News Blog

Basic Boating Lingo for Beginners

Before venturing out into open waters, it’s important to have a basic understanding of common boat terms associated with the positions and directions of your boat. To the uneducated ear, even the simplest of boating terms can sound like a second language. Knowing these terms will make it easier to communicate with people aboard the […]

5 Tips: Green Boating

The boating lifestyle is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the water. And as boaters, it is our shared responsibility to help keep the waters and resources that we use healthy for generations to come. Here are some tips of how to get started “boating green” today. Fueling Proper fueling […]

What do Canadians need for cruising to the US?

  Beginning in 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has new procedures in place for for Canadian vessels visiting the United States. Canadian vessels are no longer required to purchase a U.S. Customs user fee decal. Instead, they must purchase a cruising license. Cruising licenses are valid for one year. Here is the press release from […]

Spring Start-Up Checklist for Your Yacht or Sailboat

Spring is in the air; is your boat ready to get back to cruising? If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter! Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting […]

Best Boating Apps

With hundreds, maybe even thousands of apps to choose from it can be quite difficult to know which ones work well and which ones are a flop. If you are looking to add some new boating apps to your tablet or smartphone, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 6 awesome apps to help […]

Four Great Tips for Cooking on Your Boat

Cooking while at sea is part of the adventure. Prepare for your voyage as if you were camping in the woods: space is limited, as are fuel and refrigeration. Luckily, with a little planning and the following handy tips, your taste buds (and your guests) will be content and satisfied out on the boat! Use […]

Knots for Boating. Which Ones Are Important

  There are as many knots to know as there are stars in the sky – or so it seems. However, the reality is that most boaters can get along with only knowing a few, as long as they’re the right ones! Bowline: The bowline is arguably the ‘king of sailing knots’. It has been […]

10 Tips to Help Storm Proof Your Boat

Guests of Van Isle Marina know that we are fortunate enough to be protected from winter winds. However, it is always helpful to be aware of strategies for weathering a storm. Here are some tips to help keep your boat safe: Check the weather forecast. Be aware of how long you have to prepare for […]

S.A.L.T.S.

Based here on Vancouver Island, SALTS has been providing life-changing experiential growth opportunities to young people for over 40 years. Close to 2000 teens and young adults (many of whom live right here on the island) learn to sail aboard one of their two tall ships every year. Their schooners are the foundation of their […]

Marina Videos – “Yacht Park – Maintenance & Storage Facility”

The video below is the next in the series, featuring Van Isle Marina’s Maintenance and Storage Facility.  Guests are able to haul-out for nightly, monthly or annual storage. The Yacht Park is fully paved and fenced with security key card access. We are able to haul-out up to 45 tons or 70 feet on either […]