August 7, 2013
Discover Boating Offers a Few Reasons to Get Out on The Water This Summer
Time on the water = quality time together. Everyone, including the kids, play an important role in a boating outing. Whether it’s helping with docking, checking the wind or offering ideas on where to swim, wakeboard or tube; boating is an interactive experience the whole family can enjoy together. In fact, 98 percent of frequent boaters said boating is a family-friendly activity, according to a Harris/Decima survey of more than 2,000 Canadian boaters in May 2012. Find more ideas on how to have fun on the water with your family on discoverboating.ca
August 7, 2013
Sail-In Cinema™ Movies Announced For August 2013
Canada’s floating movie experience, Sail-In Cinema™ is back at the water’s edge with a line up of 1980s favourites chosen by the public; the theme for this year’s movies is ‘Heroes of the Silver Screen.’ For three August nights, Toronto’s Sugar Beach will be transformed into the city’s largest outdoor theatre where the audience watch movies on a two-sided screen anchored to a barge on Lake Ontario. This year’s movie line up includes:
August 7, 2013
Class Afloat Announces the Recipients of the $15,000 Young Sailor Scholarship
Class Afloat established the Class Afloat ‘Young Sailor Scholarship’ to assist two students, endorsed by their sailing school, sail training program or yacht club, to participate in an extraordinary educational experience—attending high school while sailing worldwide aboard a majestic square-rigged tall ship.We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients, Ellyn Byrns and Xaver Löhr.
August 7, 2013
West Marine Announces Its 4th Annual Blue Future Sustainability Report
West Marine, the world’s largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and accessories, has released its BlueFuture® 2012 Sustainability Report. BlueFuture® encompasses West Marine’s company-wide efforts focusing on sustainability, including improving and protecting the marine environments, reducing the company’s carbon footprint and encouraging people to enjoy being out on the water.
August 7, 2013
Canadian Sailors Get New Safety iPhone App
It was the Canadian Search and Rescue crews who came up with the idea. Obviously they are trying to do themselves out of more rescues than they need – an iPhone App that they hope will keep down the number of sailors who get into trouble. The new iPhone App designed by British Columbia search and rescue crews will help sailors and other boaters stay safe on the water right through this summer.
August 1, 2013
The Boating Dog’s Days of Summer
Some dogs were born for the water, others less so. The key to boating with dogs is taking it slow and making safety #1. Here are eight tips that you can share with your dog-owning friends this summer:
August 1, 2013
2013 Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, Canada’s Largest Direct-action
Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians take action against aquatic debris by participating in the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited. Jointly led by the Vancouver Aquarium and WWF, this initiative focuses on educating and empowering people to make a difference through community cleanup events. Join us Sept. 21-29, 2013.
August 1, 2013
Georgian Bay Regatta 2013 A Success
The Georgian Bay Regatta kicked off it’s annual week of daily racing on Georgian Bay at the Georgian Yacht Club in Owen Sound on Sunday July . After the official registration at the club the participants all attended the Welcome Dinner at the Owen Sound Legion. The initial race on Monday started out with light winds and some light rain. As we reached the mouth of Owen Sound the winds built to about 10 knots and the reach to White Cloud Island took about 3 more hours and anchored in Little Port Elgin Bay for the annual Rafting Party.
July 19, 2013
Pride Marine Group Welcomes Skyline Marina Into The Family
Dear Skyline customer,We are writing you this letter to inform you about an exciting announcement. Effective July 17th, Skyline Marina will become part of a larger family, the Pride Marine Group. The prestigious brands of Nautique, Chaparral, Robalo, Edgewater, Crownline, Chris-Craft and South Bay will now be offered along with Sea Ray, Meridian and Hatteras.
July 18, 2013
Penders Fundraise to Complete Brooks Point Park
Conservation advocates on the Penders are seeking financial support to help protect a prime section of South Pender waterfront between Brooks and Gowlland Points. Their targets include cruisers who enjoy the Penders for their unique natural environment, and the campaign is getting valuable support from one the Gulf Islands’ high-profile boating destinations, Poets Cove Resort at Bedwell Harbour.
