Soundings September 2026
Commodore’s Message
A Great Summer for Our Sailing School
This summer’s Eagle Harbour Yacht Club Sailing School was a tremendous success, with 197 kids taking part over eight weeks.
It was wonderful to see the Club so busy and so many young sailors out on the water, learning new skills, gaining confidence and, most importantly, having fun. The Sailing School continues to be an important part of EHYC, introducing young people to sailing and hopefully creating the next generation of Club members.
Running a program of this size takes a huge amount of organization behind the scenes. A special thank you must go to Nancy, Ian and Rosie in the office, whose hard work and commitment were instrumental in making it all happen. Thank you also to our instructors and everyone else who helped make this year’s program such a success. It was a great example of what our Club does well and something we should all be proud of.
A Busy Summer on the Water
It has also been great to see so many empty slips around the Club over the summer — for all the right reasons! It means members have been out on the water, using their boats and enjoying what has been a great boating season.
After all, that is what the Club and our moorage are really about: getting out on the water. It’s always good to see the docks looking a little emptier on a sunny summer weekend.
Breakwater
Work also continues behind the scenes to address the urgent issue of our breakwater. Progress has not been as quick as I would have liked, but we are increasing our efforts and continuing to pursue every avenue available to us.
Our Rear Commodore, Bruce, has been putting a considerable amount of time and effort into moving this forward. I would also like to thank club member Steve Kennedy, who is now helping us engage with the District of West Vancouver. The District has been helpful and constructive in its discussions with us, and we are working to build on that engagement.
The breakwater remains a high priority for the Executive, and we recognize both the importance and urgency of finding a way forward. I will continue to keep members informed as we make progress.
James Burdett, Commodore, Bavaria 36
New Members in the Club
New Boats in the Club
Pulfrey | 0728 | Dock 4, Slip 1 | 34 ft
Turner | 0729 | Dock 1A, Slip 4 | 29 ft
EHYC Improvements: Projects and Upgrades
Onshore Improvements
Alarm Sprinkler system updated and replaced
Office walls repainted
Refrigerator and bar fridge repaired
Back steps to point repaired
Offshore Projects
Work in progress for Dock 7 & 8 - looking good!
A message from the Rear Commodore
The work that was done to bring our club workhorse, "Gibby", to a reliable and versatile vessel has demonstrably paid off. The very efficient and quiet 70 hp, 4 stroke installed on her makes Gibby equally dependable and fun to operate.
More treated deck lumber for dock upkeep was delivered in early July. We also purchased 3 plastic floats from Barr Plastics. We have since used one of them to level and increase the freeboard on dock 1. These floats will be further evaluated in situation for the eventual replacement of styrofoam only and/or plastic encased styrofoam floats that exist today in our docks.
Work continues on finding viable solutions for our existing breakwater. Like for like is challenging as the existing breakwater is uniquely 273' long and relatively narrow at 43' wide. The breakwater committee has since made a presentation to the West Van District with a proposal to expand our existing water lot to accommodate a wider concrete float that is currently available in the local market. With some adjustments to this potential breakwater, we feel that we can make it fit. Of course, we will present options and recommendations to our membership before spending real money on any replacement. So far, it has been only the committee's time invested with 3 site visits, discussions with concrete cutters on site, creating documents for presentations and the presentation of a draft proposal to the West Van District. We welcomed Steve Kennedy to our committee to help with creating and collating the necessary documents for presentation to the West Van District for the potential expansion of our water lot.
Bruce Pollock, Rear Commodore, Pursuit
Work Parties
Thank You to Our Work Party Volunteers!
How to signup for a work party
Select the work party you’re interested in on the website, Click book, and turn up - it’s that easy.
Introducing EHYC’s Committees
The Social Committee
The members working behind the scenes to make EHYC events possible and help bring our community together.
