Planning a cruising itinerary for you and your crew generates enthusiasm for the trip and establishes team effort. Trip planning is part of the fun, and Waggoner can help you get started with some of our planning tips, suggested resources, and the latest information about destinations.
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REMINDER: British Columbia on Permanent Daylight Saving Time
Waggoner readers are reminded that Pacific Daylight Saving Time was made permanent in British Columbia, Canada so clocks will not be turned back in the province come November 2026. British Columbia, sprang into Daylight Saving Time in March of 2026 and made the...
Canada/USA Border Crossing Scrutiny Has Increased – Be Prepared
While the Canada-U.S. border remains the longest “undefended” international border, security and scrutiny has recently increased for people crossing the border. Boaters this season need to be prepared, more than ever, to make sure the crossing is as uneventful as...
Announcing Whale-Safe Boating Course!
At long last, there is a course for boaters of British Columbia that addresses both the safety of people AND marine mammals. The free Whale-Safe Boating course was launched in early July, as an easy-to-use online course available to the public. The course covers best...
Keeping Track – Logging Adventures
I like to keep track of things. I have many lists. It’s a blessing and a curse, really. Mostly it serves me well but I can get a little obsessive. I especially enjoy keeping a record of our boating adventures aboard Touch of Gray, our American Tug 362. This manifests...
RBAW News – Free Mobile Pumpout Launched
The following is a News Release Reprinted from RBAW: Recreational boaters in West Puget Sound have a new, free and environmentally friendly way to pump out waste—right where they are. The Recreational Boating Association of Washington (RBAW), in partnership with...
Disposal of Expired Flares
It’s been said that boaters have more expired flares than convenient ways to dispose of them. Expired flares leak toxic chemicals and should never be thrown into household garbage. And setting off a flare is strictly forbidden unless it is for a genuine emergency, or...
Courtesy Beyond the Flags
It goes without saying that there is a special comradery among recreational boaters, similar to that of aircraft pilots, or that of motorcyclists who give a friendly wave as they pass by one another. No matter what side of the border you are from, boaters love...
Help Protect Eelgrass
A mixed sandy-mud bottom is ideal for anchoring, but it’s also ideal for the establishment of eelgrass, a seagrass that’s crucial to the ocean’s ecosystem. Notices posted at marine parks and public docks remind boaters to anchor out from shore in deeper water to avoid...
Check the Date on Your Passport!
Just six days before heading into Canada we noticed that our passports had expired. We were in a panic because we were scheduled to meet friends who were driving up to Egmont, BC to join us for a cruise into Princess Louisa Inlet. They had been planning this trip for...
A Little Humor Goes a Long Way
A little bit of humor goes a long way when it comes to boat ownership and boat maintenance. Maintaining one’s boat in tip-top condition for safety and peace of mind is an ongoing challenge throughout the year, no matter if at the beginning of the season, the end of...
Liability Insurance Coverage Limits Increasing to $3 Million
Increasingly marinas are requiring evidence of liability insurance for overnight guest moorage for recreational boaters. A number of marinas in British Columbia are requiring liability insurance limits that are often higher than most boat insurance policies. In the...
U.S. Custom’s Number One Reported Issue
If you are a U.S. boater re-entering U.S. waters, be sure you have your annual CBP Decal sticker and are ready to provide the number to Customs. An annual fee for entry into the U.S. is required for private vessels 30 feet and over in order to clear customs....
Part IV – Cellular, Internet & Satellite Communications
This final article in our four-part series covering cellular, internet, and satellite communications focuses on the all-important satellite messaging and emergency communication devices. Satellite Messengers. If you don’t have room to install satellite dishes on your...
Part III – Cellular, Internet, & Satellite Communications
Satellite Connectivity is our focus in this Part III of a four-part series covering cellular, internet, and satellite communications. Part IV will cover satellite messengers and emergency devices. The 2022 cruising season marked a huge breakthrough in satellite-based...
New Map of the Salish Sea
Clark Geomatics has introduced their newest map, the Geography of the Salish Sea, now available for purchase at the Waggoner Book Store. This beautiful map is suitable for framing and hanging in your office, home, vessel, or yacht club. The detailed, vibrant map...