Two great Information Nights sandwiched a howling Easter Long weekend cruise. We first met on March 24^th for two presenters and the Squadron showed up with well over 30 people to listen to our first guest Ted Vesak. He talked about the history of Ocean Falls and its surrounding area along with a great slide show. It brought back many memories for people who have been to this part of the word and inspired others to consider a visit. I have never been to this part of British Columbia but I recalled my father taking about it as he briefly fished on my uncle’s Seine boat, the Adriatic Star, in the days when the boys would go out for weeks, not hours to catch herring, etc. I was enthralled with the images of how beautiful and rugged British Columbia is and how communities rise and fall like our tides. Ocean Falls was a thriving community, built around a Pulp Mill, but the world economy and technology overtook this area and is restoring it back to nature. Thanks again to Ted Vesak for keeping the history of Ocean Falls alive.

Our next guests were Brad Mah from Ocean Yacht Equipment and Jeff Cote from Pacific Yacht Systems. Brad’s company, located on Byrne Road in Burnaby, provides all sorts of equipment for boaters, from marine electronics, heaters, coolers, stoves flares and other supplies. Check out their web site at www.oceanyachtequipment.ca or visit them during boating from April 12^th to April 15^th. Betty Ewasiuk has made arrangements with Brad so we can have a booth in his store to promote our Squadron. Thanks Brad.

Jeff Cote gave us a two part presentation. The first was on March 24^th and we discussed galvanic corrosion and electrical systems. Jeff definitely has a way of explaining, in laymen’s terms, what is happening to our boats and why we need to be on top of what is going on with electronics surrounding our boats. We have all heard about someone who has experienced a through hull rotting out from corrosion but we don’t necessarily think it could happen to us. Guess again. Jeff continued his presentation on April 7^th to a much smaller group of just over a dozen inquisitive squadron members. Horror stories were shared and valuable information was exchanged. Did you know that most boat fires at the dock are a result of your shore power cord? Jeff recommends you check your power cord on a regular basis. It should never, ever feel hot. Jeff told us stories including one where a commercial boat operator thought it was normal that his shore power cord should feel hot. There are new shore power connections in the works and are now available in the States. Soon they should be obtaining Canadian approval. Keep your eye out for this innovative product. Jeff’s company is in the business of Designing, Installing, Servicing, and Supporting your electrical needs. They can also provide an audit of your electrical system and recommend critical issues that need immediate attention all the way down to your wish list. "Your boat should help you leave the stress of everyday life behind – so you can feel safe and enjoy your boat to its full potential or even taking the comforts of home along with you." Jeff’s company describes their services as, "boating made simple – by design". Check out their web site at www.pysystems.ca

This is my final report so I encourage everyone, including myself, to have a safe and joyous boating season.

Michael Matich

Programs Officer