The Vic-Maui is a 2308 nautical mile sailboat race from Victoria, British Columbia to Lahaina, Maui. Like most good things in life it started as a bet, over drinks, between two skippers (who were probably drunk) on who could make it to Maui quicker. It is an interesting race, as it starts out as a fast paced “tacking” race up the Strait of Juan de Fuca (much like sailboat races in English Bay) .

And then at the end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca the boats make a critical decision that will test both flat out racing skills and strategic decision making. Depending on the location of the Pacific High, we will either turn right immediately and follow the coast down to a westerly coarse across or loop up towards the Aleutian’s (Gulf of Alaska) for a more southern approach. Like most strategic decision making ….. You are either a hero or bum.

The race is a traditional race, in the sense that it is a “Hand Steer” race with no Auto Pilots or Wind Vane steering allowed. Which, in our case means 2 people on deck at all times, 3 hour shifts, 24/7 for an estimated 14 days. (yes, this is my idea of a holiday) Once offshore, it is old school….. Wind direction indicator and compass. Check out the Vic-Maui website to find out more about our boat the Starlight Express and to track our progress via GPS technology. There’s also information on the race, the other boats and crews as well. I’ll get updates out as often as possible.