Monday, December 22, 2008
Last Minute Gifts for Boaters
Suggestions for last minute gifts for boaters are:
e-books
e-lessons
Gift certificates - contact Gulf Islands Cruising School - navigation course, private instruction
Boating magazines. Suggestion - purchase a subscription, buy the current month's issue to present to the recipient. Visit Gift Ideas for Boaters
e-books
e-lessons
Gift certificates - contact Gulf Islands Cruising School - navigation course, private instruction
Boating magazines. Suggestion - purchase a subscription, buy the current month's issue to present to the recipient. Visit Gift Ideas for Boaters
Friday, November 21, 2008
Gift Ideas for Boaters
Gift Ideas for Boaters on your list may include electronics, books, magazines, floating key chain and a variety of other nautical items.
A gift basket may be presented to a Boating Family and include information on their cruising area, a deck of cards to use on board, books, magazines, board games, DVD of cruising area, and/or a gift certificate to a favorite eating place in their boating area.
Gifts for the Captain, First Mate, and Galley Cook could be added to a gift basket.
Visit Gift Ideas for Boaters for more suggestions.
A gift basket may be presented to a Boating Family and include information on their cruising area, a deck of cards to use on board, books, magazines, board games, DVD of cruising area, and/or a gift certificate to a favorite eating place in their boating area.
Gifts for the Captain, First Mate, and Galley Cook could be added to a gift basket.
Visit Gift Ideas for Boaters for more suggestions.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Sidney BC Lighted Ships Sailpast
The Sidney Lighted Ships Sailpast takes place on November 29, 2008 (weather permitting). The Sailpast commences at approximately 6:00 p.m. starting from Port Sidney Marina, at the end of Beacon Avenue.
There is also a Santa parade starting at 5:00 p.m.
We have participated in the Sailpast and watched for several years. It is exciting to see the creativity boat owners put into decorating their boats for the Lighted Ships Sailpast.
For further information contact Peninsula Celebrations Society at 250 656-4365
There is also a Santa parade starting at 5:00 p.m.
We have participated in the Sailpast and watched for several years. It is exciting to see the creativity boat owners put into decorating their boats for the Lighted Ships Sailpast.
For further information contact Peninsula Celebrations Society at 250 656-4365
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Boating - Two Burner Thanksgiving Dinner
If boating is a tradition for Thanksgiving, it is possible to prepare a Thanksgiving Dinner on two burners.
For a tasty, easy to prepare dinner complete with shopping list, visit Thanksgiving Dinner On Board A Boat.
You may want to add a dessert of your choice to the shopping list.
Enjoy.
For a tasty, easy to prepare dinner complete with shopping list, visit Thanksgiving Dinner On Board A Boat.
You may want to add a dessert of your choice to the shopping list.
Enjoy.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Pots and Pans for Boating
When looking for pots and pans for boating, you may want to browse the camping departments. Recently I was looking at the nestling pots, and realized how practical they could be on a boat with limited galley storage. There were stainless steel sets which I prefer for cooking. When outfitting the galley, the camping section may be a place to look.
More information on the galley and two burner cooking has been posted on my Squidoo Lens on Two Burner Cooking.
More information on the galley and two burner cooking has been posted on my Squidoo Lens on Two Burner Cooking.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Boating Knots
Here is a fun way to involve the young crew by teaching Boating Knots.
A few of the knots the site teaches are:
Visit Grog's Boating Knots to teach the children the use of knots and how to tie them.
A few of the knots the site teaches are:
- bowline
- sheet bend
- figure 8
- bowline on a bight
- cleat hitch
- rolling hitch
Visit Grog's Boating Knots to teach the children the use of knots and how to tie them.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Boating - Menu Planning
Planning a menu for your boating trip, then making a shopping list from your menu will ensure all supplies needed are on board.
When stowing provisions, a menu will help in storing the last to be used items first for ease at time of meal preparation.
I like to plan a menu to cook once, eat twice as much as possible. For instance, boiled potatoes may be on your menu. Cube potatoes before cooking and make extra. Cool and refrigerate. The left over potatoes can be used to make potato salad, corned beef hash, browned with onions for the next dinner, or added to an omelet for breakfast.
Article - Menu Planning For Boating - Top 5 reasons
When stowing provisions, a menu will help in storing the last to be used items first for ease at time of meal preparation.
I like to plan a menu to cook once, eat twice as much as possible. For instance, boiled potatoes may be on your menu. Cube potatoes before cooking and make extra. Cool and refrigerate. The left over potatoes can be used to make potato salad, corned beef hash, browned with onions for the next dinner, or added to an omelet for breakfast.
