Canadian Power and Sail Squadron Boating Course
It’s still not too late to register for the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron’s boating course.
News
Sailpast 2010 was a Blast!
Freya and her sailpast crew for 2010
Feisty, thirsty and foolish Vikings convened on English Bay June 26th for our annual Sailpast.
From start to end, we had many hands to share the Sailpast festivities, from many volunteers to setup, cook, serve and cleanup, over 50 Vikings and guests in attendance, and all the champagne in between – oh yes, not to forget the sailing.
May Cruise 2010 wrap-up
As I sit here looking out on another rainy Vancouver day I’m not sure how we managed to arrange such a great weekend of weather for our latest instalment of the May Cruise, but I’m not complaining. We had some rain Saturday night once the boats were anchored, but I’m convinced that’s just fate confirm my choice to sail aboard the Hunter, with its fully-covered cockpit.
A great new members cruise
Sailing Freya In Vancouver
Freya headed out last weekend (2nd May) for a new members cruise, giving new members of the club a chance to try her out and learn a bit about sailing big boats.
PCOC and VHF Radio exams
Get your PCOC rating and VHF certification through offers available to Viking Sailing Club members.
Beach Fleet Training commences for 2010
Location: Viking Sailing Club / JSCA
Start Date: 2010-04-22
Days: Wed and Thurs from 5.30pm, Sat from 10am
The Viking Sailing Club’s Beach Fleet Training commenced in earnest for 2010 on Thursday 22nd April, with regular sessions going forth for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout Spring and Summer to train Novices for their Intermediate ratings.
Intermediate to Senior Training – April and May 2010
Intermediate to Senior Training Program – April and May 2010
Take your sailing to the next level with Senior training
A new training opportunity is being offered to Intermediates interested in working toward Senior rating.
Crew Overboard Training
Crew Overboard training - rescue via a sling
Last October we spent the day conducting Crew Overboard (COB) training on Freya. There were four Vikings in attendance, plus two guests: an experienced Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteer with his aid Howie Sound (a dummy in a flotation suit designed for crew overboard exercises).
During this exercise we deployed the life sling as well as the MOR Lift. We brought Howie on board from the stern platform, as well as using the MOR Lift. Brave Viking Alex also donned a dry suit for a swim in English Bay. He was brought on board using the life sling with the spinnaker halyard, as well as the MOR Lift. We practiced under sail, under power, and using a combination of both (approach under sail and then use the engine for finer positioning).
May Cruise 2010
Details
The 2010 May Cruise will take place May 21-24.
We’ll be departing from Island Cruising in downtown Sidney on Vancouver Island. Plans include a visit to Wallace Island, Poet’s Cove on South Pender Island, and possibly a stop at Saturna Island Vineyards for a tour and late lunch.
New Members’ Cruise
April 24, 2010
Our first new members’ cruise of 2010:
- Saturday April 24th 1300h (also the first day of on-the-water dinghy training – take your pick!)
Freya will meet interested new members at the Jericho Beach pier for a quick tour of English Bay. This page will be updated as plans are finalized, stay tuned for more details.
PCOC required to operate pleasure craft: Transport Canada
Who wants the helm?
This is a standard question on any Viking cruise. We’re a teaching club and historically everyone was welcome to take a turn on the helm. For some, these invitations by Viking Skippers have been a newcomer’s first introduction to keelboat sailing. These invitations are now limited to qualified pleasure craft operators.
Transport Canada now requires any operator of any pleasure craft that has a motor to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or carry proof that they have successfully completed an accredited boating safety course. This regulation has been phased in for various age groups over the last 10 years. As of Sept. 15, 2009 everyone who operates a pleasure craft with a motor must comply. This includes helming Freya.
Freya Crew Witnesses Spectacular Boat Blaze
By Ron Sudlow
Pan-pan. Pan-pan. Pan-pan.
Comox Coast Guard radio. Comox Coast Guard radio. Comox Coast Guard Radio.
This is Freya.
Go ahead Freya.
All hell was about to break loose.
We had recently entered Grace Harbour in Desolation Sound Marine Park, set the anchor and secured a stern tie around a tree on the shoreline.
We were looking forward to relief from the stifling July 28 heat. Tom had already plunged into the harbour off Freya’s stern gate which serves as a swim platform when lowered.
Walsh Cove a Scenic Alternative to Desolation Sound
By Ron Sudlow
Mention Desolation Sound and thoughts turn to the beauty of Prideaux Haven or the spectacular 30-metre falls emptying Cassel Lake above Teakerne Arm.
Walsh Cove - a scenic alternative to Desolation Sound hot spots
But sometimes it pays to take the channel less travelled. Especially if Prideaux has turned into a parking lot and only deep-water anchorages are left by the falls.
We actually took a few less-travelled channels to get to Walsh Cove, a compact, undeveloped Waddington Channel marine park tucked behind the Gorges Islets in the northwest corner of West Redonda Island.
Sailpast was a blast
Our Sailpast and dinner were amazing successes – a great time was had by all. Thankfully there was plenty of wind as we sailed the dinghy fleet past our new keelboat Freya anchored off Jericho, scooped up champagne and saluted Commodore Colin Sharwood. In the spirit of the Vikings, we also sailed past other Vikings – and soaked each other with water pistols and bailing buckets! More fun later with cocktail hour and 3-course catered dinner (ashore). Thanks to all the wonderful Viking volunteers who made it possible.
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- The Viking Commodore and Flotilla Captain head back to Freya after sailpast
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- Collecting champagne at Sailpast
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- The Viking Sailing Club's Commodore and Flotilla Captain on Freya
