2008 Jul 18th-Aug 3rd Seattle/San Juan Island/BC Gulf REDZVS

[Sundancer]

Dogs and Dinghies? Leave the dogs and bring the dinghy? Do we even need a dinghy or is it just a bring it if you have it kind of deal?

I think we're going to leave the dogs. I don't think we even want to deal with that issue! We do have a 2.5 person kayak, but I need to figure out a better way to attach it so we can cruise full speed ahead. So what's the recommendation on a dinghy/tender/kayak in the San Juans?

 

[Nehalennia]

I think a dinghy would be a good thing to bring. I have an 9' Ranger rowing/sailing dinghy and may attempt to bring it :huh:

There are ,many places we'll be( especially when we're on the hook that it would be nice.

I'm not a dog owner, others can answer better than I, but would think on this trip it may be cumbersome for a group.

Funny how it seems that July 18th is getting close. Only 11 more months to get ready

 

[Sundancer]

Only 11 months to go? I'll never get everything done!!

So what should we do prior to launch to protect a virgin boat from the salt water? A healthy dose of wax? WD-40 the entire thing or what? :grin: I'm taking the whole month of July off next year so I can prepare! I'd better start waxing now!!

 

[Nehalennia]

Yeah Wax is part of the fun of saltwater. Plus, it gives a nice shine to show off our boat parade. If you're off all month, just head up here early and we'll tackle both boats together.Then you can run a couple of shakedown cruises and hit a few local spots to Puget sound

 

[Sundancer]

Tempting, very tempting! I think the family will shoot me if we spend the WHOLE month on the boat! It's not THAT big! I think it would be a blast however. :grin:

So what will be in season in July? Salmon? Crabs? I guess I'd better start researching bait for salmon and figure out if you use a treble or mono hook for crab. You troll for those right? :wink: :grin: Maybe the admiral gets a crab pot for Christmas!! I actually hate fish, but the rest of the family loves salmon. I can't figure that out? I still wonder if they are really related!!

 

[Nehalennia]

Tempting, very tempting! I think the family will shoot me if we spend the WHOLE month on the boat! It's not THAT big! I think it would be a blast however. :grin:

So what will be in season in July? Salmon? Crabs? I guess I'd better start researching bait for salmon and figure out if you use a treble or mono hook for crab. You troll for those right? :wink: :grin: Maybe the admiral gets a crab pot for Christmas!! I actually hate fish, but the rest of the family loves salmon. I can't figure that out? I still wonder if they are really related!!

Sorry to hear that. I'm told I cook a mean salmon.
Anyway yes both should be open all of July. Crab typically is Wednesday -Saturday~ July 1st - Labor day
Salmon is varied depending on Which run is going. right now Humpies and Silvers are open in some areas.

Doug (GoAweigh) may be better suited for this, cause I think he knows where his fishing pole is.

I usually just crab.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Well for wax, I don't bother with the bottom... too much work... I do wax the top and sides. The bottom will not be bad after only a couple of weeks. I don't have bottom paint on her either...

Another suggestion is to use a generous coating of rainx on the glass and fogX on the inside windows. Helps not to have to use the wipers for salt spray or rain.

I carry a califonia blade to wipe down my glass & top in the AM too.

We normally bring our dog but not this trip, We will bring the dink however. We will deflate it and tie it up at the bow. Takes less than 10 mins to inflate with the electric or foot pump. There will be a few times that dink will come in real handy... tie ups at Marine parks and crab traps... and fun just to dink around...

Todd is correct, silvers and humpies this year. Humpies aka pinks will be back in two years (odd years only).

Great fsihing up in Canada. See posts above for license info... We will be looking for silvers (first 20-50ft of water) and King at the bottom. You can troll or use plug cut herring and jig off the bottom. Circle hooks are my favorite. I hate treble hooks, they get me and the net more than the fish.

For all you out of towners, I will have a supply of circle hooks you can have at cost if that is easier for you all. Would suggest you get your own flashers (green is best). There are a variety of different lures that work also. Check out Salmon University for more info: http://www.salmonuniversity.com/

or check this url out: http://www.nwfish.com/Salmon/saltwater_salmon_fishing.htm

The salmon university site has how to's in it like how to cut and rig plug cut herring, etc. Great resource! Salmon can go for all kinds of lures too and use of scent is great. Do a google search for the various tips on line without paying for the schooling...

