General Information
2005 Cadillac Van Isle 360°

If ever an island was meant to be raced around it is Vancouver Island. Its dramatic beauty, majestic mountains and natural harbours provide an awesome backdrop for a race that has become "the must do " event on the west coast sailing circuit. This unique race, held every other year on the odd year, attracts some of top sailors in the Pacific Northwest. The variety of extremes and conditions challenge even the most seasoned sailors. As Canadian Olympic Medallist, Ross MacDonald, who won the event in 2003 quoted in SAIL magazine,

"I can't tell you how many races I sailed in this year, but I can tell you this was the most challenging by a factor of 2 to 1. The current changes every few hundred yards - maybe by 180 degrees - and the wind funnels down off the cliffs…..you'd better have your boat sorted out."

THE START

On Saturday June 11, 2005 at 1030 hrs. the gun will fire, signalling the start of the fifth edition of Cadillac Van Isle 360° International Yacht Race, in Nanaimo's beautiful harbour.

All boats, ranging from 21 ½ feet to 102 feet, multihulls and monohulls, racing sleds and family cruisers, start together at the same time, on the same line, providing some exciting moments for both the sailors and spectators alike.

The timing for the entire event is dictated by the currents through Seymour Narrows (just north of Campbell River). Seymour Narrows is renowned for having some of the strongest currents in the world, at times reaching 16 knots. A northbound ebb early in the day through this area determines the dates for the race.

THE COURSE

After blasting out of Nanaimo harbour the boats proceed 580 nautical miles and 360° counter clockwise around the island, stopping at French Creek, Comox, Campbell River, Hardwicke Island, Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, Ucluelet, Victoria and finishing back in Nanaimo.
This is a point to point race and, other than the start and finish lines, there are no courses. Basically the rules are - keep Vancouver Island to port and get to the next stop the fastest way you can.

Each leg is unique with a new adventure lurking around every corner. Strong currents and narrow passages along the inside route; the notorious Nahwitti Bar, where fish boats' windows get permanently etched by the sand churned up in the waves; Cape Scott on the north tip of the island, an area feared and revered by mariners everywhere; and the infamous Brooks Peninsula, an area renowned for its fierce storms, square waves and weather stations that are frequently blown over - will test boats and crews to the max.

HOST CITIES WELCOME THE FLEET

After a great day of racing the fun continues ashore where sailors can unwind and enjoy the friendly Canadian hospitality and character of each Host City. Awards and special events are organized by each town to welcome the fleet.

"Everyone of these little towns puts on a phenomenal welcome, and arriving again and again with your fellow competitors you build a camaraderie you just don't achieve anywhere else." Matt Wagstaffe - 2003 Div. 2 winner., quoted in SAIL magazine

SPECTATORS, SPONSORS & SUPPORT CREWS

The race was designed with spectators and sponsors in mind. With the exception of Hardwicke Island, all stops are accessible by road, allowing easy access for support vehicles and followers. The number of people following by road has increased substantially each year, adding to the overall festival atmosphere at each stop.

Where possible the start and finish lines occur right in the towns' harbour off the local fishing pier or dock and in some rather tight quarters. Details on the start line locations will be provided in the Sailing Instructions, or for the non-sailor in the General Leg Descriptions, which will be posted on the web site soon.

SAFETY QUALIFICATIONS

The west coast of Vancouver Island is extremely rugged and remote. This is no place to find out you are afraid of the dark. Boats and crews need to be well prepared for any and all weather.

Mandatory safety equipment is as listed for a PIYA Category 1 Race. In addition the Cadillac Van Isle 360 requires all boats to carry 406 EPIRBs. (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon) Tempting as it may be to take that heavy life raft off the boat for the inside legs of the race, all mandatory safety gear must be onboard the boat for every leg of the race.

Aside from the required safety gear, the skipper must have competed in at least two overnight races and the registered skipper must be onboard for each leg. (Refer to the Notice of Race posted under race documents for more information on safety requirements.)

SCORING SYSTEM & PRIZES

The Cadillac Van Isle 360 is an invitational race open to monohulls and multihulls with a PHRF NW rating of 140 or faster. PHRF is a Performance Handicap assigned to each boat based on a formula which allows slower boats and faster boats to compete on a level field. Additionally, boats are grouped into separate divisions allowing for closer competition.

A unique "high point" scoring system was developed for the event using weighted legs (the leg score co-efficient) based on the degree of perceived difficulty. The last leg from Victoria to Nanaimo, which is sailed through the Gulf Islands at night, has been assigned one of the highest values. With many different routes, hazards, and strong tidal passes skippers and crews need to develop clever strategies and tactics if they expect to do well on this final leg.

1st, 2nd and 3rd place flags are presented at each leg for each division. Additionally a white flag is awarded to the "line honours" boat in each leg, whether monohull or multihull. A large yellow "Tour de Van Isle 360" flag is presented to the leading boat in each division which must then be handed over to the next day's leader. The overall prize giving takes place immediately following the race where overall winners are presented with awesome awards. More information on the time and place of the awards banquet will be announced at a later date.

"The Cadillac Van Isle 360 is hard work, it is fun, it is tiring, it is bloody and bruising, and it is dangerous, it can be very expensive, it is all consuming, and it is the best race available. You get a life time's worth of sailing wrapped up into 10 legs over 15 days. There is nothing else like it." Kim Alfreds, 2003 multihull winner & winner on elapsed time.