The 49th annual running of the RNSA Single-Handed Race was held on Saturday 3rd of June and Sunday 4th of June 2023. The weather was perfect with 10-15 knot SE wind on Saturday and 20- 25 NW knots on Sunday. 27 yachts were registered and the ‘Delta L/B’ deployed as the safety / committee boat. With a crew of five plus four Race committee members aboard, Delta L/B set up the start line at Point Grey and the finish line at Snake Island (Nanaimo). Only 1 yacht failed to finish within the time limit. Delta L/B monitored the radios as well as a visual watch throughout the race in case of any accidents. A race dinner was held in the Nanaimo yacht club, enjoyed by all.
The Sunday return race was more of a challenge owing to the stronger winds and 3 yachts retired even before the start, owing to gear failures and one medical situation. Delta L/B again anchored south of the Point Grey bell buoy for the finish. All participants had an exciting return leg with a quartering sea of 4 to 5 feet.
As Delta L/B was preparing to weigh anchor, a tasking was issued
for Delta L/B to assist a 21-foot power boat low on fuel in 5’ seas not
sure if they could make safe harbour. The position given was off the
North Arm. Delta L/B began to weigh anchor but found it foul of the
bottom. CGD radio was advised. Even though there was a strong flood tide and a five-foot sea running, Delta L/B was worked around 180 degrees with the engine reversing the pull on the anchor! Luckily this worked and the foul anchor was freed. Delta L/B then proceeded to assist the 21’ power boat. Ten minutes later CGD radio advised the position given was wrong and the vessel was off Passage Island. Delta L/B changed course for West Van to then being advised the vessel had made it into Fisherman’s Cove.
Delta L/B proceeded to the WVYC where the race committee and two CLI crewmembers disembarked. Delta L/B returned to Ladner transiting the North Arm to New Westminster and down to Ladner. A good safe deployment by all and excellent training.
