May 2, 2013
Taking the Helm at Grand Yachts
With nine Grand Banks 36 models for sale – from a 1970 wooden classic to a 2001 wide-body that was the third-last GB 36 built – Grand Yachts invited prospective buyers to “take the helm” of these boats at their sales docks in Coal Harbour and Port Sidney on March 23. Broker Alan McKillop said the event succeeded in introducing visitors to the 36 and to Grand Banks in general. “We wanted to give people the opportunity to experience a GB and understand why they have become legendary. We had people from a wide background, including sailors looking to move to power, people looking to move up in size, people who had heard of Grand Banks never had the chance to cruise on one, and the generally curious,” said McKillop. “I think people enjoyed getting out in the boats and seeing how they handle, seeing why Grand Banks are the legendary boats that they are.”
May 2, 2013
Canada Day Regatta in Sointula
The village of Sointula invites sailors and powerboaters to join its Canada Day Regatta June 30 and July 1. The regatta features fun sail and predicted-log racing on the waters off Malcolm Island, along with a marina market, marine swap, dragon boat rides and children’s events, a Canada Day cake-cutting ceremony and a beer garden. Registration is $25 and proceeds go to the local Friends In Need Now (FINN) fund, which assists with expenses related to medical appointments.
May 2, 2013
Rendezvous Season is Here
The coming of summer means rendezvous season on the West Coast, with yacht clubs, owners’ associations and boatbuilders staging events at popular destinations on the South Coast. Gibsons builder Coastal Craft stages its owners’ rendezvous May 17-19 at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island. All Chris-Crafts “regardless of age, type or condition” are invited to the 2013 Chris-Craft BC Rendezvous July 19-21 at Telegraph Harbour Marina, Thetis Island.
May 2, 2013
Classics Afloat and Ashore at Burrard YC
North Vancouver’s Burrard Yacht Club invites the public to view a huge array of classic wooden yachts and mint collector cars at its seventh annual Classic Boat and Car Show Saturday, June 8. The event is a fundraiser for the Disabled Sailing Association of BC. The focus of this year’s boat show is classic wooden Grand Banks yachts of all sizes, which will join other classics on the club docks. Meanwhile, 40 to 50 collector cars will be on display in the club parking lot; up to 100 more classic cars are expected to drive by through the day. Weather permitting, the club will also offer free 30-minute sailing lessons for children aged eight to 15.
May 2, 2013
B&G Launches Online Academy For All Sailors
B&G, an innovator in marine instruments, autopilot systems and tactical software solutions – announced today the launch of its new online sailing academy. Designed to help all sailors, whether expert or novice, brush up on sailing theory and improve technique, B&G Academy consists of innovative e-learning tutorials designed by experienced sailing instructors. Providing practical examples of key sailing techniques and topics, B&G Academy tutorials use animated video to cover a variety of subjects including wind triangle, start lines, instruments, safety, race strategy and more.
May 2, 2013
2013 WOW Regatta
Since 2008, over 600 women have attended WOW boating events. On Saturday June 22nd WOW is having it’s 3rd annual WOW Regatta (for women only). So if you have never raced before or race all the time, this will be The Regatta to attend. Women racing women; bring your boat or crew with someone else, racing cost is $25 per person which includes a goodie bag. There will be a crew bank posted on Facebook. We will wrap up the evening with a dinner and awards presentation to which everyone (guys included) are invited, RSVP required cost TBA. There is a limit of 10 boats, so sign up fast!!!
May 2, 2013
Guelph couple wins Mariposa Cruises’ $15,000 on board wedding contest prize!
The wedding dreams of Guelph couple David Kellman and Crystal Roy came true this week when Mariposa Cruises announced they had won its Facebook contest prize, a $15,000 wedding on the water. The couple has chosen to be married this year aboard Mariposa Cruises’ beautiful Klancy II. Crystal, originally from Brampton, met David almost five years ago by chance at Guelph bar, Trappers Alley. They hit it off right away and as the saying goes – the rest is history. The couple were engaged in November 2012, but thought they would only be able to afford a small wedding – until now. “The day I found out, I was laughing and crying at the same time. I couldn’t hold my phone still to show David the announcement from Mariposa Cruises,” said Crystal Roy. “We are so happy and excited!”
May 1, 2013
Heritage Pt 3 – 1814 – War on the Upper Lakes
The United States strategic plan for 1814 was to gain control of Lake Ontario, capture Burlington and York then retake Fort Niagara. That didn’t happen. The intent on the Upper Lakes was to retake Michilimackinac and the destruction of the North West Company trading posts and the two brigs being built up the river at Matchedash. The British goal on the Upper Lakes to protect the fur trade, its supporting infrastructure and the Indian alliances remained unchanged throughout the War.
