LETTERS

We Welcome Your Letters

Commercial Anchorages

We thank you for publishing Diane Selkirk’s informative article on Commercial Anchorages in the Salish Sea in the November 2022 issue. The need to bring this issue to light is paramount and very timely as Phase 3 of the Public Engagement has commenced with the Port of Vancouver [recently] holding information meetings in key communities to answer the tough questions and address concerns of the residents in the affected areas.

The proposed “Code of Conduct” for anchored ships will be a prime topic of debate no doubt. And one that we know won’t work for many reasons. We’d like to see these 33 anchorages eliminated not condoned.

As a boater and marine steward on Pender Island I have been watching this freighter activity for the last 40 years— the exponential increase in the last several years has sounded the alarm—the risks in the environmentally sensitive Salish Sea far outweigh the monetary benefits. It is blatant exploitation and we need to stop it.

—Michelle Marsden

Laura Bay Correction

I thought I would write to bring to your attention a small error in the [January 2023] issue that I received this morning. The cover promises a gunkhole report about Laura Cove, which is in Desolation Sound, but the article is actually about Laura Bay on Broughton Island. A good article either way, but just not the same.

—Ray Keating

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the letter. You’re correct, the cover should have read Laura Bay rather than Laura Cove—both are fantastic destinations. We apologize for the error.—Eds.

Quarter-inch-thick hull. Eight-foot-wide bottom. Pair this boat with twin engines, and you have the recipe for safety that professionals and family fisherm

Events

The Maritime Museum of BC announces the 19th Annual Massive Marine & Outdoor Garage Sale

What do recreational boaters complain about? Lack of wind, standing waves and the high cost of buying marine equipment. But sometimes you can still find bargains to repair or embellish your boat. For the 19th time, the Maritime Museum is holding its Massive Marine Garage Sale at Victoria Harbour’s Ogden Point on March 25. Here’s your chance to find that part you’ve been looking for, meet fellow sailors and enjoy the camaraderie of finding a good deal. Or secure an opportunity to sell the used or superfluous items that are cluttering up your garage or basement. Your spouse will be grateful!

The Marine Garage Sale offers an array of opportunities for both sellers and buyers. Usually, the larger equipment is displayed outside, including dinghies, kayaks and trailers. Inside, marine merchants can get a table(s), clear out their storage areas and put their surplus goods up for sale. Among these vendor tables, boaters may just pick up that extra fender they need, or a batch of line so next time they can stern-tie to shore. A cruising guide, marine history or maritime adventure tale among the book offerings might grab their attention. Lubricants, nuts and bolts, paint and a wealth of supplies mariners have dug up from their basements and lockers, including some collectibles, will also be on hand.

Date: Saturday, March 25, 2022

Location: Pier A at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, 185 Dallas Road, Victoria Hours: 09:00 to 12:00

If you’re keen, you can arrive early and beat other shoppers for a modest $5 increase in entrance fee ($10). That five extra bucks, as well as the standard entrance fee of $5, go to a good cause. It supports the Maritime Museum’s operations and helps with the running of school and public programs. Don’t fear the cold. Coffee, hot chocolate and pastries will be available by donation. A 50/50 raffle will also be held, with two draws. To set up a display or table, contact Anya Zanko at azanko@mmbc.bc.ca.

—Marianne Scott

Website: mmbc.bc.ca/garage-sale