 

[Nehalennia]

Ok compiling the list again but this time I added the types of boats.
Roster so far:

1. Marqbloq - 2007 320 Sundancer
2 . Sundancer - 1987 250 DA, 454 Magnum -Alpha Drive
3. Just Right - 1995 Sea Ray 270 Sun Dancer 7.4 carb & B-III
4. Debt-icated – 240DA?
5. thunderbird1 - 06 Sea Ray 260, 496 Mag B3
6. Dave M - 1996 270DA, FWC, 7.4L 300HP, Bravo II
7. Smanier - 2007 280DA 496 Mag
8. DuckBoater - 2006 240DA
9. Gengiant - 'Gypsy' of the Lunar Sea 1994 270DA
10. Go Aweigh To -2001 Bayliner Ciera Express 2452
11. Brady Bunch – 2001 225 Searay Weekender 5.0L Bravo III
12. Nehalennia - :huh: something :smt017 -

Does it look right?

 

[Sundancer]

Todd:

The only thing missing is your boat!! I'm sure the rest of the crew could each absorb one member of your family. :grin: I'm sure you'll find a boat between now and then! Looks like I'll be the only one with major amounts of teak! DOH!!! Oldest, but at least not the smallest! :thumbsup: Guess we'd better start looking for an upgrade!

I don't think I can wait a whole year? :huh:

 

[Dave M.]

Todd:
Looks like I'll be the only ones with major amounts of teak! DOH!!! Oldest, but at least not the smallest! :thumbsup: Guess we'd better start looking for an upgrade!

I don't think I can wait a whole year? :huh:

Teak is OK. Save that money for fuel! And lots of film. Be prepared to sit out on the back of the boat as it gets dark, watching the stars come out. And swishing your boat hook through the water to cause the bioluminescent algae to light up the water. OK, so maybe film is out of date. But looking for the algae is not.

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Todd, I think you need to add:

Randygh (Carver 27ft)
plus: Webjammin (Just Relax Bayliner 2858)

I'm talking with Dawgfish (2001 Bayliner 2452) and they are interested but not commiting yet...

working on a couple more... Hope to have at least 15 boats in a very loose formation for the trip...

I just added a new cooler tie down to the stern today... and measuring for a St Croix dinghy removable davit system for the trip as well. http://www.davit.com/removabl.htm

 

[Nehalennia]

I'm sure you'll find a boat between now and then!

Without a DOUBT. We will not miss this trip.

Save that money for fuel! And lots of film.

Film? Yeah Dave, Memory cards, AA batteries and Fuel. That’s all I’m packing or preparing to pay for.

Todd, I think you need to add:

Randygh (Carver 27ft)
plus: Webjammin (Just Relax Bayliner 2858)

I'm talking with Dawgfish (2001 Bayliner 2452) and they are interested but not commiting yet...

working on a couple more... Hope to have at least 15 boats in a very loose formation for the trip...

Yeah the removable davits would be good. Otherwise they’re so bulky and in the way. Where would you stow them though?

Also I’d like to see your cooler tie-downs. That’s one thing for us that would be nice. Depending on whatever year/model 260DA, unless the transom has the bolt on type, we wouldn’t have much room for a cooler though.


Roster so far:

1. Marqbloq - 2007 320 Sundancer
2 . Sundancer - 1987 250 DA, 454 Magnum -Alpha Drive
3. Just Right - 1995 Sea Ray 270 Sun Dancer 7.4 carb & B-III
4. Debt-icated – 240DA?
5. thunderbird1 - 06 Sea Ray 260, 496 Mag B3
6. Dave M - 1996 270DA, FWC, 7.4L 300HP, Bravo II
7. Smanier - 2007 280DA 496 Mag
8. DuckBoater - 2006 240DA
9. Gengiant - 'Gypsy' of the Lunar Sea 1994 270DA
10. Go Aweigh To -2001 Bayliner Ciera Express 2452
11. Brady Bunch – 2001 225 Searay Weekender 5.0L Bravo III
12. Nehalennia - :huh: something :smt017 -
13. Randygh (Carver 27ft)
14. Webjammin (Just Relax Bayliner 2858)

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

Yeah the removable davits would be good. Otherwise they’re so bulky and in the way. Where would you stow them though?

Got a space that transverses the bow and is about 4'X2'X2' and is under the forward berth. Only thing in there is the bulkhead curtain when not hanging on the bulkhead.

Igloo tie down kit screws corner brakets around your cooler and the straps hook to the cooler and the brackets. works on non-igloo handles as well... google them for about $20...

