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Charity Boat Auction CBMM

CBMM will host its annual Charity Boat Auction on Saturday, Aug. 31, inviting guests to its waterfront campus to bid on donated vessels of all shapes and sizes in support of its mission.

Dozens of boats and watercraft, ranging in size and performance, will be auctioned off to the highest bidders. New this year, there will be reserves on several top-quality vessels, while the rest will be offered with no minimum.

The doors open at 8am, providing an opportunity to browse the inventory before the auction begins at 11am. The official rules and absentee bidding protocols are available here. Check back here for the full inventory list closer to the auction date.

A Labor Day weekend staple for more than two decades, the Charity Boat Auction is the flagship event of CBMM’s Charity Boat Donation Program, which accepts and sells gently used boats year-round. Every sale directly supports CBMM’s mission to explore and preserve the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region and make this resource available to all.

This year’s featured vessels include a Century 27 with like-new twin Yamaha engines, a Carolina Skiff 19 well-equipped for Bay adventures, a turnkey O’Day 31 sailboat, a Jarvis Newman 46 with liveaboard potential, and a 2014 Sea-Doo personal watercraft with less than 40 hours of runtime.

Beginning at 8:30am, guests can also shop a flea market-style tag sale that features a variety of used boating gear, including ground tackle, electrical equipment, hardware, rope, chain, oars, life jackets, motors, and more. Adding to the festive atmosphere, there will be a variety of local food trucks on hand and beer available for purchase.

Prospective buyers have several different ways to check out the inventory, starting with a preview exclusively for CBMM members on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5–7pm.

The auction boats will be listed online and available for public view at CBMM on Friday, Aug. 30, from 10am–6pm. Regular admission rates will apply until 3pm that day, and gates will open for free from 3–6pm.

All registration for in-person bidding is handled on the day of the event. Registered bidders pay a $5 paddle fee and receive free admission.

CBMM members receive free admission into the Charity Boat Auction. Otherwise, general admission rates apply.

For safety reasons, non-service dogs are prohibited during CBMM festivals and special events, including the Charity Boat Auction.

Dinghy Delta Ditch Run

A small boat regatta beginning at Rio Vista, follows the Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel, and finishes at Lake Washington,West Sacramento, California. This is the only long distance, downwind small boat and dinghy race in the whole USA! lwsailing.org

The Lake Washington Sailing Club welcomes you to the 15th annual Dinghy Delta Ditch Race and Cruisers’ Rally from Rio Vista to Sacramento down the deep water shipping channel. This downwind drag race on a flood current pushes boats up-river to the LWSC clubhouse.

The course is approximately thirty miles long and will take an average dinghy about six hours to complete in light to normal conditions. After-race dinner, music, and awards will follow at the clubhouse.

The race is open to any centerboard sailboat or pre-approved keelboat. A limited number of large cruising boats are invited to anchor in the lake and a water taxi to shore is provided.

Our facilities include a clubhouse with large deck, restrooms, a launch ramp for up to 21-ft / 3500-lb boats, a two-acre boat storage yard, and a 2000-lb capacity hoist.

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.

Barefoot Raid BC

The raid will feature:

  • 7 days of racing
  • 15 legs
  • 100 nautical mile course
  • A mothership providing 3 meals a day and other support
  • Sponsors supplying some great prizes for the racers!

Eligibility requires:

  • A boat no smaller than 12 feet and no larger than what can legally be transported on a highway.
  • Complete application with deposit (1/2 total entry fee) must be received no later than April 30, with full amount due by May 20th.
  • Being a member of the TSCA (there’s a B.C. Chapter!) — https://tsca.net/join/
  • If under 18, signed permission from your parents.
  • Carrying the safety gear required under Canadian maritime law.

Courses and classes:

As the whole fleet can only move as fast as the slowest boats, an effort has been made to keep course lengths to that which can be done by the slowest of our group. While many small boat sailors prefer to just meander about, taking in the sights, others prefer to fly at blinding speed. In an effort to appeal to as many of the small boat types as is practical, this event will have classes. Also, in an effort to balance the spectrum of small boat types, some legs will be sailing only, while others will be rowing/paddling/pedaling (human-powered) only, and most will be whatever combination you prefer.

Racing class:

This will be a hard fought, bitterly contested, no holds barred, battle for supremacy. To maintain this level of focus, racers will want light, empty boats, and minimal equipment. That is why our motherships will be here: to relieve us of that burden of gear (and feed us). The ultimate glory of this adventure will belong to those of the racing class.

Cruising class:

This will be the best time out sailing and camping with your friends. Ever. Be totally self-sufficient, or join the racers for meals on the mother ship. Fill your boat with all the favourite, non-perishable food items that you usually bring on every week-long sailing trip; or pay for meals but not for prizes. Either way, you’ll get to laugh at the antics of the racers — battling for every fraction of a knot of boat speed. Enjoy the spectacle, while basking in the glow of your own, self-reliant, non-competitive accomplishments.

The long course:

This course will be for an elite few, who find the modest course distances outlined to be an insufficient challenge, and wish to demonstrate their superior speed by sailing circles around the fleet. Literally. Upon reaching a pre-determined waypoint, long course challengers will then double back and round the race boat at the back of the fleet, before continuing on to the finish. This will promote safety, by keeping the fastest boats in touch with the slowest, and will add entertainment value for those in the back of the fleet, giving them a chance to see what fast boats look like under sail. Those who achieve victory in the long course will receive their own even-faster-than-the-regular-racers trophy.

Getting there and away:

Barefoot Raids typically start and finish at a boat ramp parking nearby for trucks and trailers. Often there are camping options in the vicinity. Some participants anchor out prior to the start day or cruise to the start line sans trailer.

Costs:

All amounts are in Canadian dollars. Cost for full race participants will be $1100 (Canadian) per boat and skipper, and $600 for each additional crew.

Payment can be made by cheque, money order, eTransfer, or crypto. Contact Commodore Quill [email protected] for e-transfer. Cheques and money orders can be made to Barefoot Wooden Boats, and sent to 2925 North Rd., Gabriola Island B.C. V0R 1X7. Equivalent in gold bullion or silver accepted as well.

What you will need:

Besides your winning attitude, there are a few things you will need to bring with you on the Raid. Some, are required under Canadian Maritime law. Others are just things you should never go to sea without, and are required under Raid law.

The following is a list of things you MUST bring:

  • Life jacket for each person on your boat
  • 50’ buoyant heaving line
  • Noise making device
  • Flares
  • Compass
  • VHF radio
  • Paper Charts of all the area travelled on the Raid.
  • Anchor sufficient to hold your boat in strong winds, 20’ chain, and 200’ anchor rode. (minimum)
  • Three,  20’ lines for mooring boat.
  • GPS device (e.g. handheld GPS, Navionics on a smart phone, in a waterproof case…)
  • Spare batteries and charge cords for devices
  • Knife
  • Headlamp
  • Fire (lighter, matches…)
  • Personal cutlery kit (plate, bowl, cup, knife, spoon, fork…)
  • Sleeping gear
  • Shelter (tent, tarp…)
  • Waterproof bag with a dry change of warm clothes
  • Spare oar or paddle
  • 4 good fenders.
  • Basic first aid kit

These are some things you might want:

  • 300’ or more, of line, with pulleys sufficient to rig a clothesline mooring system
  • Sleeping pad
  • Beach chair
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip chap
  • Basic spares kit
  • Dry bags for everything
  • Blankey…