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Price: $14.95 Basic Sailing and Cruising Skills is based on Rob MacLeod’s 1985 publication by the same name. This new version has full-colour photos and more detailed illustrations. Content is divided into the Knowledge you will need to learn to sail and Lessons broken down the way MacLeod has trained thousands of new sailors – start with the basics and build levels of skill. Whether you are new to sailing or you want to expand your enjoyment of sailing through better boat handling, this practical approach is right for you. As an added bonus, purchasers of the book have access to online video that expands the information and lessons covered in the book at no extra charge. Rob has a new online course to complement Basic Sailing and Cruising Skills. Learn-to-Sail: The Basics is a companion video-based course that will prepare you to challenge Sail Canada’s Basic Cruising examination. Also Available - Learn-to-Sail: The Basics (online) – visit InformedBoater.com Author: Rob Macleod
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Boat Reviews
Video Gallery
X Shore EELEX 8000
By Andy Adams
100% Electric performance available now
When we arranged to interview the designer and manufacturer to write a profile of the X Shore Eelex 8000 for the June 2021 issue of Canadian Yachting magazine, it was on the understanding that we always prefer to actually drive and experience the boats we write about, and we were especially keen to drive the X Shore when BCI Marine here in Canada, got their first boat from Sweden.
There has been a lot of media attention around everything electric lately, especially electric vehicles, but so far, most electric boats are a concept, not yet a reality. The X Shore Eelex 8000 is a reality and a very impressive one at that.
Beneteau Oceanis 34.1
By Zuzana Prochazka
Boats have been in high demand for the past two years and there’s no sign of this easing. Sailboats, that can move with the power of the wind, have made an especially significant comeback probably because of the high prices of fuel.
Even more interesting is the increased interest in smaller models that have been doing well at recent boat shows. These compact cruisers have definitely held their own even among the 50-foot behemoths at the docks. A good example of this is Beneteau’s new Oceanis 34.1, the second smallest in the line.
Destinations
Cowichan Bay—A Slow-Living Escape to Marine Heritage, Food and Local Artisanry
Text and Photos by Marianne Scott
Cowichan Bay is a waterfront village with a row of shops, artisan products, marine supplies and a variety of places to eat. It also has a delightful Maritime Centre. You can easily spend a day or more here at one of three marinas hosting transient moorage. The place feels like an old-fashioned fishing village.
We arrived at this quaint hamlet on a calm day when the sun burned off twists of mist and created undulating oval diamonds on the wavelets. From the water, the village looks enticing with its dense jumble of colourful character buildings, float homes and houses-on-stilts lining the coast.
Lifestyle
By Sarah Hurst
Photo: Nadine Bastien | Instagram: @ravensfeatherphotography
Last month, Canadian Country Singer Brian John Hardwood, released his new single “Rich”, featuring fellow Canadian artists Alli Walker and Chris Labelle. Brian describes his new single as a 2022 Summer Anthem for everyone- including those who also daydream about getting “rich”! He said in our interview, “You know, I should be rich by now but I’m not, and life is still great.”
We were especially excited to hear that Brian who directed the music video with AJ Astle, decided to film at Centre Island on a luxurious Pilot House Carver 59’, which he rented from a local charter in Toronto.
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DIY & How to
Choosing a Marine Surveyor
Story and photos by Timothy J.S. Martin
It seems like everyone has their “guy”, usually a marine surveyor they either know personally or have been referred to by another boater (or someone in the marine or insurance industries). Marine surveyors are often hired based on this type of referral, rather than on the merits of their qualifications and skills.
I often hear boaters express their displeasure about an experience where a marine surveyor “condemned” a boat, or the surveyor was viewed as unreasonable in relation to their recommendations. As a result, surveyors known to be less thorough and less detailed in their work tend to be favoured by boaters, especially for insurance surveys.
Marine Products
SeaKits now available in Canada via Canadian Yachting Ecommerce Store
Don’t let offshore emergencies turn into disasters. SeaKits help to prepare you for emergencies at sea so you can take on the challenge with confidence.
There are three SeaKits available at www.canadianyachting.ca/store:
• SeaKits Expedition - Offshore emergency damage control and repair kit. Be prepared to save your boat - SeaKits Expedition gives you the tools to fight the battle. Each kit comes with more than two dozen emergency tools in a waterproof PelicanTM 1500 case. Retail - $1399.99
News
SailGP, the international racing series featuring high speed F50 wingsailed catamarans, is partnering with RS Electric Boats – sister brand of sailboat manufacturer RS Sailing – to use the Pulse 63 electric RIB as chase, coach and support boats.
RS Electric Boats will supply SailGP with four Pulse 63s, which were designed to be electric boats from the outset. The unique aerodynamic hull form is designed to support the weight of the batteries while allowing rapid acceleration, functional speeds up to 23 knots and ample range.