Darwin Kiel, Denise Nosella, Kim Southerst, Tina Burdett, Aine Plant & Jenny Bunning
The Bar Committee
The members/bartenders who help make pub nights at EHYC possible and keep things running smoothly behind the bar.
Tom Nosella, Tim Lepard, Callum Beveridge, Gary Bellamy & Darwin Kiel
The Gardening Committee
The members who dedicate their time to tending our gardens, landscaping, and planting beautiful flowers and greenery around EHYC.
Anita Green, Nancy Brown, Tina Burdett, Katy MacLellan, Alison Wilson, Aine Plant, Janet Chung & George Diaconu
Serving on the Gardening Committee is an excellent way to connect with Club members who share a love of gardening. Working together—weeding, chatting, and unearthing interesting stories along the way—everyone has talent to share, and everyone can learn something from the group's diverse gardening expertise and experience.
Many of our members have been involved with the garden for years. Set on a stunning site, the garden has evolved to work with existing conditions and to take advantage of new opportunities, such as the recent addition of drip irrigation. In choosing our plants, we consider both the environment and our desire to create joy through natural beauty. Gardens nurture life—and they nurture us, too.
Anita Green, Gardening Committee
The Moorage Committee
The members who oversee the club’s issues related to moorage.
Bruce Pollock, Tom Nosella, Peter Day and Mike Cheevers
Kids Summer Sailing Camp 2026 — Another Great Summer on the Water
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Our Sailing School has always been about much more than learning how to sail.
For many local children, EHYC is where they first experience being on the water independently. They learn to rig a boat, read the wind, work as a team, recover from a capsize and, perhaps most importantly, discover that they can do things they weren't sure they could.
The program is also one of EHYC's strongest connections with our wider community. Each summer we welcome families through our gates who might otherwise never have an opportunity to experience sailing or get to know the Club.
Some students return year after year, progress through the CANSail levels and eventually become volunteers and coaches themselves. It's a pathway that keeps sailing skills — and a love of being on the water — moving from one generation to the next.
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We welcomed 197 registrations this summer, an increase over the previous two years and a result that exceeded our expectations.
Particularly encouraging is that this growth came without additional advertising. Our returning families, word-of-mouth recommendations and strong local reputation continue to be some of the best promotion our Sailing School could have.
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Of course, none of it happens without our coaching team.
This year's instructors included returning coaches Sam, Chase, Justin, Max and Rahaa, joined by new coaches Emilie, Frazier and Nicole. Together they brought an impressive combination of sailing knowledge, patience, humour and energy to eight very busy weeks.
This was also Chase Madiuk's first season as Head Coach, taking responsibility for the daily juggling act of students, coaches, volunteers, boats, engines, weather, parents and schedules.
Alongside Chase was Sam Parr, providing support and mentorship during what was remarkably his 11th and final summer with EHYC. Sam has been part of our Sailing School for more than a decade, and his contribution to the programme — and to the many young sailors and coaches who have come through it — deserves special recognition.
Our junior volunteers were another important part of the team. Sam, Robert, Declan, Benjamin, Rayan, Michael & Peter spent their summer helping our coaches and younger sailors while developing the skills and experience that we hope will see many of them become EHYC instructors in the future.
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Last year we introduced a fresh approach to promoting Sailing School, and in 2026 we continued to build on it.
Our beach-facing banner and community lawn signs put EHYC Sailing School right where local families could see it, with QR codes taking them directly to information and registration. Our Instagram countdown brought back some favourite sailing photos in the lead-up to registration, while families could once again register directly through the EHYC website rather than a third-party platform.
With registrations exceeding expectations this year, the combination of greater visibility, easier registration and EHYC's reputation in the community appears to be working.
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One of the nicest measures of a successful summer is hearing from parents about what their children took away from their time with us.
Previous comments have highlighted the organization of the programme, the condition of our boats and, most importantly, children coming home happy, more confident and already asking to return next summer.
That's exactly what we hope Sailing School will achieve.
