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Just the sea, thee and me...🚤⛵️⚓️
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items I will be adventuring on my boat in the Gulf Islands in British Columbia and the San Juan Islands in Washington. These are some of the places I will be visiting, some of the items I need to journey safely and some of the highlights I expect along the...
Sections
5
Anchorages
Marinas
Wind, Weather, Tide and Whatnot.
Safety Equipment
Entertainment
Anchorages
So many places to choose from, here are just a few close by that I know will fill my dance card this summer. 🤩
Sidney Spit on Sidney Island is a quick 30 minute boat ride from my marina. There is a dock (no services), there are mooring buoys and there is sandy bottom anchoring. Its a marine park with campsites, walking trails and beaches. Its a lovely little ...
Sidney Spit - Gulf Islands National Park, British Columbia
About 40 minutes away from my marina and one of my absolute favourite anchorages in the Gulf Islands. Accessible only by boat, great walking trails, old orchards from past inhabitants, beautiful beaches with camp sites for kayakers…lots of great memo...
Portland Island - Gulf Islands National Park, British Columbia
A one or two boat anchorage, beautiful spot to watch the sun go down, it was the most recent addition to the Gulf Islands National Parks.
Shingle Bay - Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
Another summer favourite, this is an all-purpose marine experience. There is a field of mooring buoys, plenty of anchoring space, the beautiful Poet's Cove Marina and there is a Custom's office for those transiting back and forth between Canada and t...
Bedwell Harbour
Two hours by boat from my marina to this beautiful little anchorage or I could drive from my home in about 12 minutes. 😂 But it’s about the journey, not just the destination - right?!
Tod Inlet in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park | Victoria Trails
Marinas
Marinas are a treat, not the norm for me. Moorage with services is much more expensive than grabbing a mooring buoy or dropping your hook⚓️
Roche Harbour is an experience! It has such a great vibe, definitely a BIG boat experience. First time I came here, I came in my sailboat and the customs dock still had real border patrol officers - now you either call in your arrival (from Canada) a...
Roche Harbor Resort
Such a beautiful little town - I've always loved visiting! The ferry coming and going creates a different sort of certain energy. There is good shopping for provisioning and restaurants for those wanting to get off their boats for a meal.
Your Guide To Visiting Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
There are several marinas in this Harbour and it’s best to read the client reviews for each before making any decisions on which to choose. User experience varies.
Ganges Harbour on
Saltspring Island
Wind, Weather, Tide and Whatnot.
These are the apps I use to control what I can control and to make informed decisions about the rest.
I have had this app on my phone since 2011 when I bought my first boat and started sailing. It lets me chart my course, figure out best route and approximately how long it will take.
Navionics
Always good to know your tides, especially when you’re in precarious anchoring situations - what stage of the tide is it when you’re dropping your hook, how much will the tide rise or fall, how much rode do you need to have out to be safe?
Vancouver (07735)
Knowing your currents is imperative as you’re transiting through many active passes. The currents can really affect speed of travel, so you always need to be aware of which direction they are flowing, at which strength and when they will go slack and...
Canadian Tide and Current Tables
Weather can make or break your day as you’re underway in your boat. Be prepared.
Environment Canada
I monitor this app constantly when I’m preparing to go out on the boat and while I’m on the boat. Wind can pop up fast and completely change your marine environment. Be safe!
Windy.app – Live wind map & weather forecast
Safety Equipment
A must-have piece of gear which I got when I first started sailing! A big investment but worth it for your safety at sea and your piece of mind. (AD)
HIT Hydrostatic Inflatable PFD with Tether Point
An invaluable piece of marine equipment, I now use mine when I’m off the mothership and out dinghying around.(AD)
HX890
Well, mine is a little older version which came installed in my boat. I refer to it as well as my Navionics to keep me dialed in to my location and surroundings underway. (AD)
All Garmin Marine Products
I always have my boat hook deployed and ready for entering and exiting my slip, grabbing a mooring buoy or coming alongside any dock.(AD)
Boat Hook
Compact and easy to stow onboard or in a kit bag…cleaner and easier deployment than a fire extinguisher.(AD)
Mart Cobra Emergency Fire Blanket 4 Pack
Mylar thermal blankets are too easy to stash away onboard and could absolutely be life-saving.(AD)
Mylar Emergency Blankets
A great boarding ladder for safety and convenience.(AD)
4 Steps Heavy Duty Marine Boat Rope Ladder
Entertainment
Besides the hiking/walking/trekking/beaching, here are some of the things I have onboard to switch things up.
A little strummin’, pickin’ and vocalizing always lightens the load. 🎼🎶🎶 (AD)
Fluke & Flea Ukuleles - USA Made since 1999
Haven’t splurged yet, but they’re a great way to get around onshore without having to depend on local transportation - please make some recommendations! (AD)
Best Ebike Canada | Electric Bikes, Scooters and Accessories