News, views, opinions and reviews from Van Isle Marina, one of the largest full service marinas in British Columbia.
You may associate boats and yachts with warmer weather, but here on Vancouver Island, we don’t have that luxury year-round. Cold weather can’t stop us from bundling up, getting out onto the open water and breathing that cool ocean air. The open water is compelling – even during the colder months.
The Pursuit Offshore 355 packs yacht-level luxury into a 35-foot boat, a clear indication of masterful design, intelligent space utilization, and comfort. This model shares some characteristics with it’s 325 cousin mentioned further down, but the 355 is 3-feet longer. And there’s more:
In this article, we’ll break down the complete winterization process for boat owners – everything from why it’s mandatory to procedures, products, tools and maintenance services you’ll need.
Summertime has officially come and gone here on the west coast. Long, warm days on the water are over for now, and in order to get your boat ready for the next summer, there are some critical pieces of maintenance and upkeep that need to happen. Even if you enjoy boating year-round, annual boat maintenance […]
Dear Valued Marina Customers,
We are excited to announce several significant projects designed to enhance the quality and functionality of the marina. These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment to providing you with the best possible marina experience.
Starting in early September, we will commence a comprehensive refurbishment of the docks. This project will begin with A Dock, followed by B Dock, C Dock, and conclude with the wood-decked section of D Dock. Each dock will undergo a construction period of 3-4 weeks.
We will install new encapsulated Styrofoam floatation on the main docks, expanding on last year’s upgrades to the finger piers. These improvements will enhance stability and protect the environment. Additionally, the main docks will receive state-of-the-art fiberglass decking panels, selected for their durability, enhanced grip, and ability to allow sunlight to penetrate, benefiting marine life beneath the docks.
We will also upgrade all seven shore gangway ramps, replacing the perforated aluminum with the new fiberglass decking panels for a smoother surface and improved traction.
New pedestals will be installed on all docks, featuring dock lights, electrical outlets and water taps. These pedestals will be equipped with powder-coated aluminum enclosures for durability, LED lighting directed downward to minimize glare and enhance nighttime visibility, and a central digital metering system. The enclosed, angled design will shield electrical receptacles from weather and damage, providing a secure connection and ensuring long term reliability. The water taps will also be upgraded to easy-to-use stainless steel gate valves, mounted on the side of every new pedestal for improved access and functionality.
In addition to the dock upgrades, we are undertaking major improvements to the boat ramp and shoreline. We will overlay five new concrete precast panels to the boat ramp reducing the slope and ensuring a smooth, seamless transition for the self-propelled SeaLift. This enhancement will significantly improve our capacity to safely haul out larger power boats, up to 70 feet. Steel guide rails will be added to both sides of the ramp, and one cast-in-place panel will complete the transition between the existing ramp and the new panels.
Additionally, we will reinforce the shoreline along F Dock with riprap boulders to reduce erosion along the driveway. This work will take place during the fall, in conjunction with favorable tides to minimize siltation.
This significant investment in the marina infrastructure demonstrates our commitment to offering a first-class boating environment. We are confident that the new floatation systems, decking, electrical pedestals, and improvements to the boat ramp and shoreline will not only enhance safety and functionality but also contribute to a more enjoyable and sustainable marina experience.
While we are excited about the benefits these upgrades will provide, we acknowledge that there will be some temporary inconveniences. During the construction on your section of the dock, water services will be temporarily unavailable. However, other areas of the marina will remain accessible for filling water tanks or washing boats. Please note that the boat ramp will be closed during December and January for the ramp repairs.
Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work diligently to complete these upgrades.
We look forward to sharing the enhanced facilities with you.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our marina office.
Warm regards,
Greg Dickinson, BCom
President
VAN ISLE MARINA
In this article, we break down the difference between whales, porpoises and dolphins, and examine the different types of whales commonly found around Vancouver Island and the PNW.
If you’re planning a boat excursion to Vancouver Island in search of excellent hiking, beaches, and outdoor adventure, you’ve come to the right place. There is excellent hiking in every direction on southern Vancouver Island, it just depends on what you’re looking for and which part of the island you’d like to explore.
For boaters living on the west coast of British Columbia, we’re blessed with stunning natural landscapes and an abundance of exciting destinations. Between the Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island, and the surrounding ports, there’s plenty to see.
But if you’re looking to expand your horizons, why not head south? Our southern neighbour of Washington state has a lot in common with BC and will supply you with no shortage of adventure. The Washington State coastline is dotted with ports, along with islands, bays, and oceanside parks.