July 9, 2013
Terry Conrad First Certified Marine Service Technician in Nova Scotia
Terry Conrad of Conrad Marine Sales & Service Ltd. is Nova Scotia’s first Certified Marine Service Technician. The Apprenticeship Training Division of the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education is responsible to provide relevant and responsive apprenticeship training and certification system that meets Nova Scotia’s needs for skilled trades professionals and there are currently 66 designated Trades in Nova Scotia. A Marine Service Technician services and repairs, refits and upgrades marine vessels power and sail, including structural, cosmetic, electrical and mechanical work. In order to qualify for the Certification, a marine technician must have substantial experience working in the occupation.
July 8, 2013
Boater Assist Canada Has Ceased Operations
Canadian Yachting spoke to Al Donaldson, executive director of Boating Ontario who confirmed that notification has been sent to the Boater Assist Canada members stating that the Board of Directors of Boater Assist Canada have elected to cease operations of the program effective immediately. All Boater Assist Members who have paid membership fees in 2013 will have their money refunded to them in the very near future. The program officially ceased operation on July 4th but stayed open through the weekend of July 6 and 7 for emergency calls.
July 8, 2013
Recreational Lockage Fees Controversy Continues
Recently there has been an increase in conversation regarding the announcement by Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, this past spring that “recreational lockage fees along Canada’s historic canals will remain frozen for the next three years at 2008 levels”. As boaters have begun using the lock systems and all of the associated services, reader feedback indicates that in spite of the government’s ‘good news’ announcement, there are increases in moorage charges, reductions in hours of service and reductions in staffing.
July 5, 2013
Boaters and Paddlers Rally to Save Howe Sound
Nearly 200 boats, kayaks and stand-up paddlers gathered in the waters off Howe Sound’s McNab Creek June 30 to oppose an open-pit gravel mine proposed for the creek watershed and to press governments to coordinate plans for future development in the sound. The Save Our Sound Rendezvous was staged by the Future of Howe Sound Society to bring attention to the potential impact of the mine, on the west side of Howe Sound, as well as other proposed industrial and residential developments that could affect the sound’s future as a boating, tourism and recreational destination on Vancouver’s doorstep, said Ruth Simons, the society’s executive director.
July 5, 2013
Important Child Safety Reminder
We were contacted by Jeff Rhodes, President of BC’s Coastal Craft Boats who was moved by a U.S. news story about a 5-year-old being killed when he fell off the bow of the boat he was riding in and was struck by the propeller. This sort of senseless tragedy should never happen. Rhodes contacted us to say, “I will sponsor a friendly safety notice reminding/urging people NOT to allow their children, passengers and pets to ride on the bow of boats while underway. I’ve personally seen this scenario too many times in BC waters and it sickens me every time, including an incident two weeks ago coming out of Horseshoe Bay. If I had of been in a boat and not on the ferry, I would have
July 5, 2013
Books on Boats: Superyacht Saga a Compelling Tale
Grand Ambition: An Extraordinary Yacht, the People Who Built It, and the Millionaire Who Can’t Really Afford It by G. Bruce Knecht (Simon & Schuster, 2013) It’s impossible not to cross courses with really big yachts (superyachts, megayachts, call them what you will) – as we do often enough on the BC coast, one of their favourite destinations – and not be intrigued by the rarified world they represent. If you share this fascination, this book is for you. It follows the construction of the 187’ Linda Lou for a self-made millionaire who wants his new yacht to be the best ever built in the US. But the financial crisis of 2008 and the subsequent recession erode his ability to afford his boat – and threaten the builder’s prospects of completing it. And then the owner
July 5, 2013
Burrard YC’s Classic Weekend a Crowd-Pleaser
Hundreds of fans of the “classics” – boats and cars, that is – got up close to an impressive array of both at Burrard Yacht Club’s Classic Boat and Car Show June 8. Each year, the club invites owners of classic boats and mint collector cars to display their prized possessions on the club docks and grounds in a fundraiser for the Disabled Sailing Association of BC. This year’s edition drew 31 boats – including several Grand Banks, this year’s featured yacht – plus 43 classic cars, from glittering hot rods to meticulously maintained collector vehicles. A further 42 cars cruised through the show throughout the day. BYC spokesperson Sheryl Dawson estimated attendance was up by about 50 percent over last year, and door admissions raised a best-ever total of more
July 5, 2013
Squirrel Cove Hearing Delayed to July 24
A public hearing on the controversial plan for a major new marina in Squirrel Cove has been rescheduled to July 24 at Gorge Hall, 1375 Robertson Road, Cortes Island. The hearing was originally scheduled for July 6. The hearing offers cruising boaters a final opportunity to oppose the development that would radically alter navigation and anchoring access in Squirrel Cove, one of Desolation Sound’s most popular anchorages. Squirrel Cove Marine Resort, proposed by the Klahoose First Nation, is nearing approval at federal, provincial and regional levels. SRD directors have given preliminary approval to a rezoning bylaw to permit the project, with the hearing a next step.
