09/06 - 09/08 - Vancouver Island Gathering 2013

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bridma

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I have received PMs from some great folks who attended the Comox gathering last year. How much they enjoyed themselves and how disappointed they are that there is not another one this year. Andrea and I enjoyed hosting it too, but do not want to commit as hosts for 2013.

So I throw out the request, will someone else host a gathering on Vancouver Island east coast for 2013? There must be someone from Sooke to Campbell River, and all destinations in between, who can host a gathering (the memories will last a lifetime). Also Sunshine Coast Brats are invited to host.

Let's show our southern neighbours what we can do eh!

Martin.

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Martin,

Great idea. I would have loved to make your CBGT but work rarely allows long enough to make that trip distance. I would sure like to see one farther down south. Sidney or Brentwood Bay area. There are some of us that are pretty limited to maybe a 3 day weekend at most, and would still love to be able to join.

Even though i didn't get up there last year, thanks for your efforts. I did hear good things, so you did well.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon

3_Bellingham_Line_of_C_D_s_2009_917.highlight.jpg
 
Good point Harvey. If a Brat can host a gathering on the bottom half of Vancouver Island, more of our southern neighbours will be able to attend.

Martin.
 
Thanks Martin. On my trip north as soon as I retire (in another 10 - 20 :roll: years) I will be the first one to sign up for the Comox CBGT :wink: if/when. I'll give you plenty of warning. :oops:


Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
Let me think on this one... I hope to go to the Friday Harbor one in May, so may get some tips ideas for organizing our own. I am trying to think of a suitable location...
 
Go for it, Mike! A C-Brat gathering somewhere around Victoria sounds wonderful!

Martin - I just found my City of Comox pin! Fond memories of a GREAT gathering!
 
Thanks Pat, it sure was a lot of fun. Unfortunately Friday Harbour has come just a bit too early for us this year. Here's hoping Mike can pull something together (no pressure Mike :wink: ). I'm sure looking forward to meeting up with all you guys again.

Martin.
 
Are there any guidelines to organising a c-brat get together? I have never been to one yet, but would be happy to try to organize one this summer in the South Island area...
 
Hi Mike,

I'll chip in with the first answer to your question, although there are many more experienced Brats on this forum than I. We'll probably hear from them after supper tonight :)

First thing is to find a date that does not clash with any other C-Brat events in the PNW. I threw out a couple of dates I had in mind to the group. I soon got replies why some dates would work and others not. The Brats like to arrive Fri and depart Sun morning. They want to tie up at the marina not anchor out. Talk to the wharfinger and get him/her onside, keep all the Brats together if possible. The Brats do like to eat/drink and socialise. Be nice if there are things of interest close by within walking distance. Maybe a potluck supper Fri or Sat evening, inside or outside weather permitting. Extras, like entertainment, quizzes, games are up to you. They are a really laid back group, so don't organise too much, it's like herding cats.

Hope this gets the ball rolling. I'm sure you will get more help soon.

Martin.
 
Hi Mike,
There are no specific rules, (that I know of), about hosting a cbrat get-together (CBGT). Patti and I have hosted the Friday Harbor gathering for five years and have found it fun, rewarding. and surprisingly little work. Brats generally arrive from Friday noonish on, stay Friday and Saturday nights and depart sometime Sunday morning. Just what goes on in between varies from gathering to gathering. At Friday Harbor we have arranged a regular Friday evening dinner with a local restaurant, they give us a special menu because we have 50-60 people and it makes it easier for them to plan. Not everybody comes and no one worries. I try to give the restaurant a forecast, again, to help them plan. On Saturday people go their own ways, some fish/crab/shrimp, other see the sights in town or hang around the docks to chat, steal boat ideas, and enjoy each other's company. Saturday afternoon we have a true potluck dinner, people bring whatever they choose. Sometimes we have brat entertainment, sometimes not, sometimes we have a giveaway, sometimes not. The main needs are a place to put the food, (we rent some tables with costs defrayed by donations from earlier gatherings), room enough to sit, and sometimes a covered area. Sunday morning groups go to breakfast or sit around the dock and continue to chat (gossip) and everybody is usually gone by around noon. Beforehand I contact the marina, arrange space for an approximate number of expected boats, at Friday Harbor we are early in the season and have up to 40 boats so they are very glad to see us and give is a good price break. I contact the restaurant set a time and menu and at FH contact the local West Marine who kindly hosts us for coffee/donuts and gives a price break. We rent the tables, maybe print up a few handouts about local attractions and get ready to greet people. About the only moorage issues we have are trying to keep the brats together in one area, occasionally shooing other boats away, and handling lines for incoming boats. As far a choosing a location, we usually have some kind of a town fairly nearby but it is not a rule. The town provides restaurants, some shopping, maybe a little entertainment or resupplying. The real main attraction is the other brats and their boats. There have been successful gatherings with fewer than 10 boats. There have been rainy, windy and icy gatherings. Brats are just glad to see each other. Should you decide you are interested, Patti and I will be glad to offer any help we can.
 
Thanks. I am planning to come to Friday Harbour, so will be able to take good notes! I need to find a suitable marina in the South Vancouver Island area. Do you think September is too late? Marinas would be emptier...
I will start making enquiries at some local marinas.
 
Sept is usually a good month weather wise, especially the first half. Last year even Oct was good, but that would be pushing our luck.
Sydney is a great seaside town. Excellent marina and everything within walking distance.

Martin.
 
I was thinking that Sidney would be a good area. I will ask at some of the marinas. Sidney marina would be the best location...
 
September, like May can be very good or pretty crappy. If you go in September I'd really put Sidney at the top of my list, it has the least exposure, just a 10nm jaunt across Haro Strait from Roche Harbor...and its a fun place.
 
Hi Mike. When I first saw this post the thought did cross my mind of taking it on but I have a heavy work load so thought better of it. I definitely would be willing to give you a hand in putting something together or helping in any capacity needed.
Terry
 
Sounds good. I think that Sidney is probably the best place to hold it. I think the first thing is if we can get the marina to set a side a section of dock for the event if we hold it there. Do you have any contacts there?
My May and June are looking pretty packed already, and I am not sure what my July and August plans are yet, though I will likely be away for periods of time. I am pretty sure I will be back around in September...
 
The last couple of times I have been to Sidney much of the inner dock space was taken up by yacht brokers/charter operators. There is usually quite a bit of space on the farthest docks out, I think they are G or H. By September much of "the season" is over and they should be happy to have another rendezvous. I think many brats would be very interested in taking the number 75 bus into downtown Victoria where all of the Victoria attractions are available, or the bus to Butchart Gardens. There is also a nice West Marine Store and a nice museum out at the airport. There is a pub right outside of the marina that is pretty good, cannot recall the name.
 
Hi Mike,

If you click on Photos (middle top of the home page), then click on Cruises & Events, you will see some great pics of previous gatherings. This may help you in the planning dept, and give a flavour of what the gatherings are all about.

Martin.
 
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