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’ of the Vancouver Fleet.
Cam has brought a world of experience to the Fleet program, together with a practical and inclusive style. His meetings run on a rigorous agenda, but with an appetite for sharing new discoveries and experiences, as well as an air of curiosity, and a comfortable manner that keeps everyone enthusiastic and on purpose.
The BBQ has no agenda: it’s mostly social, a time to share a meal and a few stories. This year, we presented two Leaver Packages at the BBQ. One Package went to a couple new to BCA – Ryan and Sofiya Peterson on SLON – who were enthusiastic and appreciative of BCA’s community and the support they provided.
Cam presenting the Leavers package to Ryan and Sofiya Peterson
The other package was for Cam, to celebrate and recognize his contribution. In the years that Cam has coordinated Fleet Vancouver, approximately 114 enthusiastic sailors shared and learned in the program. Because this was Cam’s last Fleet in an official capacity, we presented him with his own Leavers Package.
We celebrated Cam’s contribution through stories and recognition. Some of those stories were told by Blake Williams who regaled the group with memories and mementos! He also presented Cam’s (and Marianne’s) very own Leavers Package.
Blake presents Cam with his own Leavers Package
In addition to a few fun objects, the package included a booklet that captured Cam’s and Marianne’s contributions and achievements. These included the first recipient of the Ted Long Award in 2017, a Service Award in 2024, and contained both dreamers and doers comments and accomplishments. Though we can’t share the many comments in this message, the following two contributions capture the spirit of Fleet’s purpose and both Cam’s and Marianne’s contribution.
From Anne Trudel and Ken Buckley of Naida:
We wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU to Cam (and Marianne) for their leadership and coordination of Fleet over the many years, as we recognize that we are but one of many boats and respective crew that they’ve shepherded through Fleet and launched from the shores of the Pacific Northwest.
We’ve met other BCA members along the way, and so many other cruisers with whom one forms an instant community in whatever harbour or boatyard we find ourselves in. Cam really captured and conveyed that camaraderie we’d find in our offshore adventures. As well, his support as we worked through the myriad of preparations for the boat and crew was unwavering and we continue to be grateful. We will look to stay in touch and continue to share our adventure.
From Stefanie and Torsten Schulz of Fortitude X:
Cam helped numerous cruisers turn their dreams into reality. He has been the “Godfather” of Fleet; and we are very grateful to have been part of this amazing group. Thank you, Cam, and Godspeed!
I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of Cam. In true Cam character as he left the BBQ he turned to say, “I’m not going anywhere, I’m still active and committed to BCA”.
Thank you, Cam!
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