The Royal Naval Sailing Association (RNSA) Single Handed Race History
The B.C Squadron of the RNSA was inaugurated in 1972 with Commodore Leroy RCNR breaking out the RNSA burgee aboard HMCS Discovery.
The newly formed executive, under Captain John Horton, quickly realized that RNSA should organise some events to be included in the local calendar. Searching through the RNSA annuls for ideas, single handed sailing quickly came to the fore. Looking at the local charts and the Gulf of Georgia immediately gave rise to planning a race that would start in Vancouver and cross the Strait and return.
The idea of the single handed race was launched at the 1973 Vancouver Boat Show where RNSA had an impressive booth. Many local sailors quickly signed on with the race scheduled for early June. Soon however, a storm of protest started with some members of various yacht clubs believing sailing across the Strait - single handed – was dangerous!
With its long single handed history of members who had raced across the Atlantic and sailed around the world the RNSA was surprised at this attitude, however to quell the critiques a fleet of 12 power boats was assembled to act as safety escort, one even carrying the RNSA doctor.
We should remember Ken Reid from WVYC who fought hard against any criticism. He raced his own yacht “Huckleberry” in the event.
And so on June 2, 1973 the first RNSA single handed race started off Dunderave Pier. The course lay to the Point Grey Buoy to a finish off Silva Bay. A wonderful dinner was held at the resort with return of the race the following day. Fifty three yachts had a glorious race with no accidents but lots of smiles. The race was established that weekend. Later in the year the awards were presented at a huge mess dinner held aboard HMCS Discovery.
In 1974 RNSA Rear Commodore Sir Alex Rose, who himself had sailed single handed around the world, flew out from England as guest of honour for the race. The squadron was also honoured with the presence of the Lt. Governor of BC who kindly graced the dinner in Silva Bay.
With the race now firmly entrenched, the entries grew to over 120 and in fact because of moorage restrictions, the race had to be limited to 120. Many of BC’s top sailors were now testing their skills without their usual crew aboard. Lol Killiam, Vladimir Plasvic, Garry Storch, Don Martin, Warwick Thompson and Pat Leslie were just a few and competition became intense.
The course to Silva Bay continued for a few years but owing to the increased entries the resort could no longer support the race and so the course was changed to end at Snake Island with the dinner held in the Old Malispina Hotel.
With the demise of the hotel, RNSA began a new partnership with the Nanaimo Yacht Club which provided moorage and made their clubhouse available for dinner and breakfast. This wonderful partnership continues to this day.
In recent years the RNSA B.C. Squadron has suffered the passing of many of its members and, as its membership is restricted to those who have served in one of the commonwealth navies, the lower membership has required us to reach out for a partnership to assist in running the race.
For many years the False Creek Yacht Club was a co-host and for all their support the RNSA is extremely grateful with special thanks to Court and Susan Touwslager who served as race chair and ensured smooth running of the event.
Now West Vancouver Yacht Club has agreed to be the co-host. Perhaps the ghost of Ken Reid will ensure the RNSA single handed race will survive well into the future.
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Read the article "
Traditions and Change" in North Sails