Boating
Pender Harbour has been a popular boating destination since the turn of the century. The community grew up on the water, isolated from the rest of the mainland —the road wasn't completed until the 1950's— residents depended on the sea for food, transportation, industry, health care and social activities.
You can still shop, dine, do business, enjoy a beverage, take in live entertainment and travel amongst Pender Harbour’s neighbourhoods, all without touching a road.
Regulations & Etiquette
The Pender Harbour are is a popular, year-round diving destination, so watch for dive markers. Our harbour is busy in summer months; please slow down and watch your wake. Really, watch your wake!
The Law
It is illegal to operate a boat under the influence of alcohol. Charges are laid under the Criminal Code of Canada.
A Pleasure Craft Operator’s card is required by law. You may take the course, the test and receive certification online for under $50 Cdn, considerably less than in-class courses and exams offered locally. Offsite link: SafeBoater.com.
Navigation & Communication
Use Marine Navigation Chart # 353505 (Pender Harbour and Malaspina Strait) to avoid hidden dangers in our intricate waterways.
VHF-FM Public Correspondence Channel 25 is used in Pender Harbour.
Useful Telephone Numbers
- Report a Marine Emergency: 1-800-567-5111 or cel *16.
- Pender Harbour Wharfinger: 604-883-2234.
- Coast Guard Radio: 250-339-3613.
- Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Madeira Park: 604-883-2613.
Moorage & Facilities
Wharfinger’s office, Madeira Park: 604-883-2234.
A sewage pumping station, showers, toilets and Seafarer's Park are located at the Madeira Park wharf. There are three other government/community wharves, as well as a number of commercial moorages in Pender Harbour.
Marinas, private moorage and marine facilities are listed in our Business Directory> Accommodations (Hotels, Resorts & Marinas).
Boating & Sailing Events
April Tools Wooden Boat Challenge
At the Madeira Park wharf/Seafarer’s Park, teams of four race boats they’ve built in four hours using standardized materials supplied by organizers, the Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society. See our April calendar for details on this year’s challenge.
Garden Bay Classic Fishing Derby
Organized annually by Garden Bay Pub.
Malaspina Regatta
Congratulations to 2010 winner, Seven, skippered by Dave Pritchard of Garden Bay. Established in 1990, Garden Bay Sailing Club organizes this triangular, ten-mile sailboat race in Malaspina Strait on the Canada Day weekend. A handicap system is used so the biggest boat doesn’t necessarily win. Festivities include a skippers’ breakfast and, after the race, an awards ceremony and barbecue. Call Tom Barker, 604-883-2689, for more info and see our July calendar for details on this year’s regatta.
Sunshine Coast Wooden Boat Festival
Boating & Sailing Organizations
Boating Groups
Pender Harbour Power & Sail Squadron - Call 604-883-2103.
Power boaters and sailors are invited to join the Squadron for cruises, courses and social activities, and to enjoy discounts at a few local, related businesses. Meetings are held monthly at the Pender Harbour Legion. Offsite link: Pender Harbour Power & Sail Squadron.
Sailing Groups
Garden Bay Sailing Club - Call Tom “Hit-the-Marker” Barker, 604-883-2689.
GBSC formed in 1997 to promote sailing, offer navigation courses, provide free sailing lessons (no sailboat required) and host the annual Malaspina Regatta. The GBSC is affiliated with the Canadian Yachting Association and their lessons are based on CYA standards. The club’s most popular activity is a mini-regatta every Saturday at noon, year-round, for sailors of all experience levels (even none). Join in with your own boat or join another crew.
Offsite link: Canadian Yachting Association.
Gunboat Bay Sailing Club - E-mail Commodore John van Tongeren.
These irreverent and informal Gunboat Bay and Oyster Bay sailors hold the annual Gunboat Bay Regatta.
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Unit 61, Coast Guard Auxiliary
Our Coast Guard Auxiliary unit provides marine rescue services to the area. Read more>>
Yacht Clubs
Burrard Yacht Club - 13202 Sexw’ Amin Road, Garden Bay, 49° 18' 758" N, 123° 05' 579" W
This Vancouver club offers 240 ft. of moorage, fresh water, power, washrooms, garbage disposal, cooking facilities, barbecue, lounge area, wireless internet, waterfront deck and road access. Private rooms and cabins must be pre-booked. Offsite link: Burrard Yacht Club.
Royal Vancouver Yacht Club - Garden Bay, 49° 16’ 32” N, 123° 11’ 12” W. Call 604-883-2468.
The RVYC offers 1,900 ft of dock space with power and fresh water, and a pavilion on two acres with cooking facilities, toilets, showers, garbage disposal, telephone, tv, a library, resident caretaker and road access at its offshore station for members only. Offsite link: Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Seattle Yacht Club - 13141 Claydon Road, Garden Bay, 49° 37.8', 124° 01.2' W. Call managers Vladamir & Vera Horicky, 604-883-2219
Power, fresh water and cable tv are available on floats for more than 30 unrafted boats. The outstation features a lounge, internet access, ice, showers, lavatory, laundry, a library, garbage disposal, and road access. A waterfront garden area features tables, a barbecue, picnic area and large covered patio. A float plane dock is installed May-Sept. Offsite link: Seattle Yacht Club.
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