Celebrating the Legacy and Future of an Epic Race

Blast Performance Sailing and Black Wolf Racing Announce a New Chapter for the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race

Blast Performance Sailing and Black Wolf Racing are proud to jointly announce a landmark transition for the Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race. With heartfelt appreciation, the stewardship of this legendary event will pass from esteemed organizers Jeff and Sylvia Motley to Chris and Christa Maier and the team at Black Wolf Racing over the coming months.

For fifteen remarkable years, Jeff and Sylvia Motley have dedicated themselves to cultivating Van Isle 360 into one of Canada’s foremost tests of seamanship with adventure and camaraderie. Their commitment transformed this race into much more than a competition—creating a vibrant community, fostering friendships, and setting the bar for excellence and spirit in the sailing world.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to Jeff and Sylvia for their vision, passion, leadership, and friendship. Their legacy has inspired all of us. As the torch is passed, Black Wolf Racing is committed to upholding the values of safety, community, and racing excellence that are the hallmarks of Van Isle 360.”

“Sylvia and I are looking forward to mentoring Chris and Christa in all aspects of the 2027 race to ensure a seamless transfer of community champions, sponsors and competitors. Jeff is particularly looking forward to being relieved of duties parking boats in Telegraph Cove.”

This transition signifies not only the continuation of cherished traditions, but also a renewed promise to promote sailing, adventure, and high level competition for sailors across the Pacific Northwest.

Plans for the upcoming edition of Van Isle 360 are already underway. Blast Performance Sailing and Black Wolf Racing warmly invite both returning and new participants to join the celebration of this iconic journey around Vancouver Island. Details regarding race dates, registration, and event activities will be shared in the coming weeks.

For further updates, registration, and information, please visit the official Van Isle 360 (www.vanisle360.com)

2026–2027 Sail Canada OSR Prescriptions: Category 3 Monohull (Section-by-Section)

Sail Canada just released their prescriptions to the 2026–2027 Offshore Special Regulations (effective January 1, 2026). The following is a summary highlighting the prescription that Sail Canada has made to the Category 3 Monohull OSRs. For BC sailors, recent work by the BC Sailing OSR committee has brought local harmonisation to the major events reducing the number of event specific amendments. This means less work to get ready for your Long Distance Campaign in BC.

Stability Screening Deep Dive: What It Is and Why It Matters

If you're planning to race offshore or participate in serious yacht racing events, you've probably encountered the term "stability screening" in race documentation. But what exactly does it mean, and why should you care? Let's dive deep into this critical aspect of sailing safety and racing compliance. What is Stability and Why Does It Matter? Stability screening verifies that your boat meets defined standards for resisting capsize and for recovery when pressed by wind and

Deep Dive: The 2026-2027 OSR Lifejacket Standard

Introduction With the introduction of the 2026-27 OSRs from World Sailing, we have been going through them looking for changes and trying to wrap our heads around what they mean. Below is a bit of a deep dive into what is said about Lifejackets, or PFDs and the systems that surround this vital piece of equipment. Namely, we will mention tethers and harnesses. Sail Canada has at present not updated its website with their prescriptions. We are eagerly awaiting that document,

Races

Black Wolf Racing provides full service race management and race organisation to the Pacific Northwest. Our headliner race is the Van Isle 360. We are always ready and willing to add more races to our portfolio, and support you with whatever you need to make your race a world-class adventure.

Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race

The most prestigious race in the Pacific Northwest, the Van Isle 360 races around Vancouver Island in 14 days, 9 legs and one cumulative series - no drops! You get the full challenge of inshore, offshore, adventure and teamwork. Run Every two years. The next edition is in 5 -19 June 2027

VanIsle360.com

Future Events

We are always looking to host unique and interesting races. Our only caveats is that they must celebrate our great location and our great communities.