The Bluewater Cruising Association recently announced their lineup of classes for 2019 and 2020. Based in British Columbia, the courses — which range from outboard engine repair to the psychology of cruising — will be held in a variety of locations in Victoria and Sydney. They are open to members and non-members alike, and all take place on the weekends. 
Electrical Skills for Cruisers
Saturday, October 26, 2019, 0930h – 1430h
Bjarne Hansen, Instructor
Interested in electricity and electronics in the boating environment? Learn about safety, skills, and theory to help troubleshoot and fix common electrical problems with hands-on exercises to reinforce learning and improve your skills. Bjarne Hansen is a very knowledgeable, approachable, and easy-to-understand instructor.
Location: Sidney Library, Nel Horth Room, 10091 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, BC
Cost:
BCA Members $70
Non-Members $110
For more information or to register
Diesel Maintenance and Servicing
Saturday and Sunday, November 30th and December 1st, 2019
Ben Gartside, Instructor
Learn to treat your engine well. Ben Gartside of Gartside Marine is offering a two-day workshop on diesel engine maintenance and servicing. Topics include regular maintenance requirements, cooling system, exhaust and ventilation, fuel system, electrical system, transmission and stern gear.
Location:
Mornings will be spent in lecture at: Sidney Library, 10091 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, BC, Nel Horth Room
Afternoons will be spent in practicum at: Gartside Marine Engines, 2202 Harbour Road, Sidney, BC
Cost:
BCA Members $170
Non-Members $200
For more information or to register
Abandon Ship! Stay Alive in Your Life Raft
Saturday January 18, 2020
Jim Steele, Instructor
All is lost! Your boat is sinking and the unthinkable is happening. You must abandon ship. Now what do you do? Join instructor Captain Jim Steele, CD, for classroom and pool-time to find out.
Location: Crystal Pool, 2275 Quadra St. Victoria BC
Cost:
BCA Members $100
Non-Members $130
For more information or to register
Psychology of Voyaging
Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26, 2019
Rick Ellis, Instructor
The pursuit of offshore voyaging is the pursuit of a dream for most of us. This seminar will explore the many motives, desires, and challenges inherent in the voyaging dream.
Location: Sidney Library, 10091 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, BC, Nel Horth Room
Cost:
BCA Members $80
Non-Members $110
For more information or to register
Rigging Inspection and Maintenance
Saturday February 22, 2020
Brent Jacobi, Instructor
Ever look up and wonder at all that gear? Gain a better understanding of how to inspect and maintain your boat’s standing and running rigging.
Location: Blackline Marine, 22-2300 Canoe Cove Road, Sidney BC
Cost:
BCA Members $30
Non-Members $50
For more information or to register
Fiberglass and Epoxy Repairs and Maintenance
Saturday February 29, 2020
Matt Schinbein, Instructor
Spend a day with a fiberglass and composites expert, Matt Schinbein from Blackline Marine, learning about resins and fabrics, damage assessment and repair, and general maintenance.
Location: Blackline Marine, 22-2300 Canoe Cove Road, Sidney BC
Cost:
BCA Members $30
Non-Members $50
For more information or to register
Outboard Maintenance
Saturday February 29, 2020
Matt Schinbein, Instructor
Get a chance to work on your own outboard engine under the tutelage and supervision of a professional small engine mechanic. The first 5 people to register can bring their own outboard, the rest watch and learn.
Location: Vector Yacht Services, 2244 Harbour Road, Sidney, BC
Cost:
BCA Members $30
Non-Members $50
For more information or to register
Docking Skills
Saturday March 21, 2020, and
Sunday April 5, 2020
Rick Ellis, Instructor
Improve your docking skills whether you are single-handing or have help, on a sailboat or a powerboat. Learn the theory and interaction of propellers, keels, and rudders and how to manage docking in wind and current. In this three-part course, you’ll get classroom time, practice-on-your-own time, and a follow-up class.
Location: Sidney Library, 10091 Resthaven Dr, Sidney, BC, Nel Horth room
Cost:
BCA Members $80
Non-Members $110
For more information or to register
Additional Classes:
In addition to the above courses, we have a few courses whose dates and/or locations have not been finalized yet. Keep a sharp eye out for the upcoming courses still to be posted:
Sail Repair with Carol Hasse – March 14, 2020
Hands on Sewing of Sails with Jacqueline Randon – March 15, 2020
Docking for Women with Agathe Gaulin – March 28 and 29, 2020
Basic and Advanced Marine Radar with Kevin Monohan- April 25 and 26, 2020
