Round the County Race 2023

It was a wet and wild weekend for the 2023 Round the County (RTC).

Held in Anacortes, USA the race sails around the county of Anacortes over 2 days - with a stop in Roche Harbour on Saturday night.

Three True North teammates partook in the event, with Sophia Moiseyenko aboard the XP44 ‘Phoenix’ , and Jack Porter and Alec Coleman aboard ‘Longboard’, a Riptide 35 mkII.

Leaving early on Friday morning, the Longboard team delivered the boat to Anacortes, motoring into a 20+ knot headwind most of the 8 hour trip - a sign of what was to come for the race. In the harbour that night, the teams saw upwards of 50 knot puffs on the instruments and were very thankful to be in the safety of the marina.

By morning, the breeze had died to a pleasurable 15-25 knots, but lefty a messy wave state.

Saturday began with an “electric” downwind start, but rapidly became a reach turned upwind as the boats rounded the first corner - which continued for the rest of the 7 hour race-day.

After some beers, pizza, and quick repairs - the teams enjoyed a regatta party where they could catch up with all the other racers from around the Pacific Northwest.

Sunday also began with a downwind start, this time in light winds, which transitioned to a wavy upwind again for almost the entire race (not ideal for the downwind-designed Longboard). Onboard the XP44, Sophia and the crew held their own in their very competitive division.

Monday involved a pleasureable motor back to Vancouver - with whale-watching along the way.

True North looks forward to taking part in RTC again next year! Check out some onboard footage taken by Longboard bowman Matthew Stranaghan on Saturday morning’s downwind start.