Looking To The Skies Makes For Better Boating

Weather conditions change rather quickly when you’re out on the water. Late winter and early spring often see changing weather and fast-moving fronts. At such times looking to the skies makes for safe boating. For centuries mariners have watched the clouds and their movement. From their observations, they soon understood that clouds were good indicators […]
Falling In Love With Fall Cruising

A harvest moon rose large and bright in the cool crisp evening air, its track shimmered across the water into the vacant anchorage. Golden lights winked on one by one in the cottages around the cove, reminding you that you are not completely alone. Oh, the delights of fall cruising! If you are new to […]
Keeping Your Engine Room Safe

The best skippers have always been the most vigilant ones, whether that meant being aware of threats from other vessels, changes in weather and sea conditions, or navigational hazards. But how many boat owners pay proper attention to their own engine room? This blog offers you tips for keeping your engine room safe. In the […]
Cowichan Bay

The village of Cowichan Bay is located on Vancouver Island’s southeast coast about fifty-six kilometers north of Victoria. It’s a working marine community with a fascinating blend of commercial and pleasure crafts, full of picturesque piers, wharfs, and floating homes. This seaside community has an interesting history, situated on a deep-sea lumber port coexisting with […]
Blind Channel Resort

During the summer of 1969, the Richter family – Edgar, Annemarie, and son Phil, were cruising their 30-foot boat, Pamar, through the area’s pristine coastal rainforest and stopped in at Blind Channel on West Thurlow Island, British Columbia for a loaf of bread. When Edgar saw the “For Sale” sign he was intrigued. After much […]
Thruster Care

Once found only on high-end yachts and large cumbersome vessels that needed help to maneuver in tight quarters, thrusters have become much more common in recent years and can be found on boats as small as twenty-two feet. Moving large surfaces sideways through the water requires robust construction for these powerful performers. Installed in a […]
Barbecue Grill Safety

The aroma of burgers wafts through the evening air; hot dogs and brats hiss and pop as they near peak perfection, and the color of peppers on kabobs become charred as they soften. What’s not to love about firing up the barbecue after a long day on the water?……Maybe a fire? That won’t happen with […]
Octopus Island Provincial Marine Park

When cruising north of Desolation Sound, travels are not complete without dropping the hook at Octopus Island Provincial Marine Park in Okisollo Channel. Located on the northeast corner of Quadra Island, this group of small islands not only provides a safe anchorage but is considered one of the most beautiful gunkholes in the Discovery Islands. […]
Learn To Be A Better Boater

Want to learn to be a better boater? Here are seven things to do to get started. A boater’s journey can start anytime, no matter the season or time of year, so why not right now? This beginner’s guide to boating has all the details needed to get started. Learn about boating education and safety […]
Farmers Markets In The Gulf Islands

There are many ways to experience and enjoy the Gulf Islands. One way to get a taste of the islands is by visiting local farmers markets in the Gulf Islands. Most markets are held from mid-May through September at locations close to the water and thereby accessible to boaters. At each of these you will […]