July 5, 2013
‘Last Call’ for Easter Seals Regatta
Skippers and sponsors still have time to join the action at this year’s National Bank Easter Seals Charity Regatta on Saturday, July 13. With media sponsorship from Canadian Yachting West, the regatta is hosted by Royal Vancouver YC Jericho in support of Easter Seals House, which provides accommodation for families while their children receive medical care in Vancouver. The event is a PHRF handicap race with flying and no-flying sails divisions. This year marks the return of the post-race False Creek boat parade; the theme is pirates and crews are judged for prizes on their costumes, boat decorations and spirit. Skippers and crews can also recruit their favourite licensed
July 4, 2013
Safety First – Bow Riding Is Never Safe
On the July 1st weekend a five year old boy was killed in a boating accident in Lake Powell, Utah. The child was riding in the bow of the boat when it hit a wave, causing the boy to fall out. He was struck by the propeller and killed instantly. Jeff Rhodes, President of Coastal Craft Boats, passed this news item along to us at Canadian Yachting West with the strong request that we remind everyone that it is never safe to allow passengers or pets to ride on the bow of a boat while it is underway. Bow riding is a still too common practice amoung some less knowledgeable boaters and even though it is not specifically illegal in Canada, the Police will pull you over and lecture you on the dangers of
July 4, 2013
Beer and Bacon Steamed Mussels
A hearty and easy one pot recipe for Entertaining On Board Portion size: 12 servings of 4 mussels each Serve with crusty bread for sopping up the juices. Choose a favourite local microbrew (wheat beer is best) for steaming, as well as serving alongside. This recipe doubles easily for a larger crowd.
July 4, 2013
Clayton Antique Boat Museum Antique Boat Show and Auction
Join us for the 49th Annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, August 2 – 4, 2013. The Clayton Antique Boat Museum is dedicated to collect, preserve, study and interpret objects related to the fresh water nautical history of small craft (less than 100′) of North America, with emphasis on the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. In the 1960′s a small nucleus of people who were determined to preserve the nautical and cultural heritage of the St. Lawrence River established the 1000 Islands Museum on the St. Lawrence River in Clayton, NY. Within the museum, a group concerned with preserving the area’s rich boating heritage formed
July 4, 2013
Join us for the 23rd Port Credit In-Water Boat Show
The Port Credit In-Water Boat Show is celebrating its 23rd year from August 23-25th. The only show of its kind on Lake Ontario, the Port Credit Boat Show is THE late summer boat show to attend. Board over 100 new and used power and sailboats or check out the land displays of marine accessories and services. The Speaker’s tent features seasoned boaters who talk about boat handling; boat repair; cruising and more. And there will be lots of bargains available at the marine industry’s only consignment tent for boat “stuff” in support of Ontario Sailing and their Junior/Olympic programs.
