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Van Isle 360: Behind the Scenes |
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Written by Peter A. Robson
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 Back in late June, PY took part in the sixth running 580-mile
Cadillac Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race. Undoubtedly the most
ambitious, toughest and most fun race held in our waters, the event is
also an incredible feat of organization. Forty-two boats and some 400
sailors spend two weeks circumnavigating Vancouver Island. Of the 10
legs in this biennial race, the “inside” legs involve overnight stops
at communities along the way, while the legs along the west coast of
the island are overnighters. Once the adventure is complete, not only
do skippers and crews have well-deserved bragging rights, but by
spending most evenings together as a group, they will have had the
opportunity to meet new friends and old, develop an appreciation of our
coastal communities, and enjoy the generous hospitality provided by
countless volunteers.
PY was one of the sponsors of the race, and we spent a week driving in
luxury up the east coast of Vancouver Island in a brand new Cadillac
Escalade loaned to us by the Cadillac Dealers of B.C. The
fully-equipped Escalade served as our informal race headquarters, from
which we helped out wherever we could and sent daily updates to our
website. We also got to meet many readers who stopped by after spotting
our logo.
Also taking part in the race was free-spirited photographer Dave Heath,
who took this month’s cover shot and most of the photos used in the
accompanying article. Dave sailed on several of the legs and, as usual,
captured tons of spectacular photos. Editorial assistant Dale Miller,
an avid racer, also took part and sailed in several of the offshore
legs.
Besides those skippers and crews who took up the challenge, the real
heroes of the race are founders Wayne Gorrie and Janine Bell, who have
been selflessly planning and organizing the race since its inception.
In what is almost a full-time volunteer job, they spend countless hours
between each event planning and organizing the millions of details
necessary to pull off what has to be a logistical nightmare—including
moorage for 40-plus boats in some pretty tight harbours, nightly social
events and, of course, the race logistics. And, at least to the casual
observer, the entire event runs like a finely oiled watch.
Aside from Wayne and Janine’s efforts, the race couldn’t work without
its hardworking volunteer race committee. This year, the team was made
up by Dave McCallum, Don Bonner, Bob Davis and Steve Ellis. Not only
did they run the starts and finishes, but they compiled and corrected
all the times, got them posted on the Internet and ran the nightly
prize-giving ceremonies—which were always filled with good-natured
ribbing, laughter and the “turkey award” for the dumbest move made by a
boat that day. Their camper served as the race headquarters. It was the
go-to place for the fleet, whether as a place to hang out; for getting
messages to fellow racers, friends or family; or as a resource for
dealing with any personal or boat problems. These guys were always
around, available and cheerful.
The other unsung heroes of the race were the shore crews for the
individual yachts. Many of the participants had family and friends
following the race by road, driving vans loaded with spare gear,
clothing, sails, food and cold beer. As well, they handled the
logistics of crew changes, communications and accommodation.
Last but not least, credit is due to the countless volunteers in the
communities of Nanaimo, French Creek, Comox, Campbell River, Telegraph
Cove, Port Hardy, Winter Harbour, Ucluelet and Victoria. They organized
moorage (not an easy task when 42 boats show up all at once) and, with
the help of local groups like Rotary or Lions Clubs, provided evening
barbecues and pancake breakfasts for several hundred people at each
stop.
PY is proud to have been a sponsor of the 2007 Cadillac Van Isle 360,
and we offer hearty congratulations to the organizers, communities and,
of course, the hundreds of racers involved.
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