This year’s final Fleet gathering was a wonderful event. It reminded me of the parties Cam held in his home, where people updated, shared their adventure stories, as well as their knowledge and excitement for the challenges both met and ahead. Barb Angel brought some flags and a super vinyl map of the world that she laid over the coffee table. It became a great tool for engagement, dreaming and clarifying future and past journeys. Thank you Barb!
One of Fleet’s core drivers is to help those wanting to go offshore build knowledge and relationships. It provides a great opportunity to learn, and is set-up each year to tailor that experience to the attendees’ primary interests and concerns. Though Fleet is offered by BCA, it is largely run by the participants, who suggest the topics they are interested in, vote on the top subjects, and then take on the roles necessary to find knowledgeable presenters, as well as support and orchestrate these relevant subjects. BCA provides the venue and an experienced BCA member is the overall facilitator. Rhonda Schuller graciously agreed to take on that role.
This year we did things a little differently. For the first time we welcomed Zoom attendees, with Rhonda facilitating the meetings ensuring flow and logistics. Kevin Swanson did a stellar job of ensuring the two audiences were represented and could participate with minimal disruptions. At the core, however, this is a course ‘by the participants for the participants’, and judging by the dynamic at the June gathering, it went well. Plans for next year will be announced shortly, and Rhonda has graciously agreed to undertake leading Fleet again next year. Thank you Rhonda!
Of this year’s fleet we have ten vessels going offshore. Skipper and Crew are: David and Darrel Farrow (already offshore), Ethan and Danielle Schlegel, Trina Holt and David Mitchell (imminent departure), Christopher & Adele Friesen, Kevin & Leeanne Towers, Rob Tymenson, Dugg and Kristen Steary, Mathew Lloyd and Anne Pigott, Jeff Macadams, Judson Berry and Leah Walker. At the June gathering Jacqueline, who did a stellar job of managing the offshore packages, presented packages to Rob Tymenson and to Doug and Kristen Steary. This reminded the attendees of why Fleet, and to a large degree BCA, exists. Supporting an endeavour that pushes boundaries and challenges our own perceived limitations, through both knowledge and community, is Fleet’s purpose. It was great to see these individuals take on the challenge, and to see the engagement and excitement that unfolds while sharing a goal, experience, or dream!