Leg Description

Cheekee Progress

Leg 1
Date: June 14, 2003
Course: Nanaimo to French Creek
Distance: 22.10 nautical miles

Start: 1030 hrs - The race committee will be on station on the Visiting Vessels Pier in Nanaimo harbour. Boats will start in the harbour between the pier and the satellite reef marker. All boats start together. Excellent spectator viewing from the Visiting Vessels Pier. A running commentary and introduction of boats will be broadcast via a PA system on the visiting vessels pier. Boats are asked to participate by sailing close by the pier for an introduction to the spectators during pre-race warm-up.

Special Notes: This is a very busy harbour. Use Caution. Expect heavy ferry traffic off Nanaimo. Area Whiskey Gulf will not be active over the weekend.

Finish Line French Creek: The finish is near the southern most breakwater in French Creek between the race committee motor home on shore and an inflatable marker. Excellent spectator viewing. The entrance to the harbour is tight with a nasty dog leg going in.

Finish Time: The drop dead finish time is 1800 hrs on all legs up the inside. Depending on wind boats may finish this leg anywhere between 1230hrs and 1800 hrs.

Moorage has been “sponsored” courtesy of the French Creek Harbour Authority. Harbour Master, Julie Blood, and others will be on hand to provide assistance with tying up. Rafting will be necessary at this and most other stops. The Lasqueti Island Ferry Dock is located here.

Awards Presentation: An informal awards presentation will be held as soon as the results are calculated. All boats will be presented with a flag bearing the name of the town with the winners receiving different colored flags. This will be repeated at all stops.

Facilities: Accommodations/Fuel/Showers/shore power/laundry/water/small store, etc at the head of the dock. Major grocery stores located in Parksville a 10 minute drive away.

Festivities: The manager of the French Creek Resort and Boar’s Head Pub, Russ Mosher, has lined up some great entertainment and festivities. More details will be posted at a later date. Call the French Creek Resort for more information 250-248-3713.