On April 29, the Fleet hosted a live presentation with Rick Ellis. A scientist with a Master’s degree in Ecology, Rick has done an exceptional job of combining his passion for sailing with his deep scientific knowledge. Thoughtful and detail-oriented by nature, he designed the presentation to help sailors better understand the many changes we are already witnessing—and will continue to experience—as a result of global warming.
Rick emphasized that his goal was not to alarm offshore sailors or discourage cruising ambitions. Rather, he aimed to share knowledge that would help sailors recognize, prepare for, and manage the accelerating risks and changes ahead.
Rick’s credentials for this topic run deep. He developed the Psychology of Cruising course, has written articles on climate change and extreme weather adaptation, and serves as co-chair of the ESRC group (Environmentally Sustainable and Responsible Cruising).
The event drew 28 Zoom participants and 11 attendees in person. With several Zoom logins representing couples, total attendance was estimated at nearly 50 people. Interest was high throughout the evening, reflected in the many thoughtful questions. Rick took care to provide clear, thorough responses and reinforce practical takeaways for sailors.
A central theme of the presentation was that there is no simple “new normal.” Instead, Rick explained that changing weather patterns are part of complex systems influenced by multiple interacting factors. He encouraged sailors to be cautious about relying on past seasonal expectations. For example, traditional weather windows for departure may shift as El Niño and other climate cycles alter previously dependable patterns.
Audience discussion explored a range of practical concerns, including how far offshore sailors might travel to avoid the worst impacts, what changing conditions could mean for anchoring, and whether waiting out El Niño cycles was advisable. The clear message was that there are no easy answers, and the changes already underway are likely to continue.
Although the message was sobering, attendees appeared highly appreciative of the opportunity to learn more and ask questions. Rick will post his slide presentation on the BCA website for those wishing to review the material. He will also be presenting at the Vancouver Island and Vancouver May Club Nights, focusing on climate-driven changes in the Salish Sea. (Please note: only Vancouver Island is offering Zoom access.)
Key Takeaways
- Be aware of the realities of climate change
- Stay up to date on the science
- Be prepared and adaptable
- Be resourceful and respectful
- Reduce your carbon and ecological footprint — it all matters
The next Fleet meeting will be held on May 27. Guests are welcome. Email vanfleet@bluewatercruising.org if you would like to join us.
Cover image credit: by Enrique from Pixabay
Final Weather Group Meeting
The final Weather class was a highlight. Without a formal presentation, the 14 participants had the space for genuine discussion—each person sharing what they’d learned by using the tools in real passage planning and execution. The conversation flowed easily as we compared approaches, reflected on how we applied the coursework, and talked through our upcoming sailing plans.
It turned out several of us are aiming to make “the big left turn” toward Mexico around the same time, so there’s a good chance we’ll coordinate and buddy-boat—at the very least, stay in touch and keep tabs on one another.
None of us are walking away as meteorologists, but that was never the goal. What the course delivered was practical competence: a solid awareness of key weather concepts, where to find reliable information, and how to use the available tools to make sound decisions. That translates directly into safer, more confident, and more enjoyable passages. Overall, it was an excellent experience.
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