"Vic-Maui challenges navigators to demonstrate their weather routing and navigational skills. Success depends on the navigator's skill in predicting where the Pacific High pressure zone and trade winds will be, nearly a week into the future. The adventure includes sailing around the Pacific High and surfing downwind in the trades. The days pass quickly with the fleet surrounded by dolphins and albatross, spectacular sunrises, sunsets and brilliant starlit nights. Teamwork gets the boats to the finish line near Lahaina, where each arriving boat is greeted with an outstanding Hawaiian welcoming party. Family and friends meet the racers to celebrate the accomplishment with hugs, leis and mai-tais. Many crew stay to spend more time enjoying Maui with their families before heading home".

The cruising division start is on July 5th, the race division start is July 7th 2012. The time limit for each division is July 26. The boat and crew will "R & R" in Maui for a week or so before departing in late July or very early August.. Accommodation on shore can be arranged during this period for crew members and visiting family. There will also be some short local cruising outings.

Planned return to Victoria around 18th of August. 

The Oak Bay Sailing School boat is the 50' Beneteau "Big Ben". There are up to  8 crew places available on each of the 'out" and "return" legs. The cost for the outbound leg for non-members of the cruising club is $4250 plus HST.  The cost for the return leg for non members $3250.  This includes charter fees, provisions on board, and  training appropriate to each crew members's previous experience. Trip cost to cruising club members  is available on application.
(As at 15 Feb 2012, the outbound leg is is full, and ther are two vacancies on the return leg.)
A $1000 deposit is required on sign up, with balance completed in three stage payments end of January, February and March 2012. There can be no refunds of payments once the entry is sent in, as the money will be progressively invested in the required boat equipment and materials. Participating crew are recommended to arrange trip insurance to cover illness/injury that may prevent them from takung part. A refund is possible in the event of unforeseen difficulties if a suitable replacement can be found to cover the total financial commitment.
If you are interested in joining the crew for either leg, request a registration form from obssinfo@shaw.ca