Story
Organizers of the 2006 Fireball North American and World Championships were given $15,000 by Hosting BC for a two-week sailing regatta. Sailors from 12 countries, some as far away as Japan, Slovenia and Australia, came together for the competition that featured 98 athletes and drew 200 spectators. The event involved more than 100 volunteers from host communities Esquimalt, Victoria and Oak Bay.
The event led to a Masters sail training program at Royal Victoria Yacht Club; a permanent boat launch; and training to international standards for local and regional race officials. Surplus funds from the event have been donated to the Disabled Sailing Association that is training two Paralympic teams. Participants, fans and guests contributed to the local economy with more than 700 hotel/motel occupancies as well as merchandise and equipment sales and local sightseeing tours.
