the Swiftsure Race is an amazing event starting in Victoria and across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. After 2 years of no-go because of covid, we cruised over from Bellingham to do this fantastic race. It was amazing this year because we had a spinnaker start and slow / steady sail far up Juan de Fuca Strait until the wind died (as seen in this epic film) but filled in as forecast from the West. This led to a high wind beat up to Clallam Bay for the last several miles as winds rose from 10 to 15 to 20 to 25 knots with gusts higher. I saw 29.4 (Eric feathering up, with me working the traveler) and then we had an absolute ball sailing downwind all the way home. From Clallam Bay thru the Race Rocks and across the finish line...the spinnaker never came down. Sailing speeds in this heavy air racing (mid-upper 20's) were in the 8's and 9's with a couple blitzes above 10. The waves were not well established, which made steering a challenge - and lot's of fun - with the kite up at night; a night with essentially no moonlight!
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