 

[Nehalennia]

Ok, yeah I've seen the Igloo ones at West Marine. Looks like the best set up.

Nice.

 

[Nehalennia]

I have sent an e-mail to all of the prospective places we'll be potentially going to. I have a couple responses already.
Actually one of the harbormasters in Canada may be joining us for the Canadian side of the trip.
Once I get a few more responses I'll post them.

Anyway I wanted to warn them of the pending invasion and they are happy t hear about the trip and Early '08 we'll have to firm up some plans.

As Crazy as that sounds '08 closer than we think.

 

[Sundancer]

Close, but not close enough! We're excited and hoping to make all two weeks of the trip. You know how kids can get. After a week, they may want to do something else, but I think we'll keep then entertained. I'm excited and can't wait to explore the islands! It would be nice to have a Canadian in the group. Someone can translate "ehh" and "toque" for the rest of us! :grin:

 

[Nehalennia]

Close, but not close enough! We're excited and hoping to make all two weeks of the trip. You know how kids can get. After a week, they may want to do something else, but I think we'll keep then entertained. I'm excited and can't wait to explore the islands! It would be nice to have a Canadian in the group. Someone can translate "ehh" and "toque" for the rest of us! :grin:

How old are your kids?
I have a 17son, 14(she'll be 15 by the trip) and twin 5 yo's (1 ea)with us.



OK kid count:
Who's bringing and how many kids?

 

[Sundancer]

My kids will be 15 and 13 next year. Son and a daughter. They are looking forward to it, but they said we HAD to get a bigger boat. OK, OK, already! I'm looking! Sheesh!

 

[Nehalennia]

My kids will be 15 and 13 next year. Son and a daughter. They are looking forward to it, but they said we HAD to get a bigger boat. OK, OK, already! I'm looking! Sheesh!

Perfect, my older kids were a bit concerned there would just be a bunch of adults.

 

[Nehalennia]

I have sent the following e-mail to all of the places we plan to visit.
Below that are the responses I have received so far.

Hello,
My Name is Todd Olason, member of both www.Clubsearay.com and www.IboatNW.com
Next year July 18- Aug 3rd 2008 we are planning a cruise and Rendezvous of at this point at least 20 boats to cruise from Anacortes Washington through the San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands to Desolation sound and back.
Some of these boats will be coming from Washington, but we will also have several from Oregon and as far away as Sacramento River area and Northern California. I al try to get as much information as possible.
Here is a link to our site where on Page 4 you can see in our tentative itinerary where your location is on the schedule.
http://www.clubsearay.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3454&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=45

What I would like to know and find out from you is pricing, availability, reservation requirements and any other pertinent information for our fleet of 20+ boats ranging from 25-30’ to give your site a visit and ensure there is room to accommodate us and make sure that we are organized in assisting you.
Any other recommendations and suggestions are welcomed and greatly appreciated.
I know this is quite sometime from now, but know that organizing such a large group and different sites can take some time.

I appreciate your help and look forward to hearing back from you.

Todd Olason
Aka “Nehalennia”

From Port of Nanaimo
Hi Todd,

Thanks for your inquiry. For a group that size, it would be recommended that reservations be made sometime early in 2008, as that is a very busy time for us. Barring any unforseen rate changes, here is what to expect:

Moorage: $1.05/foot/day.
Power is $3 extra per day.
There is electricity and water on the dock.
We have shower and laundry facilities.
Grocery stores and other amenities are within walking distance.
Our office is open 0700-2300, 7 days a week.

If you reserve early, there should be no problem accommodating you.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at the Wharfinger's Office (250) 754-5053, or visit our website: www.npa.ca

Regards,

Greg Horonowitsch
Wharfinger
Nanaimo Port Authority.

From Buchart Gardens
Hello Todd,

Thank you for your interest in The Butchart Gardens.

First of all, please advise what the exact date of your visit will be as we will need this information in order to make a booking for you. During this time of the year, the price for admission will be $26.50 if you group is below 24 people; if your group consists of 25 people or more the price automatically drops down to $23.85. I have attached a copy of our wharf information for you to review and should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Regards,

Eddy Garcia-Zapatero
Group Services
groupres@butchartgardens.com
The Butchart Gardens
Ph: 1-866-652-4422
Ph: (250) 652-4422
Fax: (250) 652-3883

Visit our new website for useful maps, group menus, floor plans and
collateral http://www.butchartgardens.com/group-services/

From Lund
Hi Todd,
Much as I would love to, I cannot possibly secure moorage for all your boats for a pitstop, however we certainly would love you to "pitstop" with us and do please keep in touch so that we can do what we can the day we anticipate your arrival to keep as much room open for you as we can.

