One of the oldest and most respected bareboat charter operations on the BC coast has passed into new hands. Merion Martin and Jennifer Knox-Martin are the new owners of Comox-based Desolation Sound Yacht Charters. They take over from longtime DSYC owners Bob and Lois Stevenson. The Martins are veterans of luxury yacht operations in the Mediterranean and sailing charters in the Caribbean, with extensive ocean cruising miles. DSYC’s fleet of up to 30 sail and power yachts is based just 24 miles from Desolation Sound. The new owners’ plan to continue the company’s “hands on” approach; they also intend to expand their fleet and open a second base farther north in future. To help with the transition, the Stevensons will continue working with DSYC until November 2013.
www.desolationsoundyachtcharters.com
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Boat Reviews
CY Virtual Video Boat Tours
We all love boats and nothing can break us up! So, what better way to spend our time than looking at interesting boats and going aboard in a virtual ride or tour. We have asked our friends at various dealers and manufacturers to help us assemble a one-stop online resource to experience some of the most interesting boats on the market today. Where the CY Team has done a review, we connect you to that expert viewpoint. If you can’t go boating, you can almost experience the thrill via your screen. Not quite the same, but we hope you enjoy our fine tour collection.
Read more about the CY Virtual Boat Tours....................
Neptunus 750 Enclosed Flybridge
By Andy Adams
In the February 2020 issue of Canadian Yachting magazine, we featured our review of the Neptunus 750 Flybridge, the company’s flagship yacht. The boat had been bought by a gentleman from Newfoundland and we reviewed it just before it was to be delivered.
We learned later that the boat did not leave immediately after delivery. The story is that the new owner reconsidered the beautiful big open flying bridge layout.
Destinations
Salt Spring Island with Gourmet Food and Drink
Text and Photos by Marianne Scott
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Lifestyle
Oak Bay Marina, Photo by Derek Ford
Oak Bay Marina achieves eco-certification in Clean Marine BC, which helps boating facilities to reduce the impact of recreational boating on the Salish Sea and beyond through the implementation of improved environmental measures, including the reduction and containment of toxins, collection and disposal of various wastes, water and energy conservation, and habitat protection.
“It is important for us to be recognized as environmental stewards because we take caring for these local waters seriously,” says Jennifer McKimmie, General Manager at Oak Bay Marina.
This week, Feb. 22-26, is National Invasive Species Awareness Week and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) released an animated video to raise awareness about the threat Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose to the boating industry and what manufacturers can do to limit the spread.
AIS can damage ecosystems and negatively impact fishing and the future of the boating lifestyle. Boat access to many aquatic resources has been limited due to AIS concerns and AIS infestation can result in serious damage to boats and their components. Invasive plant life can foul propellers,
As a life-long marine journalist, it has often occurred to me, that it’s a big leap to lay out the cash, (especially for those with no previous boating experience), to try it out. How does someone even know that they will like boating it if they haven’t tried it?
Well, joining a boat club, or a yacht club that has boats available for members to use, can get you started without the big financial commitment and with the support of the club’s education and resources. Try before you buy.
DIY & How to
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The COVID-19 pandemic has created unexpected changes in our lives, impacting everything from boating to vacations and these trends look to continue into the future.
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Water can get into your boat in a variety of ways: a leaking shaft-seal (stuffing box), ripped or torn bellows, a leaking through-hull, a leaking tank aboard, windows, hatches and deck fittings that aren’t sealed - the list goes on. The catch-22 when considering maintenance in the pre-season, is that you may not know where a leak may start or develop until the boat is in the water and only then do you find that water is getting inside.
Marine Products
BE PLUSH, BE PRACTICAL, BE WELL RESTED
A good night’s sleep on the boat is a great pleasure indeed and custom bedding from SeaSwag can make a world of difference. Their Universal sheet takes the hassle out of buying sheets for the V Berth on your boat.
Available in 4 sizes and 2 fabrics, the set is packaged in a custom reusable bag perfect for storing the sheets on and off the boat.
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The YETI Tundra 65 is their most versatile cooler, just as adept at keeping your catch cold as it is storing drinks and food.
This cooler is plenty roomy, built with a Fatwall design and Permafrost insulation, so it has extra thick walls for unmatched thermal retention.
News
AIS can damage ecosystems and negatively impact fishing and the future of the boating lifestyle. Boat access to many aquatic resources has been limited due to AIS concerns and AIS infestation can result in serious damage to boats and their components. Invasive plant life can foul propellers, jam impellors and cause bilge pump failure. Mussels can attach to boats and negatively affect performance, attach to engines causing component failure, and obstruct water lines causing system failure.
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Read More about Fiberglass recycling....
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