The Nanaimo Marine Festival started in 1966 as a celebration of Canada’s 100th birthday and will be 50 years old in 2016. Happy Birthday! This year’s festivities will be held from the 21st of July to the 24th. If you are on a yacht charter holiday throughout this period, the event is really one not to be missed – especially for boating enthusiasts.
The main course of the festival if you will, is most certainly the world renowned Great International World Championship Bathtub Race. Last year saw a change in how this race ran. Previously racers would end their journey at Departure Bay beach, but despite that glorious bit of irony it was changed to mean both the start and finish lines are situated at Maffeo Sutton Park. It was believed this change was made last year, to iron out any potential difficulties before the celebrations of 2016 hit.
Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society member Bill McGuire says the change was made because people viewing the race would often only watch the start or the end. Now viewers can more easily see both, which is of course a more pleasurable experience. Not only is this better for the people watching the race, but it is easier for the racers themselves too as Departure Bay has grown busier and busier over the years. This may be something you have experienced on your own yachting adventures in the area.
Last year festival goers were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental Ranch Point for the navy. Naval history forms a big part of the culture around Nanaimo, and any chance to celebrate it is always taken up with enthusiasm. This year however, will all be about celebrating the race itself, as it forms part of the maritime history of the area. The bathtub race itself is usually held on the Sunday, but the full plans for this special year are yet to be announced.
Always an occasion with more to enjoy than the boats, there is sure to be spectacular firework displays, delicious foods, and beautiful decorations all around the bay. The Marine Festival in Nanaimo really does but Nanaimo on the map for boat enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes. The event attracts thousands of people from around Vancouver and much further afield such as Australia to partake, watch the race, enjoy the company of other boat lovers, and revel in the generally merriment.
The race itself can get quite tense, competitive, and very exciting. There have been years where racers have raced on land by foot after the boat race is complete to try and best each other and determine finishing position when it has been too close to call. As well as the fun of it, there is often a serious message behind many of the racers too. It is not unusual for those who take part to utilise the opportunity for some fund raising for local charities or causes that are close to their hearts.
As well as individuals, the boat race is entered by community groups, NGOs, businesses, and even local government officials. It is thought of as one of the best events for bringing all strands of the community together – and that means travellers too! Nanaimo is known as a warm and welcoming place to visitors, and nowhere is this more on display than at events such as the Marine Festival.
So when yachting in Nanaimo in July, make sure to enjoy the four days of summer festivities island-style. The festival is a great place for families too with a number of arts and crafts stalls, an entertainment stage, a children’s tent, and a delectable supply of food vendors and even the odd cheeky beer garden. It is also a place of knowledge with information stands and safety displays aplenty, as well as information on military history and the numerous water sports on offer around the area.
It is not just the race area that comes to life over this four day. The city centre in downtown Nanaimo is also awash with activity from farmer’s markets to parades, light festivals and fireworks to music performances. Whilst yachting in Nanaimo in this period, you can be sure that whether your travel party is young or old, the family or your partner, you will not be short of things to do.
Read more about the event here.
Nanaimo Marine Festival is an institution, and something the locals look forward to all year round. It is a favorite for our yachters, and we here hope that the event will continue for many more years to come.
someone claimed it was published in a newspaper earlier under a different name such as chocolate slice, or fridge cake. Who knew baking could be so catty?
The best thing about the bar is that it requires no baking – so perfect for whipping up as an after dinner treat whilst on board. You can also add in whatever kind of flavors your heart desires. Some people add a little minty freshness, maybe a slathering of peanut butter, or a little caffeine hit of coffee to make your bar mocha.
Another great thing about Vancouver food culture is that they are all about sustainability. They really care where their ingredients come from, and this means that many menus cite where their stock came from right down to the fisherman’s boat or the farm. Look for the Ocean Wise symbol whenever you are ordering. Vegetables and meat are also locally sourced which is good for the planet and the economy.
If the sweet treat kind of bar doesn’t take your fancy and you find yourself wondering – why is the rum always gone? Well you are in luck, as if you are moored in Nanaimo there is no shortage of late night entertainment venues to keep you going until the small hours. There is the Casino, the Entertainment Centre, The Queens, The Spice Lounge, The Diners Rendevouz, Club 241 and many more!
It is imperative to have your route mapped out, as well as a well thought out 
It sounds simple, and obvious, but you should make sure you check your engine before setting sail. If you aren’t sure what you are looking for, then get someone who does to do it for you. You especially want to check for leaks, and the oil level. Check all equipment too, halyards, rigging, etc. anything that has the possibility of breaking. Drainage systems should also be checked, as well as battery status.
Being prepared is the most important thing when embarking on a
The preparation for heavy weather
Ensure that all crew members know what to do in the case of severe weather, and also make sure anyone aboard knows where to find their personal floatation device and any other safety equipment they may need. It is also key that people remember to keep low in the boat, not go out on deck unnecessarily, and not to move around too much. Ensure that all hatches, ports, windows, and anything else that could swing open or move around is tightly secured. This ensures that there is no risk of injury from things flying around, and also crucially keeps all the water out. Make sure you have the right
It is always the best idea to be prepared for bad weather when taking a boat trip. This also includes making sure you have enough
When the storm hits, make a note of the boats positioning on the chart. Also make sure to take note of the time, your heading, and the speed at which you are travelling.
Have a good look through the kitchen area and work out what equipment you have and more importantly if there is any essential equipment you are missing. If there are dishes you’d like to cook
For most people part of being on holiday is relaxing with some great wine and a few beers. Keep enough on board to be merry, but remember a completely liquid diet is not recommended. Boxes of wine and cans are easier to store than bottles.
One pot wondersSuch as a stew, fajitas, soup, stir fry, Risotto.