In this article, we’re going to share 6 boat trip destination ideas for boaters ready to head down south. If you’re looking for a new boat that can handle multi-day trips while providing a high level of reliability and comfort, be sure to check out Van Isle Marina’s current boat listings.
San Juan Island is the most populous of the San Juan Islands group and makes for a terrific weekend getaway. The name comes from the expeditions in the 1700’s, and today there are a couple thousand people living on the island.
Friday Harbor, located on the east side of the island, is the single incorporated city on the island and has a bustling tourism economy. Here, there are plenty of places to park your boat. There’s also The San Juan Islands Museum of Art, The Whale Museum, San Juan Island Brewing, South Beach, and several coffee shops and restaurants.
Outside Friday Harbor, the island is filled with parkland. There are several nature preserves, beaches (notably Fourth of July Beach), state parks, and hiking trails. If you head north, you’ll find Roche Harbor, which is an excellent place to park your boat, stay at the resort, and explore the surrounding nature.
Located on the Quimper Peninsula in Jefferson County, Port Townsend is a city of about 10,000. As a US National Historic District, Port Townsend is a great place to explore the leftover Victoria-era shops, homes, and architecture while shopping around and enjoying the city.
The Carnegie Library – which is over 100 years old – is a must see, plus the Port Townsend Aero Museum, the Northwest Maritime Center, and Fort Worden State Park. After you’ve seen the sights, be sure to check out the city’s selection of restaurants, brewpubs, and coffee shops.
Port Townsend is the place to be for annual festivals and cultural events, like the Port Townsend Wooden Boat festival, the Rhododendron Festival, and the Jazz & Blues Festival. Boating is a big part of the culture and the art in Port Townsend, which means there’s always a regatta, race, or boating event going on.
Nestled between Whidbey Island and mainland Washington State, Camano Island is one of the largest and quieter islands in the state. The sits in what’s known as Possession Sound (a part of Puget Sound), with Skagit Bay located to the north.
Camano is a popular summer destination for nearby residents who want to slow down and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. And while Camano Island isn’t the same tourist hub as others in this article, there’s still lots to see and do over the course of a weekend. On the west side of the island, you’ll find the only two state parks, Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach State Park, which have cabins, hiking trails, and campgrounds. You also can’t miss the Matzke Fine Art Gallery and Sculpture Park, a zipline park, and Edward Lynne Cellars winery.
Whidbey Island is a large island in Puget Sound just north of Seattle. On this rugged island you’ll find everything from beaches to farmland to quaint shopping centres. Whidbey Island is also well known as an artists’ hub, with no shortage of potters, painters, writers, and sculptors making a living here.
On the northern end of the island, you’ll find Deception Pass State Park with its stunning clifftop views and trail network. On the south end there’s Fort Casey Historical State Park complete with a lighthouse and gun battery. The middle of the island is home to Price Sculpture Forest, Fort Ebey State Park, and Crockett Lake.
If you’re looking for things to do in town, Whidbey Island has a few coastal towns that are fully stocked with cute shops, restaurants, art galleries, and coffee shops.
Anacortes is a coastal city in Washington State that is found just north of Whidbey Island and just east of the San Juan Island network. There are roughly 17,000 residents in Anacortes, which got its name from Anne Curtis Bowman, the wife of an early settler.
Anacortes is a popular destination for boaters and boat enthusiasts. The town has a booming pleasure craft construction industry, plus, Anacortes is a popular departure to visit the San Juan Islands, as tourists flock from all over with hopes of spotting an orca whale.
Besides orca watching, there’s plenty to do in Anacortes. The Anacortes Forest Commons has roughly 80 km of hiking and biking trails, and there are popular cliff climbing routes near Mount Erie Park.
Sequim Bay is located on the Olympic Peninsula and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which is accessible from Victoria. The over 3km long bay is peaceful and beautiful, surrounded by nature on both sides. On the west side of the bay, you’ll find Sequim Bay State Park, complete with a year-round campground, hiking trails, and sports fields.
If you want to dock and explore a bit, Sequim is the largest town in the area with roughly 8,000 residents. With the nickname of ‘Sunny Sequim’, thanks to the annual average rainfall of Los Angeles, Sequim is an excellent town to explore any month of the year. The area is also known for the abundance of Dungeness crab, so make sure to find some local restaurants!
Looking for a new boat to explore Washington State and the surrounding islands? Check out Van Isle Marina’s current selection of new and used boats for sale and reach out if you have any questions. Also, feel free to drop by our marina in Sidney to view our selection, browse our facilities, and dine in our Sea Glass Waterfront Grill.
In this article, we explain the definition, history and origin of the word yacht, and break down some of the more common types of yachts along with various styles and sizes.