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There is also a much bigger team behind Sailing School than the people you see teaching on the water.
A huge thank-you goes to Ian, who somehow keeps our coach boats and engines running through eight weeks of almost continuous use. From routine maintenance to the inevitable mid-summer troubleshooting, his knowledge and calm approach keep the programme moving and our coaches safely on the water.
Rosie once again kept the administrative side running smoothly — managing registrations, rosters, parent communications and the countless details involved in getting 197 children to the right place at the right time.
And then there are the members who simply step in when something needs doing.
Whether towing boats, fixing engines, taking photographs, collecting supplies or helping with one of the many unexpected jobs that arise during a sailing season, that support makes an enormous difference.
Thank you to Jeff and Cindy Cutts, Bruce Pollock, Nick Miller, Ken Kufta and the many others who lent their time and expertise throughout the summer.
If you have a useful skill, enjoy photography, know your way around boats and engines, or simply don't mind lending a hand occasionally, we'd love to hear from you next summer.
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One of our priorities is continuing to strengthen the pathway that allows EHYC's young sailors to stay involved as they get older.
Students progress through CANSail, have the opportunity to join our Junior Volunteer programme, gain experience working alongside the coaching team and, eventually, can progress towards becoming instructors themselves.
For 2027, we'll continue developing that pathway, while giving our returning coaches opportunities to take on greater leadership and responsibility. We'll also keep refining the registration and administration systems that have made the programme easier for families and staff.
For now, though, the boats are away, the lifejackets are drying out and another EHYC summer is in the books.
A huge thank-you to our sailors, parents, coaches, junior volunteers, members and staff for making 2026 such a success.
Here’s to another summer of Getting Salty — see you in 2027!
Eight weeks, hundreds of launches and landings, plenty of capsizes, and a whole lot of salty sailors later, EHYC’s 2026 Sailing School has officially wrapped up for another summer.
This year, 197 young sailors joined us on the water, from our youngest Wet Feet discovering sailing for the first time to experienced CANSail students building their skills, independence and confidence.
Behind those numbers was everything we love about summer at EHYC: busy docks, sails across the harbour, coaches heading out in their coach boats, kids arriving each morning excited for another day and, by Friday afternoon, plenty of tired but happy sailors heading home. View the full summer sailing camp gallery - here
EHYC Socials
Supercruise, Pages Resort, Gabriola May 15th - 18th.
Sometimes the pictures say it all…..James Burdett, Commodore, Bavaria 36
EHYC Golf Tournament, June 6th.
We held our annual golf tournament at Squamish Valley Golf Course on Saturday, June 6. The weather cooperated, and a total of 12 souls, or more accurately, 11 guys and 1 girl ventured out. Using the Callaway scoring system, the winner was, you guessed it, the girl, Norma Buchan! Well done, Norma. We followed this up with entrees at the Match Eatery, a.k.a. the Squamish casino, and then back to the Cheevers’ for desserts and drinks. A good day out.
Mike Cheevers, Director, Pescador
Paddle Social with EHYC & WVYC, June 11th.
Eagle Island Paddle — A Evening to Remember! What a night! Sean and Kim Whittall hosted their second annual Eagle Island Paddle on a stunning West Vancouver evening, welcoming members of the West Vancouver Yacht Club for a friendly paddle around Eagle Island. With around a dozen participants on the water, the energy was wonderful, and the fun didn't stop there! Back on the patio, the BBQ fired up, and nearly 100 burgers were served to a crowd soaking up the last of the summer sun. The community spirit was AMAZING, and the patio was absolutely alive with good vibes. We had an absolute blast and are already dreaming of next year. Want to join us? Keep your eyes peeled for the third annual event, and make sure you have a paddle in hand! 🛶🍔☀️
Sean Whittall, Staff Captain, Tribune
FIFA World Cup: Canada vs. South Africa
FIFA excitement was in the air this summer and EHYC got in on the action. We hosted two successful watch parties to capture all the action in two matches involving our Canadian team. The big screen was on, lots of food about, and the bar was open! We hope to do more such events throughout the year. The club is trialing a TSN subscription and we will look for opportunities especially over the fall and winter to ‘put the game on’.
