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Posted by Alan Sorum Jun 24, 2008 |
The 2008 edition of the Vic Maui (Victoria to Maui) International Yacht Race got underway on Sunday, 22 June. Beautiful clear skies and 15 knots of wind graced the starting sequence in Victoria. The nine participant yachts reported 30 knot winds by the afternoon and the race was well on its way to Maui.
Real Time Tracking - Starting with only four boats in 1965, the Vic Maui is sponsored by the Royal Vancouver and Lahaina Yacht Clubs and is held every two years. This year, those interested in following the race have technology on their side. Details can be found online at the event website and the progress of the fleet can be viewed in real time. Race yachts have been equipped with transponders provided by Flagship Tracking Services. The tracking system shows vessel position and displays current weather conditions.
Using the tracking system, racers could be seen positioned off the Oregon coast abeam Salem and Portland at 0829 Pacific Standard Time on 24 June. The yachts have traveled just over 200 nautical miles since the start on Sunday.
Participating Yachts - Nine vessels are racing in this year's Vic Maui. The Yacht's name and owner are listed below and a profile for each craft is being provided at the sponsor's website.
- Strum - Wink Vogel
- Seeker - Kenneth Greff
- Turicum - Warren Hale
- Zulu - Findlay Gibbons
- Starlight Express - W.A. (Al) Bartlett
- Black Watch - Dan Matthieu
- Something Wicked - Kevin Reath
- Passepartout - Peter Shainin
- Red Heather - John Gugins