For half a century, sailors have tested their skill, endurance, and teamwork in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic offshore sailing races. In 2026, the Pacific NW Offshore race celebrates its 50th anniversary with 50 boats preparing to make the challenging 193-nautical-mile journey from Ilwaco, Washington, to Victoria, British Columbia.

Pacific NW Offshore

The race begins near Buoy 2 at the mouth of the Columbia River, just off the coast of Ilwaco, WA, where crews launch into the unpredictable waters of the Pacific Ocean. From there, racers head north along Washington’s rugged coastline, round the legendary Cape Flattery, and enter the Strait of Juan de Fuca before making the final push toward Victoria Harbour in Canada.

What makes the Pacific NW Offshore race unique is the variety of sailing experiences packed into a single event. Crews encounter open ocean swells, coastal currents, shifting winds, and the tactical challenges of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is both a test of seamanship and an unforgettable adventure through some of the most spectacular waters in the Pacific Northwest.

This year’s event is organized by the Portland Yacht Club alongside the Corinthian Yacht Club of Portland, the founding club of the race. Longtime title sponsor Schooner Creek Boat Works returns for its ninth year supporting the event, while Goslings Rum will sponsor the post-race celebration and awards barbecue at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.

The event offers two racing divisions: ORC for competitive racing yachts and PHRF for cruising-oriented entries. But beyond competition, the race serves as a valuable offshore training and qualification opportunity for sailors preparing for larger international races such as the Swiftsure Race, Pacific Cup, Vic-Maui International Yacht Race, and Transpac Yacht Race.

For many crews, the race is about more than speed. It is about tradition, camaraderie, and the spirit of Pacific Northwest sailing. The offshore route combines raw natural beauty with the excitement of true ocean racing, drawing participants from across the United States and Canada year after year.

As the fleet gathers in Ilwaco for this historic anniversary, the 50th Pacific NW Offshore race stands as a tribute to generations of sailors who embraced the challenge of the sea and helped build one of the Northwest’s great maritime traditions.