By Spencer Sterritt

Bathtub racers set sail for biggest festival weekend yet

Jul 21, 2017 | 5:43 PM

NANAIMO — Eyes around the world will be on Nanaimo this weekend for the annual bathtub race.

The 51st Great World Championship Bathtub Race kicks off promptly at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 23 down in the Nanaimo harbour. Organizers say roughly 50 boats, an apt number given the anniversary year, will cruise for 58 kilometres on their way back to Maffeo Sutton Park.

Given the recent short rains and high winds, Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society commodore Bill McGuire said choppy waters could make for an even race between the stock, modified and super modified bathtub classes.

“At any given time the weather can change,” he told NanaimoNewsNOW. “When waters get rough, it’s really anyone’s race.”

McGuire has been race commodore for roughly 15 years. In his time, he said constant efforts of re-invention have kept interest in the race high. “We look at trying to add something new every year to keep it fresh and new, and that’s what’s happening here. It seems to be getting bigger and better every year.”

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The entire month of July was declared as the Nanaimo Marine Festival by the City, tying in both the Dragon Boat Festival and Silly Boat Regatta.

McGuire said the change several years ago to end the race back in Nanaimo, instead of Vancouver, has also paid off with bigger numbers each and every year. “To me, for as long as I’ve been in it, it’s been the biggest rejuvenation to the race,” he said.

The weekend won’t be dominated by just the race, however.

Starting Friday, July 21, downtown Nanaimo will be packed with events, games, shows and food for everyone. The street fair runs Friday and Saturday, with a massive parade winding through the streets on Saturday.

Second commodore Greg Peacock said this year’s parade is the longest they’ve ever had, hitting all four corners of Nanaimo’s downtown. “There’s stuff going on everwhere,” he said, also touching on the two nights of concerts and the fireworks show Saturday night.

Peacock said turning the race into the biggest weekend in Nanaimo all year has drawn more and more international eyes as well.

“Everywhere you go, everyone knows about it. When you say you’re from Nanaimo, people say ‘hey, that’s where the crazy Frank pirate guy is from and he raced bathtubs.’ It’s known everywhere and we’re proud to carry that tradition on.”

Roughly 50,000 people are expected in downtown Nanaimo over the three days.

During the fireworks show from 7 p.m. to midnight, various downtown roads will be closed. A full list can be found here.

A full list of events over the weekend can be found online.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit