July 19, 2024 Comox, BC Home Base Provision and Preparation Day

July 19, 2024, Comox Home Base

Where Are We?
Vancouver Island, with approximately 870,000 residents, is the largest island on the west coast of North America by population. We are in Comox, BC, a charming town with a population of around 15,000. Nestled at the coordinates 49°40′24″N 124°54′8″W, Comox is renowned for its quality of life, outdoor activities, and marine experiences, making it a popular tourism destination. Situated in the Comox Valley, this region stretches from the mountains to the sea and includes the communities of Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland. All the activities here are inviting, but we remain focused on sailing as this region offers a unique sailing destination.

Our Adventure Begins

Planning a sailing trip is just the beginning. In my article Desolation Sound, British Columbia, Canada Adventures, I described how our journey began in September 2023. Cohabitating on a 42-foot boat for ten days means inviting special people to join us. We invited our friends, Rene and Simon, who are highly skilled sailors and adventure seekers like Urs and myself. Their enthusiastic “HECK YES!” response was music to our ears, promising an exciting journey ahead.

Our flight from Houston was a day-long trip, bringing us to Comox after business hours. We spent our first night at the Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community, a divine property near the airport and marina. The rooms were spacious, clean, fresh, and a welcome sight as we needed to crash after a long day of travel.

The next morning, we were enchanted by the views from our cabin. The golf course fairways provided a scenic backdrop as we took the path to the clubhouse, adorned with a woodsy vibe. We enjoyed a delicious breakfast on the deck overlooking the 18th hole with Rene and Simon. The fresh air and light breeze made sitting on the deck relaxing. The delightful temperature in the low 70°F was a welcome change from the stark contrast to Houston, TX, summer heat. While we could have spent ten days at this property, we focused on sailing.

Preparation Day

Day 1 was all hands on deck for boat preparation. We rented a car to efficiently and flexibly execute our plan. The day was a whirlwind of activity: Urs and Simon, our captain and first mate, attended the mandatory boat orientation while Rene and I shopped for provisions. Local fishermen usually sell the day’s catch in the commercial marina, and we scored some delicious Dungeness crabs.

We also visited the local sporting and fishing store, Gone Fishing, to obtain our fishing license and a few shiny lures. I chose to get the license in person, allowing us to chat with the people at the store and gain tips, tricks, and local knowledge. We purchased a 10-day license to harvest oysters, crabs, clams, shrimp, and fish—online fishing license information.

Craft Beer and Final Preparations Vancouver Island is home to over 40 craft breweries, and Urs and Simon indulged in their craft beer shopping fantasy at the local liquor store.

The colorful beer cans featured spectacular artwork; some were even scary, and others were colorful, making them collectible items.

Some of their favorite selections were Hoyne Pilsner and Hoyne, Bier Garden Hefeweizen, and the Best Can award went to Curious Creatures

Gallery Wall Czech Pale Larger.

With luggage, food, libations, water (15 gallons), fishing gear, a crab trap, and ice on board and secured AH, it is time to relax after a busy day. Just a short walk from the marina, we found the Blackfin Pub, which offers outdoor seating overlooking the marina, nice food, and cold beers.

While our preparations may seem exhausting, we must organize a 10-day sailing trip. Good planning is essential because we would not have the usual convenience store at every stop, and our float plan requires us to anchor five of the ten nights.

Ready to Set Sail

Looking across the Straight of George at Texasa Island, BC[/caption]As we returned to the boat, we caught the sunset, witnessed nearly a full moon rising, and marveled at the dramatic tide changes.

The marina was teeming with wildlife, from majestic Bald Eagles to playful baby sea otters and seals, all framed by the stunning backdrop of the Straight of George and Texada Island.

Our flotilla consists of four boats. Gloman Magic and Star Fall from Comox, Julianna, and Lionheart joined us from the Nanaimo marina. After checking in with the skippers of all four boats, we coordinated the departure schedule with the tide charts and checked the weather one last time. The excitement was electric as we prepared to set sail the following day, venturing into what felt like uncharted waters but promised breathtaking vistas.
Confident that we are all on the same course, we are ready for the Desolation Sound journey to begin.

Great First Day …. LIGHTS OUT!
Next stop: Gorge Harbour.