One of the highlights of Bluewater Cruising Association’s (BCA) annual calendar has always been the Vancouver International Boat Show.  We could always look forward to the camaraderie and energy of volunteering in the booth at BC Place, or on the BCA Offshore Boat in the Floating Show at Granville Island.  Volunteers would answer questions and speak passionately about their own sailing experiences, and about the benefits of belonging to this great organization that supports so many people in realizing their cruising dreams.  Hanging out at the Boat Show, bragging about our favourite club – what better to look forward to?  It was always the bright spot in a long winter.

So, you can imagine how disappointing it was to receive the notice that, due to COVID-19, the Vancouver Boat Show had been cancelled, like so many other events in the past year.

And then, it was with great happiness that we received the next notice, mere weeks ago:  the Vancouver International Boat Show will proceed after all!  Much as our Club nights have survived and thrived by moving into the virtual world, the Boat Show will be taking place virtually this year.  It’s going to be different, for sure, but we are delighted that BCA will once again be an exciting part of the Vancouver International Boat Show, running from February 24 – 27.

Our Virtual Booth will be staffed with volunteers who will engage with the public by way of live chat (text), email, and face to face conversations over Zoom.  Stay tuned for the call for volunteers!  We will once again have the opportunity to promote BCA, and the benefits of membership for anyone dreaming of going offshore, and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.

In place of the Floating Show, our Virtual Booth will feature detailed video tours of not one, but four BCA boats.  Come check them out, and see what makes an offshore-capable boat different and special.  Also check out our other video presentations, which will feature cruising tales from different parts of the world, stories of the friendships we make while doing so, and more.

Admission to the show is free!  Everyone is invited to come by and say hello, renew your BCA membership or join for the first time.  It’s a great time to join BCA, as we will be offering a discounted initiation fee, and we have a fabulous Welcome “goody-bag” for anyone who joins the Association during the show.

Many thanks in advance to the numerous volunteers whose time and energy will ensure that BCA has an exciting presence at the 2021 Virtual Vancouver International Boat Show!  It will be a great place to “be”!