The words sailing and Squamish have been closely connected for years in the community, and this year marks a special year for the sport.
More than 50 boats and 200 crew members are expected to hit the waters of the Howe Sound this weekend for the 25th annual Squamish Open Annual Regatta (SOAR), the silver anniversary edition.
Starting on Friday (Aug. 6) at 4 p.m., sailboats from Squamish, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Victoria and the Gulf Islands will take place in the Inflow Express, a downwind race from Porteau Cove to the mouth of the Mamquam Blind Channel.
"They'll all have their spinnakers out so people on the highway will see a lot of colours in the Sound," said fleet captain and race organizer Brad Buck.
On Saturday (Aug. 7), the main event will see the boats in a 22-nautical mile showdown from the Spit to the Defence Islands and back again.
Thanks to last-minute sponsor Mercedes-Benz, cash money will be awarded along with bragging rights for the close-knit group of sailors.
SOAR is the third stop in the Howe Sound Cup, a series of three races including the Around Bowen Island race and the Gibsons Regatta. The local boat Jalapeno, captained by long-time Squamish Yacht Club members Ron Vaandergag and Chuck Spani, leads the point standings, and will be gunning for their first-ever Cup title after finishing second for the last four years in a row.
"They've unfortunately been the bridesmaid for the past four years, so hopefully they'll take it this year," said Buck. "Ron has been such a huge supporter of Squamish and the yacht club for the past 20 years, so it would be nice to see him win it."
Close on the heels of Jalapeno is last year's SOAR champion, Kaos, who will undoubtedly give them a run for their money.
After Saturday's main event, race participants celebrate with a party at the yacht club - then it's back in the water again on Sunday morning for the Outflow Express from Squamish back to Porteau Cove.
In true Squamish fashion, it's the volunteers who make the event happen year after year, and who are responsible for the name Squamish to be mentioned in racing circles as a top-notch sailing venue.
"It's the only event of this size in the regatta series put on entirely by volunteers,' said Buck. "Which says a lot about Squamish. It's a really good showcase for the community and it's definitely becoming well-known North America-wide as a sailing venue."