Tom Nosella, Director, Andiamo
Margarita Night, July 24th.
It was a beautiful summer evening at EHYC, with the clubhouse looking especially inviting as members came together to spend time with friends and catch up over a margarita. For the evening’s featured drinks, Tom tried a few different versions of two margaritas before settling on a classic lime margarita and a strawberry margarita, both served on the rocks.
Here’s his recipe for the Strawberry Margarita:
2 oz tequila
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz Cointreau
¼ oz homemade simple syrup*
2 oz strawberry purée (frozen organic strawberries blended with enough water to blend)
*To make the simple syrup: Mix equal parts water and organic cane sugar in a small pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Do not let it boil. Cool completely, then store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a month.
The Social Committee organized the evening, with beautiful flowers from Jenny’s garden adding a special touch throughout the clubhouse. A special thank you to Kate for making her delicious homemade pupusas with cabbage slaw for everyone. Members also brought food to cook on the barbecue and in the pizza oven.
Many thanks to our bartenders, Keitha, Justin and Jenny, for helping keep the margaritas flowing, and to Christine for welcoming members and handling check-in at the door.
It was the kind of evening that makes summer at EHYC so enjoyable and a great way to start the weekend. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming events when the bar will once again offer something special. Mark your calendars for September 24 for Oktoberfest Quiz Night, featuring a fun evening of trivia and German-style beers from a local brewery. We hope to see you there!
Denise & Tom Nosella, Social Committee & Director, Andiamo
EHYC Member Sailing, July 23rd & August 13th.
On Thursday July 23rd eight EHYC members got together for an evening sail with the club boats. What a glorious time on the water in Eagle Harbour. Chase and Justin were excellent sailing instructors. Chase has been instructing since she was 15 and they both go to University of Victoria. Home for the summer, Chase and Justin teach sailing camp each week and we were delighted to learn from them. They demonstrated rigging the FJ boats and a 420. Fun fact - Ian shared that FJ stands for “Flying Junior”.
We took four sail boats out in total and Justin and Chase were in the instructor motor boars to offer assistance as needed.
Chase even came in our sailboat to help out as we were clearly beginner sailors. Ian and Peter were flying in the 420. Everyone loved the sunset and stayed dry….except for Ian at the very end….ask him what happened when you see him next. What fun was had.
Another session was held on August 13th where fun was had by all.
Natalie George and Jonathan Boyce
Opera on the water, August 6th.
Thursday August 6th was the EHYC Summer Dock Party featuring “Opera on the Water”. Baritone Aaron Durand and Soprano Chloé Hurst made the breakwater their stage and performed a set of curated pieces that filled the harbour with song and touched the hearts and minds of those who attended. People gathered on boats, decks and docks to enjoy the perfect summer evening enhanced even further by the thoughtfully crafted charcuterie boxes assembled by the Social Committee.
A highlight of the evening was when Aaron and Chloe led the crowd into singing a special 80th Happy Birthday to esteemed club member Tim Lepard. Thanks to all the organizers or this epic event!! One for the books.
Kim Southerst, Social Committee, Skipjack
Ladies End of Summer Cocktails, August 31st.
Dinner on the Terrace: A Summer at EHYC.
There is something special about summer evenings at EHYC. The sun lingers, boats come and go, members drop in to the clubhouse, and the terrace becomes the perfect place to enjoy good food and even better company. Arguably, EHYC has one of the best patios in West Vancouver, with an unbeatable setting overlooking Howe Sound, along with our resident heron and kingfisher who occasionally drop by to see what’s happening.
