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 Griffin reviewed this year’s BCA course offerings. Then, Fleet Lead Rhonda Schuller introduced the Show & Tell segment, always a big hit.
First up was Dugg Steary, who demonstrated a compact fuel polishing kit he designed for his own vessel. This clever and practical tool would be a valuable addition to any cruiser’s gear.
A compact fuel polishing system
Next, Rhonda shared a few of her favourite items that make solo sailing easier. Among them were hand clips for keeping the cockpit organized and a Japanese toilet seat cover — perfect for staying warm on chilly winter days! She also showed off her first attempt at crafting a Monkey Fist knot, used for improved line handling. Watch the tutorial here.
Feature Presentation
The evening’s main presentation focused on medical emergencies at sea, led by Dugg and Kristin, both experienced Critical Care Paramedics. They shared insights into managing common onboard injuries and illnesses—from cuts and sprains to more serious conditions like heart attacks and dehydration.
Key takeaways included how to recognize medical red flags, the importance of a well-equipped medical kit, and the benefits of marine-specific first aid training. Dugg and Kristin also recommended the Mariners Medico Guide app for real-time medical advice at sea. The talk wrapped up with practical guidance on carrying medical supplies, such as tourniquets, splints, and medications, and highlighted legal considerations when traveling internationally with certain drugs.
Committee Report: Weather Series
This year, two volunteers are developing a new Weather Module for the Fleet — an always-popular topic with valuable, hands-on applications. A big thank-you to Trina Holt and Jeff and Andrea Wood for taking on this project!
There will be a two-hour session offered each month for six months. The first session will be held on Zoom, November 19, 2025 and is open to all paid-up fleet members. Details can be found here.
There is still room for people to join fleet and weather.
Currents PDFs
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