The word yacht comes from the Dutch word “jacht”, which means to hunt, and refers to the quick and lightweight sailboats the Dutch navy used to pursue pirates and other enemies in shallow waters. Today, the word takes on a very different meaning. While there is no strict definition of the word today, a yacht is generally considered as a boat used for pleasure, whether you’re cruising open waters, racing or island-hopping for the weekend. Typically, we consider a boat to be a yacht if it has an overnight cabin onboard, is more than 33 feet long, and generally looks nicer than your average vessel.
Pleasure boats have been around for hundreds of years, which is no surprise when you consider our options for transportation around that time. Without planes, cars, bikes or scooters, humans turned to the one form of transportation they knew well for pleasure – the ship.
Sailing yachts have been a thing since at least the beginning of the 1660s in Europe, when King James of England commissioned a sailing yacht for his son Henry, the Prince of Wales. But it was Charles II, the Kind of Scotland, who brought the term “yacht” into the mainstream after spending time exiled in the Netherlands. Once Charles got home, he began commissioning royal yachts left and right.
Steam Yachts also have quite the history, which started as massive and luxurious sailing yachts with steam auxiliary engines. These yachts were much larger, and carried full crews complete with a cook, captain, engineer, stewards and deck hands. By the late 1700s, screw propellers were installed and the engines became far more efficient. Eventually, compound engines came about and persisted until the internal combustion took over.
Powerboats with 4-stroke gas engines were first developed by Nicolaus Otto and Gottlieb Daimler in 1876. Then in the 1900s, diesel engines became the more popular option because of their lower cost and improved reliability.
Today, yachts fall into one of two general categories – sailing yachts and motor yachts.
A sailing yacht is a leisure craft that relies on its sails for the primary method of movement, made from natural, synthetic or carbon fibers. Sailing yachts are split into two main categories: cruisers and raisers.
A cruising yacht is designed for comfort above anything else. These yachts are ideal for overnight and lengthy journeys, typically equipped with all the comforts of home, including full kitchens (galleys), bathrooms (heads) and beds. They’re also designed to be slightly easier to maintain.
At the smaller end, we have what’s called as a “trailer sailer”. These yachts are generally shorter than 25 feet, and can be pulled by the average car. But anything shorter than 33 feet is considered a small sailing yacht. The next level is 33-45 feet, referred to as near-shore yachts. Offshore yachts are the largest category, including vessels larger than 45 feet.
A racing yacht is designed with performance top of mind, rather than comfort. World Sailing, the governing body for the sport of international sailing, recognizes 11 different classes of sailing yachts, but each share some general characteristics.
On a racing yacht, aerodynamics is prioritized. These yachts come in a variety of shapes and weights, but performance is the underlying motivation for all. Similar to aerodynamics but underwater, hydrodynamically efficient hulls allow boats to pull through the water with minimal drag or extra motion. Finally, for peak performance, these sailing yachts typically use full-battened Kevlar or carbon fiber sails.
Motor yachts come in all shapes and sizes, built with a variety of different materials. Generally speaking, they range from 30-130 feet in length, but there are superyachts out there exceeding 500 feet (that’s over 150 metres!).
The hull of a motor yachts comes in three basic styles. A yacht with a full-displacement hull moves the water up and away, creating waves. These boats have the potential to be plenty powerful, but their speed is limited. Semi-displacement hulls are slightly faster, because they’re able to partially rise above the water. Last are the yachts with a planing hull. These yachts are the fastest, because of a flat underside and enough power to lift them onto the surface of the water.
The majority of modern motor yachts have at least one diesel engine. A boat with two engines is certainly more expensive, but well worth it when you consider the reliability and increased handling/performance.
When it comes to motor yacht styles, there are many. Here’s a brief introduction to a few different motor yacht styles:
If you’re looking for a new yacht, browse our current listings of sailing and motor yachts at Van Isle Marina. You can also visit us in Sidney at 2320 Harbour Road to see our stock in person, and our staff will be happy to help you out.
Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island just off Canada’s west coast is the charming city of Victoria. With a population just under 400,000, Victoria is a smaller city with a very small (and walkable) downtown core that attracts nearly 4 million tourists per year. But why in Victoria?
Victoria is an especially desirable destination for nearby boat travelers, who can make the relatively easy trip from the United States or mainland BC, find a boat marina, and explore the city on foot. There’s also a cruise ship port that empties thousands of visitors everyday (during the warmer months) into the downtown core.
One reason why Victoria is able to attract so many visitors is its alluring British colonial past and visually appealing façade, complete with old architecture, countless gardens, character homes and stunning harbour. And when you factor in the city’s very dense selection of restaurants, bars and attractions all within walking distance, it’s easy to see why people love visiting Victoria.
