sthomas@vancourier.com
Growing up on Vancouver Island, Mike McLellan’s initial love of “boating” came from taking part Nanaimo’s infamous bathtub race.
He then moved on to jet skis and power boats. That's when his need for speed truly began and he moved on to hydroplane racing at Kelowna’s now defunct Thunderfest, an event dedicated to speed junkies like himself.
So it’s no surprise McLellan purchased a Formula 1 tunnel boat four years ago and took to the circuit. Formula 1 Powerboat racing is a water sport that sees drivers race around a designated course at high speeds and taking corners at speeds up to six Gs. McLellan admits the sport is considered dangerous.
“You are doing 160-miles per hour,” he said. “But I do everything I can to minimize the danger.”
To that end, McLellan depends on top-of-the line safety equipment, including a life jacket and six-point safety harness.
“But you know, sometimes it’s just as dangerous stepping off a sidewalk,” joked McLellan, who drives a Greyhound bus when he’s not racing across a lake at extreme speeds. “But we take risk management very seriously.”
McLellan is at the Vancouver International Boat Show at B.C. Place this weekend showing off a new boat. He’s looking forward to meeting not only fans, but also anyone who wants to find out more about the sport.
“A big part of the boat show is meeting fans,” said McLellan. “They love boat racing and what we do and it’s awesome.”
The 55th annual boat show includes more than 250 exhibitors and 140 seminars with a great line up of events to keep the whole family entertained. Besides Mike McLellan, visitors can meet Captain Harold Lee Rosbach from Bravo’s hit television show Below Deck, who oversees command of a 154-foot super yacht.
Event highlights include the return of the Hands-On Skills Training clinics at the Granville Island Floating Show, with sessions designed for those who want to learn fundamental close quarters boat handling skills.The first-come, first served learning events are hands-on experiences that put you at the helm. Reserve your spot by visiting vancouverboatshow.ca/education/hands-on-skills/.
Also at Granville Island, check out members of Canada’s flyboard team, Team Canfly, who will demonstrate one of the newest water sports around. Flyboarding sends participants up to 45 feet in the air using jet propulsion technology.
In addition, the show has a kids’ zone equipped with a Nautical Play Centre filled with arts and crafts, paddleboat rides and interactive displays.
The Vancouver International Boat Show offers free shuttle buses and water ferries operating continuously between B.C. Place and Granville Island. Visit VancouverBoatShow.ca for a full schedule. The boat show runs until Jan. 22.
@sthomas10