May 1, 2013
Heritage Pt 2 – Prelude to War on the Upper Lakes
The main supply route from Britain to Upper Canada during the war was by ship to Montreal, then by boat along the St. Lawrence River to Prescott or Kingston and onwards to York and Niagara by schooner on Lake Ontario. Control of the sea was necessary to secure these routes in wartime but the nondescript collection of coast guard like Provincial Marine vessels that existed on the Lakes during peacetime in the early 1800’s was no match for an enemy naval force during times of war. Both navies used the following three types of vessels on the Great Lakes during the War. The tall ships still use these main types or variations on the theme.
May 1, 2013
Fast Yachts 1812 to 2012 Celebrated at Heritage Evening
Huronia Museum hosts its Annual Heritage Dinner at the North Simcoe Recreation Centre on May 3rd with guest speak, Steve Killing, discussing the theme of Fast Yachts 1812 to 2012. The talk will cover the historical quest for speed under sail, when your life depended on it, to the recreational quest for speed, where sailors just behave like their life depends on it. In particular the move from single-hulled vessels to double-hulled catamarans saw a huge leap in speed potential, so large that the New York Yacht club outlawed, for over 100 years, any boat with more than one hull. Current projects to be discussed include two catamarans for different clients that are using modern materials and outlandish concepts to push the speed barriers. Sailing with crash helmets, and flying over the water is the norm in this new breed of boats.
May 1, 2013
Heritage Pt 1 – Historical Tall Ships Tour Provides Opportunity To Revisit Great Lakes History
This year there will be several events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the second year of the War of 1812. The Huronia Museum’s focus will be the war on Lakes Huron and Michigan, as the struggle for control of these lakes had the greatest impact on Huronia. The Museum’s newest exhibit “The Birth of Simcoe County and the War of 1812″ introduces the subject and shows the impact of the War on the founding of the town of Penetanguishene. This display gives a good background on the part that the local area played in the events that took place on the Lakes before, during and after the War. The tall ships will also visit the Lakes to commemorate the Anniversary and will re-enact naval battles on the Lakes. Some of these
May 1, 2013
“This is your boat. It’s my baby, but it’s your boat
In the last few months Bruce Kirby, the Canadian designer of the Laser sailboat, the world’s most successful racing dinghy ever, and the one-design boat that powers arguably the largest and most significant class in racing, has revealed that for some time, he has not been paid the royalties owed to him by the builders who had contracts to build Kirby’s design. Yet, the authorities in the Laser class association with the apparent cooperation of ISAF, the International Sailing Federation have continued to issue official plaques to these unauthorized Laser boats. The series of events would seem to undermine the whole concept of one-design sailing and racing. Here’s Bruce Kirby’s own explanation of the current events – Andy Adams Editor In an attempt to rescue the Laser Class from its downhill course of the past few years I have reluctantly decided that a name change, or re-branding is necessary. During the past three or four years dealers have had difficulty getting timely delivery of boats, and in particular, of parts. We have had calls
May 1, 2013
“This is your boat. Itu2019s my baby, but itu2019s your boat. “
In the last few months Bruce Kirby, the Canadian designer of the Laser sailboat, the world’s most successful racing dinghy ever, and the one-design boat that powers arguably the largest and most significant class in racing, has revealed that for some time, he has not been paid the royalties owed to him by the builders who had contracts to build Kirby’s design. Yet, the authorities in the Laser class association with the apparent cooperation of ISAF, the International Sailing Federation have continued to issue official plaques to these unauthorized Laser boats. The series of events would seem to undermine the whole concept of one-design sailing and racing. Here’s Bruce Kirby’s own explanation of the current events – Andy Adams Editor In an attempt to rescue the Laser Class from its downhill course of the past few years I have reluctantly decided that a name change, or re-branding is necessary. During the past three or four years dealers have had difficulty getting timely delivery of boats, and in particular, of parts. We have had calls
April 11, 2013
New “Kirby Torch” Replaces The Laser – Production To Come To Canada
Bruce Kirby, a Canadian and the original designer of the Laser is launching the “Kirby Torch”. The Laser sailboat is no longer in production in North America and Europe and because the Laser trademark is being held by the former builder, the boat’s name had to be changed in order for Bruce Kirby’s design to continue to be sold world-wide as a One Design class. The newly-christened Kirby Torch has a very Canadian focus. The Laser started in Canada, quickly becoming an IYRU-recognized international class in 1974. Then in 1983, the original builder went bankrupt and rights to the design reverted to Bruce Kirby Inc.
