SAILING IN STYLE: ADVENTURES ON AN 8-DAY YACHT CLUB FLOTILLA
By Linda Kissam “Food, Wine & Shopping Diva”
ON BIG BLEND RADIO: Travel writer Linda Kissam talks about her summer yachting adventures. Watch here in the YouTube player or download the episode on Podbean.
I am a newer member of the yacht club scene, but not boating. In April of this year, my husband and I joined a yacht club based in Roche Harbor, WA. RHYC (Roche Harbor Yacht Club) is one of the oldest yacht clubs in Washington, having celebrated its centennial in 2006. It is a very active affordable cruising yacht club, with approximately 200 members. Most members reside in Western Washington, with a few from other states as far away as Texas, Arizona, and New Jersey.
RHYC schedules monthly cruises and events to various moorages in Puget Sound. They visit ports such as Roche Harbor, Poulsbo, Kingston, and Port Orchard for events like St. Patrick’s Day, Opening Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Christmas Parades, and New Year. Typically, there are 30 or more boats in attendance, in a wagon wheel or at a marina. Activities include boat hopping, dock parties, potluck dinners, cookouts, or meals of regional specialties, with an emphasis on participation, safe boating, FUN, and fellowship. We joined for the fellowship. I am an event-driven person, so this was a good choice for me.
Embarking on a voyage with a yacht club is not just about sailing the open waters; it’s an invitation to a world of camaraderie, and adventure. It is seeking an escape from the ordinary. Joining a yacht club offers a gateway to a lifestyle marked by exclusive events, colorful destinations, and a sense of community.
My husband and I decided to jump right in and join the action by joining an eight-day flotilla. Nine boats participated. This was a loosely structured event, eight days long with five planned stops. Participants were allowed to stick with the posted itinerary or go off independently for a day or two.
Our itinerary
Day One and Two: The group met up at Poets Cove Marina in Bedwell Harbour. Poets Cove Marina offers 110 deep water slips for boats up to 100 feet with access to its world-class resort’s restaurants, spa, pool, and other top-notch amenities. The group met up for a welcome cocktail on the coordinator’s 64-foot boat and then proceeded to Syrens Bistro & Lounge for a night of good food, music, and again…fellowship. I was a happy boater chomping on a massive nacho treat with a lively margarita chaser.
Day Three: We were off to Ganges and the Salt Spring Marina. The wind was really blowing. Our slip assignment was not suitable for our boat, so we ended up at anchor in the harbor. The rest of the group had a wonderful time in the town of Ganges discovering restaurants, shops, and the famous farmer’s market. We have been there many times, so missing the opportunity to re-explore this town was not a big deal. We will likely stop there on our way home in September. Those who went loved every minute.
Day Four: Telegraph Harbour. There is a little store carrying some groceries and local goodies. They have ice cream too which is very popular! There is a playground, dog run, covered group area and a laundry room. We entered a rubber-ducky fundraiser. We didn’t win, but the small event was fun. No formal get-together, but a lovely place to have a picnic or chat each other up at the store.
Day Five and Six: The group was traveling to its final destination, Hornby Island. Faster boats went directly to the site, slower boats like us, needed an intermediary stop. We took off for Nanaimo where we spent two days on our own in this delightful town, docked at Nanaimo Marina. The walkable town offers a large grocery store, drug store, a bakery, and woohoo…a Starbucks. Also, the local and tourist favorite floating restaurant, Trollers, was open. It’s a casual outdoor venue that always seems to have a line of no less than four people waiting to order. This is THE place for fish & chips.
Day Seven and Eight: We met up with the group at Hornby Island. There was an all-group picnic the day before that we missed. Hornby Island is a bohemian island in the north of BC, Canada, with sandy beaches, artisan studios, wineries, and more. The waters here are much warmer than elsewhere. Music fills the air as musicians take turns entertaining the beachgoers. This is the last stop on the itinerary. On day eight the group disperses and takes off in many different directions. We are off to Desolation Sound to do some prawning.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the nautical world, the allure of membership in a yacht club extends far beyond the horizon, promising unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Diva approved for sure!
Linda Kissam ‘Food, Wine & Shopping Diva’ is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Arizona and the Pacific Northwest, who specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits. Visit www.AllInGoodTaste.info.
