A high-profile sailing regatta is coming to Point Roberts this summer.
After 37 years in Oak Harbor, Wash., Whidbey Island Race Week has since been rebranded as Point Roberts Race Week to offer a five-day big boat race experience.
The event will take place July 13 to 17. Registration opened Jan. 1.
The mission of the regatta is to grow the sport of sailboat racing in the region by providing the most qualified race management team in a venue that can offer compelling buoy and distance racing possibilities, which organizers say Point Roberts offers.
John Abel from the Royal Victoria Yacht Club will be at the helm as principal race officer joined by race officer Paul Evenden from Vancouver and chief judge Jared Hickman from Seattle.
Point Roberts Race Week has also announced the Corsair fleet will conduct its national championships at the event July 15 to 17. Corsairs will have the option to register for just the three-day national championships or participate in the full five days.
"We are honoured to have the leadership of John Abel and his professional crew on board to assist in the first Pacific Northwest Corsair Marine Nationals,” said Scott Wallingford, commodore of Northwest Multihull Association and sales and service guru at Wright Yachts. “We know the fleet will be in very good hands.”
Based on previous national championships, the Corsairs estimate there will be 30 to 45 boats participating.
“Our goal is to make this an event that caters equally to both racers and recreational sailors by upping the fun factor and adding educational and informational sessions, while still providing a rigorous racing schedule for hardcore racers,” said Wallingford.
Find out more details and registration information at: https://whidbeyislandraceweek.com/.
