The first half of May saw us working hard in the boatyard, finishing getting Vestri ready for the summer boating season. We had hoped to launch in early May, but decided to wait two more weeks. May 18th, we splashed Vestri!
It was actually earlier than we have ever started the season with Vestri and about a month earlier than last year. We got a ton done on the boat this spring. Anne did a great job sanding and repainting much of the teak brightwork
I did extensive maintenance and a few system upgrades, with more planned as we are out on the water, such as AIS, High Water Bilge Alarm, bigger boat horn installs and continued electrical overhaul. The boat has never looked or worked better!
A few minor snags cropped up on launch day, though. First, our Starlink Gen 2 dish system failed. I thought it was just the cord and tried two, but it turned out to need replacement. We ended up buying a new Gen 4 dish that uses less power and performs better in early tests. Starlink is also sending a free refurbished replacement dish, which we plan to carry as a backup.
Starlink is a game-changer for boating in remote areas, as we do. Not only can we use it for the internet and streaming entertainment, but it’s an important piece of safety gear. With it, we can check all sorts of weather reports and use WiFi calling to text and make phone calls anywhere.
Another issue was a faulty oil pressure gauge on the flybridge helm, but luckily, I found a new one at the local marine store in Campbell River. It was an easy install.
We had moved over to Campbell River to be near our mailbox to get packages. We stayed on the public transient dock in Fisherman’s Wharf Marina. Strong winds ended up pinning us there for a week. It’s not a bad deal at 40 bucks ($29 USD) a night, including 30-amp power and within walking distance of groceries and supplies.
Thankfully, the wind finally lightened up, and we were able to get out again. We have spent the last part of May in a favourite anchorage from last June, called Evans Bay.
Evans is a secluded little bay in the Discovery Islands, very peaceful and well protected from the weather. It’s been low tide in the day lately, and we were able to take the dinghy to the nearby shore and harvest a bunch of Pacific Oysters and California Mussels. I even tried cooking up a couple of sea cucumbers. :)
While I harvested shellfish, Anne was busy in the dinghy, dipping her underwater action cam into the water, attempting to capture photos of the amazing intertidal life we have on the BC coast. She loves it so much that she has ordered herself a higher-quality action cam. So, look forward to even better photos from her this summer.
Plans are to start heading north soon, before the summer crowds show up, but the weather will be our guide. We will hang around the Discovery Islands until we get some calm winds and favourable currents to head up Johnstone Strait and into the Broughtons once again.
Maintenance Teardown of our Anchor Windlass – Maxwell RC-10
Portable Suitcase 12VDC Winch Review – Rugcel Tank TK4500
SideShift Bow Thruster – Squeaky Prop Repair
Splashing “Vestri” – Our 2026 Boating Season Begins!
SideShift Bow Thruster 24V Motor Upgrade Installation
First Leg of the 2026 Boating Season – Shakedown Cruise over to Campbell River
DJI (Power 1000 Mini) Portable Power Station Review
Beachcombing for Fresh Oysters and Mussels :)
Installation & Demos - Bluetti Charger 2 + Elite 300 Power Station
Bear Casually Crossing the Street in Powell River, BC
Shot of beautiful Vancouver Island near Campbell River
Thanks for checking out my monthly newsletters. Much appreciated. Cheers! Ray
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