Vancouver Island Cruising Experience (VICE) 2016

Vice 2016

 

Mar 8, 2016

There is no preparation for going offshore quite like being offshore. You can do this by joining VICE 2016.

VICE is an opportunity for Dreamers to get some offshore experience before they become Doers.  Here is the concept:

Each year BCA vessels from all three chapters get together online to plan a multi-day offshore trip, usually in late June/early July. They wait for a weather window off the West Coast of Vancouver Island before sailing out to sea. The idea is to leave in reasonable weather that is similar to what you will be experiencing on your offshore voyage. The boats head generally west out into the Pacific for two or three days, sailing towards a selected GPS destination before turning back. This shakedown cruise will give you a chance to test your boats and yourselves – cooking, eating, sleeping, using offshore systems, communicating and keeping watch at sea – the skills you will need when you leave on your real voyage. VICE also gives you the opportunity to practice manoeuvres like heaving to and deploying a drogue or storm anchor – best practiced before Mother Nature puts you to the test!

Boats that participate in VICE may be looking for crew. This is a golden opportunity for boatless Dreamers to experience life on board prior to buying and equipping a boat.

If you are interested in participating in VICE 2016 (no commitment necessary) join the VICE Group on our BCA website and click on the JOIN GROUP button.

If you’ve already decided this is for you, you can SIGN UP by filling in the form on the BCA website. http://www.bluewatercruising.org/Login.aspx

 

Related Articles


Boston Whaler 350 Realm

By Andy Adams

You might be dreaming of an adventure boat, or a luxury cruiser, or maybe a serious fishing platform. You might dream of an overnight exploration boat, or a boat that entertains a big group of friends or family. Whatever your ambitions, the features and appointments, and the stellar performance of the Boston Whaler 350 Realm, equipped with triple Mercury Verado V10-cylinder 425 horsepower engines, feels like it could do just about anything. It’s the Great Entertainer.

Read More


Destinations

The Whitsunday Islands

By Mathew Channer

On my first day as a commercially registered yacht captain, I sailed a Fontaine Pajot 38 catamaran from mainland Australia across the Whitsunday Passage to the western shores of the world-famous Whitsunday islands.

We cruised northeast on a 15-knot beam reach… perfect catamaran sailing conditions, watching the hazy shapes of the islands colourize and morph into crescent beaches, jungled ridgelines and rocky outcrops. 

Read More