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CREW CALLStrum is targeting 10 Crew for each event of the 2026 VARC.bc.ca series,
1. VARC-Spring Series (4 events)
2. VARC-Summer Series (3 events)
3. VARC-Fall Series (5 events).
Preference given to those that
a) have Safety At Sea certificate
b) help Strum pre/post events
c) race on last Strum event
d) can attend entire series.
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VARC SCORING
New for 2026 is VARC scoring in 3 separate series with a mix of Distance & Regatta events for each season, as follows,
VARC SPRING SERIES
1. Mar28 Opener (RVYC/Regatta)
2. Apr03 Straits (WVYC/Distance)
3. Apr25 Halibut (WVYC/Distance)*
4. Jun13 Bowen (BIYC/Distance)
*Next Event
VARC-SUMMER SERIES
5. Jul11 Summer (VRC/Regatta)
6. Jul18 SOAR (SYC/Distance)
7. Aug15 EBS (VRC/Distance)
VARC-FALL SERIES
8. Sep11 Salish (RVYC/Distance)
9. Sep12 Deep Cove (not Strum)
10. Sep26 HSR (WVYC/Regatta)
11. Oct03 FRLS (RVYC/Distance)
12. Oct17 Closer (KYC/Regatta)
13. Nov13 VARC Dinner ($75 RVYC)
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VARC-DISTANCE SERIES 2026,
1. Southern Straits
2. Halibut Bank
3. Round Bowen
4. English Bay Scramble (EBS)
5. Salish Sea
6. Fraser River Light Ships (FRLS)
The VARC-DISTANCE SERIES is the above six regattas, which are perfect for Strum. Only one (Straits) is an over night race, another is a 3 day adventure race (Salish) where the other 4 (Halibut, Bowen, EBS & the FRLS) races allow crew to have breakfast & dinner at home. These regattas require less than an hour of motoring to/from the start/finish lines. We target 10 crew for all but the Salish Sea Race, which is limited to 8 crew for the 8 berths on Strum. Strum will register when target crew numbers are confirmed.
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VARC-REGATTA SERIES 2026
1. VARC Opener
2. Summer Regatta
3. Howe Sound Regatta (HSR)
4. VARC Closer
THE VARC-REGATTA SERIES is the above four regattas, which are new events for Strum this year as she will not be cruising as much this summer. All these events are local, so crew can have breakfast & dinner at home. All regattas require less than an hour motoring to/from the start/finish line, with an ETA back at RVYC Jericho shortly after the typical 4pm time limit. We target 10 crew for all Regatta events, with registration following 10 confirmed crew.
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CREW
CREW COMMITMENTS
Select GOING if you can commit.
Select INTERESTED if you cannot commit now, but maybe later.
Crew not responding to these Facebook /Events will be at risk.
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CREW (FACEBOOK RESPONSES)
2026 VARC SERIES
GOING (10)
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Reto Corfu (CANBC2623)*
3. Calvin Goldschmidt (CANBC2844)*
4. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)*
5. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*
6. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
7. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
8. Kris Vogel*
9. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
10. Riptide50 Strum (host)
INTERESTED (6)
1. Ben Lightburn
2. Sam Macray**
3. Emmanuel Miranzac**
4. Robert Rons**
5. Charlotte Silverman
6. Kostia Vasylenko
YES, BUT NO FB REPLY (2)
Michael Mkwelele
Cole Wunder
*VARC-Spring Core-Crew
**Contact skipper
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CREW (personal commitments)
