Our Story

MacSkills is typically planned for Early Spring and is a chance for new owners/sailors to go out in one of our member’s boats for a day of sailing and instruction coached by a senior member. It occurs in protected waters and provides an introduction to the unique handling characteristics of  MacGregor, boats including rigging, launching, slow speed maneuvering, sailing, and crew-over-board recovery.

MacSailing is planned for June and is a chance for members to sail for a day on a club member’s boat coached by one of our senior members. This day is focussed on the “Sailing Aspects” of a MacGregor. With practical hands on participation that includes Boat Balance (Heel & Helm, Reefing), Sail Shape (Lift, Draft & Twist, Shape Tools), Points of Sail (Sail Position, Reaching & Running). We highly recommended this 4 hour day sail for people who are new to sailing, but also for those who have previous keel boat experience so as to understand the functions of adjustable keels and retractable rudders and water ballast verses lead keel ballast. We recommend that participating members have previously sailed with us on our “MacSkills” session in preparation for MacSailing,

MacFoulie is typically planned for the Fall and is a chance for members to sail for a day on a club member’s boat coached by one of our senior members to learn more about sailing a MacGregor boat in “foul weather” conditions in an “Open Water” location.

Women’ Confidence Cruise is planned to occur as part of the Regatta Cruise in Blaine Wa. in May. It is a unique opportunity created specifically for our woman club members to spend time together on the water with other women, and with a woman sail coach (when possible). This 4 hour day sail on a MacGregor will be tailored by the sail coach to match the specific needs of the group onboard that day. The general outline will cover various aspects of the MacGregor boat, as well as some tips on basic boating and safety. We encourage everyone onboard to have fun while learning, and for those that wish, plenty of opportunity for some hands-on participation including; casting off and docking, boat handling and piloting under power, basic sailing and boat balance, marine etiquette, VHF radios, and more!

Club Cruises

Spring Regatta – Blaine Harbor Marina This event runs at the Blaine Harbor Marina on the Victoria Day long weekend in May.

Friday night is a meet and greet on the dock. Rigging and launching help is offered for those arriving on trailers and docking help for those arriving by water.

Saturday features a quick workshop on safe boating, followed by a Women’s Only Dock Talk, the Women’s Confidence Cruise and a safety sail where boats and crew get to practice heaving to, crew-over-board recovery and emergency anchoring drills in a fun format. If you are not confident to try these maneuvers on your own you will be welcome to crew on another boat. Saturday night is a Pot Luck dinner at the marina.

Sunday is a chance to practice sailing your boat through a regatta course and challenge yourself to beat your best time. Sunday night is dinner on your own or a visit to a restaurant in town.

MacRendezvous – Union Steamship Marina, Snug Cove, Bowen Island 1^st Weekend in June

Friday begins with a 10 nautical mile sail from False Creek, Vancouver to a meet and greet on the dock followed by wine and cheese provided by the club.

The Saturday morning Commodore’s Pancake Breakfast is followed by workshops covering local sailing topics followed by an afternoon sail and Pot Luck Dinner.

Commodore’s Cruise – Location TBA Planned around the Canada Day Holiday July 1st

Each year the Commodore leads a cruise to different locations that highlight destinations in the Salish Sea (usually the Gulf or San Juan Islands). Often these destinations are featuring celebrations of Canada Day and July the 4^th as well as farmer’s markets, lamb roasts and other local events. Activities usually include pot luck dinners, day sails and exploration of the location. Flotillas are arranged to provide everyone with an opportunity to safely and enjoyably cruise to and from the destination.

Past Commodore’s Cruise – Location TBA August Long Weekend

Club flotillas will be organized to make sure everyone has a safe crossing of Georgia Strait and into the Gulf or San Juan Islands. Locations are chosen to experience new and interesting locations. Locations will also be coordinated with the Commodore’s Cruise to ensure that our northern (Vancouver Harbour) members and southern (Semiahmoo Bay) members have easy access to at least one of these cruises.

MYCBC Raft-Up – Sucia Island, San Juan Islands, Wa. Labour Day Weekend

We again organize flotillas for a safe and friendly trip for all to the northern most of the San Juan Islands. Club boats have the option of rafting together in the anchorage or anchoring by yourself for a little quieter experience. This is a great introduction to anchoring in an excellent location with lots of experienced members to help you. Once there, the options are endless. Explore the bay by dingy, roam the island’s many paths, and end the day with our pot-luck dinner on the beach.

• No Marina, No Clubhouse, No big Fees, No Problem
• Come experience the fun.
• Come experience the adventure.
• Come experience the wonder and memories created when  sailing with old and new friends.