This summer, once again, our Dinner on the Terrace potluck series has brought members together for a wonderful celebration of food, friendship and the boating lifestyle. A big thank you goes to all the members who have contributed dishes. They have helped make the evenings happen and, most importantly, came out to enjoy them.
Each evening has had its own flavour, giving members the opportunity to experience something different while trying new dishes and enjoying the company of fellow members. We began with Taste of Greece, bringing the fresh, colourful flavours of the Mediterranean to EHYC. From salads and savoury favourites to Greek inspired treats, it was a delicious way to begin the summer and enjoy the sunset.
Our second evening, True North, celebrated Canadian food from different provinces. Members brought an eclectic and comforting selection of dishes, creating a table that reflected the diversity of Canadian cooking. It was another great opportunity to try something different and discover new favourites.
Then came Flavours of India, when the aromas and spices of Indian cuisine filled the air. As always, the evening was about more than what was on the table. It was an opportunity to try cooking new dishes, discover new flavours and enjoy the company of fellow members.
Perhaps that is what makes this such a wonderful place to gather. It is not simply somewhere to have dinner. It is a place to watch the harbour, enjoy the changing light, share stories and appreciate the unique setting we are so fortunate to have at EHYC.
Our summer series concluded with Cooks Afloat on August 27, a theme that is particularly close to our boating lifestyle. Members were invited to bring a signature dish they love to cook aboard their boats. Whether it is a one pot wonder, a tried and true passage making meal, something prepared on a tiny galley stove or a favourite after a day on the water, the idea is to share not only the food but the stories behind it. Members brought their favourite boat recipes, their appetites and stories, for one more summer evening at EHYC to enjoy good food, great company and making the most of summer at EHYC.
Tina Burdett, Social Committee, Bavaria 36
Wine Club, 2026-27.
Get ready - the 2026-2027 EHYC Wine Club season kicks off on Friday, September 18th! New to the club? We have a few openings this year and would love to have you join us - no experience necessary, just a love of good wine and good company!
We’re very honored to have a special guest presentation at our first meeting this year:
Romanian Wine Tasting, hosted by the Eagle Harbour Yacht Club in partnership with the Consulate General of Romania in Vancouver.
The consul general is very pleased to support this initiative and look forward to making it an enjoyable opportunity to showcase Romanian wines and our wine-making traditions but also to further share with your members about Romania. We can't wait to share this special evening with you - it's shaping up to be a wonderful start to the season!
Curious what a Wine Club evening actually looks like? Here's the fun part:
Each evening, four wines are selected for tasting and friendly discussion. The theme changes every time - sometimes by varietal, sometimes by Country or Region, sometimes by a single producer or production process - so there's always something new to discover. And it wouldn't be a proper club night without food! Each person or couple signs up ahead of time to bring a shareable dish - an appetizer, main, salad or dessert (bonus points if it ties into the evening's theme) - and we all tuck into a potluck feast together after the tasting. No need to cook dinner at home on Wine Club Fridays - there's always plenty of food, and most nights it's just as good as the wine (maybe better)! Once the wine is poured and the plates are empty, a few friendly volunteers run everything through the dishwasher and tidy up - many hands make light work! Season pricing is $100.00 + tax per person, billed in the fall for the full season (September to June - 8 sessions - no meeting in January or May). Meetings are generally held the 3rd Friday of each month in the clubhouse - mark your calendar!
NEWS FLASH!
New to Wine Club and not sure yet? Try before you buy! Come along to whichever month suits your schedule best (it doesn't have to be September - October or later works too) for just $15.00 per person plus tax, paid at the bar that night! Love it? Great - we'll simply prorate your invoice for the rest of the season. Decide it's not for you? No worries at all - we're just glad you came out and gave it a try!
We'd love to see some new faces this year! To let us know you're interested in coming to an initial night, or if you have any questions at all, please email kentbrownlow@gmail.com
Kent Brownlow, Overtime
EHYC Wildlife
