June 6: Day 3: Kendrick Island Anchorage

Author: Bethanny Brooks

 Navigating the Narrows: A Sunny Run Through Gabriola Passage

We woke up to another beautiful blanket of sunshine after a wonderfully quiet night on the water. Our morning routine has officially locked into a perfect rhythm: a fresh press of coffee, the daily installment of our Costco avocado toast, and a slow transition into the day.

Once we were fueled up, we began prepping the boat to head toward Ruxton Passage, with our ultimate goal for the day being Gabriola Passage.

When you’re cruising these waters, the clock is dictated entirely by the currents. Gabriola Passage is known for its rapids, which means timing is everything. We needed to hit the narrows right at slack tide, which was pegged for 2:40 PM. With the wind playing coy, we ended up motoring the whole way to ensure our timing was precise.

As it turned out, we timed it beautifully. We slipped through the passage alongside two other boats, and the whole experience was a total non-event—just the way you want a tidal rapids passage to be!

The weather couldn't have been more cooperative, offering up a gorgeous, sunny day with only a few lazy clouds drifting by. By mid-afternoon, we had dropped anchor in 30 feet of water behind Kendrick Island. It's a lovely, protected spot, and we're sharing the anchorage with just three other boats tonight—two sailboats and a powerboat.

Now, it's time to kick back and enjoy another peaceful evening on deck.

Greg setting our course

Kendrick Island Anchorage
 
   Artemus looking at the shore - “hmmm, do you think I could swim this?” 

Cheers!

A Taste of Hospitality: An Unexpected Gift at Telegraph Harbour

The final day of our BCA May rendezvous at Telegraph Harbour Marina brought one of those wonderful, chance encounters that makes the boating community feel so small and welcoming.

Tied up to the outside dock was a beautiful, large sailboat carrying a cruiser, his wife, and their wonderfully polite blended family. While the kids were a pleasure to have around the docks, it was a conversation with the captain that led to a delightful surprise. As it turned out, he actually owns and operates his own gin distillery.

Before we went our separate ways, he generously gifted us a beautiful bottle of his own craft gin, complete with two cans of premium tonic to go with it.

We eventually cracked into it, and I have to say—if you are a fan of a good gin and tonic, this is one I would highly recommend seeking out. There is nothing quite like sipping a premium, small-batch spirit on deck after a long day of sailing, especially when it comes with such a great story behind it.

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