Point Roberts Race Week!
It’s been clear for a while that dear old Oak Harbor, home of Whidbey Island Race Week (WIRW), would have to be relieved of hosting duty. The shoaling harbor and lack of a working hoist are putting a kibosh on a 37-year old event. But in my opinion, it was time to make the change for other reasons as well.
I’ll let the press release reprinted below speak for itself. The new venue is Point Roberts, a US enclave located on the southern tip of the otherwise Canadian peninsula where Tswassen, BC. is located. It has a deep harbor, good racing areas and an enthusiastic host. The location is relatively close to Vancouver, BC but further away from Seattle.
Race Week is not alone in its challenges. Big boat race weeks have been disappearing around the country (along with lots of buoy racing) and they’re all facing different, but similar, challenges. I’m guessing anyone who’d done a WIRW has good, if sometimes hazy, memories. A host of energetic sailors and sponsors have kept it going, even with declining numbers.
Sailboat racing is changing, and Schelleen Rathkopf is determined that Race Week should change along with it. She’s made plenty of changes in the last three years making it more family and cruiser friendly while maintaining the competitive aspects.
Some of Jan Anderson’s photos from last year’s Whidbey Island Race Week.
There are a few reasons I think this is a good move. First and foremost, sometimes change (especially after 37 years) is good just for change’s sake. I’m not sure what the racing conditions are there, but the toilet bowl current of Penn Cove had been figured out long ago. The cruiser courses could be quite interesting. I love the idea of it being more accessible to Canadians. I figure a good contingent of serious Canadian racers and partyers might draw more Seattle boats. While I don’t know much about Point Roberts (yet), Schelleen’s research indicates they’ll be eager for sailors to show up.
Oak Harbor was a jumping off time for racers wanting to take the family cruise to the San Juans and Gulf Islands.. Point Roberts is a stone’s throw from the Gulf Islands, not far from Vancouver and Howe Sound and a long day’s delivery from Desolation Sound. It’s a much better jumping off point. My hope is that cruisers use the new venue as an excuse to race (in the cruising class) and that racers use it as an excuse to start the family cruise heading north.
For those wondering what other venues were in the running, it was basically between Point Roberts and Port Townsend. Rathkopf explains why Point Roberts got the nod: “There were two main reasons. To host the event in Port Townsend would have required us to move the event to late June or early September. I didn’t want to move the event out of July. Another factor is that we would only have 70 slips at Point Hudson Marina at a rate of $1.30/ft. Overflow would go to Boat Haven Marina on the other side of town, splitting up the fleets. I like that in Point Roberts, all boats are in a marina together in one big compound vs splitting everyone up ($0.75/ft).”
Of course questions remain: How many Seattle boats are up for the long delivery and return? Will the border crossings be too much of pain? Will the conditions live up to the billing? The issue of what rating systems to use remain unsettled. (that old ridiculous NW vs BC PHRF thing). At least there’s ORC for the big boats and ORC Club to fall back on) Questions aside, this is an exciting, surprising move.
Surprises can be fun. See below for the press release or click here for the PDF of it. And here’s my friend and 48 North editor Joe Cline’s assessment of the move – he’s an insider serving on the Race Week Advisory Board.
Release from Schelleen Rathkopf:
SEATTLE, Washington, March 28, 2019 – Whidbey Island Race Week LLC is pleased to announce Point Roberts, Washington as the new venue for Race Week beginning in the year 2020. The event will be called Point Roberts Race Week and the 2020 dates will be July 13-17, 2020. Point Roberts Race Week will be a 5-day race event, Monday through Friday which allows for the weekends before and after for boat deliveries.
“Point Roberts has everything we need to host a world class destination regatta,” says Schelleen Rathkopf, Event Producer and longtime Whidbey Island Race Week Race participant. “It has an exceptional race area for both big boats and dinghies, a deep-water full-service marina and a comfortable Pacific Northwest summertime vibe. It’s the perfect venue for Race Week’s new home.”
The vision is to create the largest sailboat racing event on the west coast of North America that includes sailors from the USA and Canada. In addition to big boat and dinghy racing, race organizers also want to tie in a US Sailing National Championship as well as a youth event which the size of the venue supports. Plans have already commenced to have Point Roberts Race Week included in VARC (Vancouver Area Racing Circuit) Society in an effort to build participation from Canada.