April 9, 2013
Atlantic Waterways lead to Race the Cape in 2013!
With the historic Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race leaving Massachusetts July 7th, followed by the Bluenose Ocean Racing Circuit’s departure from Halifax to St Peters on July 13th, Eastern Seaboard sailors will be ready for the inaugural Race the Cape starting in St Peters, Cape Breton on July 17th. Cape Breton Island is a sailor’s destination. Race the Cape is a sailors dream. Race the Cape will unfold over six days this July. Four days of challenging point to point racing through the amazing Bras D’Or and along Cape Breton’s rugged Atlantic coast, and an opportunity to take part in the historic McCurdy Cup. Come enjoy 5 nights of legendary Cape Breton food and entertainment and discover why Cape Breton Island has been chosen as one of the Best
April 8, 2013
The 2013 Moncton Boat Show Cruises Out a Winner!
The owners of the Moncton Boat Show, Master Promotions Ltd. are pleased to announce that the 2013 edition of New Brunswick’s largest boat show was a resounding success! Saturday attendance was off the charts. Attendance was up over 12% and broke the 10,000 mark during the course of the three day event. Saturday attendance was outstanding and the atmosphere almost electric in the Moncton Coliseum.
April 8, 2013
Third Annual Penobscot Bay Rendezvous-Join the Party!
What a party! August 15-18, 2013 the Penobscot Bay Rendezvous is on the map as one of the East Coast’s best regattas for power and sail. Last year, fifty-five sail and power boats gathered for the four-night three-day event co-hosted by Wayfarer Marine and Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding. This was a substantial increase from the inaugural event and organizers expect the growth to continue as the word spreads about the fun of this regatta. This event is geared to highlight the best of all that mid-coast Maine and Penobscot Bay has to offer – picturesque towns, spectacular coastline, great food and world-class hospitality and facilities.
April 5, 2013
We Want Your Best Boating Recipe
Call for Submissions…CY West is looking for boaters of all descriptions to send us your favourite boating recipe! Do you have a sure-fire recipe that is boat-friendly, always a hit and is best enjoyed at your favourite anchorage spot? Canadian Yachting Westmagazine will be featuring a selection of boaters’ fave dishes in our next issue and we’d love to hear from you. Send us your recipe with at least one photo (minimum resolution 2 mgb), with instructions for creating it along with a little blurb about your ideal spot on the
April 4, 2013
Get Canadian Yachting Any Way You Like It!
Canadian Yachting magazine is now available as a full digital subscription. Special introductory promotional offer on now until May 15, 2013. Subscribe now
April 4, 2013
Binnacle Boy Catalogue – First Ever Edition!
Everyone’s favourite marine catalogue is ready with its Spring and Summer 2013 offerings, online and in store. Watch for the flyer in the May edition of Canadian Yachting magazine. The Binnacle Yachting Equipment and Accessories Ltd. is a full-service chandlery located in Halifax NS, by the shores of the North Atlantic. Binnacle.com, the online store, has grown to become Canada’s largest internet chandler for sailors and powerboaters. Wherever your home port is, The Binnacle has something of interest to you.
April 4, 2013
Footloose Charters Announces an Increased Fleet of 4600 Catamarans
Footloose Sailing Charters is pleased to announce the addition of more of its most popular yacht, the Footloose 4600, a 4-cabin catamaran custom-built by Robertson & Caine, into its fleet. This spacious and well- appointed yacht is available for charter from Footloose’s base in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Cheryl Powell, COO of Footloose, added, “This is a significant addition to our fleet, and we’re excited to now offer our customers more of such a spacious, comfortable performance cruiser for their sailing vacation at Footloose’s great charter rates.” The Footloose 4600 is an Ideal Cruising Platform with amenities that include a 24’ beam for a cockpit that easily accommodates 12 people for meals with numerous seating options provided by reversible settee and aft sun/sea seat. The expansive forward deck with trampoline offers a large area for relaxation
April 4, 2013
New Marine Baking Pan offers Ease of Use and Easy Stowing
New from Salish Boat Supply is the Boaties Baking Pan™. The baking pan is designed to fit in your oven and for one handed use, making removal from the oven easier when under way. The compact detachable handle is always cold when used and stows neatly away with the pan. The heavy gauge aluminum pan has an even and stable heat transfer, and at 12” x 8” x 2-3/8”, it has a volume of over 2 quarts. Double coated non-stick surface ensures easy cleaning and long life.
