Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.

The Main Sheet

Fall 2006 Newsletter

Volume 27 Number 2

At Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd., we work to help people realize their full potential for the boating lifestyle. We provide professional Boating, Sailing and Navigation courses and share our knowledge of boating and the Gulf Islands area.

IN THIS ISSUE
    Summer Reflections
    Mooring Tip
    Sidney Spit
    They Are Back!

  Summer Reflections

It is difficult to believe that it is September and our son is back in school.  It has been a busy summer with a number of clients buying boats and needing instruction.  On the first Saturday this month I had the pleasure of travelling over to Ganges aboard a 50' motor yacht with the owners and their guests.  It was a perfect day with sunshine and almost flat seas.  We went into Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island to show them the anchorage and the little cabin at the head of the bay.  From there we proceeded to the dock in Ganges Harbour and had lunch at La Cucinna overlooking the harbour. 

After lunch I met an operator from a whale-watching company in Victoria and he told me the orcas where travelling towards Active Pass.  We returned to the boat and headed over to Active Pass, unfortunately the whales had already gone.  We had just passed Beaver Point on Saltspring Island when I spotted two black fins in the water ahead.  I asked the owner to stop the boat.  There were actually three whales, a bull and two smaller ones and they came across our bow at a distance of about 150 to 200 yards.  We were able to watch them as they followed the shoreline around the point.  Everyone on board was suddenly standing up to see and the cameras came out.  What an exciting finish to a perfect day!

 Mooring Tip

In the Marine Parks the Government buoys have a label on the top which states the mooring fee, usually $10.  There is one mooring buoy in Montague Harbour that is the same make as the Government buoys, however it has no label and is a Private buoy.

When picking up a mooring with your boat hook it is usually easier to insert your boat hook through the ring on the top of the buoy rather than trying to hook the ring from the outside.  The ring is attached to the mooring chain which should slide up the pipe in the middle of the buoy so you may lift the ring up to your deck to attach your lines.  Some chains will not pull through the pipe due to mussels or weed on the chain.

 Sidney Spit Marine Park

Sidney Spit Marine Park is a favorite destination for a day trip or as an overnight get away. There are numerous mooring buoys, a large anchorage, as well as a public dock.

From Sidney the trip by powerboat takes approximately 20  minutes.  Once secured and on shore, choose bird watching, hiking, or relaxing on the sandy beaches.  One may see fallow deer, peacocks and many species of birds.  A picnic area with tables and fire pits is located on the sandy beach at the end of the wharf.  For campers there are campsites located on the upper portion, many with water views.

The park is a wonderful family destination and can provide children with hours of enjoyment.  We have been to the Park many times with our son and his friends to spend the day playing on the beach or on the sand hill.  Some friends were new to boating and it was a wonderful experience to introduce them to the joy of being on the water.

When planning a boating vacation Sidney Spit Marine Park is a stop to consider.

 They Are Back!

The Ritchie Family left Sidney in July 2004 on board R Factor, a 56’ Maple Leaf for an extended offshore trip and have recently returned.  To view their journal click here.

 

 

Contact us at 250 656-2628 or Toll-Free 1-800-665-2628

P.O. Box 2532  Sidney BC  V8L 4B9

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