“This venue will allow Race Week to grow to its fullest potential. There’s enough space to run multiple interesting and fun race circles for buoy and distance races for One Design and PHRF fleets of all sizes. The marina can handle the influx of 200+ boats, including the Transpac 52s – even at a negative tide.”
For the first year, there will be 3 race circles in 2020, each with their own US Sailing certified PRO and race committee: big boats, dinghies and a cruising class for those who want to enjoy the event with one casual distance race per day. Awards will include daily and overall awards for the top 3 finishers in each class. Additionally, Point Roberts Race Week will continue the Whidbey Island Race Week tradition with two perpetual awards that include the Philip Wise Sportsmanship Award for the crew that exhibits exemplary sportsmanship and the Molly Kool Cup Award that recognizes the overall achievement of a female skipper.
Point Roberts, Washington is a beautiful seaside community that is just 4.9 square miles and overlooks the Strait of Georgia north of the San Juan Islands and south of Tsawwassen and Ladner, British Columbia. It offers a protected 920 slip marina that sits on 155 acres and can easily accommodate an influx of sailboats of all sizes and their tenders for a week every summer in July. The marina also has a 3,000-pound small boat dinghy lift in addition to a 35-ton travel lift, a full-service chandlery and mechanic shop. There is gas, diesel, propane and water available at the marina in addition to RV and tent camping, laundry and shower facilities. There is also a US customs agent on site to assist with racers coming to Point Roberts Race Week from British Columbia or other provinces in Canada.
“Point Roberts is a perfect fit for Race Week with some of the finest sailing and cruising in the Pacific Northwest,” shares Theresa Coe, General Manager of the Point Roberts Marina. “Our location, open water immediately adjacent to the harbor entrance and fantastic spectator viewing locations make this venue great for the racers as well as families and sport enthusiasts alike.”
The Point Roberts Marina includes Breakwaters Bar and Grill, a full-service restaurant and bar that is fully equipped to handle 500-600 people for indoor/outdoor post-race parties on site. There is a grocery store nearby, and the marina is secure, pet friendly and has ample parking for trailers and cars.
There are 1300 full time residents in Point Roberts and in the summertime, this number doubles due in large part to the number of vacation and 2nd homes located there. Referred to as “Vancouver’s Weekend Playground” by Seabright Farms, the largest developer of new custom cottages built on lots along the south beach shores, Point Roberts caters to those interested in getting away from it all for R & R and memorable outdoor activities and experiences.
Point Roberts sits in a zone known for little rainfall, lots of sun and consistent breeze. This climate combined with the miles of public beaches, the gorgeous natural surroundings, and the marina services, makes it the perfect destination for
racers and cruisers alike. Additionally, Point Roberts is home to Bald Eagle Golf Course, an 18-hole course and has many walking, running and hiking trails within walking distance to the marina. “We look forward to the influx of new visitors, boaters and sailors that will discover our seaside community where you can, bicycle, camp, hike, golf and play freely,” says Theresa Coe. “We love for people to discover our hidden gem.”
Getting to Point Roberts
By Car: Point Roberts is located in Washington state, but to get there by car from the US requires 2 border crossings in Blaine and then again in Tsawwassen. Driving Distances to Point Roberts: From Vancouver International Airport: 20 miles From Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia (BC): 24 miles From Blaine, Washington: 25 miles Bellingham, Washington: 49 miles From Seattle: 150 miles
By Air: There is a grass landing airport in Point Roberts that offers service by San Juan Airlines.
By Sea: 48 degrees 58’ 23.91” N, 123 degrees 03’ 52.20” W / NOAA Chart 18241. As Point Roberts is located in Washington state, there are no border crossing requirements for those travelling from the US waterways. Nautical miles to Point Roberts travelling at 7.0 knots From Anacortes: 35.6 NM / 5:05 hours From Bellingham: 31.5 NM / 4:30 hours From Blaine: 12.7 NM / 1:49 hours From Deer Harbor, Orcas Island: 23.8 NM / 3:24 hours From Everett (via Deception Pass): 76.4 NM / 10:55 hours From Galiano Island: 22.7 NM / 3:15 hours From Nanaimo, Vancouver Island: 38.8 NM / 5:33 hours From Oak Harbor: 58.1 NM / 8:18 hours From Port Townsend: 56.5 NM / 8:04 hours From Seattle (Shilshole via Deception Pass): 91.4 NM / 13:03 hours From Sidney (via Active Pass): 26.8 NM / 3:50 hours From Vancouver: 32.6 NM / 4:39 hours From Victoria (via Boundary Passage): 46.2 NM / 6:36 hours From White Rock: 11.8 NM / 1:41 hours.