April 3, 2013
Binnacle Boy Catalogue – Keep it Under Your Mattress!
The first ever marine catalogue is ready with its Spring and Summer 2013 offerings, online and in store. Watch for the flyer in the May edition of Canadian Yachting West magazine. The Binnacle Yachting Equipment and Accessories Ltd. is a full-service chandlery located in Halifax NS, by the shores of the North Atlantic. Binnacle.com, the online store, has grown to become Canada’s largest internet chandler for sailors and powerboaters. Wherever your home port is, The Binnacle has something of interest to you.
April 3, 2013
News from Echo Bay…
Pierre and Tove Landry of Pierre’s Echo Bay Lodge and Marina, a popular stop for cruisers in the Broughton Archipelago, have plenty of news this spring. At the top of the list are the winners of the first annual Broughton Archipelago Poker Run: Tom and Linda Millar (MV Lindy Marine) of Vancouver. The Millars will enjoy 14 days’ free moorage at participating Broughtons marinas: Pierre’s, Port McNeill Fuel Dock and Marina, Sullivan Bay, Lagoon Cove, Jennis Bay and Shawl Bay. Watch for a repeat of the poker run this summer.
April 3, 2013
Swiftsure Marks 70
With its 70th edition this May, the Swiftsure International Yacht Regatta is the longest running cross-border race on the West Coast, and the Pacific Northwest’s premiere challenge of sailing skill, endurance, strategy…and luck. The race began in 1930 as a weekend challenge among three Northwest yacht clubs – Seattle, Royal Vancouver and Royal Victoria – and is now a week-long sailing celebration in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, hosted by Royal Vic. Organizers hope for a record turnout of competitors on three major courses – Swiftsure Lightship, Cape Flattery and Juan de Fuca – and are staging a variety of public events in the Inner Harbour.
April 3, 2013
Demo Day in Port Moody
Zodiac inflatables, Yamaha sport boats, Highfield Inflatables and G3 fishing boats will be in the water and ready for testing in GA Checkpoint Yamaha’s second annual On-Water Demo Day Sunday, May 12 at Rocky Point boat launch in Port Moody. GA Checkpoint’s Brendan Keys says the line-up will also include a G3 pontoon boat. The event will run from 10 am to 2 pm.
April 3, 2013
Hoist the Pub Cup for Charity
Canadian Yachting West is a proud sponsor of this year’s National Bank Easter Seals Charity Regatta. This yearly fundraiser challenges skippers and crews to recruit their favourite licensed establishments to compete for bragging rights and the “Pub Cup” in the inaugural “First in Bar” race. Pubs will sponsor boats and compete to see which establishment can fundraise the most in support of Easter Seals House. Pub-sponsored boats will be scored separately as well as overall in the regatta.
April 3, 2013
Trawler Fest Anacortes 2013
PassageMaker magazine presents Trawler Fest 2013 in Anacortes, Washington, May 14-19. When the snow has all but melted in May, and your thoughts return to cruising on clear Pacific Northwest waters, set a course for the peaceful, secluded town of Anacortes, Washington. There you can join thousands of other boaters who come annually to enjoy a unique educational, hands-on learning, boat touring, and social event known as Trawler Fest. “PassageMaker Magazine inspires our readers to better understand and enjoy the cruising-under-power lifestyle,” said Cindy Salvatoré, Events
April 3, 2013
Bluewater Cruising Presents Cruising the Mediterranean, Family Style
Bluewater Cruising Association’s next Club Night on April 16, 2013 presents Cruising the Mediterranean, Family Style. Summary: David and Karalee Greer spent two years cruising the Mediterranean with their three children, from 2001 thru 2003. Join us to hear what it was like as they learned how to cope in a 43’ sailboat, Dragonsinger, avoid storms and home-school their children. Hear about exotic cultures like Tunisia and the wonders of exploring the Sahara Desert. Their adventure gave the Greer family a wealth of lifetime experiences that they still draw from today.
March 8, 2013
Cruise and Learn in Nova Scotia
Visitors to Atlantic Canada may know of Nova Scotia’s rich sailing history, its fabled sailors like Angus Walters and Joshua Slocum, but may not think of the province as a sail-training destination. While the coastal waters of the province produced great sailors of the past, they’re now being used as training grounds for an ever-increasing group of budding sailors, many of whom are families. The Mahone Bay area on the province’s “South Shore” is the site for Sou’wester Adventures Sailing School, which operates from Atlantica Hotel and Marina Oak Island. While sailing in the shadow of Oak Island, legendary site of Captain Kidd’s buried treasure, students learn all aspects of handling a modern cruising sloop, and navigating the myriad of islands that supposedly number one for each day of the year.
