Ask anyone who was there—SOAR 2025 was one for the books. Held under the looming granite face of the Chief and powered by the legendary Squamish inflow, this year’s regatta delivered back-to-back days of high-octane sailing. For the uninitiated, SOAR has long been BC’s best-kept regatta secret. After this year, word is sure to spread.
Friday: The Inflow Express Lives Up to Its Name
The action kicked off with the Bernie Agg Inflow Express—a nine-plus-mile downwind blast from Porteau Cove to Squamish. Winds at the start were a brisk 15 knots, but as boats surged northward into Howe Sound’s dramatic mountain fjord, things escalated quickly. With a steady 25 knots funneling into the Squamish Channel and gusts topping 30, conditions were sporty and fast.
The long-standing course record, held since 2011 by Mischief (a Melges 32), wasn’t just beaten—it was crushed. The first six boats to finish all beat the old record. A tight battle between VX Ones and Melges 24s turned into a duel of the minds as crews picked their gybe angles carefully while threading through confused waters shared with an enthusiastic crowd of wing-foilers and kiteboarders.
Cheeky Monkey, a high-powered catamaran, roared through the course with a blistering 41:48 finish—despite a late start—earning the freshly minted “barn door” trophy for fastest elapsed time. Meanwhile, VX One Aurora took top honours on corrected time.
Conditions conjured a race at breakneck speed all weekend long. Credit: Robert Torok.Saturday: No Rest for the Quick
After an adrenaline-soaked Friday, Saturday dawned with lighter forecasts. But Squamish had other plans. SOAR’s marquee course—a 22-mile triangle from Squamish to Defence Islands and back followed by two six-mile laps near the head of Howe Sound—was raced in near-repeat conditions: sustained 25 knots or higher gusting past 30.
Boats flew downwind at thrilling speeds, many breaking personal records. The upwind legs back to Watts Point tested crews with steep chop, wind-against-current turbulence and shifty blasts that kept trimmers and drivers on high alert. Despite the demanding conditions, the mood on the water was electric. Spinnakers flew, mains were reefed and crews surfed down waves with smiles as big as the breeze.
Cheeky Monkey once again led the charge, with Ferdinand and Raven Racing hot on their heels.
Sunday: The (Almost) Calm After the Storm
Sunday morning brought weary crews and a softer touch from the weather gods. With just 8 knots to start, the final leg of the weekend (the return race from Squamish to Porteau Cove) looked set to be a relaxed cruise. But this is SOAR, and the wind never stays polite for long. As the fleet bunched at Watts Point, the inflow returned like clockwork. Within minutes, boats were charging toward the finish under full pressure—some clocking their best VMG of the weekend.
Longtime SOAR contender Blurrr, the stalwart J/24, showed consistency and skill, taking the upwind-heavy race and locking in a division win for the regatta.
It was a race of planning and knowing just when to swap sails. Credit: Robert Torok.No Shortage of Stories
With three days of racing over 50 miles of competition and wind that delivered everything from finesse to full-send, SOAR 2025 delivered the goods. Yes, there were two demastings—proof of the power Squamish can unleash—but more importantly, there were zero injuries and a rapid safety response. It’s a regatta that pushes sailors but always with the support and spirit that defines West Coast racing.
Add to that an unforgettable dock party, DJ-fueled dancing and a community that raised $2,600 for Royal Canadian Marine Search & Rescue and $750 for youth Learn to Sail programs and you’ve got a regatta that’s not just exciting but meaningful.
Thinking of Joining Us in 2026?
Whether you’re racing a Melges, a J/Boat, a cruiser or something a little more unusual—SOAR is for you. The conditions are dynamic, the people are welcoming. And the memories? Guaranteed. Squamish might just be the best little regatta on the coast, and the secret’s getting out.