Vancouver Education Blog https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&rss=ix49T4fT Sat, 6 Jun 2026 13:25:01 GMT Mon, 6 Oct 2014 15:14:30 GMT Copyright © 2014 Bluewater Cruising Association Marine SSB made simpler, somewhat https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=199087 https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=199087  

BCA YVR's first education offering this fall wanted to tackle the thorny subject of marine single side band radio.

The venue for this first class was an actual motor vessel, referred to as a «party boat» by those of us who live in and around False Creek.

 

It made for a comfortable setting a few steps from the goodies at Granville Island's market.

The course was sold out, again, which speaks to our member's appetite for education and valuable training.

  

The instructor, TL Sparks (Terry - retired US Navy Commander) broke it down for us. From no nonsense tips and tricks for a clean installation to practical operational advice, the seminar answered most questions. 

If you did not attend, you can still have access to TL's wealth of expertise. He mentioned quite a few times, he is more than happy to help out with any issue you might have with your own radio, or simply advise you on your installation. Just email him.

The next class on the subject, if don't have your license yet, will help you obtain your HAM radio license and is scheduled for January 2015. Click here to register.

]]> Mon, 6 Oct 2014 16:14:30 GMT Lee Chesneau's last session https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=187678 https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=187678
Last week end, while you were probably celebrating Mother's Day with that special gal in your life, a few "weather forecasters in waiting" where receiving invaluable training from famed offshore weather forecaster Lee Chesneau.

This was the second in a 2 part series of initiations to the mysteries of weather prediction while cruising offshore. The bulk on the class centred around the 500mb chart which is proven to be one of the most accurate forecasting tools in a weatherman's arsenal. 

Now, some 16 BCA members have benefited from this advanced forecasting seminar. The seminar was held at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, which proved to be a pretty nice venue for such an event. Earlier this year, Mr. Chesneau in partnership with our tireless Vancouver Chapter education volunteers (Norm Cooper and Paul Guenette) held 2 seminars to help introduce us to offshore weather forecasting.

There are plans to repeat these excellent seminars. So keep an eye out come fall for the next round of BCA education offerings. 


On leaving for home late sunday afternoon, Mr. Chesneau confided our group was one of the most engaged he'd taught in a long while. We certainly felt very lucky to have access to this remarkable trainer and hopefully make us all better sailors.

Lee's website is an amazing collection of useful links and tabs to various online weather products. A must for anyone thinking of going offshore.

JB]]> Mon, 12 May 2014 18:32:35 GMT Carol Hasse Sail repair Seminar https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=183183 https://www.bluewatercruising.org/members/blog_view.asp?id=1080242&post=183183 Dear BCA Members

I am excited to advise you that registration is now available for Carol Hasse's highly regarded Sail Repair Workshopat her loft at Port Townsend Sails.  There will be only two Sail Repair courses offered by Carol in 2014 and they are usually sold out well in advance.  BCA has completely pre-booked the 10 available spots in one of these workshops.  

Our course will be held on the weekend of November 1 & 2, 2014.  This particular weekend is available to BCA members only.

Being an exclusive BCA course, you will have the fun of learning sail repair with people you know.  And you can save money on travel and accommodation by going together.  If you are planning to have some work done on your sails next winter, you can haul them down to the loft at the same time.

A few years ago and Beth and I took this course, bought a sail repair kit there and stocked up on sail repair materials.  We also had Carol Hasse and her crew inspect and upgrade our 10 year old sails with various reinforcements and chafe protection.  We had no issues with our sails during 3 years and 25,000 miles of cruising, I think much due to understanding what was required for offshore sailing and doing the preventive work in advance of departure.  But we were equipped with the know-how and equipment to make repairs and did help many others along the way.  

This hands-on course will take place at the loft in Port Townsend.  This means you will get to hand sew sails, use the sewing machines and other equipment, look at various sails that are in the loft and get coaching from the many experts on staff.  It is two days of intensive training.  You will also have an opportunity to purchase sail repair kits and related supplies.  

For more info on Port Townsend Sails click here.

Course Outline:

Gain self-reliance in maintaining and upgrading your sail inventory. 

Use a palm and needle to:

  • Sew in a ring or grommet
  • Seize a jib hank
  • Attach a mainsail slide
  • Mend a seam
  • Add a leather chafe guard
  • Make "Easy Reefs"


Use a sewing machine to:

  • Patch a hole
  • Install a chafe guard
  • Fix a torn seam
  • Apply a spreader patch
  • Reinforce a corner ring with webbing

Learn to assess the condition and adequacy of your sail inventory. 

Become familiar with sail repair tools and materials. 

Order items for your own Offshore Sail Repair Kit. 

The Hands-On Sail Repair Seminar Includes:

  • 14 hours of instruction
  • Student to instructor ratio (5:1)
  • Seminar packet with illustrations of handwork techniques
  • Materials for take-home "sampler" and ditty bag project (tools may be ordered)

 

If you are interested in this course go to the link below to register.  We have only 10 spots available.  You must be logged in as a BCA member to register.

http://bluewatercruising.site-ym.com/events/event_details.asp?id=413696&group=


All the best,

Norm

Vancouver Education Watch
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