SVBeTrue Welcome to SV Be True 2 and our adventures on the water

Sail down to Sidney North Sanich Marina and Cadboro Bay

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

29 May - After our rather blustery night we finally got up (properly) at around 10am and were soon on our way to Sidney. A bright but blustery day of sailing followed with winds changing regularly from 6 - 20 knots. With reefed main and genoa we got im some good legs though in between motor sailing and playing ferry dodgems down the channels.

Arriving in Sidney North Sanich Marina around 3pm we leapt into admin mode getting ou washing done, getting rid of garbage and showering ahead of dinner at 7pm with Doran and Shannon of SV Lunetta and Glenn and Sheila of SV Indigo Wave. Diner was delicious and then we ended up back on Indigo wave for some very entertaining discussion (as ever reaching the lowest common denominator - how to manage the toilets!)

30 May - Woke up to a gloriously sunny, still morning and went for a walk around the yacht club grounds first thing. The club is very well positioned on a small peninsula with astounding views. After a leisurely start we topped up with water and headed out, via the fuel dock, to motor down to Cadboro Bay in a flat calm. The usual

A Breezy day (and night) in Ganges Harbour

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

We woke to another flat calm day in Montague but wanted to push onto Ganges today. Only an hour away Ganges is a touristy town with a few more shops and we needed to start reengaging with society again. After an uneventful one hour hop we pulled into the bay and spent sometime finding somewhere we could drop the hook as there were far more boats on mooring bouys than we last remembered. We eventually found somehwere though that allowed us to at least put out moderate scope on the anchor chain - still only 80 feet but we thought just enough as generally Ganges is well sheltered.

As soon as we were comfortable, even though we were quite hemmed in by other yachts and a huge tug (clearly someones 'passion project'), we headed into town in glorious calm and sunny weather. After a brief walk around town we decided that it was time for lunch and selected the Oyster Catcher to treat ourselves. Their Apricole Pizza and ceasar salad provided incredibly tasty sustenance washed down with a ceaser (drink!) and cider. Replete, we headed back to the boat and settled down for a quiet afernoon,

Around 4 I decided to try and clean the boats hull from the dinghy which proved very doable (if requiring some contortion) and then, around 6, as I was tidying up, the wind swung through about 180 degrees and started to get breezy with a very hot wind from the shore. As I was preparing to put the dinghy away one of our neighbours started paddling past into the breeze - their outboard had packed up and they were making an attempt to get to shore by paddle power; not practical in the wind that was blowing up so we called over and offered them a tow. When we got back tot he boat the wind had risen and was now pretty steady around 10 - 15 knots. I wasn't too happy with this as we really weren't well situated to handle a blow. We seemed to be holding though so hung on (bad choice!) By 10pm the wind was now plowing steadily 23- 25 knots with gusts over 30. Neither Heidi or I could sleep so we started doing anchor watch in the cockpit together so we were ready in case the anchor broke free. Thankfully around 11:30 the wind abated and so we could finally turn in, feeling a bit frazzled. Early the next morning the wind blew up again from the opposite direction so I got up and sat in the cockpit for an hour making sure that the dramatic swing didn't unseat the anchor but things settled down and I was soon back asleep.

Investigating Galiano Island

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

27 May - On getting up this morning we were greeted with thecloudless blue sky and flat calm conditions that had been forecast (for once!) After a lazy start the first order of business was to investigate what had been happening to our mainsail. Both Heidi and I had noticed it had been looking a little 'baggy' the day before an so, in the mirror stillness of the morning, we fully unfurled the sail and realised that it had dropped down inside the mast. This was easily explained away by the fact that we had released the tension on the main halyard over the winter and only hand tightened it when we had set off this spring. Once we cranked the halyard all the way up the sail furld away with the ease that we had come to expect of it from last year.

After this 'stressful' morning activity (!) we had tea and lounged around inutl lunch. After lunch though we decided that some exercise was called for and so set off to see a little more of Galiano Island. Leaving Montague harbour we followed the main road (always uphill somehow!) to Sturdies bay and browsed the few shops that were there. After this we headed off across the Bluffs park eventually coming out at a spectacular viewpoint above Active Pass from which we could see out towards Victoria and the Olympic mountains. Whist passing some time there we watched as two ferries crossed in the pass. It was fun seeing this from a different angle when we had ridden these ferries many times ourselves.On the way down from the lookout we passed someone who really had the right idea about how to enjoy the view as he had brought up some cheese and wine to picnic on as he gazed over the extensive views - definitely something we'll have to remember next time we go exploring.

arriving back at Montague Harbour at just gone 5 we missed the last orders at the Crane and Robin and so headed back tot he boat, after getting hold of some ice, for some Martinis and our own cheese board!

