Ahoy sailors!  Mark your calendars now for a BCA first – Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island beckons BCA members for a late summer Rendezvous weekend, August 27-28, 2016.

Introducing Your Rendezvous Hosts

As numerous residents of Cortes Island discovered this piece of paradise while sailing, BCA members can expect a hospitable welcome from the islanders.

Bluewater cruisers and longtime BCA members, Amanda and Barry Glickman are among the avid sailors organizing this Rendezvous. This summer, their first as officially retired, they look forward to bringing together “Doers, Doners, and Dreamers” to swap stories, large and small, ask questions, and share knowledge and experience. Their home is boat access only, directly across the harbour from Gorge Harbour Marina, and just recently received a replacement dock, capable of hosting many dinghies and a massive BBQ suitable for a BCA pig (or lamb) roast, numbers permitting. This will be BCA’s first pig roast since 2008 when the association celebrated its 30th anniversary at the False Creek Yacht Club!

Bill Dougan and Tammy Allwork, BCA dreamers, have been operating the Gorge Harbour Marina since 2006. For Tammy it was a bit of a homecoming, as her family owned the marina in the mid 70’s. Bill and Tammy enjoy running the marina, especially meeting so many dedicated sailors that pass through. They recently purchased an extensively-refit Corbin 39, and are anxiously anticipating their turn to get out and explore beyond these shores.

Carol and Steve London are both experienced coastal and bluewater sailors, having owned their Cape Dory Intrepid 35 T’ai Li for over 35 years.  She has taken them from Bermuda to Central America.  They have lived on Cortes Island for over 30 years, where they own and operate T’ai Li Lodge.

Adesso, skipper and crew: Ted, Sue and Josh Bannister

Ted and Sue Bannister and their son Josh, (if not sailing the South Pacific) are currently based out of Comox, after recently returning from more than a year exploring Mexico aboard their Passport 47, Adesso. They are back at work, but they have been cruising this Coast for more than 35 years and lived in several of our coastal communities. They try to spend at least 3 months of the year sailing the most beautiful cruising destinations in the world – right here on the west coast.  Plans are to include a formal presentation of their offshore cruising awards at the rendezvous.

Location

Marketed as the “western entrance to Desolation Sound”, Gorge Harbour is a natural harbour with its narrow entrance.  It has a long history with the First Nations of the Coast – be sure to look for the pictographs on the wall to port as you enter.

Gorge Harbour, Cortes Island

Gorge Harbour Marina has been operating since the late 60’s. In 2006 Richard and Michelle Glickman, who are also ardent boaters, purchased the marina and proceeded to give it a much-needed refit. Today Gorge Harbour Marina is more popular then ever with boaters cruising into Desolation Sound and beyond.  The Marina boasts 1800 feet of concrete docks, camping facilities, a heated swimming pool and hot tub, a superb restaurant, and a gazebo with a protected picnic area and BBQs. In addition to serviced docks, there is ample anchorage in the western arm of the Gorge, ensuring that there is sufficient space for BCA participants.

Gorge Harbour rainbow

Gorge Harbour has what it takes to host an exciting Rendezvous and enough BCA members on the island and in Comox to host it.  Plan to attend and watch for more information in the months to come!