June 16, 2007 - Nanaimo - The sixth edition of the Cadillac Van Isle 360 Yacht Race got underway with rain and a light westerly breeze. Despite the heavy rain hundreds of keen spectators crowded the Visiting Vessel Pier to witness the incredible start. 42 boats on a short, tight line all started at once without incident.
Time Bandit (J120) was the first boat to pop their chute crossing the start line but it was the Farr 47, Capricorno, that led the fleet out of the harbour and around Gallows Point into the Strait.
The forcasted northwest wind did not materialize. After parking for an hour and 1/2 the fleet picked up a freshening South East breeze allowing them to finish in French Creek with good speed under spinnaker.
As expected Icon, the Perry 65, was the first boat over the finish line followed closely by Capricorno. There were many extremely close and dynamic finishes. Mad Max (Davidson 40), today's Division 2 winner, sailed an awesome race finishing fifth over the line well up with the Div. 1 Boats, and 29 secs. behind the ILC 40, Occam's Razor.
The 74 foot Atalanta had a go at the 33 foot SR33, Havoc as they approached the line in a photo finish which saw Havoc prevail by 1 sec.
Another duel to the death saw the Div. 3 boat Karina II (Jurgen Bysse) edging out Ron Jewula's Division 2 boat Kairos by just seconds.
Clearly some boats have given the fleet notice that they will not be sailing in the divisions they were assigned to.
The three mutihulls also sailed a tight race finishing within 1 1/2 minutes of each other.
HMCS Oriole missed the finish line by six minutes but looked smart under full spinnaker.
Today's winners were Div. 1: Capricorno (Pat Dion), Icon & Flash; Div 2: Mad Max, Absolute Kaos, Havoc; Div. 3: Dilligaff, Interim, Karina II and Div 4: Blue Lightning, Makika and Dan Gereaux
Havoc and Atalanta - photo finish
Mad Max and Occam's Razor approaching the Finish
Icon - First over the finish line in French Creek
Rounding Gallows Point in Nanaimo Harbour
Atalanta & Mumm 30
Merlin
