There is no preparation for going offshore quite like being offshore. You can do this by joining VICE 2021 (Vancouver Island Cruising Experience).
About VICE
Each year a number of BCA vessels from all three chapters get together online to plan a multi-day offshore trip, this year planned for early August (most likely around August 11). They wait for a weather window on the West Coast of Vancouver Island before sailing out to sea. The idea is to leave in reasonable weather that is similar to what you will be experiencing on your offshore voyage. The boats head out into the Pacific for two or three days, sailing towards a selected GPS destination before turning back. This shakedown cruise will give you a chance to test your boats and yourselves – cooking, eating, sleeping, using offshore systems, communicating and keeping watch at sea – the skills you will need when you leave on your real voyage. VICE also gives you the opportunity to practice manoeuvres like heaving to and deploying a drogue or storm anchor – best practiced before Mother Nature puts you to the test!
Boats that participate in VICE are often looking for crew. This is a golden opportunity for boatless dreamers to experience life on board prior to buying and equipping a boat.
If you are interested (no commitment necessary), please e-mail Ken Buckley (buckleykr at shaw.ca) through the BCA website (do not text message, please):
- Click on Member Search
- Type Ken Buckley in the criteria box, and search
- Select Ken Buckley then click on the e-mail address
Ken will help you get in touch with the VICE 2021 fleet so that you can join in the planning. The occurrence of VICE 2021 will be dependent on the status of Provincial Health Orders.
Past VICEs
To read stories about previous VICE trips, read the articles in the following past issues of Currents, accessible from the BCA website under Resources – Currents Magazine (you must be a BCA member to read these past issues). These stories are sure to make you want to participate!
- December 2007
- December 2008
- December 2009
- November 2010
- October 2011
- October 2012
Currents PDFs
Well done Anne & Ken.
I won’t wish you fair winds because that would mean you miss out on some opportunities to test yourselves and your vessels. I’m looking forward to hearing how things go.
Cheers