Article - Menu Planning For Boating - Top 5 reasons
Boating Education
Boating Education resources at www.squidoo.com/boating-education include:
Coastal Navigation
Docking Your Boat
Anchor Your Boat
Uses for a Dinghy
Types of Boats
Buy a Boat With Confidence
Take a Demo Like a Pro
First Mate 101
Visit Boating Education lens for more information.
Coastal Navigation
Docking Your Boat
Anchor Your Boat
Uses for a Dinghy
Types of Boats
Buy a Boat With Confidence
Take a Demo Like a Pro
First Mate 101
Visit Boating Education lens for more information.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Easy Meatballs and Rice
Easy Meatballs and Rice for a quick tasty meal on board your boat.
What you need:
1 lb. hamburger
1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup rice
This post has been moved to Easy Family Boating Recipes
What you need:
1 lb. hamburger
1 or 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
1 cup rice
This post has been moved to Easy Family Boating Recipes
Friday, September 19, 2008
Turkey Pita
Pita pockets are a change from sliced bread. Try the following turkey pita.
You will need:
The recipe has been moved to Turkey Pita
You will need:
The recipe has been moved to Turkey Pita
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Galley Tips
Outfitting a galley, provisioning, and recipes are part of the Galley Tips delivered directly to your inbox.
Visit Galley Tips to sign up for the free information.
For recipe resources and easy to prepare food on board visit
Easy Family Boating Recipes.
Visit Galley Tips to sign up for the free information.
For recipe resources and easy to prepare food on board visit
Easy Family Boating Recipes.
Boating - Two Burner Cooking
Boating often means using two burner cooking for preparing meals.
Although it may be a challenge, nutritious food can be prepared for you and your crew on two burners. Here are resources for getting started:
My Squidoo Lens
Squidoo Lens - Boating - Two Burner Cooking
A blog post on outfitting the galley
Outfitting the Galley
For cookbooks and recipes you may find useful for cooking on board, see the link list on the right hand side of this blog.
Although it may be a challenge, nutritious food can be prepared for you and your crew on two burners. Here are resources for getting started:
My Squidoo Lens
Squidoo Lens - Boating - Two Burner Cooking
A blog post on outfitting the galley
Outfitting the Galley
For cookbooks and recipes you may find useful for cooking on board, see the link list on the right hand side of this blog.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Recipes
Finding recipes for quick and easy meals is an interest of mine to save time and money whether at home or boating.
I have purchased e-books through Living on a Dime and have found many useful tips and recipes to use.
The e-book Menus That Make Cents is especially helpful for meal planning and preparing a shopping list.
Visit Living on a Dime for interesting e-books.
I have purchased e-books through Living on a Dime and have found many useful tips and recipes to use.
The e-book Menus That Make Cents is especially helpful for meal planning and preparing a shopping list.
Visit Living on a Dime for interesting e-books.
Easy Fruit Salad
Here is an easy fruit salad to make on the boat for a refreshing dessert.
Easy Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
1 C fruit cocktail, drained
1 C pineapple chunks, drained
1 C mandarin oranges, drained
1 C sour cream
1 C rainbow miniature marshmallows
Method:
Place all fruit into a large mixing bowl.
Gently fold in sour cream until all fruit is covered.
Sprinkle in the marshmallows and stir until just combined.
Serves 6
Add a little coconut or a few nuts to make a different taste.
Hint: At home, I use the juice from the drained fruit to make ice cubes to be used in fruit punch at a later date.
Easy Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
1 C fruit cocktail, drained
1 C pineapple chunks, drained
1 C mandarin oranges, drained
1 C sour cream
1 C rainbow miniature marshmallows
Method:
Place all fruit into a large mixing bowl.
Gently fold in sour cream until all fruit is covered.
Sprinkle in the marshmallows and stir until just combined.
Serves 6
Add a little coconut or a few nuts to make a different taste.
Hint: At home, I use the juice from the drained fruit to make ice cubes to be used in fruit punch at a later date.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Two Tasty Snacks
Once docked or anchored at the end of a day on the water, the crew may be ready for a before dinner snack.
Here are two tasty snack ideas especially popular with the children. They can be made before hand and ready to serve as a snack.
This post has been moved to Two Tasty Snacks
Here are two tasty snack ideas especially popular with the children. They can be made before hand and ready to serve as a snack.
