The Official Magazine of the Bluewater Cruising Association

Announcements

Ocean Week Talks – June 2

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are presenting a free event as part of Ocean Week: “Thinking Outside the ‘Box’ – Impacts of Container Ships”. Speakers 1900-1930h: Dr. Hauke Blanken – “Marine Debris and its Origins: A Look at the Impacts of Lost Shipping Containers” 1930-2000h: Dr. Cathryn Murray – “Looking […]

WOW! 2026 Report

Kathryn Swangard

Feedback from participants at the 2026 WOW! (Women on Water) gathering made one thing clear: the event was an overwhelming success—and many felt it was even better than last year. Check out this inspiring article, describing one participant’s reflections about her experience at the event. In response to the enthusiastic reviews, plans are already underway […]

In Memoriam: Christopher (Chris) Michael Stask

Jacquie Kidd

Christopher (Chris) Michael Stask, passed suddenly on February 3, 2026. Chris and I (partner and Admiral Jacquie Kidd) became members of the Bluewater Cruising Association (BCA) in 1991. Over all these years Chris was actively involved in the club, and filled many roles. While with the Vancouver Chapter, he held the Watchkeeper roles of Port […]

A New Look for the BCA Member Directory

Jennifer Handley

The 2026 edition of the Bluewater Cruising Association (BCA) Member Directory has arrived in mailboxes from Vancouver Island to Calgary to Ontario and beyond – have you received your copy?  If not, you might want to contact BCA’s Administrator, Amanda Lance, to ensure your membership and mailing address are up-to-date. If you have taken a […]

Going Offshore in 2026? Don’t Forget to Apply for Your Leaver Package!

Jennifer Handley

Not only are Vancouver Fleet members busy preparing themselves and their boats for offshore, but a small committee within that group is researching, sourcing and assembling “leaver” packages for BCA members who plan to cast off their lines in 2026. This package is a farewell presentation from BCA given to all members in good standing […]

Invitation to Royal Victoria Yacht Club Open House

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club (RVYC) is hosting a free Open House Expo between 1600-1800h on April 10, 2026 and you are invited! As you may know, RVYC is a member-only club, but for one day only, the Club is transforming itself into a BIG welcome fair for curious potential members.  Round up your friends […]

Bluewater Cruising Association Awards 2025

David Mitchell

In my new role as Past Commodore, I have the pleasure of organizing and presenting awards to our deserving members. This is a task that I have very much enjoyed. I learned more about the Bluewater Cruising Association’s history through familiarizing myself with the past recipients and some of our new awardees. However, most importantly, […]

BCA Members Receive Environmental Award from Ocean Cruising Club

Environmentally and Socially Responsible Cruising Working Group

Every now and then we learn about someone who is making a difference while at the same time pursuing a life changing adventure.  Meet Freeranger’s crew: Duncan Copeland and Larissa Clark, along with their two children, Eden and Skye.  Aboard Freeranger, you’ll find both adventure and citizen science. Since launching in 2023, the family has […]

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, […]