Published 9:00 am Thursday, May 21, 2026
By Christine van Reeuwyk
A group of yachts cruise by as their sails catch the wind at the start of the 2023 Swiftsure International Yacht Race off Clover Point in Victoria. (Justin Samanski-Langille/Victoria News file)
Swiftsure returns to Victoria waters this weekend, and residents and visitors are invited to join the excitement around the Inner Harbour, Clover Point, Ship Point, and Ogden Point.
The 81st running of the Royal Victoria Yacht Club’s Swiftsure Yacht Race is the largest of its kind on the west coast of North America, and this year, it is expected to see 100 participants.
The fun kicks off Thursday (May 21) with visits to the Inner Harbour causeway docks where folks can greet arriving boats and query the skippers and crew.
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By Friday, all boats are anticipated to arrive, with guests welcome to walk the docs until 8 p.m. with a live band helping make a festive evening.
Saturday morning features a pancake breakfast hosted by the Central Saanich Lions Club starting at 8 a.m. at Clover Point – the best location to watch the six race starts from shore. Spectators can get a great view of the boats maneuvering for the start of the races at 9 a.m.
Those looking to enjoy the show are asked to consider arriving by foot, by bicycle, or by public transit, where possible, with a reminder vehicles may not access the Clover Point loop.
The event includes video from the live broadcast, with Swiftsure commentators explaining the race, start procedures, and tactics.
Swiftsure Inshore Races finish Saturday afternoon in Cadboro Bay and dock at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club in Oak Bay.
The best view of race boats finishing is from the end of the Ogden Point breakwater from late Saturday evening until the race finishes at midnight on Sunday (May 24).