Carrying the safety gear required under Canadian maritime law.
Courses and classes:
As the whole fleet can only move as fast as the slowest boats, an effort has been made to keep course lengths to that which can be done by the slowest of our group. While many small boat sailors prefer to just meander about, taking in the sights, others prefer to fly at blinding speed. In an effort to appeal to as many of the small boat types as is practical, this event will have classes. Also, in an effort to balance the spectrum of small boat types, some legs will be sailing only, while others will be rowing/paddling/pedaling (human-powered) only, and most will be whatever combination you prefer.
Racing class:
This will be a hard fought, bitterly contested, no holds barred, battle for supremacy. To maintain this level of focus, racers will want light, empty boats, and minimal equipment. That is why our motherships will be here: to relieve us of that burden of gear (and feed us). The ultimate glory of this adventure will belong to those of the racing class.
Cruising class:
This will be the best time out sailing and camping with your friends. Ever. Be totally self-sufficient, or join the racers for meals on the mother ship. Fill your boat with all the favourite, non-perishable food items that you usually bring on every week-long sailing trip; or pay for meals but not for prizes. Either way, you’ll get to laugh at the antics of the racers — battling for every fraction of a knot of boat speed. Enjoy the spectacle, while basking in the glow of your own, self-reliant, non-competitive accomplishments.
The long course:
This course will be for an elite few, who find the modest course distances outlined to be an insufficient challenge, and wish to demonstrate their superior speed by sailing circles around the fleet. Literally. Upon reaching a pre-determined waypoint, long course challengers will then double back and round the race boat at the back of the fleet, before continuing on to the finish. This will promote safety, by keeping the fastest boats in touch with the slowest, and will add entertainment value for those in the back of the fleet, giving them a chance to see what fast boats look like under sail. Those who achieve victory in the long course will receive their own even-faster-than-the-regular-racers trophy.
Getting there and away:
The 2021 race will start and finish at the boat ramp in Degnan Bay, Gabriola Island. The ferry to get there leaves from Nanaimo roughly every hour (see the ferry schedule here). There is free parking for trucks and trailers near the boat ramp, and there will be a send-off gathering at the home of Bob Wyche, founding instructor at the Silva Bay Shipyard School. There are multiple, free camping options nearby.
Costs
A 50% deposit is required upon registration, with the balance being due by May 15th. Payment may be made by etransfer or PayPal to barefootwoodenboats@shaw.ca (if paying by PayPal, please add 4% for service fees). Payment can also be made by check to Barefoot Wooden Boats, and can be mailed to 2925 North Rd, Gabriola Island, B.C. V0R1X7
What you will need:
Besides your winning attitude, there are a few things you will need to bring with you on the Raid. Some, are required under Canadian Maritime law. Others are just things you should never go to sea without, and are required under Raid law.
The following is a list of things you MUST bring:
Life jacket for each person on your boat
50’ buoyant heaving line
Noise making device
Flares
Compass
VHF radio
Paper Charts of all the area travelled on the Raid.
Anchor sufficient to hold your boat in strong winds, 20’ chain, and 200’ anchor rode. (minimum)
Three, 20’ lines for mooring boat.
GPS device (e.g. handheld GPS, Navionics on a smart phone, in a waterproof case…)
Spare batteries and charge cords for devices
Knife
Headlamp
Fire (lighter, matches…)
Personal cutlery kit (plate, bowl, cup, knife, spoon, fork…)
Sleeping gear
Shelter (tent, tarp…)
Waterproof bag with a dry change of warm clothes
Spare oar or paddle
4 good fenders.
Basic first aid kit
These are some things you might want:
300’ or more, of line, with pulleys sufficient to rig a clothesline mooring system