Point Roberts is an undiscovered gem that will be well worth the delivery to get there. Recognizing that border crossings might be challenging for some crew, and the venue may require a two-day boat delivery for some Seattle boats, there are plans in the works to address these concerns. Point Roberts Race Week will arrange for a water taxi to transfer walk
on crew from Blaine Harbor Marina in Washington to Point Roberts Marina in Washington. This crossing through Semiahmoo and Boundary Bay is 12.7 NM, and will take approximately 20-30 minutes.
In addition, Point Roberts Race Week will be hosting a rendezvous party in Anacortes for boats doing a two-day delivery from the Seattle area on each of the Saturday nights before/after Point Roberts Race Week. “My hope is that Seattle area boats get the party started early and share in the camaraderie of the delivery,” Rathkopf adds. The delivery from Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina is 91 nautical miles and for boats travelling at 7 knots, it will take approximately 13 hours. “The route is scenic and the distance doable when it’s split up over two days,” Rathkopf adds. “An alternative is Point Roberts Marina has a 3,000 pound dinghy lift and a 35-ton travel lift for boats preferring to trailer to the event.”
Accommodations There are hundreds of VRBO and Airbnb offerings in Point Roberts for crews looking for house shares. Plus, RV and tent camping will be available at the Point Roberts Marina and also at Lighthouse Park Campground, a full-service campground near the marina that will be reserved annually for Point Roberts Race Week participants. There are also several comfortable hotels nearby in Tsawwassen.
Local Hospitality and Local Knowledge Both Theresa Coe and longtime Whidbey Island Race Week racer (and the Overall Winner at Whidbey Island Race Week in 2018), David Jackson, (Dash 34, MadDash) have lived and raced in Point Roberts for many years and were instrumental in the reconnaissance to bring Race Week to Point Roberts. On the quality of the racing area, David explains, “The winds are unobstructed and the tides are predictable. For the longer races, nearby islands can be used as marks while some courses may go to the east of the point into Boundary Bay, or to the West in the Strait of Georgia. Expect a great variety of race areas and course lengths.” Concerning local racing tips, he adds, “The races will all start just 5 to 10 minutes from the marina. For the short courses, we’ll race close to low bank shores and spectators will love it because the boats get super close to shore. The water at Lighthouse park is deep right to shore so get close but the cliffs at Lilly Point can funnel and/or slow the wind, so stay clear.”
As longtime Point Roberts residents, Coe and Jackson also encapsulates the support that racers can expect to receive from the entire community. “You will not only have the support of the Point Roberts Marina,” David says. “But you will have everyone in the Point Roberts community making racers feel at home.” Coe adds, “Point Roberts is a unique small close knit, quiet and rustic community where an event like this brings new excitement and a chance where the community can shine with our hospitality and friendliness.”
History 2019 marks the 37th year that Race Week has called Whidbey Island home. It was brought to life by Northwest Yachting magazine back in the early 80s and the traditions continued with Bob Ross and Stan Stanley, followed by Gary Stuntz and then Schelleen and Charley Rathkopf and now Schelleen Rathkopf. Whidbey Island Race Week has enjoyed many years of hospitality, support and engagement in the City of Oak Harbor. But the marina’s only lift has been broken for 2 years and the plans to address a solution won’t begin until the year 2024. Additionally, the channel into the marina is in desperate need of dredging to accommodate larger boats that would like to attend Race Week but cannot due to their risks of running aground. In order to provide the best event experience on the west coast, attract boats from the US and Canada, expand our offerings to the region’s growing fleets, the event needs to be in a deep-water, full-service marina and unfortunately, that is not in Oak Harbor. The Oak Harbor Marina is owned by a tenant association (not the City of Oak Harbor) and the costs for the needed repairs and dredging is too cost prohibitive. Whidbey Island Race Week will celebrate its final event in Oak Harbor, Washington July 24-27, 2019.
New Name
Whidbey Island Race Week will be rebranded as Point Roberts Race Week and additional information will be available on the new event website, PointRobertsRaceWeek.com that will launch July, 28, 2019. Registration for Point Roberts Race Week will open January 1, 2020.
