Onbrand

THE CHALLENGE: VANISLE360
The VanIsle360 International Yacht Race stands as the most prestigious and challenging offshore sailing event on Canada's west coast after the VicMaui Race. This biennial race circumnavigates Vancouver Island through a series of demanding legs that test sailors against diverse conditions:

Race Details:
Distance: Approximately 580 nautical miles around Vancouver Island
Duration: 14 days of racing across 9 challenging legs
Conditions: From navigating the powerful currents of Johnstone Strait and Seymour Narrows to handling the open Pacific Ocean swells of the west coast
Community: The race connects sailors with coastal communities throughout Vancouver Island
Prominence: Attracts top sailing teams from across the Pacific Northwest
This race represents not just a sailing competition but a true adventure that combines seamanship, strategy, endurance, and teamwork in one of the world's most beautiful and challenging maritime environments.

My Team and Boat
I've been selected to join the crew of Reverie, a classic Canadian design with proven VanIsle360 experience. Our team consists of:
Vessel: Reverie - C&C 35' yacht
Captain: John Roberts (boat owner and experienced VanIsle360 racer)
Crew: 7 dedicated sailors including myself
Shore Support: 2-person road team providing critical assistance around the island
While Reverie has previously completed the VanIsle360, several crew members (including myself) will be first-time participants in this epic circumnavigation. To prepare for this challenge, we're undertaking a comprehensive training program including a series of progressively challenging races to build our teamwork, enhance our skills, and optimize our performance aboard Reverie.