The next major sailing event for San Juan Island and the county will be the 27th anniversary of the Round the County Sailboat Race, Nov. 8-9.

Friday Harbor Sailing Club will again co-host the event with Orcas Island Yacht Club.

RTC is a regional race with over 70 boats and 500 crew involved in past years. The race has become one of the most popular Pacific Handicap Racing Fleet races in the Pacific Northwest with big boats coming from all over. This is sailing at its best in the Pacific Northwest.

Find a spot to watch the race on the Westside of San Juan Island and don’t forget your binoculars and camera! The race begins Saturday at Lydia Shoal in Rosario Strait. The course goes south past Blakely Island, Decatur Island, around Lopez Island past Cattle Pass, across The Salmon Bank, up the westside of San Juan Island, and this leg finishes in Mosquito Bay. The course is approximately 31 nm.  The boats have an overnight stay at Roche Harbor.

Sunday, leg two starts by Battle Ship Island just outside of Roche Harbor, goes north toward Stuart Island, around the light house at Turn Point up Boundary Pass, outside of Patos Island, Sucia Island, Matia Island, Clark Island, south east along Orcas Island, and finishes at Lydia Shoal. The course is approximately 35 nm.  Awards are presented at the Orcas Island Yacht Club on Sunday.

Visit www.roundthecounty.com for more race information.

The Friday Harbor Sailing Club is a relaxed, friendly group of sail and power boat enthusiasts who organize, promote and encourage amateur sailing, sailboat racing, and power boat activities. Members participate in potlucks, summer socials, cruises and races throughout the year. Consider becoming a member and get involved in the boating community! To attend as a Guest please contact Don Hendrix 378-4590.

To learn more visit www.FridayHarborSailing.com.