The 505 fleet In British Columbia is based out of the Kitsilano Yacht Club (KYC) sailing centre on English Bay in Vancouver (www.kitsilanoyachtclub.com). KYC is Vancouver’s neighbourhood sailing club located just west of the popular Kitsilano beach. KYC was founded in 1934 to foster amateur sailing and is home to many active one-design sailing fleets including the 505, Star, Martin 242, Lightning and Cal 20. There are also active and growing outrigger canoe, kayaking and SUP groups based out of KYC.
The BC 505 fleet participates in KYC’s Thursday night racing series and other club events throughout the sailing season including the Kitsilano Invitational in early July, the Bluenose Regatta in November and a couple of popular long-distance races which offer a nice change from the normal round-the-buoys format. Fleet One has hosted several Canadian and regional championship events at KYC as well as in nearby Squamish to take to take advantage of its famous windy conditions and beautiful venues. Fleet One also hosted the 1995 505 North American Championships, and the 2013 505 Pacific Coast Championships at KYC.
Although Fleet One is primarily based out of Vancouver, it is closely integrated with other regional fleets based in Bellingham, Port Townsend and Seattle just south of the border in Washington State. Together, the four Fleets try to co-ordinate a racing schedule that aims at maximizing participation in the region. The close proximity, despite the CAN/US border means many boats/teams are eager to trailer their boats the short trip to allow active and fun competition for regional honours.
The 505 fleet members are always happy to showcase the boat to interested sailors.
Contact: Cynthia Des Brisay cynthiad@telus.net