From 2025 WhatsApp Poll
1. Peter Bodifee (Opener/Straits/Halibut/Bowen/Salish/FRLS)
2. Calvin Goldschmidt (Halibut/FRLS)
3. Matt Humer (Opener/Straits/Hailbut/Bowen)
4. Simon Kaulback (Halibut/Bowen)
5. Ben Lightburn (Straits/Halibut/Summer/SOAR/Salish/HSR/Closer/WNS July)?
6. Michael Mkwelele (Opener/Straits/Halibut)
7. Carl Mulherin (Opener/Straits/Halibut/Bowen/Salish/FRLS)
8. Aegir Olsen (FRLS)
9. Charlotte Silverman (Halibut)
10. Steve Small (Opener/Straits/Halibut/Bowen/Salish/FRLS)
11. Zach Thompson (Straits/Halibut?/Salish/FRLS)
12. Kostia Vasylenko (Halibut/Bowen)
13. Kris Vogel (Opener/Straits?/Halibut/Bowen/EBS/Salish/FRLS)
14. Randy Vogel (Opener/Straits/Halibut/Bowen/Summer/EBS/Salish/FRLS/HSR/Closer)
15. Cole Wunder (Straits/Bowen?)
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CREW (by Events)
2026 Strum VARC Events are capped at the number under Confirmed Crew.
VARC SPRING SERIES,
1. VARC OPENER (REGATTA)
Sat Mar28, 2026 (RVYC)
Div 0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Div-0 No Long Course=DNC
Confirmed Crew (SAS#)
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Matt Humer
3. Michael Mkwelele
4. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
5. Kris Vogel*
6. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
STRAITS CREW NOT RACING
Reto Corfu (Taiwan)
Calvin Goldschmidt (overseas)
Adam Macdonald (Sidney BC)
Carl Mulherin (illness)
Zach Thompson (M242ing)
Cole Wunder
*Core-Crew
**Subject To Change
SAS=Safety At Sea (7/8=88%)
Straits crew expected to race Opener as practice. RVYC reluctant to start Div-0 with less than 3 boats. Since Strum was only Div-0 boat available, we elected not to race. Practice sailed with J1 beat to Passage Island & A5 run to RVYC breakwater. Strum & crew ready for Straits race next Fri.
OPENER SCHEDULE
Jan13 Crew party
Feb01 Core-Crew declared
Mar07 De winterize Strum (RV)
Mar09 Engine service/new starter
Mar08 Main sheet (Bruce/SS/RV)
Mar14 Cushions/sails (MH/KV/RV)
Mar15 Pack A's (PB/SS/RV)
Mar21 Main on (PB/MH/SS/ZT/RV)
Mar22 Mast plates/pantry
Mar27 Fri 4-6 Rig Strum/bone Js
Mar28 Sat VARC Opener race day
0956 Low Tide (10.66’)
1000 On Strum please
1030 off the dock
1100 Practice sailed begins
1358 High Tide (12.01’)
1400 Practice sail ends
1500 De-rig/keel up/sails away
1936 Sunset
2109 Low Tide (4.56’)
2. SOUTHERN STRAITS (DISTANCE)
See FB /Event “2026 Southern Straits Race on Strum”
Good Friday Apr03, 2026 (WVYC)
Div 0, 1, 2 - Sisters Islets
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Reto Corfu (CANBC2623)*
3. Matt Humer*
4. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)*
5. Michael Mkwelele
6. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*
7. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
8. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
9. Kris Vogel*
10. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
11. Cole Wunder
CREW NOT RACING
Geoff Affleck (confirm/cancel)
Calvin Goldschmidt (overseas)
*Core-Crew
SAS=Safety At Sea (7/9=78%)
Room & board available to out-of-town crew. Strum registered Mar27. Thursday 1730 WVYC skippers meeting, followed by 1900 $29 crew dinner (chicken & ribs).
The 56th Southern Straits race will be Strum’s 10th Straits Race, and our 1st race of the year (after the Mar28 practice sail. Strum’s skipper has competed in over 35 Southern Straits races (with Dream Machine, Mad Max, Karma, Renegade, Mach II & Strum). Div-0 ORC (APH≤615.0) will race the
Sisters Islets Course (100 nm) of,
West Van, Dunderave start,
Sisters Islets (to port),
Ballenas (to port),
Virtual Finish Line.
STRAITS SCHEDULE
Mar27 Strum registered (ORC-0)
Mar28 Sail (BP/MH/MM/SS/KV/RV)
Apr02 2pm Rig Strum/provisions
5pm carpool to WVYC
5:30pm Skippers Meeting,
Dinner (PB/MH/AM/MM/RV/CW)
Apr03 Fr Southern Straits
0642 High Tide (14.14’)
0800 on Strum (RVYC-J B3)
0830 off the dock
0900 Start area/sails up
0915-0945 Roll call check-in
1000 First Signal
3rd Start, ORC-0 (Strum)
1326 Low Tide (4.49’)
1600 30kt TWS/20kt BS
1700 A4/main damage (RET)
1900 Nanaimo
1946 Sunset
2000 Watch System starts
2010 High Tide (14.01’)
0030 Strum back at RVYC-J
3. HALIBUT BANK (DISTANCE)
Sat Apr25, 2026 (WVYC)
Div 0, 1, 2 Halibut Bank
Div 3, 7 Popham Island
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Calvin Goldschmidt (CANBC2844)*
3. Matt Humer*
4. Simon Kaulback (20230305)
5. Ben Lightburn (CANBC6518)
6. Michael Mkwelele*
Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768) TBD
7. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
8. Kris Vogel*
9. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
10.
*Core-Crew
SAS=Safety At Sea# (6/9=67%)
UNAVAILABLE
Reto Corfu (M242 Fleet Captain)*
Adam Macdonald (Nanaimo)*
Charlotte Silverman (R2AK)
Zach Thompson (M242 Polar Bear)*
Kostia Vasylenko (?)
Cole Wunder (away)
WVYC “Celebrate spring with a day of racing in beautiful Howe Sound and around the Strait of Georgia. The Halibut Bank course takes ORC Divisions 0, 1, and 2 south of Passage Island to the Halibut Bank ODAS buoy (aprox 34nm). This is a VARC event.”
10. COURSES
10.1. Halibut Bank Race
ORC Divisions 0, 1 & 2:
From the Start line, located approximately 0.5 nautical miles south of Passage Island, boats
will sail to the Halibut Bank Aid to Navigation at approximate location of 49 degrees 20.449’N
and 123 degrees 43.623’W, leaving it to port and return to the Finish line. The distance is
approximately 34 nautical miles.
HALIBUT SCHEDULE
Apr06 A3+4/main to North Sails
Apr22 A3+4/main+batten pick up
Apr23 Pack As/bone Js (SS/RV)
Apr24 2-6pm Main on/Prep Strum
MH/BL/SS/KV/RV
Apr25 Race Day
0211 High Tide (14.82’ Pt Atkinson)
0601 Sunrise
0700 Skipper car pool
0730 On Strum please
0800 ETD RVYC
0846 Low Tide (9.58’ PA)
0900 ETA Passage Is Start Area
0955 First Signal
1253 High Tide (11.00’ PA)
1400 Strum expected finish
1800 Time Limit
1952 Low Tide (5.44’ PA)
2021 Sunset
4. ROUND BOWEN (DISTANCE)
Sat Jun13, 2026 (BIYC)
Div 0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Simon Kaulback (20230305)
3. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)
4. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*
5. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
6. Kostia Vasylenko (CANBC2496)
7. Kris Vogel*
8. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
9.
10.
UNAVAILABLE
Zach Thompson (M242 Polar Bear)
The Round Bowen Race is BIYCs most popular event. There are normally 100+ plus boats registered, and with only 1 start, makes it one of the largest single starts on the west coast. The race involves the circumnavigation of Bowen island and takes place on the 2nd Saturday in June. The race begins at 10:00am PDT, and the latest finishing time is 17:30 PDT same day.
0506 Sunrise
0600 Skippers carpool
0630 On Strum please
0700 ETD RVYC
0800 ETA BIYC
0830 Skippers meeting, BIYC
0950 Start Sequence
1000 One Start (100+ boats)
1400 Strum expected finish
1730 Time Limit
1800-2000 $20 BBQ & prizes.
1800-2200 live music by Black Molly
2000 Strum ETD BIYC
2100 Strum ETA RVYC Jericho
2119 Sunset
VARC SUMMER SERIES,
5. SUMMER (REGATTA)
Jul11-12, 2026 (VRC)
Div 0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Div-0 Long Course?
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
The 2026 Summer Regatta is set to sail on July 11th and 12th, and the Lobster Bash is back for Saturday evening July 11th! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of racing, fun, and festivities! Registration opens May 15th with special “early bird” pricing.
Strum will return to RVYC Jericho after racing. Carpool with skipper to the dinner if interested!
6. SOAR (REGATTA)
SQUAMISH OCEAN AREA RACING
Sat Jul18 only (SYC)
Div-0, 1, 2 Long Course
Div 3, 7 Short Course
Strum not racing
7. EBS (DISTANCE)
ENGLISH BAY SCRAMBLE
Sat Aug15, 2026 (TCYC)
Div-0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Kris Vogel*
2. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Rouse your tacticians from their slumber and join in one of Vancouver's most popular, unique, and challenging races, this year with a slightly adjusted course layout (new port rules = fresh tactics!). After-party and awards in the private upstairs loft at Nuba Kitsilano, 3116 W. Broadway. Lots of great prizes to be won!
Start 11am Register at tiddlycove.bc.ca
VARC FALL SERIES,
8. SALISH SEA (DISTANCE)
Fri Sep11-13, 2026 (RVYC)
Div-0, 1 scored in VARC
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)
3. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*
4. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
5. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
6. Kris Vogel*
7. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
8.
2026 will be the 6th Annual Salish Sea Regatta, but the first time scored as a VARC event (thanks to skipper as Div-0 Rep). A unique multi-stage sailing race delivering three days of competitive sailing covering 85 nm of the Salish Sea, combined with fun social dock activities with your fellow racers. Here's a video from the 2025 race. RVYC invites you to be our guest, racing in some of the best venues the Salish Sea has to offer and experience the hospitality of two of our prized outstations. Members and non-members welcome. Enjoy some of the finest late-summer/early-fall sailing in B.C.’s south coast, combined with camaraderie and fun. (Rumour has it the always-entertaining, informal, laser match-racing in Silva Bay may take place once again). Strum crew capped at 8 due to sleeping berths. One spot available!
9. DEEP COVE (REGATTA)
Sep12-13, 2026 (DCYC)
Div 2, 3, 7 only
(Div 0, 1 do Salish Sea)
10. HSR (REGATTA)
HOWE SOUND REGATTA
Sep26-27, 2026 (WVYC)
Div 0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Div-0 Long Course?
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Join us for WVYC's premier fall sailing event. WVYC will hold two separate regattas: the original VARC Howe Sound Regatta and a One Design Regatta. The Howe Sound Regatta will host two days of distance racing and the One Design regatta will host two days of round the cans. Saturday evening post racing we invite you all to come back to the West Vancouver Yacht Club for an evening of entertainment. The evening kicks off at 6pm. Strum will register when 10 crew are confirmed.
11. FRLS (DISTANCE)
FRASER RIVER LIGHT SHIP
Sat Oct04, 2026 (RVYC)
Div 0, 1, 2 - S1 Long Course
Div 3, 7 - T10 Short Course
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*
2. Calvin Goldschmidt (CANBC2844)
3. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)
4. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*
5. Aegir Olsen
6. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*
7. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*
8. Kris Vogel*
9. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
10.
The FRLS is a classic fall distance race, traditionally hosted by the RVYC. The current race course leaves English Bay, rounds a buoy near where the lightship was stationed, and returns to English Bay. Last VARC Distance event for 2026.
12. VARC CLOSER (REGATTA)
Sat Oct17, 2026 (KYC)
Div 0, 1, 2, 3, 7
Div-0 Long Course?
Confirmed Crew (SAS#),
1. Peter Bodifee (CANBC2691)*?
2. Calvin Goldschmidt (CANBC2844)?
3. Adam Macdonald (CANBC2584)?
4. Carl Mulherin (CANBC2768)*?
5. Aegir Olsen?
6. Steve Small (CANBC2790)*?
7. Zach Thompson (CANBC2700)*?
8. Kris Vogel*?
9. Randy Vogel (CANBC2497)*
10.
Was an RVYC event, now hosted by KYC. This Regatta is THE last VARC sailing event of 2026. Details not available yet.
13. VARC DINNER (AWARDS)
Fri Mar13, 2026 ($75 RVYC)
THE last VARC event for 2026
All 2026 Strum crew welcome (+1)
1. Reto Corfu
2. Lesley Small
3. Steve Small
4. Zach Thompson
5. Kris Vogel
6. Pam Vogel
7. Randy Vogel
8.
9.
10.
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STRUM
STRUM (RATING)
2026 ORC test is 463.5
2026 ORC CertNo, BC2608
APH ToD, 414.9
APH ToT, 1.4461
CDL, 14.435
https://data.orc.org/public/WPub.dll/CC/03430004IKB
2025 ORC CertNo BC2548
APH ToD, 413.8
APH ToT, 1.4501
CDL, 14.583
https://data.orc.org/public/WPub.dll/CC/221878
STRUM (RATING)
2026 PHRF-BC -77
https://www.bcsailing.bc.ca/PHRF/bc_fleet_list_printable_by_rating.php
STRUM (SHORE CONTACT)
Primary Contact,
Pam Vogel
[email protected]
c604-307-2300
STRUM NEXT EVENT (TO-DO)
