After far too many years of not having winch covers I decided it was time to try sewing them. They seem overly expensive if you can even find them at all in stores, and then when you do they never have great pattern options! Winch covers may not be for everyone, but I found I loved them when I had them on my previous boat. Winch covers always seemed to intimidate me, circles are not easy to sew! This year…
The new year is a time for fresh starts. Warm weather cruising will be here in no time and it’s time to start planning for the upcoming seasons. Here’s 6 ideas of things to think about: 1 – Make a List of New Cruising Destinations You Want to Try There never seems to be enough warm weather days to explore all the boating destinations. Make a list of the destinations you want to go to this year and make a…
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I can’t believe it’s been 10 months since I started Coastapus! It’s been an amazing experience to share my west coast boating life thoughts and tips with all of you. Thank you to all of you, and for your comments and social media shares. I look forward to continue sharing in 2018! The top 10 most popular posts this year: #1 Cougar Annie #2 Gifts for the Yachtie in Your Life #3 The Ultimate…
Shopping for a boater this holiday season? Here’s 15 great gift ideas that would make any yachtie happy. 1 – Hot Water Bottle Get it from Amazon A hot water bottle to preheat your you bed or to cozy up to is a must for winter cruising. 2 – Beer Sling Get if from Amazon Whether you’re taking the tender to shore to watch the sunset or going on a hike, the beer sling is a great way…
With the weather getting colder and the days shorter, November doesn’t always seem like the time to go cruising. Fall cruising is definetaly different than summer cruising, but regardless of the season their are aways options for boating trips! November offers a great little excuse to go boating. Your friends may be ingulfed in Christmas craft fairs, so why not make them jealous and do something out of the ordinary and go on a food and wine tour? Taste &…
Genoa Bay is a lovely little bay nestled in the north end of Cowichan Bay. Often overlooked as a great weekend destination, Genoa Bay is a great alternative to the Gulf Islands. Offering picturesque surroundings, Genoa Bay is a lovely cruising destination that offers the feel of a remote destination, while only being a nice day sail from Victoria. Dining at the Genoa Bay Cafe Take a break from cooking and enjoy lunch or dinner in their cozy cafe offering views…
Over the years when I’ve told people I’m going out on my boat for Thanksgiving, they give me a look like I’m crazy and that I’ll be having a subpar Thanksgiving. Festive dinners on the boat are no different than what people choose to do at home. Some people like rustic informal, some choose microwave meals, while others like formal, …why would people think just because you’re on a boat it would be any different? Whatever suits your style, a…
A few years back while anchored in Winter Cove off Saturna Island, we decided to take the tender out and venture over to Bennett Bay off Mayne Island. Bennett Bay is a lovely afternoon outing, it offers a long sandy beach for endless fun and a nice short trail to Campbell Point. Bennett Bay offers no dock, but the big sandy beach makes it very easy to take a tender ashore. Bennett Bay is part of the Gulf Island National…
I have to admit that while I enjoy crab, I’m not one of those people where dinner can consist of a whole crab on my plate paired with a bowl of melted butter. I enjoy crab meat in things, but not a dinner of crab with a side of butter. As a boater I sometimes get weird looks from people when they hear this as I seem to be a minority! This past week I stumbled onto a recipe for…
The days may be shorter and the mornings may be dewy, but there is still fantastic fall cruising to be done. Over the next month there are four great cruising destinations. Yes, three of the options may be on Salt Spring Island, but if you’re someone who likes to escape the summer crowds fall cruising can be ideal. Here’s four great options for cruising ideas this fall. Fall Fair – September 16 to September 17 The Salt Spring Island…