A call has been made for required escort boats for this year's World Championship Bathtub Race in Nanaimo. (Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society)

By Ian Holmes

help wanted

Escort boats needed for Sunday’s bathtub race

Jul 20, 2022 | 2:39 PM

NANAIMO — On the eve of registering for the 53^rd annual World Championship Bathtub Race a request for necessary escort boats has been made.

Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society commodore Greg Peacock said a shortage of required escort boaters is always an issue and this year will be no different.

He said each racer must have a boat in close proximity to help ensure their safety.

“It’s mandatory for this big race and most of them understand that it would be silly for them to go out without an escort boat.”

Peacock said being an escort boat isn’t for everybody, pointing to unpredictable weather, particularly during exposed sections for much of the course between Entrance Island and Winchelsea Islands.

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“It’s rough out there at times, we’ve had some races where it’s been flat calm and you could waterski to Vancouver if you choose to — we’ve had other races where you could be in heavy seas off Entrance Island, it’s typically not for the faint of heart.”

Thirty-five to 50 bathtub racers are expected to participate in the first World Championship Bathtub Race since 2019.

Registration takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park between Thursday, July 21 and Saturday, July 23 to ensure racing vessels are mechanically sound and participants have all of the required safety equipment.

Peacock said longtime racer Brandon Skipper is currently without an escort boat after it was recently destroyed in a fire.

“It would be a shame to have him spend all of this time tuning up his boat, practicing and not be able to enter the race.”

Those interested in serving as an escort boater are asked to email: escortboats@bathtubbing.com

Nanaimo Marine Festival involves three days of entertainment based at Maffeo Sutton Park starting on Friday, July 22, while the race itself happens on Sunday, July 24 starting at 11 a.m.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes