A Vernon regatta was upended on Saturday (May 31) afternoon, as strong gale-force winds caused chaos on the water.
According to the Vernon Yacht Club, which hosted the annual VYC Regatta, a "major front" hit the waters around 2 p.m. on Saturday, bringing winds in upwards of 45 knots (47-54 miles per hour).
"The boats were sent scattering as it was every man for themselves as they tackled getting their sails down, motors started and making way to shelter," said the Yacht Club. "Unfortunately, some boats suffered major sail damage, such as shredded sails and broken motors."
Yellow Bird, the Vernon boat skippered by Jeffrey McDonnell, ended up on Kin Beach due to the fast winds, but fortunately, no major damage was incurred.
The RCMP marine boat was also on scene to assist an individual who fell into the water while docking.
Despite the chaos on Saturday, which was Day 2 of the three-day regatta, 17 of the 22 boats were able to be back at the start line the next morning.
Boats were competing in five different categories, and the overall winner of the regatta was Fossil Squared from the 麻豆精选 Yacht Club (skipped by Ian Wright), who took home the 2025 Santana 535 Nationals trophy. Pier Pressure (skipped by Simon Jolly), also from the 麻豆精选 Yacht Club, came second while Vernon's Liquid Asset took the final podium spot, skipped by Philip Thornton.
In the A category, Penticton's Whiskey Jack (skipped by Mark Saar) won, with Controlled Skid (Penticton) taking second and 麻豆精选's Shadowfax in third.
The B category was won by Penticton's Wildfire (skipped by Harvey Ryll), with Vernon's Varua in second (skipped by Susan Ruuska) and Penticton's Calypso in third (skipped by Fered Trautmann).
The C category was all Vernon, with the podium spots being taken by Atanua (skipped by Rick Smith), Eaglemoon (David Horsham), and Sea Raven (Cindy Klassen).
For final standings, visit
