camping Archives - Small Boats Magazine

Apostle Islands Cruise – 22 Catalina 22s

An adventure like no other! Often referred to as the “Caribbean of the North” this lake is unsalted and shark free! Launch from Bayfield, Wisconsin for a week-long adventure filled with lighthouses, amazing sunsets, and pristine beaches. catalina22.org/

Join us this year for the Apostle Islands Cruise August 12 to 17, 2024. It will be an adventure like no other. Often referred to as the “Caribbean of the North” this lake is unsalted and shark free! Well, that is if you don’t include my boat “Lake Shark”. We will launch from Bayfield, Wisconsin for a weeklong adventure filled with lighthouses, amazing sunsets, and pristine beaches.

So, make plans now to register for what was a favorite cruise in 2022 and now back for a new adventure in 2024. With 22 islands to explore, there’s never enough time to see them all. Still, we will have a great mix of anchoring out and marina stops. Of course, there is still the option to join us for a shorter cruise if a week is just more fun than you are quite ready for.

This year, please note that securing a marina slip is on your own and must be booked in advance. We plan to stay in a slip Monday August 12 and Thursday August 15. Slips on Madeline Island this year are running just over $70 for the night, and I would expect the same in Bayfield, but I am still working with the city to see if we can work out a deal. Full details on the cruise and plans can be found at:

Link to PLANS

So, stop dreaming and start living. That project boat has spent enough time in the driveway so let’s get it out there on the water. Afterall “if anything is gonna happen its gonna happen out there”- Capt. Ron. So, sign up today for the adventure of a lifetime and make some memories that you’ll share for generations. Registrations are available at:

Link to REGISTRATION

2024 Sucia Small Boat Rendezvous

The 2024 Sucia Small Boat Rendezvous will be held at Sucia Island State Park on July 12-14

This year marks the 21st anniversary of this annual Rendezvous, established in 2003!

Known as the crown jewel of Washington State’s marine park system, Sucia is almost the most northerly island in the San Juan island archipelago. It offers several bays for anchoring, and several camping areas. Echo Bay on the east side offers docks and is popular with big boat sailors, but this rendezvous is planned for the narrow strip of land separating Fox Cove from Fossil Bay on the southwest. We will be using Fossil Bay unless a strong south-easterly wind makes it uncomfortable – it has the better beach for landing on. There are mooring buoys and two docks as well, but these cannot be reserved and may be full, so be prepared to anchor if you don’t want to beach your boat. Fox Cove is an excellent place to beach too, with a large shoreline almost entirely clear of rocks, but the cove is a bit shallower and has less room to anchor.

There are campsites close to the beach, and plenty of them all over the island. The prettiest sites face Fox Cove and Fossil Bay. We try to grab what we call “The Campsite” (campsite #15) at the back left corner of Fossil Bay to serve as our gathering place, especially for evening campfires. If the first person to arrive could please claim The Campsite, that would be great (campsites are not reservable). Tent campers typically share the campsite. We’ll have a fire in the evenings so bring along your sticks and marshmallows. You’re not camping if you don’t have burned sugar on your face!

Composting toilets are located close to the campsites – these are clean and virtually odor free. There’s good water on the island but no garbage disposal — be prepared to take it home with you.

We have informal potluck gatherings around dinner time at the campsite (or at the picnic shelter if it’s available) and, if the usual light winds and strong currents cooperate, we will attempt a Round-the-island “race” Saturday at noon. This is a unique race in that A) it’s not really a race and B) we never seem to make it completely around the island. Those are the only two things that may distract from the main attractions, which are mingling, relaxing and enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Sucia. The hiking trails and views are spectacular. Wildlife abounds. Orcas, pelicans, sea otters, sea lions, blue herons, dolphins, harbor seals, deer, bald eagles, and gray whales have all been observed. Explore the sandstone caves. Look for fossils at Fossil Bay. They’re easy to spot. They date back 80 million years to the late Cretaceous era, when dinosaurs ruled the world. We found an Ammonite fossil last year. Take a little side trip to explore nearby Matia or Patos island. Or just relax.

