The Official Magazine of the Bluewater Cruising Association

Announcements

CBCYC Requests Boaters Complete Islands Trust Survey

Barb Peck

The Council of BC Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) is requesting that all boaters fill out the Islands Trust Draft Policy Statement Survey.  From Islands Trust: The Policy Statement is Islands Trust’s vision for the preservation and protection of the Islands Trust Area and its unique amenities and environment. It aspires to reflect the values and interests […]

In Memoriam: Bruce Warren

It is with sadness that BCA learned of the passing of Bruce Warren who died peacefully January 7th surrounded by family after a valiant battle with cancer. Bruce joined the BCA Calgary Chapter in 2015.  In 2022 he received an offshore cruising award for his  single-handed passage to/from Hawaii and was also the recipient of […]

Please Update your Member Profile(s) for the 2026 BCA Member Directory

Jennifer Handley

All BCA members in good standing will have received an email this week from the Member Directory Team asking that members review and update their personal profiles and those of their partner and boat (as applicable). Make it a New Year’s resolution to review your information this week, if not today.  It won’t take a […]

Changes to Pleasure Craft Licence Regulations

Barb Peck

The Council of BC Yacht Clubs (CBCYC) has advised its members that Transport Canada has issued revisions to the Pleasure Craft Licence (PCL) regulations, effective as of December 31, 2025. CBCYC has shared the following information. What are the changes? Here are the key updates you should be aware of: Expiry date: All new, transferred, […]

Currents Cover Photo Contest 2025

Barb Peck

It is time for the popular Currents Cover Photo Contest again.  Our monthly “PDF” publication needs great photos to grace its covers for 2026! Your photos should be clearly related to what BCA is all about; thus, although we are keen to see boats, your image may reflect the BCA vision, mission, or values without […]

Notice of BCA Annual General Meeting and Awards Ceremony (2025)

Jennifer Handley

All BCA members in good standing are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday December 4, 2025.  Hosted by BCA’s Commodore, David Vincent, the meeting will be held via Zoom, starting at 1930h PST / 2030h MST. (Zoom room will open at 1900h PST.) Please demonstrate your commitment to BCA and its […]

All Fleet Chapters Welcome at Vancouver October Meeting

Marilyn Sanford

Each chapter has a Fleet group consisting of those members preparing to venture farther afield in the coming year or soon thereafter.  Members may include those planning to head offshore, sail around Vancouver Island or travel up the coast, exploring and venturing into new territories. This previous article here provides more information about Fleet and […]

Call for BCA Award Nominations

David Mitchell

As summer draws to a close and we settle into the quieter rhythm of the shoulder season, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the many milestones Bluewater Cruising Association members have achieved in their cruising journeys. Preparing for offshore adventures takes dedication, and one of the most inspiring motivators is celebrating those who have […]

Crowdfunding Effort to Protect Waterfront in Desolation Sound Nears Deadline 

Editor’s note: many Currents readers, including myself, have enjoyed spending time in Prideaux Haven and so may be interested in this news item shared by BC Parks Foundation.  News Release: September 18, 2025 Vancouver, BC – Boaters, kayakers and other donors have [until September 29] to raise funds to purchase 100 acres of waterfront in Desolation […]

Vancouver Fleet 2026 – New Day, Same Time, Same Place

Marilyn Sanford

As the Bluewater Cruising Association launches its 2026 Fleets, it’s a great time to welcome both returning and new members of the Vancouver Fleet. Our mission remains as it has for decades: to build knowledge, share experiences, and foster community among sailors who plan to cruise locally and offshore. But this year, there are a […]

Anchored Memories: Stephen Carlman’s Ashes Released at Sea

Nancy Carlman

After strong contrary winds prevented the originally planned ceremony to release Stephen’s ashes at sea last August 12—Stephen Carlman’s 82nd birthday—his ashes were finally committed to the ocean on Thursday, August 21, in a voyage of remembrance and ritual. Chris Boulsbee, his wife Marilyn, and I motored Kingfisher, their Fisher 30-foot pilothouse sailboat, from Gabriola […]

Fleets of BCA

Marilyn Sanford

Every September, BCA members across Vancouver Island, Calgary, and the Lower Mainland come together to form their respective Chapter Fleets—communities of sailors preparing to head offshore in the coming year or soon thereafter, sail around Vancouver Island or head up the coast, exploring and venturing into new territories. Fleets meet monthly (sometimes more often), with […]