That's really nice of you to include us...our Regal could try to sneak unnoticed into the pack of Searays like the black flamingo amongst pink ones in that old Fiberglass Pink commercial...don't know if you recall that. It's a 26' sunbridge and from a distance looks a fair bit like a Searay (in my humble opinion) although I caught my husband searching on Yachtworld recently for something a little larger so who knows what he might have brought home by next summer!

Please keep in touch and we'll do whatever we can to help you guys out during your "pitstop" !
Leah
-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Olason [mailto:toddo@Argens.com]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2007 12:32 PM
To: leah@lundhotel.com
Subject: RE: 2008 ClubSeaRay.com and IboatNW.com San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and Desolation sound Rendezvous and cruise


Leah,
To be honet I believe , Lundmay be more of a pit stop (Fuel and Groceries,Liquor,etc)instead of an overnight destination.
Also, we would love for you to join us. The ClubSearay site is how this started but the iboatnw.com group includs many types of boats and you are more than welcome and could add some local flavor to the group. I hope you consider it.
Thank you again and I'll stay in touch
Todd
-----Original Message-----
From: Leah Nyhus [mailto:leah@lundhotel.com]
Sent: Mon 9/17/2007 12:25 PM
To: Todd Olason
Cc:
Subject: RE: 2008 ClubSeaRay.com and IboatNW.com San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and Desolation sound Rendezvous and cruise


Hi Todd,
So thursday, July 24th is the planned overnight at Lund is it?

Quite honestly we have a disappointing amount of private dock space, but we can see what we can do with our and the surrounding docks...there is the government dock as well as several other private docks. We don't normally reserve because our of our limited space, but if we know there is an organized group coming, we try to do what we can. We don't have much in the way of services either at our dock, but it's cheap...$75/foot. With a group your size you will have to be prepared to raft in all likelihood...as you can imagine we get a lot of boats around here that time of year. Keep me apprised as your plans develop and we'll try to help figure out where to put you all.

Sounds like a great time...my husband and I should have bought a Searay instead of a Regal and we could have snuck in for some of the fun. ha ha

Talk to you again
Leah Nyhus
Sales & Marketing Manager

From Brentwood Bay
Hello Todd,

We would be happy to have your group visit our marina.
We are located in the Saanich Inlet on Vancouver Island next to the world famous Butchart Gardens. We are 30 minutes drive north of Victoria.

Our marina is part of a beautiful 3 year old lodge which has a pub, liquor store, restaurant, spa & adults swimming pool and hot tub.

We are a small marina and your group would have all the available slips for transient moorage.

We can hold around 20-25 transient boats that are 25’-30’ in length.

That number gets smaller if there are any larger vessels in your group.

In the marina we have free showers, fitness room, wireless internet, water, garbage and recycling and laundry.

Please check out the hotels website and let me know if there are any dates you would like to reserve.

www.brentwoodbaylodge.com

We do require a credit card number to hold the booking and require final numbers the week before arriving.
If there are any cancellations with less than 2 days notice the group will be charged for the slips if we are unable to fill them.
I feel that you group would enjoy our facilities and the area.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,
Matt Smiley
Marina & Eco Aventure Centre Manager
marina@brentwoodbaylodge.com
phone 250.652.3151
fax 250.544.5101

849 Verdier Avenue
Victoria BC Canada V8M 1C5
1.888.544.2079
www.brentwoodbaylodge.com

From Telegraph Harbour
Todd,
We would be happy to accomodate your group next summer. We will not have any availability for the dates of August 1,2,3 since that is BC Day and is a very busy holiday weekend in Canada. The other dates in that time period are available. We will need to know soon since we do book up quickly. Just let us know the dates and I will be able to give you the details of how to reserve. We do require each person to book their reservation and hold it with a credit card or you can put all the boats under one credit card. You have up until 3pm of the day of your arrival to cancel. We have not set our 2008 prices yet but our moorage rate in 2007 was $1.05/foot and power was $4.50/night.
Hope this info helps and look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Barbara Williamson


Anyway I thought many of you would like to know their responses. It may help us tailor the plans and it seems that some (Leah in Lund) may keep watching this thread.