This post has been moved to Two Tasty Snacks
Cookbook Library
I am always looking for boating recipes and recently found a site offering a library of cookbooks. There are numerous cookbooks in e-book format which can be downloaded. Many of the e-cookbooks have recipes suitable to cooking on two burners on board. A one time fee gives access to the large library.
Sample free e-cookbooks are offered.
Here is the link E-cookbook Library
Sample free e-cookbooks are offered.
Here is the link E-cookbook Library
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Ham and Cheese Wrap
Ham and Cheese Wrap is an easy lunch to prepare on board.
Ingredients:
This post has been moved to Ham and Cheese Wrap.
Ingredients:
This post has been moved to Ham and Cheese Wrap.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Boating - Recipes
Recipes wanted for feeding a boating crew was the result of recent polls I conducted.
I have created a blog Easy Family Boating Recipes where you can find recipes and articles
for the boat galley.
I have created a blog Easy Family Boating Recipes where you can find recipes and articles
for the boat galley.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Boating - Safe Refueling
Boating safety is of utmost importance when refueling.
Recently there was an explosion fire on board a vessel while refueling.
Read the whole story on our Boating Forum
Recently there was an explosion fire on board a vessel while refueling.
Read the whole story on our Boating Forum
Boating Family Fun
Having fun boating with your family can be as easy as having a dinghy, kayak, or other small boat for use on water near you.
Building your own boat can be a rewarding family project. Bruce tells of he and his Dad covering an old wood frame kayak with new canvas. He remembers hours of enjoyment paddling the completed boat on a lake.
I found step by step plans for building a 16' Grand Banks Dory. Check out Dory Plans
Building your own boat can be a rewarding family project. Bruce tells of he and his Dad covering an old wood frame kayak with new canvas. He remembers hours of enjoyment paddling the completed boat on a lake.
I found step by step plans for building a 16' Grand Banks Dory. Check out Dory Plans
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Types of Boats
There are many types of boats available for the new or experienced boater.
Deciding what activities your family wishes to engage in is a starting place for buying a boat to suit your needs.
* Where will you be using your boat - rivers, lakes, ocean?
* How many people will be using the boat at one time?
* Do you want a portable boat or will it be kept at a dock?
A resource for answering a number of your questions is
Deciding what activities your family wishes to engage in is a starting place for buying a boat to suit your needs.
* Where will you be using your boat - rivers, lakes, ocean?
* How many people will be using the boat at one time?
* Do you want a portable boat or will it be kept at a dock?
A resource for answering a number of your questions is
Labels:
boat activities,
boat types,
family boating,
new boater
Monday, June 2, 2008
B.C.'s Family Fishing - Father's Day Idea
An idea for spending family time together on Father's Day for Canadians is to take part in B.C.'s Family Fishing Weekend.
The event is now a family tradition for us and a great way to introduce your children or grandchildren to fishing.
To locate an event visit http://www.bcfamilyfishing.com/
The event is now a family tradition for us and a great way to introduce your children or grandchildren to fishing.
To locate an event visit http://www.bcfamilyfishing.com/
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Boat Without a Galley - Feeding the Crew
Preparing food for a crew, even in a small boat without a galley, is possible.
A picnic is an idea for boating when there is no galley onboard. Foods such as sandwiches, cut up veggies, fruit, cookies or bars can be stored in a cooler along with water.
I find it's always good to have something hot to eat or drink. One or two good thermos bottles filled with boiled water before leaving home opens up many possibilities. There are convenience foods from cereals to soups and noodles only requiring hot water.
A thermos of coffee is ideal for coffee drinkers. Bringing a thermos of hot water to make tea, hot iced tea, or hot chocolate are ideas for the small boat. Even if your boat has a galley, filling thermos bottles before leaving port allows hot drinks to be prepared underway without lighting the stove.
Visit Easy Family Boating Recipes for articles and recipes for boaters.
A picnic is an idea for boating when there is no galley onboard. Foods such as sandwiches, cut up veggies, fruit, cookies or bars can be stored in a cooler along with water.
I find it's always good to have something hot to eat or drink. One or two good thermos bottles filled with boiled water before leaving home opens up many possibilities. There are convenience foods from cereals to soups and noodles only requiring hot water.
A thermos of coffee is ideal for coffee drinkers. Bringing a thermos of hot water to make tea, hot iced tea, or hot chocolate are ideas for the small boat. Even if your boat has a galley, filling thermos bottles before leaving port allows hot drinks to be prepared underway without lighting the stove.
Visit Easy Family Boating Recipes for articles and recipes for boaters.
