2003 Cadillac Van Isle 360°
International Yacht Race
News Releases

Fast Boats Present Major Challenge to Race Committee

March 29,2003

The 2003 Cadillac Van Isle 360 is ramping up to be not only the biggest but the best one yet. The race has been sold out since the middle of January and the record number of 35 yachts, lucky enough to have made it in, represent a wide range of boats and personalities. From flat out serious racers crewed by professional sailors to boats crewed by family and friends, the Cadillac Van Isle 360 provides a major adventure and challenge to all.

Dragonfly, the fastest boat currently sailing in the Pacific Northwest is back to defend here Fastest Elapsed Time Title. The Formula 40 Catamaran owned by Pat McGarry of Seattle WA. is capable of speeds up to 30 knots and will once again keep the race committee hopping as they race to beat her to each port. During the 2001 event Dragonfly finished all the offshore legs without having to sail in the dark.

The logistics of organizing this two week, ten stop event are challenging to say the least, and Dragonfly along with some of the other fast boats, certainly puts the whole plan to the test. The race committee literally races by road from port to port setting up the finish lines, and in some cases that means travelling over gravel logging roads followed by a 'refreshing' 30 minute boat trip. In past years, there have been some close calls, where the race committee was on station literally only minutes before the first boats arrived. Some of the shorter inside legs present the biggest challenge especially if the wind is up. Fortunately back up finish lines are arranged with the assistance of many of the towns themselves. In Comox, the Comox Valley Yacht Club is always there to provide assistance and back up, and even the lighthouse keeper in Winter Harbour has been briefed on finish line procedures. It's a huge task but one that is fortunately made easier by the assistance received from the individual communities.

Cadillac Van Isle 360 Race Seminar

Enthusiasm was high at the Cadillac Van Isle 360 seminar hosted by the Vancouver Rowing Club last month. Over 100 people were in attendance with some keeners already seeking information on the 2005 race. Many thanks to Dennis Kimoto, Maritime Co-ordinator, from Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria, for his presentation on safety. Dennis covered a range of issues with particular emphasis on the use of 406 EPIRBS. Incredibly good deals on purchasing 406's were announced for race participants and those interested in details should contact the race office. 406 EPIRBS can also be rented on a short term basis, refer to this link for more information www.boatus.com/foundation/EPIRB/ Many thanks to Matt Wagstaffe and Sabrina Class of the Vancouver Rowing Club for putting this seminar together.

One Sailors Pain - Another Sailors Gain

'Charisma' the beautiful S & S 57 had to withdraw from the 2003 Cadillac Van Isle 360 due to time restraints. Owner Dick Robbins had entered Charisma in the Van Isle 360 race and his other boat 'ICON' in the Transpac race, planning to do both. The reality of preparing two separate campaigns almost simultaneously, however, forced their withdrawal. It's always disappointing to have boats withdraw, especially one of the larger ones but fortunately this was not due to anything serious and having a list of prepaid boats on a waiting list certainly helps. Charisma's vacated spot was quickly filled and Sean Huschler owner of the C&C 35 "Meltemi" was extremely happy to accept.

Source: 2003 Cadillac Van Isle 360° International Yacht Race Official Website