Yesterday we looked over the sailboats that are sailing today in the Swiftsure Race. They presented quite a mixed bag from 120 feet to 27 feet, multihulls, sloops, yawls, cutters, and any other sailboat you can name.  The larger boats sail in the classic race that goes to the Swiftsure Lightship off the west coast of the island and back. It is near 130 miles and can take up to 24 hours. However, with the wind at 20-30 knots today they probably will finish in the night, if they finish. Last year over half the boats entered did not finish. This is a grueling test of boat and crew. The other boats sail in shorter races, one to Cape Flattery and back, and the other to Clallum Bay and back. Being smaller boats, they have less speed, and will take almost the same time as the large boats going a long distance.

Last Minute Repairs

Swiftsure boats

No, we didn’t get over to see the start. I did see a bit of the line of boats leaving the harbor heading toward the start, but didn’t feel like getting dressed and driving over the hill.

As I said we visited Emily Carr’s house and yesterday we walked downtown to see a beautiful statue of her. One of the things we saw at her house was a documentary film of Emily Carr, Freda Kahlo, and Georgia O’Keefe, comparing their thinking about art. We purchased it and will be more than happy to share it with friends back home.

Emily Carr House

Jean on the waterfront

Emily Carr