Women On Water 2017 - Meet the instructor for Coastal Weather

by June Lazenby / Bluewater Cruising Association on 19 Mar 2017 Do you worry about weather and how it might affect your boating plans and enjoyment? Participants in this workshop will learn how to observe clouds and changes in winds and barometric pressure, to predict advancing weather systems. By combining these observations with other sources of information, such as marine weather forecasts, weather station reports and weather maps, participants will learn how to anticipate weather and adjust their boating plans to seek protected anchorages or moorage.

Connie started sailing 40 years ago, racing round-the-buoys and long distance, progressing to overnight races where she helmed, navigated and provided input to strategy. She cruised the BC Coast for 20 years with her partner in a Cal 29, and went as far north as Glacier Bay, Alaska.

In 2002 they headed offshore in Cookie Cutter, a Peterson 36, on a 10 year voyage that took them down the coast of North America to Galapagos, across the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia, through SE Asia to Japan, and then back to Vancouver Island via the North Pacific. Since her return she’s been coordinating the Fleet and Weather Groups of the VI Chapter of Bluewater Cruising Association.

Women on Water (WOW) 2017

WOW! Boating Seminar for Women believes that women who enjoy cruising will be more confident, independent and safer through knowledge and learning. The intention for this special day is not to exclude men, but to create a safe and respectful learning environment for women boaters, both power and sail. WOW! offers a range of learning to address different levels of experience, from novice to more advanced boaters. Based on the evaluations after WOW 2013, the classes are longer but the trade off is fewer topics than last time.

We are also offering a session in the new Camosun College navigation simulation lab, also longer, on slow speed manoeuvering for anchoring and docking. This session will be at an additional $25.00 to the registration fee.

Lunch is included in the price for this event, and we hope the hardest part of this day will be choosing your topics. Camosun College, Interurban Campus, 4461 Interurban Road, Victoria, British Columbia V9E 2C1 - 08 Apr 2017 0800 - 1715hrs - Members $89?/?Non-Members $99

For more information and to register – Click Here.

There is more - Vancouver Island Education

The Vancouver Island Chapter of BCA offers a wide variety of courses to prepare BCA members to sail beyond our coastal waters. These courses are run by veteran instructors or marine industry specialists. Most instructors are experienced offshore sailors who bring a voyager’s perspective to the classroom. For courses offered by BCA, registration and payment are conveniently handled through our website. Members are encouraged to sign in when they register, in case the course is limited to BCA members and Fleet members, and because the website expedites the completion of the registration form.

The following summarizes education courses scheduled for Vancouver Island and includes proposed courses. The schedule is always evolving, so you are encouraged to check our website regularly for courses that are of interest to you. We are also interested in hearing your suggestions for courses that are not listed; your feedback helps us better understand your needs.

Psychology of Voyaging with Rick Ellis, Sat February 11 - Sun February 12, 2017

A BCA 'signature' course developed and facilitated by BCA Lifetime Member Rick Ellis, this workshop explores the many motives, desires and challenges inherent in the voyaging dream. 'This was hands-down the best & most useful course we took to prepare ourselves for extended voyaging. Also it was interesting, interactive and fun! Do not miss it.'

For more info and to register Click Here.

Basic Radar w/ Kevin Monahan, Saturday March 4, 2017

Learn from a radar expert. After completion of this seminar, students will be able to set up their radars for maximum results and interpret the display under a variety of conditions. Identify land-masses, other vessels and transient targets; use radar effectively for collision avoidance and navigation, and interpret and control the display under a variety of conditions.

For more info and to register Click Here.

Weather Strategies for the BC Coast with Kevin Monahan, Sunday March 5, 2017

This seminar focuses on the unique weather patterns of the west coast, and how to make decisions based on weather forecasts. Once you understand the dynamics of the most common weather patterns that occur in the region, you can develop strategies that take advantage of the weather patterns for a more comfortable and more enjoyable cruise.

For more info and to register Click Here.

Understanding Tides and Currents with Kevin Monahan, Saturday March 11, 2017

A good understanding of West Coast tides and currents can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a rough ride. The Inside Passage has a water circulation system where the tides power strong currents around the islands and in many of the key passes. This seminar introduces general material on tides and currents that is applicable anywhere in the world; but also goes into detail about specific locations here in BC, including managing tidal rapids.

For more info and to register Click Here.

Docking Strategies with Rick Ellis, Saturday April 22 (Pt 1) and Saturday May 13, 2017 (Part 2)

Whether you are a single-handed sailor, an inexperienced crew or a confident helmsman, this three-part workshop will help grow new skills and turn your boat handling and communications from stress to success. Rick's unique approach to this topic, which combines classroom theory with hands-on experience and personal consultation, generated rave reviews from participants when he first 'launched' the course in 2015.

For more info and to register Click Here.

Mid-Island Sail Training May 5-7, 2017

MIST, based out of Protection Island, is a weekend of camaraderie and fun with the goal of making us better sailors in a more basic, practical sense. The main theme this year will be navigating without electronics including dead reckoning, using depth contours and celestial navigation. The program always evolves with the interests and needs of the participants so don't be afraid to request any non-electronic training you may want, i.e. heaving-to, reefing on ALL points of sail, windvanes etc.

For more info and to register Click Here.