Another reason why people flock to Victoria is its unique climate. If you’re unfamiliar with Victoria weather, you might expect cold temperatures and snow, like typical Canadian cities. But Victoria, along with other destinations on the southwestern coast of Canada, enjoy a pleasantly mild climate. That means tolerable winters with minimal snow and temperatures that hardly ever drop below -5 degrees, and summers that are equally mild, rarely seeing heatwaves hotter than 30 degrees.
Victoria is also a quite deal drier than other destinations, like our not-so-far away neighbour, Vancouver. Despite being just around 100km apart from each other, Victoria’s yearly rainfall of 58cm dwarfs the yearly total of 146cm over in the big city.
So you’ve decided to make the trip to Victoria. What is there to do? In this article, we’ll be your personal guide to the city, detailing everything from the best restaurants to hotels to must-see attractions.
If you’ve arrived in Victoria by boat, the first thing you’ll need to arrange for is mooring. At Van Isle Marina located in Sidney, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Victoria, we offer moorage on a nightly, monthly and annual basis. We can store boats up to 200-feet in our 500 open and covered berths.
But aside from just a place to leave your boat while you set off exploring, you’ll probably be looking for a place that can provide other services. At Van Isle, we can haul your boat out for repairs, new paint or other maintenance. We also have a full-service fuel dock, a yacht park full of boats for sale, and the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill.
Transportation is an important factor to consider before you arrive in Victoria, because there is no high-speed or underground transit system. If you’re getting here by water, you’re probably arriving at the BC Ferries Swartz Bay Terminal, or at a marina like Van Isle. Both the ferry terminal and the marina are very near each other – about a 30-minute drive or a 45-minute bus ride from downtown Victoria. If you choose to hire a taxi or Uber, expect to pay more than $100. The bus on the other hand will take slightly longer, but will only cost $2.50 and will drop you directly downtown. If you’re arriving from the airport, expect about the same since its located near the ferry terminal.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, you’ll be faced with a roughly 25-minute walk to reach the downtown core. There should be a number of shuttles taking you to and from, but if the weather’s nice, you can also take a more exciting and scenic rickshaw cab.
If you’re arriving from Port Angeles or Seattle, you will be whisked straight to Victoria’s Inner Harbour – right in the middle of the action. From here, you can remain 100% on foot, and as long as you don’t plan on leaving downtown, you’ll never need a car, bus or taxi.
The downtown core of Victoria is rather small and extremely walkable. But if you want to explore the Breakwater, Beacon Hill Park and other attractions that are still in town but a little far on foot, consider hopping on a bus, hiring an Uber, or catching a rickshaw or taxi.
If you’re hoping to stay near the major attractions in Victoria, there are plenty of hotels in the downtown core and James Bay neighbourhood. Many will offer stunning view of the Inner Harbour, plus walking distance proximity to all the best restaurants, shopping, and attractions.
The Fairmont Empress is one of Victoria’s most iconic buildings, sitting right at the edge of the Inner Harbour. Named after Queen Victoria, this massive hotel was constructed beginning in 1904, and remains one of the most popular hotels on Vancouver Island.
Near the Empress in the downtown core, you’ll find a variety of smaller hotels that put you right in the middle of the action for shopping, restaurants and bars. Try Hotel Rialto, Chateau Victoria or the Victoria Regent Waterfront Hotel. If you move south towards the Parliament Buildings and other major attractions on the border of James Bay and Downtown, you’ll find much larger hotels like the Hotel Grand Pacific and the Inn at Laurel Point.
If a vacation rental is more your speed, there are variety of apartment units on Airbnb that are available as private rooms in shared homes or entire homes.
Victoria is home to the highest number of restaurants per capita in all of Canada, so you’ll be sure to find something to your taste. From ramen bars to upscale Italian restaurants and sushi spots, there’s really something for everyone. If you prefer staying near the marina and ferry terminal in Sidney, try the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill. With incredible marina views, they’ve got full dinner, dessert and lunch menus with plenty of seafood.
If you’re looking for the best of the best in downtown Victoria, there are a few notable options you need to check out. Pagliacci’s is a Victoria favourite known for Italian dishes, fun décor & live music. Il Terrazzo is a level fancier with brick fireplaces and an expansive wine list. Finn’s is another awesome spot that backs onto the harbour with a large patio, specializing in seafood, steaks & classic cocktails.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual in town, Red Fish Blue Fish is a great spot down on the harbour serving dockside seafood, but only open during the warmer months. 10 Acres Commons and Bistro is another cozy spot near the harbour, split into two parts – Commons for the waterfront patio and full cocktail menu, and Bistro for farm-to-fork meals. If you’re looking for Asian cuisine, try Ghost Ramen for some terrific ramen or Gozen Sushi Bar for some of the best sushi.
