Night Runner - Div 2 Overall Winner - Photo Sean Trew

June 21 - Nanaimo - 2330 hrs - The 2009 Save On Foods Van Isle 360 came to a conclusion today with a Final Awards Reception hosted by the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership with generous support from Paradise Island Cheese.
 

This year's race enjoyed fantastic weather and lots of sun but sailing conditions were light providing the fleet with a relatively easy sail all the way around Vancouver Island. Competition was fierce with most boats earning at least one podium position during the ten leg event. It was anybody's race right up until the end with boats who had dominated the top spots for much of the event punted off the podium after the final legs.

The mood on the docks today was one of post-party depression as sailors are loathe to leave and return to reality. Yellow flags for one more time around abound.


Dragonfly Fastest Overall - Photo Pacific Fog

Although not sailing in a division, Dragonfly, the Forumla 40 Catamaran added hugely to the event by providing serious competition for Icon for the elapsed time trophy.  Icon, a Perry 66 and Dragonfly duked it out all the way around the Island with Dragonfly finally prevailing and winning the overall Elapsed Time by 42 minutes and 28 secs.

In Div. 2 it was the wooden Bob Perry designed, Night Runner, skippered by Doug Fryer of Anacortes WA., who, refusing to leave the podium, hung in there to secure First Place Overall in the event by a mere 3 points (523). The only other woodie in the event, Myrrh, a Jesperson 30 skippered by Michael Kalahar from Port Angeles, Wa., came Second Overall (520). Myrrh's spectacular performance especially in light airs ensured them a podium position. In Third Place Overall was Zorra, skippered by Jim Lowry of Seattle, who through perserverance and hard work climbed up through the standings and secured their spot (515).

Something Wicked Crew

In Div. 1, Something Wicked, a Beneteau 40.7 skippered by Kevin Reath and Alex Fox dominated their diviision from the get go winning First Overall (494). Second Place Overall was another Bob Perry designed boat, the 66 foot Icon, skippered by Kevin Welch of Anacortes Wa. (424). Icon's last two first place finishes pushed the big blue boat up the standings. Ron Jewula's cool and well sailed Aerodyne 38, Kairos, from Victoria BC placed Third Overall (420). Bill Jones, skipper of Ion from Nanaimo, BC was presented with the best sportsman award sponsored by NISA.

This year's winning skippers were awarded beautiful framed artwork by local artist David Wicks. Dragonfly's skipper, Richard Ackrill from Victoria BC, was presented a gorgeous metal fish sculpture by another local artist, Steve Rolando.

Joe Daponte, the skipper of Opus was the lucky winner of a random draw for a fishing trip sponsored by Oak Bay Marine Group. The prize consists of a two night fishing trip for two people to the MV Marabell in Hakai Pass, BC, and includes airfare from Vancouver, accommodations and meals.




Div 1 Winner Overall - Something Wicked



Night Runner Crew - 1st Overall Div 2


Myrrh - 2nd Overall Div. 2

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