[ ] Ballast (on)
[ ] Clean, bilge/boards
[ ] Clean, bottom (RM Apr02)*
[x] Clean, deck/hull (Apr23)
[x] Clean, engine sump (Apr01)
[ ] Clean, mast/spreaders
[ ] Cover, boom sail cover (QB)
[ ] Cover, runner/wheel/winch (off)
[x] Cushions off, bow/mid/QB1 (19)
[x] Cushions on, nav/P+SQB2 (4)
[x] Diesel heat (working Apr23)
[x] Engine, filters/fluids (Mar09)
[x] Engine, starter (new Mar 2026)
[x] Fusion stereo (working)
[x] Galley, clean/reset/Ti (Apr23)
[ ] Jug 20L, diesel (yellow x2/on/0%)
[ ] Jug 20L, water (blue x1/on/100%)
[x] LEDs AAs (new Mar15)
[x] LEDs AAAs (new Mar15)
[x] Harken BM75mm on (5)
[ ] Harken Diverter (13mm bolt)
[ ] Main sheet tube (1.5” x6’)
[x] Mast plates in (3)
[x] Pantry, clean/reset
[ ] Provisions (Halibut)
[x] Rating, ORC 2026
[x] Rating, PHRF-BC 2026
[ ] Repair (Ballast bungie P)
[ ] Repair (TuffLuff protector/off)
[x] Rope, halyards in (race x4)
[x] Running rigging (clean/dry)
[x] Safety gear (on/compliant)
[x] Safety, PFD/strap/tether (4)
[x] Sail, A0 (on/furled)
[x] Sail, A2 (on/packed)
[x] Sail, A3 (on/packed)
[x] Sail, A4 (on/packed)*
[x] Sail, A5 (on/packed)*
[x] Sail, J1 (on/boned)
[x] Sail, J2 (on/boned)
[x] Sail, J4 (on/boned)*
[x] Sail, JTop (on/bricked)*
[ ] Sail, Main (on/bricked)*
[x] Sail, Stay Genoa (on/bricked)
[x] Sail, Stay Spin (on/furled)
[x] Sail, Storm Jib (garage)
[x] Sail, Storm Tri (garage)
[x] Sails off, As (6)
[x] Sails off, Js (3RF+3.5R+SJ)
[ ] Tank, diesel (17%/50%)*
[ ] Tank, propane (on/80%)
[x] Tank, water black (0%)
[ ] Tank, water fresh (100%/Apr02)*
[x] Tank, water-maker (0%)
[x] VHF, M34/M37/V50 (charged)
[x] Victron, lithium/system (AOK)
[x] WWG, on (#1+2+11+12)*
[ ] Yeti (P=water/S=beer/ice/off)*
———————————————
2026 STRUM SERIES SCORING (DIV-0)
VARC-SPRING SERIES
1. VARC Opener
2. Southern Straits
3. Halibut Bank
4. Round Bowen
VARC-SUMMER SERIES
5. Summer Regatta
6. English Bay Scramble (EBS)
7. SOAR (not for Strum)
VARC-FALL SERIES
Deep Cove Regatta (not Strum)
8. Salish Sea Regatta
9. Fraser River Light Ship
10. Howe Sound Regatta (HSR)
11. VARC Closer
12. VARC Awards (RVYC)
VIRS=Vancouver Island Racing Series
1. Patos Island
2. Round Saltspring
3. Swiftsure
4. Lasqueti Regatta
5. Sailing In Nanaimo (SIN)
WES=Wednesday Evening Series
May; Apr29, May 6, 13, 20
June; May 27, Jun 3, 10, 17
July; June 24, July 1, 8, 15
August; July 23, 29, Aug 5, 12
Sept; Aug 19, 26, Sep 2, 9.
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STRUM FULL SCHEDULE 2026
Jan13 House Party (+100 ppl)
Feb01 Core-Crew (declared)
Mar21 Patos (VIRS-1) DNC
Mar28 Opener (VARC-Spring)
Apr03 Straits (VARC-Spring)
Apr25 Halibut (VARC-Spring)
+
Apr29 Wednesdays (start)
1. May, Apr29, May 6, 13, 20
2. June, May 27, Jun 3, 10, 17
3. July, June 24, July 1, 8, 15
4. August, July 23, 29, Aug 5, 12
5. Sept, Aug 19, 26, Sep 2, 9.
+
May02 Dock Party
May09 SailPast (last sailboat)
May16 Saltspring (VIRS-2)?
May23 Swiftsure (VIRS-3)?
May30 Lasqueti (VIRS-4)?
Jun06 SIN (VIRS-5)?
Jun13 Bowen (VARC-Spring)
Jul11 Regatta (VARC-Summer)
Jul18 SOAR (VARC-Summer)?
Aug15 EBS (VARC-Summer)
Sep09 Wednesdays (end)
Sep11-13 Salish (VARC-Fall)
Sep26 HSR (VARC-Fall)
Oct03 FRLS (VARC-Fall)
Oct17 Closer (VARC-Fall)
Nov7-8 Round The County?
Nov13 VARC Dinner ($75 RVYC)
Host club determines date/Div-0 course. Please apply for each Series separately.
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Event Venue
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club (Official), 3811 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B3, Canada
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
