September 5, 2013
Solar And Electric Powered Boat Hits Milestone On The Great Loop
Skipper Jim Greer’s remarkable quest to complete the Great Loop, a circular navigation of the eastern half of the US, using only solar power, recently hit a milestone. The solar and electric powered craft has already made it more than halfway through its journey. As of mid-August, it has traversed the Oswego and Erie Canals and will soon navigate into Lake Ontario. The over 6,600 mile journey, which Greer hopes will merit a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, relies
September 5, 2013
Atlantis WeatherGear to Sponsor the 2013 NYYC Invitational Cup
Atlantis WeatherGear, the American sailing apparel brand designed by sailors for sailors, today announced that they have renewed their sponsorship of the biennial New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex. The event, hosted by the NYYC at their Harbour Court facility in Newport, RI beginning September 7th, 2013, is slated to include teams representing 20 of the finest yacht clubs from 13 different countries.
September 5, 2013
Boat Buyers Beware: Are You Buying a Hurricane Sandy Boat?
With the fall boat buying season approaching, buyers looking for a pre-owned boat can often find deals as sellers, not wanting to take on the upcoming expense of winter storage fees, are in the bargaining mood. However, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) estimates that 65,000 boats were damaged or lost when Superstorm Sandy struck. Now, nearly a year later, some of those boats are being sold on the used boat market, either in “as is” condition, or after repairs have been made. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if the seller is
September 4, 2013
One Girl’s Ocean Challenge Qualifies For The Mini Transat Race
Diane Reid will race across 4300 nautical miles in a 6.5 meter open class Mini…….single handedly! She is the third Canadian in history to qualify for this gruelling race. For those who have been following the One Girl’s Ocean Challenge here is an update on the progress. This spring was an incredible season of successes. After training in the Bay of Biscay in snow and sub zero conditions and racing in some incredible events like the Fastnet race, One Girl’s Ocean Challenge became the first Canadian woman and the third Canadian ever to qualify for the Mini
August 9, 2013
Miss Manners Should Make a Visit to the Boat Launch Ramp
We wanted to share this thoughtful message that BoatUS sent out this week. Impolite, self-centered behaviour could well describe a kindergarten sandbox at recess, but it also fits the description of the mayhem that some boat launch ramps experience on a busy summer weekend. If America’s famed etiquette expert, Miss Manners, were to visit a launch ramp, what lack of courtesy would she find? Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) has the answer with these top five launch ramp etiquette rules that can make the task go a lot easier and faster for all.
August 8, 2013
Mosquito Creek Marina Hosts Their 7th Annual Boat Show
Mosquito Creek Marina has a great deal to celebrate this year: it’s the 50th Year Anniversary of Mosquito Creek Marina, owned and operated by the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumix (Squamish Nation), and last year they became Western Canada’s largest floating boat show! The 2012 show had 165 boats displayed along 2,500 feet of dock space, 70 display booths, plus broker hospitality tents and demonstration slips for sea trials.The Boat Show at the Creek is very much a buyer’s show. Whether you are in the market for a new or previously owned power or sailing yacht, the latest in marine electronics or accessories, or need to update your insurance
August 8, 2013
Canada’s Sailing Olympians Mourn the Loss of Paul Cote
Paul Cote was bigger than life in so many ways. As a young kid growing up on the sidelines of sailing he and John Ekels and Dave Miller were bigger stars to me than most sports heroes of the day. I had followed their exploits sailing their Soling in Vancouver and around the world as much as I could . I met Paul for the first time at the Olympic trials in 1972 in Halifax and remember his wonderful drive and focus and the team’s chemistry. During a pick up football game prior to racing I think I might have hit helmsman Dave Miller by accident and if I recall
August 7, 2013
Squirrel Cove Rezoning Bylaw 171 Public Hearing
The controversial Squirrel Cove Marina proposal took another step toward approval with the Public Hearing held at Gorge Harbour, Cortes Island on July 24. At this time, no decision on the rezoning has been made. Over 100 people attended the hearing at the Gorge Hall which was filled to capacity. The 4 Directors who will be voting on this rezoning proposal listened to passionate arguments both for and against the proposal for several hours. Many boaters attended the meeting and took the opportunity to express their
August 7, 2013
Rows, Rows, Rows of Boats…Seattle’s Lake Union Boats Afloat Show Opens
Seattle’s 35th annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show gets underway on Wednesday September 11th and continues through Sunday 15th, 2013. It brings you all the best of boating in one place on beautiful South Lake Union, in sunny September. The show is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10am to 6 p.m. weekends. More boats, more styles, more fun. At the show you’ll find there’s a boat for every budget, activity and lifestyle. From sport boats to sailboats
August 7, 2013
Vancouver Island Father and Son Injured in Boat Explosion
The cause of an explosion onboard a boat that sent a 46-year old father and his 13-year-old son from Port McNeill to hospital is still unknown. Shortly after 3 p.m. on August 5, RCMP received a report of an explosion on a 50-foot pleasure craft at the Port McNeill Fuel Dock and Marina on Beach Drive.“The boat had finished fueling up and they jumped on board to start the engines, but the engines wouldn’t start,” said Steve Jackman, Manager of the fuel dock.
August 7, 2013
32nd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show Blessed by Great Weather
The Antique & Classic Boat Society [ACBS Toronto] held their 32nd Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show on July 7 at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, Ontario. The show was a packed event with steady crowds throughout the day looking at the amazing range of restored antique and classic boats on the docks in the water, as well as many more on land displays where you could get right up close.
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.