The 2026 Vancouver Island Rendezvous brought another memorable gathering of Dreamers, Doers and Doners to Telegraph Harbour Marina, with 27 boats and 54 members signing in for the event. The Vancouver Chapter was strongly represented with 15 boats and 30 mariners, while the Vancouver Island chapter welcomed 12 boats and 24 attendees. Unfortunately, no members made the journey from Calgary this year — perhaps the inclement weather over the Rockies played a role!
This year’s rendezvous also welcomed members of the Gulf Yacht Club, who joined BCA participants for the always-popular Silent Auction and Treasures of the Bilge Sale. In return, BCA members enjoyed an evening of live music organized by the Gulf Yacht Club on Sunday night, adding another layer of camaraderie to the weekend.
Supporting BC Marine Parks
The Silent Auction and Treasures of the Bilge Sale raised an impressive $1,980 for the BC Marine Parks Forever Society. Organizers extended sincere thanks to everyone who participated and to the generous contributors, including:
- North Sails, Sail Loft Victoria (Sidney)
- Blackline Marine
- Raven Marine Services
- Canoe Cove Marina
- Trotac Marine
- Harbour Chandler
- Gartside Marine Engines
- Oak Bay Marina
- Tradewinds Boaters Exchange
- Port Sidney Marina
- Telegraph Harbour Marina
Learning and Sharing Experiences
Educational sessions throughout the weekend were well attended and sparked lively discussion. One of the highlights on Saturday was the Composting Toilets panel led by Toryn Sundstrom, Dani Tate-Stratton, and Barrie Letts, with approximately 20 members participating. Drawing on both panel expertise and audience experience, the group explored the pros and cons of composting systems aboard cruising boats. Advantages discussed included significantly reduced odours, less frequent disposal of solid waste, and reduced reliance on pumps and hoses. Challenges included the need to carry composting materials such as coconut husk or peat alternatives and the requirement to dispose of urine frequently. The following day, 11 attendees toured the dual composting toilet installations aboard Knot 2 Krazy for a firsthand look at the systems in operation.
Continuing the environmental theme, Leslie Hansen gave a Sunday presentation to the Carbon Footprint discussion group on practical and eco-friendly approaches to controlling holding tank odours using hydrogen peroxide.
Conversations About Our Carbon Footprint
On Sunday, Don Chandler led a thoughtful discussion on reducing cruising-related carbon footprints, attended by 17 members. Participants completed an anonymous exercise to estimate their household emissions, revealing an average footprint of 10.6 tonnes per person — notably lower than the Canadian average of approximately 15 tonnes per capita. Air travel emerged as the largest contributor by a significant margin. The discussion also highlighted the broader global challenge: to avoid the most extreme impacts of climate change, worldwide emissions will need to decrease to approximately 4 tonnes per person by 2050.
Potluck Traditions and Leavers’ Packages
Saturday evening’s potluck dinner was once again a highlight of the weekend, with an incredible variety and abundance of delicious dishes shared among attendees. It never ceases to amaze everyone what talented cruisers can create from the compact confines of a galley! The evening provided another wonderful opportunity for members to gather, connect, and enjoy each other’s company.
One of the most meaningful traditions of the rendezvous continues to be the presentation of Leavers’ Packages, recognizing members preparing to embark on new offshore cruising adventures. Commodore David Vincent presented this year’s packages to:
- Salt— David Mitchell and Trina Holt
- Uluwatu — Chris and Adelle Friesen
Top right: David Mitchell and Trina Holt from Salt; lower left: Chris Friesen and Adelle Friesen from Uluwatu
Guided by the philosophy of “plan, no plan,” David and Trina will begin their journey south with open horizons ahead, while Chris and Adelle intend to follow the surf and favourable winds wherever they may lead. Both crews seem to understand one of offshore sailing’s greatest lessons: the best plans are often written lightly, ready to shift with the tides, weather, and opportunities along the way. With attitudes like these, they are sure to have an unforgettable adventure.
Food, Music, and Fellowship
Sunday’s optional dinner at the neighbouring Thetis Island Marina Pub attracted approximately 50 attendees and provided another opportunity for members and friends to connect before the weekend wrapped up.
Dinner at the marina restaurant
The rendezvous concluded on Sunday evening with live music from Andy of Tropical Mayhem, shared with members of the Gulf Yacht Club. The mix of classic favourites had many in attendance singing along, dancing and enjoying the final evening together.
Passing the Baton
After two years coordinating the Vancouver Island Rendezvous, Sandra and Barrie announced they will be passing the baton to Vikram Misra as they plan to travel next year. They expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the event — organizers, presenters, volunteers, labourers, and cleaners alike — whose efforts helped create another outstanding rendezvous for the BCA community.
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