July 3, 2013
Earth Day Canada Announces 2013 Hometown Heroes Award Winners
The Hometown Heroes Award Program recognizes and celebrates environmental leaders who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. The Hometown Heroes Award Program, established by Earth Day Canada (EDC) in 2004, recognizes and celebrates environmental leaders, groups and small businesses who foster meaningful, long-term community awareness and action. The program is made possible through a committed partnership with Mill Street Brewery and the RBC Foundation. Heroic candidates can win the Individual Hometown Heroes Award—a $10 000 cash-prize to donate to a local
July 3, 2013
Big Brothers Big Sisters host sail past for children
Having a big sister is ‘awesome’. Unmatched Little Sister Mikaila, 10, had never been on a boat before taking part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters sail past with members of the Midland Bay Sailing Club. At first, she was a little nervous on the 38-foot sailboat owned by Pat and Lynn Lortie, but the couple’s 35 years of sailing experience and having her cousin and matched Little Sister at her side soon had her more at ease — as did a homemade sandwich made by Lynn.
July 3, 2013
TugFest Georgian Bay is back at the Midland Town Dock in 2013
August 16 – 18, 2013, as part of Midland’s Marine week, TugFest is a matchless, experience featuring a host of both historical and distinctive work boats and recreational tug-style vessels. The festival offers both residents and tourists a full list of activities including the spectacular parade of lights, tug parade, tug races, and the ever popular tug demonstration and tour of the boats. This year, TugFest is introducing a fabulous new interactive event – the TugFest Georgian Bay Home-made Tugboat Race.
July 3, 2013
Fun Time Had by All at the 2013 WOW Regatta
The Island Yacht Club was host to the 2013 WOW (Women on Water) Regatta on Saturday June 22nd. Thanks to the 49 women who raced (even though lightning made us call the second race and get back to the club), the 3 women on committee boat with Kristina Gilbert of PCYC as Race Officer, plus Katrina and Donna on the mark boat! We even had some husbands all on one boat at the weather mark, giving wind conditions over the VHF! Even though we only got one race in, everyone had a great time, the women on Serious, who won this year, said they never stopped laughing the entire weekend! Special thanks to IYC who hosted a fabulous weekend and excellent BBQ Saturday night.
July 3, 2013
Naden Boats and the CIBC Run for the Cure – North Bay team up for The Pink Boat Tour!
A Northern Ontario boat building company is supporting the campaign to find a cure for breast cancer by building and donating a boat – a pink boat of course – that will be raffled off in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure – North Bay. The complete the package, valued at over $7,000, will consist of a 14’ Pink Naden Fisherman, a Tohatsu 15hp 4-stroke engine, a Yacht Club Trailer manufactured by Easy Hauler and donated by Baywood Enterprises in North Bay, 2 Salus Marine PFDs for the winner and her or his partner and a boat cover donated by Temagami Marine.
June 21, 2013
This Ain’t No Cruise, Sister!
The Unicorn is truly a ship like no other. This gaff-rigged, topsail schooner is home to Sisters Under Sail, a leadership and confidence building program for girls and women created and run by Dawn Santamaria. Dawn was inspired to create this program after observing her four daughters grow up sailing on a ship. She noticed an increase in their confidence and leadership skills and attributed this to their competencies on the ship. Dawn was determined to create an all women crew, “we better be leaders to teach women leadership” and by 2007 the ship was all female. I was given an opportunity to hop onto the ship and become one of the crew for three days while sailing the ship from the Brockville Tall Ship festival to the Redpath Waterfront Festival in Toronto.
June 21, 2013
Tall Ship Unicorn Kicks Off 1812 Tour With Brockville to Toronto Voyage
The Tall Ship Unicorn is one of the fleet of Tall Ships that will be participating in the Great Lakes 1812 Tour this summer. Sailing as the only all-female crewed tall ship in the world, Unicorn sails the sea with proven on-board leadership programs for teenage girls and women. Holland-built in 1947 from German U-boat metals, Unicorn partners with Sisters Under Sail, a New Jersey based non-profit corporation established in 2005 dedicated to helping teen girls and women build confidence, develop leadership skills, and witness first-hand what women can do together when focused
June 20, 2013
Easter Seals Regatta 2013 – Pre-Regatta Reception at BMW
All skippers, crew and boat sponsors are invited to attend this year’s Pre-Regatta Reception on Friday, July 12 at the BMW Store at the corner of West 5th Avenue and Burrard Street in Vancouver. It’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow sailors and sponsors the evening before the regatta. This reception is proudly supported by Helly Hansen, BMW Canada, Berenger Wine and Steam Whistle Brewing.
