People often ask, what is a flotilla? Not just those who are landlocked, but even those familiar with the sea. Simply put, a flotilla is a one-way, guided journey from a select starting point to a larger destination. Along the way, the flotilla leaders provide instruction, create curated experiences, and watch a community form within the group.
As we all know, nothing is ever “simple.” The hosted Waggoner flotillas are so much more than that. Since 2025, Ashley and Kyle Ripley of Mocean Marine have been leading the flotillas for Waggoner, which have received outstanding reviews from participants.
When you sign up with us, we walk beside you from the very beginning. We work with you to review the list of spares needed, helping you formulate the ultimate spares kit for your vessel. “What spares do I bring?” seems to be one of the most popular questions asked, and to be frank, there is no one-size-fits-all list. We take the time to get to know you, your boat, and your needs to help you realize what you may — or may not — need.
Do you know Murphy’s Law? Personally, we are very familiar with Murphy’s Law. If you plan to spend any time on the water, you may as well make him a seat at the table and give him a life jacket, because it’s not if he will appear, but when. When you welcome — and expect — the unexpected, your mind shifts naturally. Instead of situations being “oh sh*t,” they become, “wow, I planned for this.” And we help you plan for as many of those possible situations as we can.
From the spares list to an entire itinerary sent to your inbox — filled with potlucks, happy hours, group dinners, and shared one-of-a-kind experiences. During our previous flotillas we have been fortunate enough to include cultural experiences and a tour of a private research facility. These are all unique opportunities, and every year is different. On your itinerary, you can expect details regarding where to get fuel and groceries, along with anchoring and docking options.
Many people enjoy sharing their experience with friends or family, so we include airport and floatplane service options. In some of these places, you just need to know who to call to get something scheduled.
In March, Cruisers College at the Technology Center in Anacortes, part of Skagit Valley College, offers a two-day event tailored to cruising Southeast Alaska. As a flotilla participant in the Alaska portion, access to this class is included in your cost. If you signed up for The Broughtons flotilla portion, you have access to the event at a discount. This is a unique, fun-filled experience, where you will gain invaluable information. The weekend is a mix of labs and lectures, creating hands-on learning accented by explanations of the areas you are looking to cruise. Throughout the weekend class, you’ll receive even more tips on resources, places to go, and how to prepare for your trip.
For the Waggoner Flotilla specifically, kickoff is from Anacortes at Cap Sante Marina. The dock-side party tent is rented, and you enjoy a hosted dinner. It is here you meet the rest of your flotilla cohorts, receive your swag, and we introduce “Captain’s Hour.” During Captain’s Hour, you get your first daily brief — the lifeline to our daily instructions and support.
We laugh. We talk about our boats — how ready we are, and how not ready we are. If energy could be harvested from how electrically alive that tent feels, we would never need to plug in. Slowly, I get the gift of watching the group form bonds that will change lives.
Going to bed that first night is nearly impossible. When sweet slumber finally hits and early morning comes, I love being the first awake on the dock, listening to the small talk. The asking of “Are you ready?” The most common answer I hear is, “As ready as I’ll ever be.” Truly — what is ready, anyway? Together, we depart. Kyle flies the drone as we leave the marina, the stampede heading north.
For 2026, the first two weeks will be spent on the inside of Vancouver Island, exploring the small bays of The Broughtons. Going places that give the illusion of being lifetimes away from that first night together — only to return to civilization at Port McNeill with a deep appreciation that Port McNeill is such a small, unique town. The perfect place to say goodbye to friends made and hello to new friends coming in. We restock, regroup, and gather. Celebrate how far we have all come — and ready ourselves to go so much further.
From Port McNeill, we prepare for our first big crossing or rounding of Cape Caution. Once in the remote wilderness of coastal Northern BC, you are truly with Mother Nature. This is a taste of the self-sufficient frontier. Cell service is scarce, and villages are few and far between. We continue to have impromptu happy hours along the way, unplanned potlucks, and adventures walking trails and exploring beaches.
As we near our destination in Southeast Alaska, you have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the flotilla leaders to answer questions, ensure you have a post-flotilla plan to return on your own, and deepen your understanding of what you have learned — interpreting the weather, making go/no-go decisions, and so much more. As we stride into Southeast Alaska, time begins to feel bittersweet. These are people who have gone from strangers to friends. Connections are made. Bonds formed. Stories shared. Our goal is that you have such a wonderful time with us that you come back for more. You will likely not need more training when you return — but will likely want the experience of cruising with the Ripleys!
Interested in joining for the 2026 flotilla? We have one space left for the Southeast Alaska Flotilla. To learn more and fill out the Flotilla Form for this year, or for next year, click HERE. We fill up fast, so join the list today.
Photos: Ashley & Kyle Ripley
Petersburg: Lorena Landon
