Medicine for Mariners Seminar in the BVIs

This CME-accredited seminar takes place in the British Virgin Islands from January 16 - 23, 2010, and is aimed at all sailors who are medically responsible for the health and safety of others in marine environments. In particular, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals may find this of interest. Below is a link to the website for more information:

http://www.beyc.com/index.php/second-annual-medicine-for-mariners-and-safety-at-sea-educational-conference.html

Season's Greetings!

I took a couple of pictures last night of the Christmas lights at Port Sidney Marina. It's a pity I wasn't able to go to the Christmas parade last Saturday night! Maybe next year!

Do you have any pictures of the Christmas lights in your hometown? Post them to our Facebook page and share them with our crew! Here's a link to our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Cruising/168800066687

Sunshine in Sidney!

Some might wonder about the newsworthiness of the sun shining in Sidney? Well, maybe it's not newsworthy, but it certainly has lifted our spirits :) I thought I'd share some of the winter scenery with you, and remind you of what you have to look forward to next summer! Don't forget to book your 2010 charters before the end of the year to secure of 2009 rates!

Problems with our computer network

Just thought I should let everyone know that we are having major I.T. problems today. A repair technician is on the way, and we hope to be back up-and-running at full speed by tomorrow. Apologies if you are waiting for any quotations or responses to emails. We are currently unable to access our emails. Thanks for your patience!

Island Cruising visit to Alberta next week

Just wanted to let all our blog readers in Alberta know that Larry and Kathryn will be visiting Calgary and Edmonton next week. If you are interested in attending one of our presentations, or just popping in to say hi, come join us at:

Calgary Power & Sail Squadron
Mewata Armoury: 2nd Floor, 801-11 Street SW, Calgary
November 24, 2009
8:00-10:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM)

Calgary Yacht Club
Danish Canadian Club: 727-11 Avenue SW, Calgary
November 25, 2009
7:00-9:00 PM

Client Appreciation Night
Crown Plaza Chateau Lacombe Hotel
River Valley Room: 10111 Bellamy Hill, Edmonton
November 26, 2009
7:30-9:30 PM

We'd love to see you at one of these events! Let us know if you can make it by emailing us at info@islandcruising.com or calling us at 250-656-7070 or toll free at 1-800-663-5311. We will have special offers for 2010 bookings, as well as door prizes at our client appreciation night, so don't miss it!

The Importance of Being Winterized

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own boat and having the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you? Or perhaps this dream is already your reality.

Improper boat maintenance and winterization can snatch that dream away. Don't let an easily avoidable problem like mildew stop you from sailing next summer. Here are some tips from our experts in yacht maintenance and winterization:

1. At the end of the season, have your oil and filters changed. Over time, impurities build up in your engine oil that will corrode the internal components and settle around items like rings and seals. Having your oil changed is an essential step in engine maintenance.

2. Have your boat throughly cleaned inside and out. Don't wait till the springtime when the scum and barnacles will be even harder to get rid of and could end up taking twice the amount of time to clean off. Ensure your boat is free from damp and the risk of mildew by purchasing and installing a dehumidifier/heating system. This is especially important for fibreglass boats. Remove your foul weather gear, cushions and other small items which are susceptible to mildew, and store them in a dry, clean space.

3. Drain and clean the bilge and spray with a moisture displacing lubricant.

4. Drain the water tanks and the hot water tank. Empty the holding tanks and add clean water and an enzyme-based additive that will break down any leftover residue.

Island Cruising can assist you with the winterization of your boat, and also with weekly yachtcare, helping to keep your boat in tip-top shape. Call us today at 250-656-7070 and ask for Marta to chat further about your needs.

What's under the water?

Ever stop to think what's under the water when you're out sailing round the Gulf Islands? It's so easy to get caught up in the beauty above sea level: the light breeze tickling your skin, the sun's warm, syrupy rays comforting you, and Mt. Baker looming in the distance... The water looks so cold and uninviting that it's easy to believe that what's under it is the same.

I stopped by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre this afternoon and my eyes popped at all the colours and the creatures inhabiting our local waters. I'm going to make it a priority to go scuba diving sometime soon! Island Cruising offers diving as an add-on to your yacht charter, so if you're interested in seeing the creatures in the pics below for yourself, ask us how to book a dive as part of your next charter!