Vernon-based videographer shares 1971 Nanaimo bathtub race

Right now we’re going again to the summer season of 1971: WAC Bennet was nonetheless B.C.’s premier getting into his twentieth and ultimate 12 months in that function. The Montreal Canadiens had defeated the Chicago Blackhawks to win their seventeenth Stanley Cup, the BC Lions had been beginning coaching for his or her season, and Canada’s inhabitants was 21.5 million folks.

You could acknowledge the deHaviland Beaver float airplane within the opening scene, delivered new in 1949, remains to be flying round Vancouver in the present day however with Harbour Air. This was the fifth working of the Nanaimo bathtub race, first held in 1967. Invoice Rathlef from Nanaimo gained this race with a time of two hours 6 minutes.

What started as a one-time enjoyable occasion in 1967 celebrating Canada’s centennial has grown into a well-liked annual pageant. The gruelling 36-mile race began in Nanaimo crossing the Strait of Georgia and completed at Kitsilano Seashore. Six-horsepower motors had been used till the late ’70s when engine dimension went to 7.5 hp. In 1991, due to the issue of buying the 7.5 hp engine, it was modified to most eight.

In 1997 the end line was modified to Departure Bay in Nanaimo masking a really grueling course that begins in Nanaimo Harbour, goes round Entrance Island, northwest to Winchelsea Islands, round a naval ship, previous Schooner Cove after which again to Departure Bay seashore.

Kitsilano seashore is a well-liked sight anytime, folks waiting for some is a pastime. You may nearly hear Carole King singing It’s Too Late on somebody’s transistor radio. Fashions come and go. Vancouver’s skyline was rather more modest 52 years in the past.

Crusing round English Bay might be fairly satisfying, the views are stellar. Take pleasure in

Reel Life now options classic movie footage and up to date video of all varieties together with motorsports, 30+ international locations, historic occasions and extra. 16mm newbie movie footage from 1923 to 1983.

---

@VernonNews
newsroom@vernonmorningstar.com
Like us on Fb and observe us on Twitter

and subscribe to our each day publication.

historyVernon