The Official Magazine of the Bluewater Cruising Association

News

Vancouver Fleet Report – October

Marilyn Sanford

The Vancouver Fleet is officially under way for another exciting season! The second hybrid meeting took place at the Scottish Cultural Centre, where 15 members attended in person and 12 joined via Zoom. This year’s fleet includes 21 vessels and 37 sailors — a great turnout! Show & Tell After welcoming guests, Education Watchkeeper Kit […]

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 […]

Vancouver Fleet Report – September

Marilyn Sanford

What a great start to the Fleet of 2026! The energy in the room was palpable, with 17 participants attending in person and another five joining via Zoom. This marked Vancouver Fleet’s first hybrid meeting—and the first in-person Fleet gathering since the shift to COVID-inspired online sessions. Being together again brought a welcome sense of […]

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 […]

Vancouver Fleet June 2025 Report: Leaver Packages and Honouring Cam

Marilyn Sanford

Every year Cameron McLean ends the Annual Vancouver Fleet with a Potluck & BBQ; pre-COVID, the BBQs were held in their home, and after COVID, at Spruce Harbour Marina in False Creek. This year was no exception. Well, almost. It was different in one way: the 2024/25 Fleet Season was Cam’s last year as ‘Captain’ […]

Free Seaside Talks and Training

Don’t miss this free Wednesday night seminar series focused on cruising in Coastal BC, hosted by Voyage Makers Coastal Adventures Ltd. Enjoy lively evening discussions now through September about skill-building, seamanship and exploring the region. Learn from expert anglers, safety gear experts and take home tips about where to find the freshest local cuisine and […]