This is a Rendezvous, not an organized event. It is not sponsored or supported in any way by anyone. Anyone with a “small boat” is invited to attend. There are no signup sheets or dues. Nobody is in charge of this rendezvous. Your safety and well being, and that of your passengers and crew, is entirely your responsibility, just as it always is whenever and wherever you operate your vessel. Seek advice if you’re unfamiliar with sailing in these open waters.

For more info or advice:

he SSSBS groups.io message board: https://groups.io/g/sssbs

The Port Townsend Pocket Yachters Facebook page

More information about Sucia at the Washington State Parks website.

Read about Galen Piehl’s visit to Sucia. Be sure to watch the video!

Sandy Point Marina – a nearby boat launch. Caution: entrance to the marina is shallow and narrow with swift currents. Best used at high slack tide. Don’t even think about it at low tide.

Bellingham boat launches

If this Rendezvous excites you, check out our sister rendezvous – the Montague Harbour Rendezvous

WaterTribe Everglades Challenge 2024

Tampa Bay To Key Largo In Sea Kayaks, Canoes and Small Boats

The next Everglades Challenge is Saturday, March 1, 2025. There is registration and equipment inspection on Friday, February 28, 2025, prior to starting. Cost is $495.00 for the captain and $495.00 for crew members if any.

Billing starts January 1.
Registration ends January 26 at noon.
Payment Deadline is January 26 at noon.

Due to the extreme commitment for this race late registration and/or late payments will not be allowed. We recommend that you commit to this race early so you have plenty of time for planning, training, and preparation. Pay early in the payment cycle. You can get a full refund up until January 26 at noon. No refunds after that date and time.

All WaterTribe events are dangerous events as defined by Florida law and common sense. You are responsible for your own safety. You must read and understand the warning before you register for this event.

The Everglades Challenge is an unsupported, expedition style adventure race for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. The distance is roughly 300 nautical miles depending on your course selection. There is a time limit of 8 days or less. Your safety and well being are completely up to you.

Unsupported means that there are no safety boats or support crews to help you during the race. You are not allowed to have a support crew follow you or meet you during the race. It is OK to have family or friends meet you at the official checkpoints, but they cannot provide anything other than emotional support. See the official WaterTribe rules for more details.

Expedition style means that you must carry the same type of equipment and supplies that you would carry on a major expedition lasting 4 weeks or more. Camping equipment, food, water, safety, communication, etc. is required. See the Rules and Warning link at the top of this page for the official required equipment list for more details.

Although this is a race, many participants are more interesting in cruising and adventure. Whether you are a cruiser or racer is up to you. Just getting to the starting line is a major accomplishment and only about 40% of starters are able to finish. You should be an expert kayaker and/or sailor before you consider this challenge.

SPECIAL NOTE 1: You can earn an alligator tooth award by completing the entire Everglades Wilderness Waterway between Chokoloskee and Flamingo. There are specific rules for earning that tooth:

You must obey all Everglades National Park rules.
SPOT must be correctly used at all times.
You must complete the entire WW as shown on their official maps. You can exit at Broad River and return via Broad Creek. Using the Harney River from the outside is not allowed.
The Nightmare is an option. Some people say that taking the Nightmare is easier than negotiating Broad Creek from the entrance. The choice is yours.
Once you have reached Whitewater Bay you may follow the marked route or take the Joe River or any other route to cross the bay and enter Tarpon Creek and the Buttonwood Canal.
In some years challengers have taken the Hells Bay Canoe Trail to Tarpon Creek. Since this is marked on the official map, it is also OK.
You must portage your boat a short distance between the fresh water side and the salt water side at Flamingo. You cannot receive assistance from the Race Manager, CP Captain, or bystanders. Challengers participating in the event may assist other challengers (see the note below).

SPECIAL NOTE 2: In some previous years we have provided a boat cart or other assistance for the short portage at Flamingo. As of EC2011 and beyond a boat cart will not be provided and all challengers crossing from the fresh water side to the salt water side must do this short portage without outside assistance. No cart will be provided. You must carry your own if you plan to use one. If bystanders want to help they cannot. However, other WaterTribers who are in the same event can help – see the ad hoc team rule.