Practicing Sailiing Skills down Trincomale Channel

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today was meant to be a rainy day with little wind and so we had decided to take advantage of the 'worst' weather day in transiting down to Montague Bay.

After lying in bed listening to a downpour in the early hours of the morning we woke expecting a somewhat glum and uneventful passage. The weather however decided to surprise us by being quite pleasant with broken sunshine all day.

We left our anchorage around 09:30 and reached Gabriola passage (one of the few points that you can move between the straits of Georgia and the inner gulf islands) exactly on slack thus avoiding any tidal dramas. Once through we had a healthy breeze but unfortunately on the nose. Watching another yacht make slow progress tacking across the narrow channel we decided to motor. With constant fresh wind though we were soon revaluating and decided we should try some sailing instead. After going through a small gap between two islands we therefore put up the sails (reefed) and turned off the engine. As soon as we did this though, the wind increased to between 15 and 20 knots and started changing direction with alarming regularity. We kept trying to work what was happening but after checking the wind log we realised we were fighting a loosing battle due to the variability of the wind, rolled the Genoa up and started motoring again.

Of course, as soon as we did that, the wind settled to a steady direction, if gusty. For the next half hour we vacillated between whether we should turn the engine off and eventually reset the gennoa and staysail and headed off without the engine. The wind continued variable for the rest of the day, going from 6 - 18 knots with alarming regularity but we carried on sailing pretty much all the way to Montague.

On arrival we struggled to decide where to anchor but only because there was so MUCH space (a situation we aren't used to) and eventually dropped with plenty of scope around 3pm. After settling in we got out the dinghy and went for a short wander on shore before having a very pleasant evening in calm weather on the boat. With very settled and sunny weather expected the next couple of days our plan is to explore Galiano Island further and do some boat maintenance.

Relaxing Sunday in Silva bay

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today was all about exploring Silva bay. We had a leisurely breakfast and then sat in the cockpit enjoying the sun for a little while. We then got the dinghy in the water and visited the two docks here (Silva Bay Marina and Pages Marina). We had heard music floating across the water earlier and as we investigated we found that Pages Inn had a sunday market on which of course we had to investigate! The rest of the day, the bay was filled with music from performers at the market. It is worth noting that Silva bay marina has currently got a stalled development going on and so is not very well set up at the moment.

After returning to the boat we blew up the other paddleboard and went for a paddle around. Later in the day (after a hasty reposition when a wind shift had us uncomfortable close to another boat!) we stretched the dinghy and our legs exploring Saturnina Island. This Island is fully protected and part of the BC parks. It is well worth the trip over to explore

In the evening we planned the next few days with the aim of heading south to Montague and Ganges before meeting up with our friend Shannon and Dorran at Sidney north Sanith yacht club on Thursday evening. We can then head back to Victoria and RVYC ahead fo the weekend and to start tackling our increasingly long 'to do' list before leaving for Alberta on 10 June.

Moving onto Silva Bay, Galiano Island

Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

After a rocky night on the dock at Nanaimo Yacht club, we decided to head off this morning to explore Silva bay on Galiano Island. The weather was forecast to be wonderful and sunny all day however, as is always the case, the wind was blowing directly from where we wanted to go! Not put off though we headed out of the Nanaimo around 10am having struggled to get off the dock. With 10 knots of wind blowing us on, the bow wouldn't leave the dock and we ended up reversing off! If only we'd remembered how you can spring the boat off! We soon had the mainsail up though and as we got into the straight of geaorgia we had 12 - 15 knots of wind in lovely sunny weather. Even reefed we were doing up to 6 knots and we had a great sail out into the straight. Base on the wind it would have been a perfect sail to Vancouver but that was not our destination. After a couple of hours we tacked and headed for Silva bay in increasingly light winds. We shook out our reefs and still maintained a respectable 4 - 5 knots in towards our destination.

Silva bay has a tricky entrance but is a magnificent little protected harbour. We dropped the hook amidst the many mooring bouys and settled in to enjoy the lovely weather. That evening we popped out last bottle of prosecco and enjoyed 'strawberries and champagne' in fine weather with Benjy.

Unwinding in Nanaimo

Fri, 23 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

20 May - Our first day of just 'being'. After a breezy night which had me sleeping for a time in the cockpit (first time on the hook nerves!) we woke to a day of sunshine and rain. Following a leisurely start we dinghied across to the city, dodging planes on the way, and then caught a bus over to 'the largest shopping centre on Vancouver Island' - Woodgrove plaza. We wondered around for an hour or so and then, realising there was nothing we really wanted, we headed back downtown. We dropped into "The Harbour Chandler" to pick up a few small items and then headed back to the boat Later in the afternoon we headed to Newcastle Island and went for a stroll for a half hour before cooking diner and settling down for an early night

21 May - a very restful day, we lounged around in the morning and then headed went for a walk around Newcastle Island. We more or less had the island to ourselves. In the late afternoon we went over to Nanaimo Yacht Club . Dave at the club was incredibly welcoming and showed us around and also invited us to Friday drinks at the bar which we're planning on taking him up on. On returning to the boat the weather had really brightened up and so we had snacks and opened our celebratory champagne as we really started to feel like we were off now!

