February 10, 2015 47th Annual WVYC Southern Straits Race: April 2-5, 2015 West Vancouver, British Columbia – As it has for almost half a century, the Easter weekend will see one of the largest events for Pacific Northwest sailing. More than 700 sailors aboard more than 100 boats are expected to compete in the West Vancouver Yacht Club’s Annual Southern Straits Yacht Race, which will test their sailing skills in an overnight distance race around the Georgia Strait. Now in its 47th year and offering four different course length options, Southern Straits provides a weekend of sailing to suit every experience. This challenging event is a qualifying race for the 2015 VanIsle 360 (around Vancouver Island) and 2016 Vic-Maui International Yacht Race. This year “Straits” is partnering with Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue to bring an extra element of safety to the race. RCM-SAR will provide three of its newest rescue vessels to patrol the race and be available should any participants need emergency assistance. The volunteer rescue crews from RCM-SAR stations in West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Nanaimo will also use the opportunity to train for extended missions. There are more than 40 RCM-SAR stations on the west coast which respond to more than 800 marine emergencies a year. The 47th Annual Southern Straits Race begins at 10:30am on Friday, April 3rd 2015. Everyone is welcome to view the start of the Race from Dundarave Pier in West Vancouver. For more information, please visit www.southernstraits.ca and www.rcmsar.com For More Information Contact: Sonia Telford Race Chair West Vancouver Yacht Club (604) 921-7575 [email protected]