The Thanksgiving Rendezvous is the last Bluewater Cruising Association (BCA) rendezvous of the year, organised by the Calgary BCA Chapter.
A BCA Rendezvous is very casual and largely unstructured get-together to provide an opportunity for sailors (and power boaters and would-be sailors) with a common interest in offshore adventuring to rub shoulders for fun, laughs, mutual help, and to trade stories and gear at a popular, central location.
Everyone is welcome — members, prospective members, past members and guests, young and old. We welcome boats of all sorts, sizes and condition.
No Boat? No Problem.
If you do not have a boat nearby, you can attend by coming for a day or by staying at the Thetis Island Marina and Pub’s rental suites. Or, you can make it known on the BCA website [1] or the Thanksgiving list that you are willing to crew. You will also find information on alternate transportation and accommodation on the website.
Schedule of Events
Friday
Afternoon:
- A few early boats begin to arrive, check in with the Marina, and register with BCA.
- Reunion with friends and meeting new friends.
- Visiting, walking, exploring, pub time, etc.
- Supper on your boat, the dock, or the restaurant. (BBQ available in the covered outdoor meeting area.)
Evening:
- Story Telling/Liar’s Contest and visiting in the pub and on boats.
- Mingle and make new friends. Share problems and seek solutions.
- Projection equipment is available, so bring your slides on a thumb drive (USB stick) and don’t be shy.
Saturday
Morning:
- 0900 – 1000: Coffee on the dock.
- 1000: Announcements on dock at the host boat and on the bulletin board.
(Also an opportunity to recruit help and or advice from fellow sailors.) - Boats continue to arrive, check in with the Marina, and register with BCA.
- Visiting, walking, exploring, beachcombing…
Afternoon:
- Visiting, walking, exploring, beachcombing, pub time, etc.
- 1400 – 1500: Boat Visits — If you welcome visitors aboard, indicate so by hanging a tea towel in the rigging or lifelines.
- 1500-1600: Swap on the dock – a chance to display and swap or sell boating items. Bring cash.
BCA items will be available for purchase on the dock at that time. A bulletin board will be available for posting ads. - 1630: Announcements on dock at the host boat. (Also an opportunity to recruit help and/or advice from fellow sailors.)
- 1630 (+/-) Happy Appie hour – Bring appetisers and snacks to share.
- 1730: Pot Luck. Bring one dish (one main dish, plus a veggie dish or dessert), drinks, and your own plates, glasses and cutlery.
Evening:
- Visiting, pub time, etc. We have projection equipment, so bring your slides on a thumb drive (USB stick) and don’t be shy.
Sunday
Morning:
- 0900 Sharp: Roll Call on VHF Channel 68.
- 0900 – 1000: Coffee and pastries on the dock.
- 1000: Announcements on dock at the host boat. (Also an opportunity to recruit help and/or advice from fellow sailors.)
- Visiting, walking, beachcombing, exploring…
- 1300 – 1500: (+/-) Model boat construction.
- 1400 – 1500: Boat Visits — If you welcome visitors aboard, indicate so by hanging a tea towel in the rigging or lifelines.
- 1400-1500: Swap on the dock – a chance to display and swap or sell boating items. Bring cash.
- 1530 (+/-) Model boat race
- 1700: Happy Hour.
Announcements on dock at the host boat. (Also an opportunity to recruit help and/or advice from fellow sailors.) - 1730: Traditional Turkey Supper in restaurant and on deck, weather permitting. Book ahead with the restaurant by phone or email and pay at the restaurant.
Evening:
- Visiting, discussions, pub time, etc.
- Projection equipment is available, so bring your slides on a thumb drive (USB stick) and don’t be shy.
Monday
Morning:
- 0900 – 1000: Coffee and leftover pastries on the dock.
- Good-byes.
It’s over. Most boats will depart by 1200.
There will be lots of prizes!