Other Information and Links
Mooring Reservations at the Port of Ilwaco
To make mooring reservations for the race in Ilwaco, complete instructions and a form are at this link: COMING SOON, or call 360-642-3143. For other information about the port, the main marina website is: www.portofilwaco.com.
Mooring Reservations in Victoria - Greater Victoria Harbor Authority
To make mooring reservations for after the race and to stay moored in Victoria until Swiftsure, use this link: https://gvha.ca/marinas-facilities/reservations/ It is imperative that if you are even considering doing the race that you IMMEDIATELY get moorage reserved! Please, please reserve early and note in the reservation that you are doing the Pacific NW Offshore. The appropriate choice is “Low Season Transient Moorage” at Wharf Street. Even though there are links on the GVHA site to “Contact Us,” use only the link above. It is best to not to attempt to use email or phone to contact them for a host of reasons. If you have any concerns, please contact us before attempting to contact the GVHA.
Here is a link for information surrounding getting to the harbor, which includes a link to the Transport Canada Harbour Traffic Scheme. https://gvha.ca/marinas-facilities/marinas/
Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau
CYC is working closely with the Ilwaco Merchants Association for ground support. For local information, follow "Discover Ilwaco" on Facebook, or visit: www.discoverilwaco.com
Additional area information can be found through the Long Beach Peninsula Visitor Bureau website at: www.visitlbp.com
Multihulls
We're pleased to include a division for multihulls in the 2025 race. A set of multihull specific SERs has been developed in collaboration with the Northwest Multihull Association. NWMA supports multihull racers, cruisers, and builders in the Pacific Northwest area. Check out their website at https://northwestmultihull.org.
Swiftsure International Yacht Race
The Swiftsure International Yacht Race organized by the Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) has been a premiere event and a steadfast fixture in Northwest sailboat racing. The RVYC has been a great supporting club of the Pacific NW Offshore from the early days for all racers in the Pacific NW Offshore. If you haven’t done one of the 4 long courses or the inshore racing, you’re missing out both on great racing and a fantastic excuse to spend time in Victoria, BC.
Jeff & Sylvia have organized the Van Isle 360 race for a decade and a half. The 2027 race will be the 15th edition. After the 13th edition, we announced that the race was for sale. While we have had significant interest and several serious discussions, we found ourselves continuing at the helm. After the 14th edition we are in discussions with a very interested party and are working on details for a possible change in command. While almost all of the editions of the race have been excellent, the 2025 Phoenix edition rose from the ashes and by all accounts was absolutely EPIC. Based on participants feedback, the 2027 edition will be the “EPIC” edition. Thank you to our sponsors, community leaders and participants in keeping the best kept secret in adventure competitive keelboat racing strong and vibrant.
The Pacific Cup is a premier offshore sailing race that challenges participants with an exhilarating journey from San Francisco, California to Kaneohe, Hawaii. Held on even numbered years since 1980, this renowned ocean race spans over 2,100 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean, offering both seasoned racers and passionate amateurs a unique test of skill, endurance and seamanship. Dubbed “The FUN Race to Hawaii,” the Pacific Cup is known for its welcoming spirit, competitive yet laid-back atmosphere, and unforgettable camaraderie among participants. Open to a variety of yacht classes, the race balances serious offshore competition with the thrill of adventure and the reward of a warm Hawaiian welcome at the finish line. From meticulous preparation and tactical weather routing to the celebration at Kaneohe Yacht Club, the Pacific Cup is more than a race—it’s an experience that builds lasting memories and lifelong friendships. For any sailor, the Pacific Cup promises a thrilling and rewarding ocean crossing like no other. The Pacific NW Offshore is a qualifying race for the Pacific Cup.
First held in 1906, Transpac has a rich history spanning over a century. From the first race with a three boat fleet to our 2025 fleet of over 60 boats from 6 countries, Transpac has grown into a legendary event that attracts the best sailors from across the globe. Every two years, participants head out across the open Pacific Ocean, navigating 2,225 nautical miles from the California coast to the Diamond Head buoy finish off Honolulu, Hawaii. This race represents one of the great tests of sailing skill, endurance, and teamwork. And for many it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. The Pacific NW Offshore is a qualifying race for Transpac.
Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race
Even though the race has been postponed to 2028 because of the fires in Lahaina, we want to acknowledge our partner here and look forward to the next cycle of the race. The Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race, first contested in 1965, is the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest ocean racing. Vic-Maui runs every second year, starting in June or July off Victoria, British Columbia and finishing near Lahaina, Maui, a distance of approximately 2308 nautical miles. Vic-Maui challenges navigators to demonstrate their weather routing and navigational skills. The adventure includes sailing around the Pacific High and surfing downwind in the trades. The days pass quickly with the fleet surrounded by dolphins and albatross, spectacular sunrises, sunsets and brilliant starlit nights. Family and friends meet the racers at the finish to celebrate the accomplishment with hugs, leis and Mai-Tai. The Pacific NW Offshore is a qualifying race for Vic-Maui.
Bruce has raced and cruised the Pacific Northwest his entire life. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Washington in Biological Oceanography and learned meteorology “to keep from getting kicked around on the race course.” Bruce spent nearly two decades as Associate Publisher for Northwest Yachting Magazine, retiring in mid-2015, and was the chairman of the board of trustees for the Northwest Marine Trade Association in 2014. He is the Chief Forecaster for Meadow Point Marine, providing event-specific weather forecasts, as well as vessel routing services for both power and sail. He has done the weather briefing at the Pacific NW Offshore Skippers Meeting since 2019. Check out his weather briefings and other Pacific Northwest sailing news at https://sailish.com/