22 May - Another day of drifting around on the hook by Nanaimo. High points were going food shopping (yippee!) and getting out the paddleboard for a quick trial - a bit unsteady to start but soon got the hang of it again.

23 May - Moved the boat over to NAaimo yacht club to take advantage of their reciprocals - allowed one free night on the dock. Great admin day sorting things out on the dock as well as being able to explore Nanaimo a little more easily. Had diner at a Food Truck Jamboree in MAffeo Sutton park; a great park right in downtown and down by the water. The dock was very exposed causing the boat to move alot through the day and overnight so we will aim to head on tomorrow.

Alone at last

Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Monday morning was a bright, if breezy day. All morning other members of BCA departed and we helped them with their lines were we could. (as well as fending off one boat that tried to squeeze past us - a bit too tight!) We were among the last to leave and managed to exit without drama, even with the wind blowing us steadily back towards the dock!

We navigated around the tricky islands of Preedy Harbour and then, once clear of the islets, hoisted a reefed mainsail and Genoa. Good job it was reefed though as we were soon getting gusts of 20 - 23 knots and steady 17 - 20 knots of wind. On a great broad reach though, and not too overcanvassed, we had a great sail up towards the narrows. We had plenty of time as well and so managed to enjoy the sail and practicing some of our rusty sailing skills (this was the first real sailing we had done since last year!)

As we approached Dodd narrows we reminisced about the last time we went through from the north in Doubletime. This time we felt a bit more prepared but still had a healthy dose of nerves. Dodd Narrows has a reputation and we wanted to show it the necessary respect. Our transit had no drama though as we hit it just about on slack. Once through it was then a quick motor to Newcastlte island opposite Nanaimo were, after bundling around we dropped the hook in a tight spot between other boats and settled down potentially for the next few days of R&R

BCA Leavers do

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The morning dawned somewhat brighter than the last day and, after a quick trip ashore by me, we dropped our mooring around 10 and started the 'drive' around to Thetis. With little wind and an adverse current we didn't even try to put the sails out today but had a pleasant cruise in increasingly good weather arriving in Telegraph Harbour Marina around 1pm.

We were the late arrivals at the rendezvous with our good friends Lunetta (Shannon and Doran) and Salt (Trina and David) already well established.

After a round of socialising we cooked meatballs for the pot luck and had a great time meeting other BCAers and swapping stories. We were also presented with our leavers package from the BCA so I guess we have now changed our category from "Dreamer" to "Doer" - a big step

18 May was another day of socialising, boat tours and eating (and drinking!). After playing with our sonar and transducer in the morning, we headed off for lunch with Shannon and Doran at Thetis Island Marina

The afternoon involved more boat tours and then a 'dip luck' before a curry brought in from the main island by boat!.

During the day we discussed what should be our next move - Both Heidi and I now have totally empty calendars and agreed we should jus head where the wind and tide was best. After a brief review of options, and realising that the wind was going to be fairly steady from the south we decided the best option was to head for Nanaimo via Dodd narrows. With slack water at the narrows (a key requirement) not happening until 3:05pm we could afford a leaisurely morning

We Have Begun!

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Heidi's last day at work was yesterday (I had been a 'resting consultant' for the last six months!). After handing her laptop in we had retired to the boat and drinks with Janet and Darryl, our neighbours and mentors at the Inner Harbour, Victoria.

With tide against us though, we knew we had a late start for the day so we could have a lazy morning recovering from the nigh before, carrying out final adjustments and getting ready to push off from the last dock we could call home for 4 or more years!

Around 11 we started our pre-departure checks (yes we have a checklist) and we were motoring out of the harbour by 11:30 (at least we know we would be back at the end of June so it wasn't a final farewell yet!

We pushed our nose out of the harbour past the "Saphire Princess" (a slightly different cruising experience!) and pointed our bow east to go around the bottom of the island and into Haro straight. We had a good run to cadboro bay and were little bothered by currents going past discovery island. Once through the many small islets we headed north and with a steady easterly wind, set the sails and turned off the engine. For the next couple of hours we headed north with the magical soundtrack of water against the hull as we pressed north in light winds (but making over five knots we were very happy). As we came level with Darcy island though the winds died and we reverted to the iron horse for the rest of the journey. Around 4 it started raining and, after dodging the many ferries north of Swanson Channel we carried on motoring into Montague Harbour around 6:30pm. We picked up a buoy in heavy drizzle but that didn't bother us as we headed below decks and cooked up a hearty meal of bangers and chips before heading for bed