It will be all hands on deck during the next two weeks as the crew of the Squamish-based Red Heather embarks on a 2,308-nautical-mile race from Victoria to the Hawaiian island of Maui on Sunday (June 22).The Red Heather is skippered by resident John Gugins, and his seven-person crew includes Whistlerite Craig McDonald. This is Gugins' second Vic Maui race; he also participated in the 2006 event.The sailing race occurs every other year, and is a test of tactical skills, strategies and teamwork as boats try to outfox each other in an attempt to be the first to cross the finish line near the island community of Lahaina.Participation in the race is not for the novice sailor, although some teams in the past have had little racing experience. "When you're out in the ocean, there are a lot of weather issues," said race organizer Pamela Bendall. "There can be storms and it can be calming. Both are very challenging."Racers will want to avoid a mysterious wind phenomenon called the Pacific High, which shifts constantly and brings about no wind at all. In a sailing race, entering the Pacific High can be disastrous. Boats can be stranded for hours, or even days. "When you think you are in trouble out there, you are in trouble," said Bendall. "After (the boats are out) 250 miles, there is no way to rescue them. We can't airlift anyone because they are out of range of an airplane."They are on their own, except for each other they have to rescue each other."Of course, there is always the option of turning on the boat's engine, but that would mean disqualification. There is no set course in the Vic Maui race, although most boats take the same general route. They head due south along the Pacific Northwest coast and make a sharp right-hand turn at San Francisco, racing the final stretch to Maui. In theory, the fastest way to get to Maui is north around Vancouver Island, and then on to Hawaii on the strong winds going south. "No one's had the courage to do it," said Catherine Gourley, another race organizer. "It's going in the opposite direction."This year nine boats will be taking to the seas, including Red Heather. The record for the race is nine days, two hours and eight minutes. "Generally boats are out there 11 to 17 days," said Bendall, who will meet each boat in Lahaina once it crosses the finish line. There is always a large Hawaiian-style celebration for the crews who arrive in Lahaina. Most boats arrive at the tropical harbour at night."You can feel the excitement," Bendall said, as she recalls meeting each boat in 2006.Race organizers will keep in touch with boats during the race. "We do a roll call every day at a certain time," said Bendall. "We get their position and learn if they have any issues with the boat or people.""A lot can happen out there," said Bendall, "but sailing across the ocean gives you some of the best highs. You see marine life and bird life that you wouldn't see elsewhere." Follow the action in coming weeks as the Red Heather sends The Chief updates via satellite phone calls from Gugins while at sea. For live updates, visit www.vicmaui.org.