The Everglades Challenge follows the SW Florida coast line from Fort Desoto in Tampa Bay, Florida to Key Largo. You will enter Everglades National Park near Everglades City and you will be within their boundries until you get near Key Largo. You must follow all park rules and regulations.

Note that the WaterTribe Marathon runs concurrently with the Everglades Challenge. The schedule mentions both races.

The English Raid – Plymouth Raid V3

The Raid will be based at the Mountbatten Water Sports and Activities Centre in Plymouth as in 2017 and 2015.

The Raid is taking place in school holidays in order to help those Raiders who have children (or Grandchildren) still at school. It is also the only dates that were available

We have booked all of the bedrooms as accommodation for the Raid.

Cars and trailers can be parked at the Centre.

There are spaces for up to 8 camper vans. Plug-in facilities for camper vans are available. All Camper Van users will have 24-hour access to the Centre for showers and WC included within their charge. There are very few camping facilities nearby, although plenty of B&Bs and rental properties.

The boats will be launched, moored and recovered at Mountbatten Centre (MC).

The exact programme needs to remain as flexible as possible and will depend on tidal and weather conditions. Thus, apart from Monday and Thursday evening/Friday morning, everything is fluid.

MONDAY 19th August

Day:

Arrival and registration

Evening:

18.00 Welcome reception

20.00 Supper

DAY A

Breakfast 07.30- 08.30

Briefing 09.00

Sail to Newton Ferrers

Racing on passage to and from Newton Ferrers

Lunch on beach and or pub

Return Mount Batten

Supper 20.00 ( Location TBA )

DAY B

Breakfast 07.30- 08.30

Briefing 09.00

Sail to Cawsand for lunch,

Racing in Harbour

Return Mount Batten

Supper 20.00 ( Location TBA )

DAY C

Breakfast 07.30- 08.30

Briefing 09.00

Sail up the Tamar

Lunch possibly at Saltash Sailing Club

Racing on passage to and from
Saltash Sailing Club

Supper 20.00 ( Location TBA )

Thursday 22nd August EVENING

Some recovery of boats

Supper at Royal Western Yacht Club 20.00

Prize giving after supper

Friday 23rd August

Breakfast 07.30- 08.30

Recover boats/free sailing

ACCOMMODATION:

We have booked all of the bedrooms as accommodation for the Raid. Cars and trailers can be parked at the Centre. Plug-in facilities for up to 8 camper vans are available. All Camper Van users will have 24-hour access to the Centre for showers and WC included within their charge. There are very few camping facilities nearby, although plenty of B&Bs and rental properties.

FOOD:

Breakfast for those with beds in the Mountbatten Centre is included. Camper Van residents and live-aboards can buy breakfasts at the Centre for £8.00 per head per day but these need to be booked the day before.

Packed lunches will be provided on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for all Raiders.

Supper will be provided on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings for all Raiders.

COST:

The cost of participation in the Raid is expected to be £300 per person (this includes 3 packed lunches, 4 dinners, mooring fees and car and trailer parking).

In addition the cost of room-based accommodation in the Mountbatten Centre (including breakfast) is £160 per person (Monday evening to Friday morning). Please note that you may end up sharing a room with crew from another boat as there are only 26 rooms in the Centre. Couples will not be asked to share and will be given their own room.

If you wish to stay in a camper van on the premises the cost is £28 per day per van (including electric hook-up) i.e,£112 for the 4 nights from Monday to Friday. Those in camper vans (or live-aboards) may purchase breakfasts from the Centre at £8.00 per head per day. These breakfasts can be booked in advance or the day before.

There is no charge for children under 5 and children 5 – 12 will be 50% of the adult cost.

To book your place on the Raid please go to Register 2024 and complete the form and send it to us. A booking deposit of £75 per boat will secure your place.

402410 61420933 and Raid England are the details you will need if using online banking

If you are making an overseas transfer you will need to know that HSBC is the bank and that Market Place, Henley-on-Thames, UK is the address together with some or all of the below. I have recently been using a system called Wise (https://wise.com) very successfully with much better exchange rates than most banks but contact me first to discuss the best way of paying. If you insist upon using a traditional bank please can you “pay” the transfer fees as well because UK banks charge us a lot for accepting money from outside the UK.

