Bluewater Cruising August Rendezvous at Newcastle Island

Looking west from Newcastle across docks to Nanaimo

Thanks to the thoughtful invitation of Edie and Adam of SV Libertina, we were once again able to attend a Bluewater Cruising rendezvous. The August gathering has been held at Newcastle Island for several years, organized by the Vancouver Chapter, in conjunction with the Peterson Cup rally.  We were looking forward to exploring the Island and participating in the gathering.

Libertina at Newcastle docks

The Newcastle Island website states:

Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park is part of Snuneymuxw First Nation Traditional Territory. The Snuneymuxw are a Coast Salish people who live on Vancouver Island and speak the Hul'qumi'num dialect. Prior to European contact the Snuneymuxw had many winter villages along the Nanaimo Harbour, each one consisting of several longhouses.  Newcastle Island or Saysutshun has always had a special place in the hearts of Snuneymuxw people or mustiyuxw.  It has been used as a place of healing.  Saysutshun was also used for the training grounds of the competitive canoe pullers, they would run the trails to keep themselves in top physical shape. Saysutshun was also used for gathering traditional medicines.

BC Parks:  Visitors to Newcastle Island can choose from an extensive network of walking/hiking trails that lead to various historic points around the island. Indian middens offer mute evidence of at least two Salish First Nations villages, which were deserted before the discovery of coal in this area in 1849. Subsequent decades saw the island’s fortunes rise and fall as it went through various incarnations while supporting a fish-salting operation, a sandstone quarry and a shipyard.

Dock space had been secured, which made attending the various potlucks and land activities as easy as stepping off the boat.  Libertina's tender was not meant for more than two, so we left the water sports to those who had roomier dinghies.  We were pleased to reconnect with several Vancouver members we hadn't seen for many years and meet newer members.  An abundance of tasty food, stories, time for walks across the island, passenger ferry rides across to Nanaimo, all contributed to a busy and enjoyable weekend. 

Trails and beaches to explore

We made a mid morning departure on Monday and successfully avoided the Malahat crawl.  Back to house projects!

2017 Peterson Cup Rally on board SV Libertina

The Captain joined Adam W. as crew on SV Libertina in the recent BCA Peterson Cup Rally.  This was an opportunity to test sailing and racing skills as well as revisit the anchorages of the Gulf Islands.

As the invitation to cruisers stated:

Once again, the waters, islands, nooks and crannies of the Salish Sea will become the backdrop for this year's cruise:  Panama Canal in Four Days.  Ken Christie will head up the indomitable Peterson Cup fleet which will gather as per tradition in Mark Bay, off Protection Island, Nanaimo, on Sat July 29.  The Dinghy Dock Pub will be the first official meeting place, at 1600 h; following a libation or two, vessels will be measured and assigned the canal transit fee (rumoured to be $1200) and the agricultural clearance fee ($200). Advisors can be bribed daily with hot baked pies to be served at Appy Hour.  And, of course, everyone gets a ZARP file.

Bright and early (!) on Sunday morning, the fleet will set sail, seeking adventure, good food, good grog and great company at the end of the day's voyage (destination to be determined by consensus prior to departure).  During the rally, boats must use sails, anchor off (no docks allowed!), and all food and libations will come from ship's stores.

Kelly had a week to get organized and consult regarding gear, provisions and logistics.  En route he sent SPOT messages from each anchorage - much appreciated as even when the next day's destination was decided upon it was subject to change. Saturday was a sail, motor-sail journey from Sidney to Protection Island across from Nanaimo to anchor and join the group. Sunday was a sail to Jedediah Island, anchoring in Little Bull Passage; plan was to stay and hike.  Monday - sailed to Tribune Bay at Hornby Island instead. Tuesday - actually stayed at anchor and hiked the island.  Wednesday - down Sabine Channel and across to Secret Cove on the mainland.  Thursday - a vigorous sail back to Newcastle Island, with a wrap up gathering at Gina's Mexican Cafe in Nanaimo.     

This year's participants were recognized at the BCA rendezvous on Newcastle Island and the Cup awarded to the Captain of SV Mischief.

L to R: Heather, Kelly, Adam, Frank, Dawn (hiding), Peter

L to R:  Dawn, Peter, Connie, Campbell, Jennifer, Ken, Russ, Loell

Farewell to Rosie

Our sweet and sassy Rosie almost reached her 19th birthday (September 7th) and we are grateful for the 15 years she shared our home.  Both Rosie and Sebastian made attempts at being Intrepid boat cats; however, they needed more 'personal space' than what is available on a 40 foot sailboat.

Rosie became much more an indoor kitty in her later years, curling up next to the Captain in front of a cozy fire.  Or, she looked out on her domain from the comfort of a cushioned viewing spot overlooking the front yard.  Every now and then she surprised us by venturing outdoors, down to her 'grass buffet', checking out the backyard and back up the deck.  She had enjoyed the chaise lounge for many summers, but the Admiral was now allowed to stretch out.

Sadly, in spite of the efforts of our vets and our own TLC, we found ourselves holding our courageous Rosie as she slipped away in late June.  Tears of course.  It has been a subdued summer since that time.

Rosie in 2002 - 4 years old

Enjoying the sunshine