The 74th Swiftsure International Yacht Race

Swiftsure 1

June 7, 2017

The 74th Swiftsure International Yacht Race lived up to its reputation as the ultimate test for yacht racing in the Pacific Northwest. Traversing the Strait of Juan de Fuca and its many hazards requires great team work in challenging conditions. It is quite a test of patience, stamina, skill and nerve all at the same time! This year, 175 yachts and multi-hulls took part in the Swiftsure challenge.

Until you participate in the event like this, you can’t really appreciate the hours, days, weeks and months that go into the planning and execution of the sailing event of this magnitude. Swiftsure Chairman Vern Burkhardt and his many, many volunteers are to be commended for their dedication and tireless efforts that go into making the Swiftsure International Yacht Race so successful.

Swiftsure 2
In recent years, fans of the Swiftsureare able to access the Swiftsure Race Tracker to watch the races and the progress of each boat online. Through the much-improved version of the Swiftsure Race Tracker software, the Swiftsure International Yacht Race has become practically a spectator sport.

Swiftsure 3

 

 

Prize Winners for the 2017 Swiftsure International Yacht Race
http://www.swiftsure.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Prize-Winners-Swiftsure-2017.pdf

2017 Four Long Courses Results
http://www.swiftsure.org/results/swiftsure-2017-results/

2017 Inshore Courses Results
http://www.swiftsure.org/results/2017-inshore-results/

All Photos by Jill Fitz Hirschbold Photography

Related Articles

  • Boat Shows: Expo Rendez-vous Brings Sail to Québec in April

    Boat Shows: Expo Rendez-vous Brings Sail to Québec in April

    February 12, 2026 Montreal is welcoming a new, sail-only boat show to kick off the spring season. Expo Rendez-Voile is the event where the community comes together to celebrate sailing and maritime culture, offering an inspiring day where everyone can find their place to discover, learn and share. From maritime arts and craftsmanship to expert… Read More…

  • POTW: Classic Perfection

    POTW: Classic Perfection

    February 12, 2026 The Photo of the Week is a portrait of this striking C&C Crusader 40’. The Crusader was built from 1968 till 1971 at Belleville Marine Yard, which became part of C&C Yachts Limited in 1969. Approximately a dozen were built. The Crusader was known for its exceptional light-air performance and upwind pointing… Read More…