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DINGHIES OF DEEP COVE: Wide open water best part of fall boating

Whether it’s a houseboat, trawler or yacht, we get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home. For October, we feature Bruce and Janet Blair’s 1986, 10-metre Mirage monohull sailboat called Quilchena, moored at the Deep Cove Yacht Club .
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Whether it’s a houseboat, trawler or yacht, we get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home. For October, we feature Bruce and Janet Blair’s 1986, 10-metre Mirage monohull sailboat called Quilchena, moored at the Deep Cove Yacht Club.

Deep Cove Crier: Any cool backstory on how you acquired Quilchena?

Janet Blair: After driving down past Seattle, visiting more than 20-plus marinas along the way, we ended up finding it right in our backyard in Coal Harbour.

DCC: What special features does it have?
JB: Nice cozy fireplace and comfortable salon area.

DCC: What’s your favourite area to explore?
JB: Gulf Islands and Pender Harbour

DCC:  Any interesting stories about adventuring with the sailboat?
JB: While cruising through the Gulf Islands, seeing a pod of killer whales.

DCC: What’s your dream day on the boat?
JB: Sun in the sky, calm seas, light winds and listening to great tunes.

DCC: How often do you go out in it and do friends and family often join?
JB: Most weekends from April to October and three to four weeks of vacation in between.  Our niece and nephews join us whenever their work schedule allows.

DCC: When and why did you start boating?
JB: Bruce has been boating since he was five in 1967, as his family had a cabin at Brighton Beach. He introduced me to it when we started dating in 1985, and I have been hooked since. Both of us love the tranquility of being on the water.

DCC: What kind of wildlife have you spotted up Indian Arm from the sailboat?
JB: Sea lions, seals, otters, eagles, bears and two cougars over the years.

DCC: What’s the best part about boating during the fall in Deep Cove?
JB: Cool crisp air, clear water and not as many boats.

DCC: What do you enjoy the most about being a member of the Deep Cove Yacht Club?
JB:  Bruce has been a member since he was a child. We love our outstation at Iron Bay and of course the connection with fellow members. The community involvement such as our Learn to Sail program, the craft fair in November and our newly added community membership, which allows people to join and enjoy the use of the clubhouse for a quiet drink and/or meal. I have served on the executive committee for more than 25 years and enjoy the volunteer involvement with the membership and community.

DCC: How long have you called the Cove home?
JB: Bruce has been in the Cove area since 1964 and I have since the 1970s. ■