IBAN: GB58HBUK40241061420933

Branch BIC (BIC 11): HBUKGB4113V

Bank BIC (BIC8): HBUKGB4B

otherwise please send an old-fashioned cheque made payable to:

Raid England

to
Geoff Probert

60 St. Marks Rd.

Henley-on-Thames,

Oxon

RG9 1LW

Geoff Probert

01491 577220

geoffprobertatgmaildotcom

Peter Chesworth

01209 822054

peteratwillowbridgecottagedotcodotuk

(substitute at & dot with the usual symbols in order to defeat the automated spammers)

2019 Small Reach Regatta

The idea of the SRR is to gather together small sail-and-oars boats for sailing, with the same kind of camaraderie and appreciation that the ERR has established. We will sail on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This year, we plan a one-way sail from Herrick Bay to the waters off the campground, where we’ll anchor, so secure anchoring ability is especially important. The next day will be a return to Herrick Bay. Final haulouts, trailering, and departure will take place on Sunday, July 28, vacating the campground before noon and the boatyard as soon as possible.

Click here for full details about the event and how to sign up.

Boating safety is always a priority at the SRR, and the fleet is accompanied at all times by a chase fleet, usually six fast powerboats. Participating boats are required to meet a checklist of safety equipment. Our safety demonstrations in years past have included a firing of emergency flares and a deliberate capsize and self-recovery. We take safe seamanship seriously.

E-mail is our preferred method of communication. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We hope to see you this summer on the coast of Maine!

For more information, contact

Tom Jackson <[email protected]>; or
David Wyman, <[email protected]>.

New England Junket: 2nd Annual Junk Rig Gathering

The New England Junket will happen this year on Labor Day weekend, in Gouldsboro Bay, Maine. This is a gathering of Junk Rig Association members and others who sail junk rigged boats and/or are interested in junk rig. Emphasis is on sailing together and visiting, in the context of sharing information and interest in junk rigs.

Accommodations: Protected anchorages are nearby and a small number of moorings are available. Camping is available about 3 miles away at Mainayr Campground, which boasts tidal access to Joy Bay, at the head of Gouldsboro Bay. There are two nearby boat ramps, one tidal, the other deepwater and paved. One is on Joy Bay, and the other on the west shore of Gouldsboro Bay, just south of the narrows into Joy Bay.

Gorgeous sailing is to be had in Gouldsboro Bay and outside of it to the east and west. Gouldsboro Bay is approximately 10 miles east of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park, and about halfway between Penobscot Bay and the Bay of Fundy.

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Shemaya, at [email protected]

For online information, see:
Junk Rig Sailing Facebook page (scroll down for event notice)
Junk Rig Association member events listing

Bushcraft/Canoeist TSCA Dauphin Island Rendezvous

Traditional Small Craft Association (TSCA) Rendezvous on Dauphin Island, Alabama. Specifics for the day sails and overnight camping will be decided based on participants and weather forecasts leading up to the dates. The Dauphin Island Campground near the ferry landing will be home base for the event. A boat ramp with parking is available near the campground.

This is the first rendezvous for our new chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association. RSVP via Facebook, the link is in this listing.

2017 Small Reach Regatta a Success

Posted on July 25, 2017April 21, 2020 by Anne Bryant

What a turnout and what a variety of boats this year at the Traditional Small Craft Association‘s Small Reach Regatta, held in Brooklin, Maine. The gathering is a labor of love for WoodenBoat Senior Editor Tom Jackson, who returned from a small boat raid in Sweden wanting to have a similar event here in Maine. They’ve been at it for 11 years now.

Here’s a look at the end of their lunch stop on Babson Island as the boats got underway:

The Downeast TSCA’s website explains, “The idea of the SRR is to gather together small sail-and-oars boats for sailing, with the same kind of camaraderie and appreciation that the ERR has established. The boats typically sail courses of 5 to 15 nautical miles on three successive days (Thursday through Saturday) starting from the waterfront anchorage each morning and returning each afternoon. There is no racing, but participants always show keen interest in how their boats perform against others. Many of the boats were built of wood by their owners themselves, and last year seven of them were even designed by their builders.”