Swiftsure 2012 International Yacht Race

When it's spring and the Legislative Assembly Buildings are almost obscured behind a forest of masts it's a sure sign that the Annual Swiftsure International Yacht Race is about to begin. Yachts planning to take part in the race arrive during a few days prior to the races on Sunday and tie up in the Inner Harbour. (My apologies for the small photos this morning but blogger is refusing to render larger photos properly right now....)

The races (there are several with varying routes and lengths) start on Sunday morning. In the photo below, the puff of blue smoke from an echoing cannon shot signals the beginning of a race.

Above and below, spectators gather to see the racers at Clover Point where the boats rendezvous after leaving the Inner Harbour moorings.