Labels:
boat,
easy family boating recipes,
feed the crew,
galley,
small boat
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Father's Day Gift Basket Ideas for Boaters
Father's Day gift basket ideas for boaters
Start by choosing a container for your gifts. Tool boxes, folding crates, or coolers can all be used to hold gifts.
Electronics, hat, t-shirt, photos are a few ideas for the boater.
For a variety of suggestions, visit gift basket ideas for boaters
Start by choosing a container for your gifts. Tool boxes, folding crates, or coolers can all be used to hold gifts.
Electronics, hat, t-shirt, photos are a few ideas for the boater.
For a variety of suggestions, visit gift basket ideas for boaters
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Family Boating Fun - Using a Dinghy
Family boating is fun especially with a dinghy.
A dinghy which may be sailed, rowed, or equipped with a motor can add to your fun time on the water. Dinghies can be rigid or inflatable and are usually easily transported. A dinghy is an inexpensive way to introduce your family to boating and can bring hours of pleasure.
There are many ways for your family to enjoy using a dinghy. Ideas are outlined in an e-lesson,
There are safety rules applying to all watercraft which can be found in the Boating Safety Guide.
Information on Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) for all operators of motorized vessels.
A dinghy which may be sailed, rowed, or equipped with a motor can add to your fun time on the water. Dinghies can be rigid or inflatable and are usually easily transported. A dinghy is an inexpensive way to introduce your family to boating and can bring hours of pleasure.
There are many ways for your family to enjoy using a dinghy. Ideas are outlined in an e-lesson,
There are safety rules applying to all watercraft which can be found in the Boating Safety Guide.
Information on Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) for all operators of motorized vessels.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Boating Cartoons
Just for fun, we have added Boating Cartoons to our website, Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.
Topics include sailing, power boating, and fishing.
Enjoy.
Topics include sailing, power boating, and fishing.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Boating Forum - Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.
A new Boating Forum has been added to Gulf Islands Cruising School Ltd.'s website.
There are topics including power boating, sailing, navigation, destinations, and galley.
It is a meeting place for boaters to share information and ask questions.
Looking forward to meeting you on the Boating Forum.
There are topics including power boating, sailing, navigation, destinations, and galley.
It is a meeting place for boaters to share information and ask questions.
Looking forward to meeting you on the Boating Forum.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Prepare the Galley
With the boating season approaching, it's time to prepare the galley.
Spring cleaning is a time to wash all pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and lockers. An inventory of items already on board shows what needs to be repaired or replaced. The galley can be stocked with supplies used throughout the season such as canned goods, dry goods, spices, dish soap, and garbage bags.
I found it helpful when preparing a boat to line lockers with vinyl carpet runner cut to size. They can be removed for easy cleaning, and keep the lockers from marring.
Non skid runners are useful for lockers where dishes, condiments, and spices are stowed. Using non skid runners as placemats keeps plates from sliding on the table during mealtimes.
Spring cleaning is a time to wash all pots, pans, dishes, cutlery and lockers. An inventory of items already on board shows what needs to be repaired or replaced. The galley can be stocked with supplies used throughout the season such as canned goods, dry goods, spices, dish soap, and garbage bags.
I found it helpful when preparing a boat to line lockers with vinyl carpet runner cut to size. They can be removed for easy cleaning, and keep the lockers from marring.
Non skid runners are useful for lockers where dishes, condiments, and spices are stowed. Using non skid runners as placemats keeps plates from sliding on the table during mealtimes.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
How to Enjoy Summer Boating
When summer hits, there’s no better time to enjoy boating on a nice, cool body of water with your family. It’s also the time when hundreds of other boaters have the same idea. Summer boating is great fun, however, there are some things you’ll need to take into consideration before you get your boat on the water.
First, remember that there will be many other boaters on the water at the same time as you. Brush up on the Collision Regulations and pay special attention to those boaters around you. The Regulations are introduced in the Basic Standard and expanded in the Intermediate Standard. Visit our Web pages for sailors and power boaters.
Pay special attention to your boat in the hot summer months. It’s hot outside and the engine is hot as well. Check the boat’s fluids before departure so you don’t run the risk of the engine overheating leaving you stranded.
Make sure that you stay well hydrated. In the hot weather, you lose fluid quickly. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and will deplete the fluids from your body much more quickly than normal.
