From July 1 to 4, the Tugboats return to Gibson’s Landing! Many will remember the unique sight of more
than 20 large towboats rafted together, flags flying as they participated in the 1999 International Retired Tugboat
Rendezvous in Gibsons Harbour. The event provides a rare opportunity for the public to go aboard many of these fine
vessels to see the fine craftsmanship of yesteryear.
The Tugboat Rendezvous will be one of the highlights of an event-filled, maritime-themed Canada Day
weekend on the Sunshine Coast, hosted by the Canada Day Committee with the Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives in
collaboration with the Town of Gibsons & the Sunshine Coast Regional District.
They’ll be “Welcoming the Tugboats” at 4 pm on Canada Day at the Gibsons Government Wharf with music,
activities and events dockside. The fun continues from Armours Beach to Winegarden Park through to July 3.
At Sechelt, the 2nd Annual Sunshine Coast Wooden Boat Festival (June 30 – July 3) showcases the
beautiful Porpoise Bay harbour and a fleet of wonderful vessels at the Government Wharf.
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Participating boats will anchor at Madeira Park on June 29 in preparation for a 7.30am departure and a
10.30am rendezvous at the north side of the Skookumchuck Rapids, for the photogenic Skookumchuck Sailthrough procession,
escorted by lead vessel Marquita. Slack water is scheduled for 11am, and the best viewing will be at Roland Point in
Skookumchuck Provincial Park. The vessels will arrive and begin mooring at Porpoise Bay Government Dock at approximately
1:30pm.
Gates open at 9am July 1 and 2, with activities, displays and live music both days. July 2 has lots of
fun for the kids, with a wooden boat building competition, blindfolded rowboat races, and “people’s choice” voting. Gates
close at 5 pm.
Gates open at 8am on July 3 so everyone has a chance to say goodbye before the boats sail at 10am. Once
again, the Marquita leads the procession to the rendezvous at the south side of Skookumchuck Rapids, with the slack water
sailthrough scheduled for 1:00pm.
Officially sponsored by the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary – Pacific, Unit 12 (Halfmoon Bay), the event
is organized in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Old Woodies Society (SCOWS) and the Sunshine Coast Marine Rescue
Society (SCMRS).
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