Contacts Schelleen Rathkopf / Event Producer & Owner / Whidbey Island Race Week / Point Roberts Race Week 2400 NW 80th Street #130 / Seattle WA 98117 / (206) 384-5254 / Schelleen@PointRobertsRaceWeek.com
www.WhidbeyIslandRaceWeek.com / www.PortRobertsRaceWeek.com (Launch date July 28, 2019)
Schelleen Rathkopf is a Seattle native and grew up in a power boat family. She taught sailing at Malibu Club in Canada, a popular youth summer camp near Canada’s Princess Louisa Inlet during her summers in college. A graduate from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Schelleen majored in Art History and then pursued a career in marketing and promotions in Seattle area media houses including KING TV and Seattle Magazine for over 20 years. Schelleen served as the Sponsors Coordinator for the Mallory and Irvine Research Expedition on Mount Everest in 1999, where she worked on sponsor procurement and fulfillment on Mt. Everest. Schelleen has raced on a variety of boats including J24s, SJ24s, C & C 32, Olson 30, Cookson 12M, and a Star. She also owned and skippered her own boat, Isaura, a San Juan 28 for several years. From early 2000, Schelleen’s interests turned towards race management as this was a way to be involved with racing while raising two small children. For 16 years, Schelleen served on race committee as the scorekeeper and timekeeper at Corinthian Yacht Club in Seattle and also at Whidbey Island Race Week, prior to taking over ownership of Race Week in 2015. In addition to her work on Race Week, Schelleen is a certified professional organizer through NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) and in 2017, created her own home organization business, Stuffbusters of Puget Sound. She lives in the Ballard/Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle with her two children.
Theresa Coe / General Manager / Point Roberts Marina / 713 Simundson Drive / Point Roberts WA 98281
(360) 945-2255 / tcoe@pointrobertsmarina.com / www.pointrobertsmarina.com
Theresa Coe, General Manager of the Point Roberts Marina, has been a resident of Point Roberts since 2008. She brings extensive management experience, a diverse background and a passion for boating to her position. She has worked in air traffic control in both Canada and the US, is a licensed PADI Dive Master and has been a volunteer member with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary SAR team operating out of Point Roberts. She has a plethora of boating experience in both sail and power and bought her first boat at age 16 in Florida, where she taught herself how to sail. Theresa has raced lasers, catarmarans, and a 50’ Beneteau out of Davis Island Yacht Club in Florida and later raced a 31’ Evetts in the Pacific Northwest with the Deep Cove Yacht Club and Point Roberts Yacht Club. Currently, she enjoys boating on DevOcean, her Bayliner 38 that she keeps at the Point Roberts Marina.
David Jackson / (360) 945-0450 / david.a.jackson@snapon.com
David Jackson has lived and raced in Point Roberts for 19 years and has a long history of sailboat racing since he was a young boy. He sailed sabot prams, lasers, fireballs and tornados before landing on his favorite big boat, Mad Dash – a Dash 34. Mad Dash has been in David’s family since 1984 when his parents and his sister (who were all on Olympic sailing teams) wanted a boat that the entire family could race and cruise on. His parents have since retired from racing, but David and his kids have continued the family tradition and have enjoyed a lot of success on the podium. As a
longtime Whidbey Island Race Week racer (and the Overall Winner at Whidbey Island Race Week in 2018), David has also participated in club races, J24 Worlds and Vic-Maui.
Links
Point Roberts Marina
https://www.pointrobertsmarina.com/
Point Roberts Yacht Club
http://pointrobertsyachtclub.com/
Point Roberts Now
https://pointrobertsnow.com/
Lighthouse Marina Park Campground / RV Park
http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/1956/Lighthouse-Marine-Park
Blaine Border Crossing
http://www.blainechamber.com/border-crossing-info/
Point Roberts Border Crossing
https://pointrobertsnow.com/border-crossing-information/
Breakwaters Bar & Grill (Post race party venue at Point Roberts Marina)
https://www.breakwatersbargrill.com/
Westwind Marine at Point Roberts Marina
http://www.westwindmarine.net/
Bald Eagle Golf Club
https://baldeaglegc.com/
Seabright Farms
http://seabrightfarmcottages.com/
Kurt grew up racing and cruising in the Midwest, and has raced Lasers since the late 1970s. Currently he is a broker at Swiftsure Yachts. He has been Assistant Editor at Sailing Magazine and a short stint as Editor of Northwest Yachting. Through Meadow Point Publishing he handles various marketing duties for smaller local companies. He currently is partners on a C&C 36 which he cruises throughout the Northwest. He’s married to the amazing Abby and is father to Ian and Gabe.