The recent oil spill into Howe Sound hasn't stopped the Squamish Open Regatta 2006. The 27th annual event is getting set to run this weekend at full speed ahead.
The Squamish Open Annual Regatta, also known as SOAR, will start Friday afternoon (Aug. 11) in Porteau Cove at 4 p.m. in an inflow wind race towards Nexen Beach. A race in the opposite direction is scheduled to take place on Sunday (Aug. 13) at 11 a.m. The main event takes place Saturday (Aug. 12), starting at Nexen Beach and traveling to Defense Island and back in a 21-nautical-mile race, followed by a barbeque.
"The winds are usually up to 30 knots in the Sound, which makes for exciting racing," said former competitor and event organizer, Chris Doyle. "It will be fairly competitive out there."
Doyle said 40 boats, ranging from 52 feet to 25 feet long would take part in the race with crews ranging in size from four to 10 people. He said the event was well attended because of the natural beauty and the sailing conditions of the area.
"It is quite popular because of the great scenery we have in Squamish and the great wind," he said. "People return year after year to compete."
Despite last week's oil spill at Squamish Terminals, where 29,500 litres of oil were dumped into the water and subsequently pushed into the Squamish Estuary, Doyle said the event would go on because the Squamish Yacht Club was oil free.
"So far it hasn't reached there yet," he said. "We have had enquiries from people from all over asking about the race so we are trying to communicate to participants that it is still on."
Doyle said the best place to watch the event is from Nexen Beach, however this area is closed as a result of the oil spill. Doyle suggested any vantage point along the Squamish Harbour would allow spectators and good view of the race.