March 8, 2013
Record Breaking Attendance at 2013 Halifax Boat Show
Now that the Halifax International Boat Show has finished, spring can officially begin! Boat Dealers and marine retailers supported the show in a big way this year, with new boat lines, new equipment and great deals. Good weather meant that the show had a record breaking attendance day on Saturday and the other days were very steady as well with thousands flocking to Exhibition Park. “The buzz on the floor was fantastic,” said Show Manager Scott Sprague. “The excitement about the upcoming boating season coupled with the new line of boats debuting and great sales activity made this event one to remember,” said Sprague.
March 8, 2013
Maritime Marine Fundraiser Garage Sale
The Maritime Museum of BC in Victoria hosts the 10th annual Massive Marine Garage Sale, as a fundraiser for the Museum. Participants may rent tables inside the customs building or sell from their vehicles along the cruise ship dock. Small boats may be brought in on trailers. Set up is from 3pm to 6pm on Friday April 19th or 7am to 8.30am Saturday. Early birds $25 before April 15th $35 after that date.
March 7, 2013
Action to Restore Georgian Bay Water Levels Needed Now
People who are seeking solutions to Georgian Bay’s low water level should be petitioning the International Joint Commission (IJC) set up for that task, said a representative for Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton. Andy Dunford spoke from a prepared statement to a gathering of about 130 people at the Oakwood Community Centre Thursday night to discuss concerns and debate solutions to the problem of record low water levels in Georgian Bay. “This has been discussed at a high level of government. The IJC is the centre for action,” he said.
March 7, 2013
New Thermal Activity on Hotspring Island?
Parks Canada staff has detected signs that thermal activity may be resuming on Hotspring Island in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Hot pools and springs on the island – a popular destination for Haida Gwaii residents and visitors – dried up suddenly following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake last October. Seismologists believe the quake may have closed fissures that allowed heated water up to the surface – and that thermal activity may eventually return to the island and restore the springs.
March 7, 2013
Racing for the Kids
Registration is open for the 2013 National Bank Easter Seals Charity Regatta, hosted Saturday, July 13 by Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. The regatta supports Easter Seals House, which provides accommodation for families while their children receive medical care in Vancouver. The regatta is a PHRF handicap race with flying sails and no flying sails divisions. This year’s event is pirate themed and boats will be judged on their costumes, decorations and crew spirit, with the return of the False Creek boat parade.
March 7, 2013
2013 Victoria Boat Show Drops Anchor April 18 – 21
Vancouver Island’s premiere in-water boat show, the 2013 Victoria Harbour Boat Show, returns to the pristine waters of Victoria’s Inner Harbour, April 18 – 21, 2013. Hosted by the British Columbia Yacht Brokers Association, the 23rd Annual Show is the place to get great deals on all your boating needs, just in time for the 2013 boating season. Whether you’re new to boating or a seasoned sailor, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Show. View hundreds of new and pre-owned boats for
March 7, 2013
Feds Ignore Protests, Close Kits Coast Guard Base
As protests of the federal plan to close Kitsilano Coast Guard Station mounted in late February, the government abruptly closed the Vancouver base without warning other levels of government, first-responder agencies or line CCG personnel. On February 19, three vessels departed the station, near the month of False Creek, 12 staff were assigned to other stations, and signage and flags were removed from the site. While Canada’s busiest year-round port lost its CCG station, Newfoundland made out big:
March 7, 2013
Take the Helm of a Grand Banks
West Coast Grand Banks dealer Grand Yachts invites boaters interested in GBs in general and GB 36s in particular to “take the helm” of one of these boats Saturday, March 23 at their sales docks in Coal Harbour, Vancouver or at Port Sidney on Vancouver Island. The 36 was among GB’s most popular models over its history, and Grand Yachts has several of them available for sale, so is staging the event to show them off. Each sales dock will have three or four4 36s on display, and one or two of them will take interested parties for a short cruise.
March 7, 2013
Bluewater Cruising Presents: Seven Year Journey Around the World
Bluewater Cruising Association is excited about our next Club Night presentation on March 19, 2013, featuring Julie Salisbury and her Seven Year Journey Around the World. Julie Salisbury will take you on a seven year journey around the world. In 1998, following a successful marketing career, Julie sold everything and set off to sail around the world. She started in South Africa, crossed the Indian Ocean, cruised the Chagos Archipelago and Malaysia. Her lifestyle helped her discover her true self and life purpose.