June 20, 2013
Win a Crew Spot With Derek Hatfield
Skippers who register for the National Bank Easter Seals Regatta prior to Friday, July 5 will be entered to win a rare opportunity to race with Canada’s most successful solo sailor, Derek Hatfield, aboard his Volvo 60 Amer Sports One in the 2014 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. The crew spot will be awarded in a raffle for skippers who register early. Hatfield is the only Canadian to race single-handed around the world twice. He has sailed more than 200,000 miles solo in three major round-the-world races, completing two of his races with podium finishes. He visited Royal Van YC June 4 to deliver an inspiring presentation about his experiences in the
June 20, 2013
2013 Easter Seals Regatta – Skipper and Boat Sponsor Incentives
Register now as a skipper and receive the following: 1. Entry to win an opportunity to crew aboard round-the-world racer Derek Hatfield’s Volvo 60 Amer Sports One in the 2014 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. (Registration prior to July 5). 2. Stormtech Waterproof Gear Bag (retail value of $75) plus a gift from National Bank. Boat Sponsor Incentives Register now as a boat sponsor and receive the following: 1. Two tickets to the Pre-Regatta Reception at the BMW Store on July 12.
June 20, 2013
Race for Fun, Race for Kids in the National Bank Easter Seals Charity Regatta
Now’s the time to register as a skipper or a boat sponsor in the 2013 National Bank Easter Seals Charity Regatta Saturday, July 13 at Royal Vancouver YC Jericho. The most fun you’ll have in sailboat racing all season, the regatta supports an important cause: Easter Seals House, which provides a home away from home for children and families who need to visit Vancouver Children’s Hospital for medical care.Skippers and boat sponsors who sign on now qualify for extra prizes and incentives.
June 11, 2013
Chester Race Week Welcomes Participants: Past, Present and Future
Perhaps one of the world’s best kept secrets is Chester Race Week, held in Chester, Nova Scotia, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling metropolis of Halifax. Chester Race Week (scheduled August 14-17, 2013) has been sailing since 1856 and in recent summers has had consistent entries of 130-150 yachts. The regatta is run on three different race courses within the confines of the waters of Mahone Bay, surrounded by beautiful pine-tree covered granite islands dotted throughout the bay. Sailing could not be more convenient, especially since the time to the race course (always a big consideration after a long evening out the night before with friends!) is usually 30 minutes maximum!
June 11, 2013
Tall Ship Sørlandet Offers Great Lakes Sailing Adventures This Summer
To be on deck for one of the world’s most unique sailing experiences you won’t have to look too far this summer. The tall ship Sørlandet, normally sailing to far away ports around the world’s oceans, is offering sailors and non-sailors alike the opportunity to experience life aboard one of the world’s most majestic tall ships as it sails the Great Lakes. The Sørlandet is a 210 foot 1927 Class “A” square-rigged tall ship chartered by Class Afloat – a Canadian high school taught on the high seas. Sørlandet’s guest crew will experience all aspects of authentic tall ship sailing. Whether they have never sailed before or are seasoned sailors looking for a once in a lifetime sailing experience – the Sørlandet’s professional mariner crew will teach them the ropes – all 200 of them! Guest sailors can go
June 7, 2013
Jack Pady Marine – In Water Used Power And Sail Boat Show
June 8th and 9th, 2013 from 10 am to 6 pm Jack Pady Marine is hosting their Spring In-Water Used Power and Sail Boat Show, at Hindson Marina on Georgian Bay. This show is for the used boat seller and buyer – and is free to the public. There is no charge for show parking or attendance. Selling or Buying, you are invited to participate.
June 6, 2013
High Tech Tender – Suzuki DF20A
For a lot of cruising families, the “little boat” offers almost as much pleasure as the big boat, taking you to shore, around the marina, out for supplies or off to visit friends. But a cantankerous old outboard can be a real spoiler. So, we’re delighted to report that there’s a great new high-tech tender solution from Suzuki. It’s their DF20A and it has groundbreaking “little boat” technology. The short shaft manual start version [also available in a 15 horse!] does not require a battery and yet it has computerized electronic fuel injection!