BMW Lasqueti Island Race 2024
BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta
Regatta Press
Releases and Notices
History of the BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta
Sailing Instructions
BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta
Organized by Schooner Cove Yacht Club
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE… Nanoose Bay, B.C.
A light wind starting outside Fairwinds Marina very quickly changed to a colourful display of spinnakers as the wind picked up and the race fleet headed out across Ballenas Channel on the first leg of the counterclockwise course around Lasqueti Island.
Favourable winds continued throughout the race, averaging 10-15 knots. On the inbound (return) leg the fleet experienced a heavy rain squall blowing from the west testing the skills of skippers and crew, not to mention the quality of their foul weather clothing.
The winds being constant throughout the day, all boats finishing the 41 nautical mile (nm) course. The first boat finished at 3:45 pm. The last boat crossed the finish line at 7:47pm.
Twenty-five boats and 120+ crew from 9 B.C. yacht clubs came together to tackle one of the most spectacular and challenging courses in the Vancouver Island Racing Series. This year there were five divisions, four mono hull and one multi hull.
Line honours for the first boat across the finish line winning the Fairwinds Trophy, was Lawn Dart, skippered by Bill Allen from Nanaimo Yacht Club (NYC). Bill was also the Division One winner.
The Winner of Division Two was New Beginnings, skippered by Edgar Hulatt of Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club (SNSYC). Synergy, skippered by Elaine Wade of Nanaimo Yacht Club (NYC) placed second, and Blue Shift, skippered by Ron Turner of North Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club (SNSYC), placed third.
The Division Three winner was Pitoraq skippered by Graham Heath from Canadian Forces Sailing Association Esquimalt (CFSA). Black Adder skippered by Ken Holland of Nanaimo Yacht Cub (NYC) placed second, while third place went to Ken Lott of Nanaimo Yacht Club (NYC).
The Division Four (Cruising Division) winner was Tantivity skippered by Terry Waters of Nanaimo Yacht Club (NYC), with Regalo skippered by Wally Clark of Schooner Cove Yacht Club (SCYC), placing second. Pyrat, skippered by Dick Duffly of Schooner Cove Yacht Club (SCYC) placed third.
The Division Three (Multi-hull Division) winner was Mail Order Bride, skippered by Wayne Gorrie (NYC). Second place went to Kestrel, skippered by Ian Watson (SCYC).
Line Honours went to Lawn Dart, skippered by Bill Allen (NYC).
First Place on corrected time went to Pitoraq skippered by Graham Heath (CHSA).
The Best Overall performance by a Schooner Cove Yacht Club member was Regalo, skippered by Wally Clark.
John Collins, Regatta Chair, commented, “Our club was excited to host the 2024 BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta which is a key race in the Vancouver Island Racing Series (VIRS). We were pleased to give the number of multi-hulls attending their own division this year and we welcomed more yacht clubs to this key race. The great winds really tested the skills of all the racers. We wish to thank all the skippers and crew who found the race both a challenge and a fun event. We look forward to welcoming them again next year.
Thanks also go to our many club volunteers who organized the race events, served hundreds of meals, and participated in the planning, promotion and details that go into one of the most successful regattas on Vancouver Island.”
The 35th Annual BWM Lasqueti Island Regatta was organized by Schooner Cove Yacht Club, located at Fairwinds Marina, Nanoose Bay, B.C. The Club would like to thank Fairwinds Marina and the Nanoose Bay Cafe, and their staff, for their cooperation and support in the use of their facilities for the weekend.
For a full list of results and information about the regatta, go to https://scyc.ca/bmw-lasqueti-island-regatta/
The 36th Annual BMW Lasqueti Island Regatta will be held May 30th to June 1st, 2025.
Media contacts:
Linda Watson, Regatta Communications
John Collins, Regatta Chair
A tremendous thank you to all our sponsors and prize donors. Particularly our Presenting Sponsor, BMW Nanaimo.
Moorage and Visitor Information
Registered boats will be advised of their assigned slip in advance of the regatta. When approaching Fairwinds Marina, call on 66A to announce your arrival. Volunteer wharfingers will assist you to find your slip and help you tie-up.
Visiting boats are requested to use garbage and recycling receptacles at the base of the ramp and in the parking lot. Showers and toilets are located beside the marina office at the top of the ramp. Overboard discharge is strictly prohibited in the marina, and a pump-out is available at no charge. Due to the number of boats and people at the Club during race weekend, some limitations may apply to normal marina services and amenities, such as water usage. Please note that camping on the docks or on marina property is not allowed. We ask all racers to do their part to help keep the docks and facilities clean, safe and pleasant for all.
There is a new restaurant at Fairwinds Marina, Nanoose Bay Cafe and Market. Click here for information Check hours of operation on website nanoosebaycafe.com or phone 250 468-0780.
A grocery store and Cascadia liquor outlet are located at Red Gap Centre, approximately 6 minutes away by car.
Questions can be directed to John Collins, Regatta Committee Chair, at scyc_regatta@scyc.ca.
Fairwinds and SCYC welcome you to Schooner Cove and hope you have a great race and a safe and memorable weekend!
Useful Information
LINKS
Phone
Address
P.O Box 9, Nanoose Bay, BC V9P 9J9