Let the festivities in the Gulf Islands begin!

We recently set sail on our Annual Poets Cove and Ganges Cruise, and it was an absolute blast! The atmosphere on the docks this year was a perfect blend of liveliness and relaxation. This spring factory cruise brings together a vibrant community of boating enthusiasts.

Nestled in the breathtaking Canadian Gulf Islands, the Poets Cove and Ganges Marina event offers double the fun as we have two destinations to choose from for participants. Located on Salt Spring Island and South Pender Island, British Columbia, these picturesque marinas provide the perfect backdrop for our epic gathering. Clear blue waters, sunny skies, and warm weather—a boater's paradise! Rocky terrains and lush forests create a stunning landscape, with charming Madrone trees dotting the coastlines.

  The purpose behind this event is simple —it's all about having an absolute blast! More than just a factory event, this cruise aims to build a tight-knit community, offering our customers an incredible reason to hit the water. It's a chance to learn about the border crossing, make new friends, reconnect with old pals, and create lasting memories together. This year, approximately 65 boats joined us, with 35 mooring at Ganges and another 30 at Poets Cove.

Each event features a combination of excitement and calm. Once everyone was settled on the docks, we started off with appetizers and happy hour games which were a huge hit! Our group unleashed their culinary prowess, preparing mouthwatering delights. The grand prize at Poets Cove went to a delicious combination of small smokies wrapped in bacon and sprinkled with brown sugar. Simple, yet oh-so-delicious! Steve Zedekar offered to be one of our event ambassadors this year and was a tremendous help both coordinating and, on the ground. You’ll spot him in a photo, carrying a stack of cups that would’ve taken ten ordinary men to lift! To help burn off our dockside indulgences, we organized a 5k(ish) run and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible sponsors and partners who made this event possible. We greatly appreciate the support of Port Boat House (Dave “Legend of the Links” Turner, and Grill-Master Garret, who’s help was invaluable on the docks at Ganges), Bellingham Yacht Sales (Chef Matt kept us well fed with grilled sealife and gave us a ride across the border), and Dolphin Insurance. Their contributions have played a vital role in fostering a strong boating community.

 What's a gathering without some friendly competition? We set the stage for cornhole tournaments and even had a golf tournament called Chip and Sip. The floating green just off the dock, put all of our chipping skills to the test! The crowning moment at Ganges was when a customer, on their final stroke of the final round, made an incredible shot, sinking the ball into the hole. The crowd erupted in cheers!

As we fondly reminisce about this extraordinary event, we can't help but look forward to next year's voyage. The Poets Cove and Ganges Marina event holds a special place in our hearts, signaling the arrival of the warm weather cruising season in the PNW. We eagerly await the good times, laughter, delectable cuisine, and, of course, (hopefully!) fantastic weather that awaits us in the Gulf Islands.

If we had to sum up this event with three words, they would be: Fun, friends, and food! Fair winds and smooth sailing, my friends!

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