Shearwater is the destination on the Northern BC Coast for recreational boaters if you have issues. They have a marine store, mechanic, haul out, and ferry service to Port Hardy on Vancouver Island. Also cell service and great WiFi. Boating here on the Northern BC Coast is not much different than the Bahamas. If something goes wrong, hopefully you have the tool or spare part aboard and the handiness to fix it. The difference between the two areas: the willingness and comradeship of fellow boaters. We are all in this together.
Shearwater is also a mandatory check-in point on the Race to Alaska. For racers, Shearwater is also a place to fix gear if necessary.
The fishing resort had brand new (since Tom was here last) buildings, the boats looked like they could have been the same boats but with updated gear and outboards. There were only seven anglers written on the board – seemed a little light to us seeing how we should be in-season.
Grocery store and marine store were well stocked. We had a good dinner at Fisherman’s, although they suffer with what every restaurant does these days: finding good staff.
While turning the corner to Shearwater, we listened to two boats talk on VHF radio who had a common friend. Which Common Friend 1 left at Shearwater with a bad alternator, they were hoping to have it fixed within the week.
We thought we were here just to see the Shearwater fishing resort. As we docked it turned out the boating Gods had a different idea. Our stern steering station bow thruster switch decided to go kaput. Something that is not crucial, but makes docking a whole lot easier.
As we were getting settled on the dock, another boat was asking the boat next to us if they had any steering lubricant. They did not, but Tom chimed in that he did. And asked if he might have a large crescent wrench to work on our rudder stuffing (we developed a leak, or discovered a leak, while at the Cortes Bay Outstation). Tom then chimed in, oh by the way, where’d ya put your anchor (it was not on the bow of the boat)? He replied he left it right out there (pointing to the anchorage) in a storm. He’s working on fixing the winch, and will recover the anchor when he’s ready.
For better or for worse, you are always here at Shearwater for a reason.