We have lived on Gabriola for 30 years and almost every July we have stood on the north shores of the island to watch the Nanaimo Bathtub races. The first race was in 1967 and was Nanaimo’s centennial event back when the pirate black Frank was the mayor of Nanaimo. At that time it was a grueling 36 mile course that crossed the Strait and ended in Vancouver. Now the tubs leave Nanaimo Harbour, pass by Gabriola, circle around Entrance and Winchelsea Island and finish in Departure Bay. This year the festivities started earlier in the week, with a parade and fireworks on Saturday and the 1&1/2 hour race at 11:00 on Sunday.