Deer Harbor Marina, Orcas Island
Deer Harbor Marina, a top cruising destination on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands, is beloved by boaters for good reason. Originally inhabited by the Lummi people, Deer Harbor was settled by European-Americans in the 1880s, who established a thriving community with a school, post office, orchards, and industries in fishing and timber. Today, […]
Winter Boating Safety
With summer sailors docked for the season and the tourists back home, coastal waterways are left peaceful and pristine—creating the ideal atmosphere for those who love the tranquility of winter boating. Winter boating brings a refreshing, unique experience, perfect for those who crave a quieter time on the water. Winter cruising also brings the thrill […]
Extend Your Boating Season: Six Proactive Fixes for a Smoother Ride
Want to keep your boat in top shape all year long? A few proactive tweaks now can ensure your vessel stays running smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the water. These six easy preventive maintenance tips will help you stay ahead, avoid surprises, and maximize your time on the water: Impeller Care […]
Brentwood Bay Resort
After exploring and anchoring out in the southern Gulf Islands, it may be time to treat yourselves to a bit of pampering at the upscale, adult-oriented, Brentwood Bay Resort, located on the quiet southeastern shoreline of beautiful Saanich Inlet. As you approached the resort, hail the resort’s marina on VHF Channel 66A for your slip […]
Safety Briefing for Boating Guests
Your safety briefing can be customized based on the location, duration of the outing, number of experienced crew on board, and your guests’ familiarity with boating. The primary goals of a safety briefing are to keep guests safe and help them understand what to do in case of an emergency. The following list includes […]
Sidney Spit Marine Park BC
Sandy beaches, extensive tidal flats, salt marshes, rolling meadows, and spectacular views make up Sidney Spit – Gulf Islands National Park, British Columbia. The park is located at the north end of Sidney Island, only 3.5 Nm from the international border and less than 2.5 Nm across Sidney Channel from the city of Sidney. The […]
What’s in Your Ditch Bag?
Most responsible mariners stock an Emergency Bag (also called a “ditch bag”, “ditch kit”, or “grab bag”) with additional emergency supplies to take along in case of an abandonment. It needs to be stowed where it can quickly and easily be grabbed and thrown into a life raft. A ditch bag should be waterproof and […]
Shoal Bay, Cordero Channel
As Shoal Bay comes into view it is hard to believe that this quiet bay, situated on the north side of East Thurlow Island, was once a busy logging and mining community. Strategically located halfway between the Dent and Green Point rapids and with few good anchorages in the area, the government floats at Shoal […]
Best Time to Buy a Boat in BC: Why Autumn is Ideal
If you’ve been dreaming of buying a boat, now is the perfect time to turn that dream into reality. Autumn is considered by many to be the best time to buy a boat, offering various benefits that make the process easier, more affordable, and less stressful. Here’s why you should consider making your boat purchase […]
Don’t Overlook Your Boat’s Gearbox
The transmission in your boat is the vital link between the engine and the prop, yet many boat owners never pay attention to their gearbox until it’s too late. A review of the owner’s transmission manual will give you all the information you need regarding the “care and feeding” of your transmission. If you have […]