About the British Columbia Squadron

British Columbia Squadron

The BC Squadron is privileged to be able to sail in one of the most highly regarded sailing areas of the world. The vast waterways extending between Puget Sound, Washington USA, through the wild and remote canals and channels of British Columbia, Canada, to the icy wilderness of Alaska, USA, all in inland waterways. Here the serious sailor can find challenging winds and conditions, while the novice can hole up in calm and gentle coves or quaint old fishing towns from a past era. For the off shore sailor, the rugged western coast of Vancouver Island presents a profound challenge for those of a more venturesome nature.

The Squadron though small in number, continues to keep the spirit of the RNSA alive and well in Vancouver. The BC Squadron has formed a relationship with the False Creek Yacht Club to present the Single Handed Race across the Straits of Georgia and return. This annual event has been running consecutively since its inception in 1970.

The flagship of the RNSA is the unique vessel The Steveston Lifeboat. Once the barge of Admiral Nimitz, US Navy, and now rebuilt and equipped with the latest search and rescue technology and commanded by Squadron Captain John Horton under the auspices of the Canadian Lifeboat Institution. This historic vessel is front and centre at all functions requiring an RNSA presence at sea and is the stirring location of our annual Sail Past, held aboard.

When RNSA members visit Vancouver they can be sure of a warm welcome and fine sailing.