The 29th Annual Martin-Marine Round Bowen race

Dear Editor,

The Bowen Island Yacht Club (BIYC) held it’s 29th Annual Round Bowen Race on Saturday, June 10th with over 120 sailboats entered. This race is the largest single start sailboat race on the West Coast and this years start and finish were as exciting as ever!

Line honours go to Ha a’Koa skippered by Vic Bishop who were first across the line. Overall Winner on corrected time and first in Martin 242 division was Back in Black skippered by Philip Cragg. The first BIYC boat was Topless skippered by Bob Armstrong. The complete results are posted on the Bowen Island Yacht Club website . along with some great pictures of the race, courtesy of Sea Snaps.

An event such as this requires a great deal of organization and hard work. BIYC Race Committee members Jason Zahara and Pernille Nielsen did a fine job once again, assisted by the Jonathan Bell, Geoff Jarvis, Marcel LaRoche and a host of volunteers, together they put on another great event.

Thank you to our race officer John Culter and to Greg Crowe and Joanne Forbes who continue to generously allow us to use their home and deck in Millers Landing as the observation point for the start and finish line, their hospitality is much appreciated. Special thanks to Oydis Nickle at the USSC Marina for her assistance and support, to Rondy and Dorothy Dike for taking the Race Committee out on their lovely vessel “Moxie” and to Chuck Hutcheson, captain of Marley & Me for all his help year round.

The Bowen Island Yacht Club would like to thank our main sponsor Martin Marine, who every year has generously supported our race. Thanks also to our sponsors Navis Marine Insurance, Thunderbird Marina, Pacific Yachting Magazine, Union Steamship Co. Marina; Evolution Sails; Lang Vineyards, Mercedes- Benz, Red Truck Beer, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Sea Snaps and Fog Off. This event would not be possible without their generous contributions, ongoing support and the amazing prizes that were donated. 

Thank you to Oydis and the USSC Marina staff for their help with docking all the boats. Every sailing event is an excuse for a party and this year was another great one. Thanks to Doc Morgan’s Pub who put on a delicious BBQ and to Black Molly for the great music that had everyone up dancing.

Finally a big thank you to all of our hard working volunteers, we could not have done it without you!

BIYC Round Bowen Race Committee