Despite its small size, Victoria is home to an incredible bar scene. If you’re in the mood for wine, try the new Tourist Wine Bar for a selection of local and imported wine, or Bodega for some delicious Spanish wine and tapas. Wind Cries Mary is another spot to venture for more upscale vibes, where you’ll find a huge wine list, romantic patio and fancy cocktails.
If you’re on the hunt for a cocktail bar, there are dozens of great options offering everything from quaint and cozy vibes to a more rustic atmosphere to trendy and upscale. Little Jumbo is a cozy but chill cocktail bar with an elevated cocktail menu. Tora Tiki is a retro-style bar with exotic cocktails and surf music. And if you want some views of the city, try Vista 18 on the 18th floor of the Chateau hotel.
Victoria has plenty or popular tourist attractions that are all reachable on foot, clustered around the downtown core and James Bay neighbourhoods. But if you want to get out more and tour the Victoria streets filled with character homes and gardens, try one of the double-decker tour buses.
One of the main attractions in Victoria is the Inner Harbour. One of the most beautiful in the world, the Victoria Inner Harbour is packed with recreational vessels, ferries, whale watching boats and small cruise ships, and is surrounded by other attractions, restaurants and bars. It’s also the place to be in the summer months for festivals, live music and sunset viewing.
The harbour is flanked by two of Victoria’s most iconic architectural landmarks and tourist attractions – the Empress Hotel and BC Parliament Buildings. The Royal BC Museum is also right there in the harbour, the sprawling Beacon Hill Park is 15-minute walk away.
Another major attraction that will require a car or bus to get to the is Butchart Gardens. Located in Brentwood Bay, this National Historic Site of Canada receives nearly a million visitors. There are roughly 5 hectares of gardens, which makes for a truly beautiful walk. The summer is the best time for checking out the gardens, but during the holiday season the gardens transform into a must-see winter wonderland.
If you want to check out more of Victoria’s charming colonial flavour closer to town, stop by the Craigdarroch Castle, a beautifully restored National Historic Site leftover from the Victorian-era. There’s also the stunning Carr House for art and literature enthusiasts, and the Pendray Inn and Tea House.
Victoria’s Chinatown is another must-see, located right in the middle of downtown. The colourful streets are lined with Chinese grocery stores and restaurants plus trendy coffee shops and shops. And be sure to take a stroll down the famous Fan Tan Alley, the narrowest commercial street in North America that’s packed with artisan shops.
The city of Victoria is no slouch when it comes to coffee shops. There are seemingly countless places to find a good cup of coffee or fancy latte. In the downtown core, some of the most popular are Discovery Coffee, with yellow branding, three locations and incredible locally-made pastries, and Habit Coffee, a cozy spot for a meeting with excellent coffee.
For a more historic spot to get your morning joe, try Murchie’s Tea and Coffee. Located right on Government Street in the main tourist zone, this spot is over 100 years old and is stocked with cakes, sandwiches and other treats.
Further down Government Street by the harbour is another fantastic spot called Milano. This trendy shop has an Italian feel with west coast design features, and is known for amazing espresso. Here you can sit along the windows or on the patio and take in all the action of Victoria’s busiest walking street.
As a centre of culture, arts and music, Victoria has plenty of venues and things to do that will keep you entertained no matter how long your stay is. The Royal Theatre and MacPherson Playhouse are two of the busiest venues for musical performances, comedy shows and plays. The nearby Belfry Theatre in Fernwood is another excellent place to catch a live performance.
For live music, there are bars and special venues that provide nightly entertainment. Darcy’s Pub, Hermann’s Jazz Club, The Duke Saloon and Bard & Banker are some of the best bars to enjoy live music. To catch live shows from touring artists, check out what’s playing at the Capital Ballroom, the Alix Goolden Performance Hall or the Victoria Event Centre.
If you’re looking for something a little outdoorsy, Victoria has plenty to offer with mountains, hiking trails, rivers and lakes a short car ride away. But if you’re new in town and would rather stay downtown, the whale watching tours leaving from the Inner Harbour are bucket list-quality.
If you’re thinking about visiting Victoria by boat, Van Isle Marina is your one-stop-shop. We’ve got moorage slips, and can provide full maintenance services for boat owners. We’ve also got a restaurant, haul-out services, and everything a boat owner could need. Contact us today to inquire.
2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6
info@vanislemarina.com
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