Big Ben and crew got off to a late start in the Vic-Maui race, and left without skipper Jim McLauchlan.

The Oak Bay Sailing School sloop left Friday morning in the cruising division of the Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race with first mate Tony Roberts subbing as skipper after was hospitalized last week.

B次元官网网址淭ony Roberts is a good leader, a great leader and heB次元官网网址檚 been supported by two or three of the other crew. B次元官网网址� HeB次元官网网址檚 doing a grand job in building up the others,B次元官网网址� McLachlan said, still in hospital undergoing tests. B次元官网网址淚 rely on him. If he hadnB次元官网网址檛 been on board I would have been dubious about letting them go.B次元官网网址�

To make sure all still went smoothly, they delayed the Thursday start.

B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檝e had good training, and most of them are experienced people,B次元官网网址� McLachlan said.

Everybody on board deserves congratulations on what theyB次元官网网址檙e doing out there because itB次元官网网址檚 not easy.B次元官网网址�

Search Facebook for Oak Bay Sailing School to follow the crewB次元官网网址檚 views during the race. Follow all the action at vicmaui.org.