years

Status: Endangered

Blue Whale

The blue whale is a species of baleen whale and is the largest mammal to have ever lived. Featuring a torpedo-shaped body, they are blue-gray in colour, with two pectoral fins, a small dorsal fin and a broad tail.

Average Length: 70 to 90 feet

Life Span: 80 to 90 years

Status: Endangered

Minke Whale

The smallest of the baleen whales, the minke resembles a miniature humpback whale, except that their sickle-shaped dorsal fin is much more pronounced.

Average Length: 35 feet

Life Span: up to 50 years

Status: Stable

Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is a species of toothed whale, meaning simply that they have teeth instead of a baleen plate. The most notable features of the sperm whale are the huge, blocky head and the narrow lower jaw. They are generally dark blue-gray or brown in colour, with short pectoral fins and a stubby dorsal fin.

Average Length: up to 79 feet

Life Span: 60 to 80 years

Status: Vulnerable

Short-Finned Pilot Whale

The short-finned pilot whale is one of two species of Cetacean in the genus Globicephala, together with the long-finned pilot whale. It features a bulbous, melon-like head, a body that more closely resembles that of a dolphin, and a uniform dark gray colour.

Average Length: 12 to 24 feet

Life Span: 35 to 60 years

Status: Least Concern

North Pacific Right Whale

A species of baleen whale, the North-Pacific Right Whale resembles a shorter version of the humpback whale. It is predominantly dark gray in colour, with some white on its underside. It features two short, rounded pectoral fins and no dorsal fin.

Average Length: 45 to 64 feet

Life Span: up to 70 years

Status: Endangered (under Endangered Species Act), Depleted (under the Marine Mammal Protection Act)

Fin Whale

The fin whale is a species of baleen whale and is known to be the second-largest species of whale. It has a long, sleek torpedo-shaped body, with a small dorsal fin set close to the tail. Its body is tapered at both ends, with slender pectoral fins.

Average Length: 75 to 85 feet

Life Span: 80 to 90 years

Status: Endangered (under Endangered Species Act), Depleted (under the Marine Mammal Protection Act)

For more information and images see this guide to whales, dolphins and porpoises in the Pacific Ocean from thewhaletrail.org

What to do When You Sight a Whale

• Put your engine in neutral idle. Whales are sensitive to acoustic disturbances, such as from boat motors, echo sounders, and fish finders
• Stay 100 meters away. By remaining at least 100m away from the whale, you keep yourself and the whale out of harm.
• Report violations. If you see another boater who is not following the rules, report them to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
• Photograph the whale. Use your phone or camera to capture the memory. Whale-watching trips, such as those offered by the Pacific Whale Foundation, offer a fantastic opportunity to photograph whales.
• Report the sighting. The WhaleReport app, from the BC Cetacean Sightings Network, generates a report that informs shipmasters and pilots of whale sightings in their vicinity.

What Not to do When You Spot a Whale

Well-intentioned boaters can often disturb whales and other marine life without even thinking about it. The best way to observe whales is by standing onshore and using binoculars, but if you happen to come across whales while you are out on your boat, there are a few things you should never do.

Here’s a quick list of what not to do when whales are nearby:

• Do not swim among them. You can easily get pinned and drown.
• Do not encircle them or goad them into moving with your boat. Whales are capable of causing significant damage if they feel threatened.
• Do not park your boat in their path. If a whale is preparing to surface when you block its path, you can end up being thrown from your boat.
• Do not photograph the whale with a drone. Aside from the whale’s sensitivity to acoustic disturbances, they may feel threatened and may react accordingly.

For more information on safe whale watching, read this guidance on watching marine wildlife from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Catch sight of a Pacific Whale from the Comfort of Your Own Yacht

Do you want to experience the beauty of the whales of the Pacific on your own terms? It could be time to invest in a yacht to explore the waters around Vancouver Island.

At Van Isle Marina, our yacht sales team is ready to help you find the best recreational boat for your needs. Talk to our crew about your next boat purchase today.

Boat Flags Meaning and Proper Use

While walking the marina docks, you may have noticed that the yachts and boats moored there display several boating flags. 

These little pieces of cloth are actually an important communication tool for boaters and port authorities alike, as they are a quick and simple way to convey a message.

In this blog, we will explore boat flag meanings for the most commonly seen and used boat flags.

The History of Boating Flags

 

Simply put, the term “boating flags” is an umbrella term that refers to a system of flags designed to act as quick communication devices for boat or ship operators. 

Nautical flags were originally used in naval battles as a way for one ship to communicate with other fleet members. Since these early flag-based communications were limited, they essentially acted as a way of letting other fleet members know that a meeting was needed to discuss tactics or relay further instruction.