The weather can change in an instant, so be sure to pay close attention to the weather forecast. By listening to Channel 16 on the VHF radio, you will be notified of any major weather changes. A good practice is to check the forecast around noon. You certainly won’t want to be stuck miles off shore when that freak summer storm hits. Don’t play games with the weather – especially in the summer. Your safety depends on it! To legally transmit on the VHF Radio, you are required to have a Radio Operator Certificate.
Even though it’s hot, you still need to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). This is especially true with children. Almost all drownings occur when a person goes overboard and is not wearing a PFD. A little discomfort from the heat is well worth paying the price when you consider you could be compromising your life.
Summer is definitely the best time of the year to go boating. As long as you keep your safety rules in mind, fun is just around the corner. Summer boating is also a great time to get your family together and enjoy a day on the water. What a way to beat the heat!
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you're going and how long you're going to be gone. A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard. It’s also a good idea to check in whenever you arrive at a port. Upon return home, be sure to close your float plan.
First, remember that there will be many other boaters on the water at the same time as you. Brush up on the Collision Regulations and pay special attention to those boaters around you. The Regulations are introduced in the Basic Standard and expanded in the Intermediate Standard. Visit our Web pages for sailors and power boaters.
Pay special attention to your boat in the hot summer months. It’s hot outside and the engine is hot as well. Check the boat’s fluids before departure so you don’t run the risk of the engine overheating leaving you stranded.
Make sure that you stay well hydrated. In the hot weather, you lose fluid quickly. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect and will deplete the fluids from your body much more quickly than normal.
The weather can change in an instant, so be sure to pay close attention to the weather forecast. By listening to Channel 16 on the VHF radio, you will be notified of any major weather changes. A good practice is to check the forecast around noon. You certainly won’t want to be stuck miles off shore when that freak summer storm hits. Don’t play games with the weather – especially in the summer. Your safety depends on it! To legally transmit on the VHF Radio, you are required to have a Radio Operator Certificate.
Even though it’s hot, you still need to wear a personal flotation device (PFD). This is especially true with children. Almost all drownings occur when a person goes overboard and is not wearing a PFD. A little discomfort from the heat is well worth paying the price when you consider you could be compromising your life.
Summer is definitely the best time of the year to go boating. As long as you keep your safety rules in mind, fun is just around the corner. Summer boating is also a great time to get your family together and enjoy a day on the water. What a way to beat the heat!
Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you're going and how long you're going to be gone. A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard. It’s also a good idea to check in whenever you arrive at a port. Upon return home, be sure to close your float plan.
Labels:
collision regulations,
float plan,
PFD,
powerboaters,
sailors,
summer boating,
vhf
Friday, February 22, 2008
Boating Sidney BC
Boating from Sidney BC is a starting point to cruising the Canadian Gulf Islands.
Spring is well underway in our area!
Labels:
BC,
boating,
Canadian Gulf Islands,
Sidney,
spring flowers
Friday, February 1, 2008
Boat Shows Canada
February 9-24, 2008 - Regina Indoor RV & Boat Show
IPSCO Place
February 21-24, 2008 - Ottawa Boat & Sportsmen's Show
Lansdowne Park
February 21-24, 2008 - Montreal Boat & Sportsmen's Show
Place Bonaventure
February 22 - 24, 2008 - Victoria Boat, Fishing, Outdoor Show & Sale
Tillicum Mall
March 13 - 16, 2008 - Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen Show
Agricom
March 12 - 16, 2008 - Toronto Sportmen's Show
Exhibition Place
April 24 - 27, 2008 - Victoria Harbour Floating Boat Show
Victoria's Inner Harbour
June 26 – 29, 2008 The Victoria Tall Ships festival will coincide with the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Crown Colony of British Columbia; a fitting addition to a year that will be rich in history and special events.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Idea for Boaters - Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is coming soon and perhaps you're planning a romantic getaway with your special someone. One place in the Canadian Gulf Islands to check out is Poets Cove
Spending time on your own boat creating a romantic evening is another idea for Valentine's Day.
Gifts for boaters could be packaged in a variety of useful containers and personalized for the recipient.
Spending time on your own boat creating a romantic evening is another idea for Valentine's Day.
For more ideas on creating a gift basket visit Gift Ideas For Boaters
Spending time on your own boat creating a romantic evening is another idea for Valentine's Day.
Gifts for boaters could be packaged in a variety of useful containers and personalized for the recipient.
Spending time on your own boat creating a romantic evening is another idea for Valentine's Day.
For more ideas on creating a gift basket visit Gift Ideas For Boaters
Labels:
boaters,
gift ideas for boaters,
Gulf Islands,
Valentine's Day
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