2022 winner Jaime Garcia cruises to victory in his bathtub. The 48-year-old had been racing for 20 years and enjoyed his first win in front of thousands of people at Maffeo Sutton Park. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

here we go

Tubbers, start your engines! Bathtub race details and best vantage points

Jul 23, 2023 | 6:02 AM

NANAIMO — Arguably one of the region’s signature events is ready to race.

The 2023 Great International World Championship Bathtub Race starts from the Nanaimo Harbour next to Maffeo Sutton Park at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 23 and will see between 35 and 40 competitors tackle the 58 kilometre course.

Boats will head south around Protection Island before turning north and heading up the coast, circle the Winchelsea Islands and return to Maffeo Sutton Park.

Top racers typically finish the course in about 60 to 90 minutes, weather and wind permitting.

The winner is not only the first boat back, but the first pilot to climb out of their craft, make the trek up the shore stairs and ring the famous bell.

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Most of the festivities take place at Maffeo Sutton Park where thousands are poised to gather along the waterfront to watch the fleet take off.

Maffeo Sutton Park offers the best vantage point for the start and end of the race. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Barring any significant winds and adverse sea conditions, the first boats are expected back shortly after 12 p.m.

Regular updates are provided in the park as to where the tubbers are and how far away the lead boat is.

Following the winner, boats will continue trickling into the finish until about 3 p.m.

Other popular vantage points for the race include Gallows Point on Protection Island, Orlebar Point on Gabriola Island, Neck Point Park and Piper’s Lagoon in north Nanaimo and Sebastion Beach in Lantzville.

Food trucks and entertainment is on tap for Sunday as well to create another party-like atmosphere in the park.

The event follows the Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival and Silly Boat Festival, and effectively wraps the Nanaimo Marine Festival which runs through July.

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