In the 1700s, more elaborate flag signals were developed, which resulted in the creation of the Royal Navy’s Permanent Fighting Instructions, which detailed 45 possible messages using only 11 flags. 

In 1738, a French officer by the name of Mahé de la Bourdonniase developed the first numerical flags. Bourdonnaise’s new system made possible a whopping 1,000 potential messages using only 3 flags. 

The system of boating flags has since evolved to contain 26 square flags (for the letters of the alphabet), 10 numbered pennant flags, 1 answering flag and 3 substitute flags. These are collectively known as the International Code of Signals.

Beyond these flags, yacht clubs and other marine organizations may have their own flags, for use by their members. There are also fishing flags, which are used by vessels to indicate what type of fish they are catching.

What You Need to Know About Boating Flags

There are a few things that boat operators need to know about boating flags before using them. 

• Boating flags only come in blue, yellow, white, black and red because these colours are easy to recognize.
• Flags are sometimes flown at half-mast out of respect for someone who has died.
• Flags vary in size according to the size of the boat you have. This is done for aesthetic reasons, with flags being roughly 1” in length for every foot of boat length.
• Flying the wrong flag in a given situation may result in a fine.
• Signal flags can cost from $12 for one and up to $175 for a complete set.
• Shapes are important. Most boating flags are square, but there are also pennants (triangular, but flat at the tip) and triangles.
• Whether used individually or in combination, all boating flags mean something.
• Signals can be broken down by the number of flags in them. For example, single-flag signals mean urgent, while 5 flags have to do with position and time.
• Some flags can have more than one meaning, depending on the context. For example, the ‘T’ flag can mean ‘keep clear’ or ‘engaged in trawling’.
• Keep your flags in good condition. Flying tatty-looking flags can be considered disrespectful and may result in a fine. This is because flags that are in poor condition may not be clear or bright enough to be seen from a distance.

Types of Boating Flags and Their Meanings

 

The flags in the international code of signals each has a unique design and colour pattern that is easy to see and understand. The code is made up of the following flags:

• 26 signal flags – each flag represents a letter of the alphabet with a phonetic word to match (i.e., the letter A, or Alpha, is a blue and white flag)
• 10 numerical pennant flags
• 3 alternate flags 
• 1 code/answer flag 

Although there are too many signal flags and pennants to list here, as a boater, it’s a good idea to get to know how they look and what they are used for. 

Aside from these boating flags, there are a few others to be aware of. These include:

• Boating distress signal flag. Two flag formations can be used to signify distress. The first is to display the N flag over the C flag, the other is an orange flag featuring a black circle and square. Ensure you are aware of the recognized standard marine distress signals for the area you are boating in.
• Ensign flags. This is a flag of the nation the boater comes from, which is not the national flag. These flags used to be for documented vessels only, but now it is a courtesy for all boats to fly them.
• Burgee flags. This is a small flag that represents whatever sailing organization or yacht club the skipper belongs to.
• Private signal flags. These flags are small and are custom designed and made for the boat owner. They are only flown when the owner is commanding the boat.
• Courtesy flags. Courtesy flags are flown when you are in foreign waters, but only after certain criteria are met. 

Boating Flag Courtesies

When using or displaying boating flags, there are some basic courtesies to be aware of:

Here are some basic boating flag courtesies to keep in mind:

• When in your own country’s waters, fly the correct ensign flag for your country at the stern of your boat.
• When you are in foreign waters, fly the “Q” flag before you gain clearance to enter the port. The “Q” flag should be flown from the starboard spreader on sailboats, or the bow on powerboats.
• After clearing customs in a foreign country, switch the “Q” flag to the one that belongs to the country you are visiting.
• Upon returning to your own country, switch back to its ensign flag.

The Importance of Flying Your Boat Flags Correctly

Although boating flags may seem like a fun accessory for avid boaters, they are a serious communication tool. 

It’s important that you know how to identify boating flags and their meanings and understand when they should be flown. Proper use of the flags will ensure that you receive the support you need and avoid confusing other boaters.

Want to get your own captain’s flag by becoming the proud owner of a brand new or used yacht? The yacht sales team at Van Isle Marina, located in Sidney, BC, can help you choose which of our current yacht listings is right for you. We’ll even provide a complementary burgee!

Contact the team at Van Isle Marina today to find out more.

Swimming Holes Accessible by Boat on Vancouver Island

If you are looking for boat-accessible swimming holes, Vancouver Island is the place to be. Filled with numerous rivers, lakes and beaches that are accessible only by boat, there are many places to anchor your boat to go for a safe and exhilarating swim.

Here’s a list of some of the best swimming spots around Vancouver Island that are safe and fun for the whole family and reachable in a day from Van Isle Marina.

Snake Island

This Nanaimo swimming spot located near Departure Bay is a favourite among locals and visitors who reach it by boat, kayak or canoe. The small, uninhabited island is renowned for its diving experiences, bird watching opportunities and the chance to get up-close and personal with some harbour seals. If you do choose to wade or paddle in the Snake Island waters, be on high alert for ferries and other boaters in this busy waterway.

Rugged Point Marine Park

Turn your swimming hole adventure into a camping trip at Rugged Point Marine Park. This park is located on the west coast of northern Vancouver Island at the southwest end of Kyuquot Channel. The park is packed with camping amenities and opportunities to enjoy other activities such as canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing. Take some time to explore the hiking trails too. Anchor your yacht in Rugged Cove or Dixie Cove both popular spots among local boaters thanks to their safe anchoring areas.

Broken Group Islands

Take a longer-haul boat trip to the Broken Group Islands on the west coast of Vancouver Island. In order to fully explore this cluster of stunning islands, drop your anchor and get into your kayaks. Swimming and snorkelling are a must when visiting the Broken Group Islands as you might even be able to see some fish.

Grant Bay

Skip the hike to Grant Bay and sail through it instead via the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, secluded white sandy beach to relax and swim at. This remote recreation area has day-use facilities and rustic campsites, or take the chance to try out some boat camping. 

Vargas Island Provincial Park

This boat-side swimming hole comes with the addition of great wildlife viewing and camping amenities at Vargas Island Provincial Park in Clayoquot Sound. Access the island by boat immediately northwest of Tofino and west of Meares Island on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

You’ll see sheltered channels and bays, an intertidal lagoon and ancient sand berms. If you’re lucky you might see grey whales frolicking nearby.

Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park

This provincial park and popular Vancouver Island swimming hole close to Cortes Island on the east coast is known as a boater’s paradise. Visitors can enjoy the calm waters and vistas while taking in a long stretch of shoreline. Moor in one of three anchorage points: Prideaux Haven, Tenedos Bay or Grace Harbour.

Freshwater lake swimming is available at Unwin Lake, a short 10-minute walk from Tenedos Bay. Desolation Sound is a popular spot, so expect to see other boaters, but rest assured there is plenty of room for everyone.

Lasqueti Island

Off the east coast of Vancouver Island is a scenic swimming hole in Lasqueti Island. This off-grid island has a population of 500 people and no public campgrounds, but the waters are ideal for cold water scuba diving. If you’re boating in the area and have your scuba license, take the plunge and discover some deep-sea magic.

Hot Springs Cove in Maquinna Provincial Park

Treat yourself to a geothermal swimming experience that’s just northwest of Tofino in Clayoquot Sound. A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hot Springs Cove is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Maquinna Provincial Park. You’ll have to anchor your boat and go for a 2km hike along sturdy boardwalks and wooden stairs through the rainforest to access the hot springs, but the journey is well worth it and the long soak in the naturally heated water is a great reward.

Rathtrevor Beach

Along the east coast lies one of the best swimming spots of Vancouver Island, Rathtrevor Beach. This 2km long sandy beach is a well-loved landmark and offers safe swimming for younger children thanks to shallow warm water and low tide.  A provincial campsite, plenty of picnic tables and educational activities for the whole family make this a great spot to explore. Since it sits along the Strait of Georgia, Rathtrevor Beach is an ideal place to drop anchor and enjoy a swim.

Kye Bay

Kye Bay, in Comox, offers a lot of adventure possibilities for boating families. During the summer months, the ocean water temperature is moderate and great for swimming. Shallow tidal pools filled with marine life and a superior texture of sand ideal for building sandcastles makes this a perfect place to drop anchor.  You can bring the whole family to this lovely bay, including your dog.

First Lake, Nanaimo

If you can tow your boat, consider taking the logging roads just south of Nanaimo to First Lake, a shallow freshwater lake with a publicly accessible boat launch. The lake, part of a chain of three lakes that link to the Nanaimo River, is the site of an old timber mill and there are a few private campsites dotted along the eastern shore.

While in the area, don’t miss the must-do local summer experience. Follow the stream of cars to one of the many Nanaimo River swimming holes which are beautifully clear and fresh on a hot summer’s day.

Make Your Next Boating Adventure Happen with a New Yacht from Van Isle Marina

Boat ownership can unlock many opportunities to explore and create new memories with family and friends.

Tap into your inner adventurer and find the ideal boat to take you on your next Vancouver Island swimming adventure at Van Isle Marina. Based in Sidney, BC we are ideally placed for a tour of the top Vancouver Island swimming holes. 

Our Yacht sales team will be glad to help you find the best boat for your needs and provide some tips for local boating trips too. Contact us today for more information about yachts currently for sale.