The boat show brings out many different types of folks. It was too wet for expensive camera equipment Thurs at the Vancouver Boat Show Annex at Granville Island so our photographer Dean Churra concentrated on BC Place Stadium. Here are a few of his amazing shots that really captured the moment.

Check out the rest of the images here - http://cooperboating.com/imgy/live/

Free boat rides with Jib Set down here at Cooper Boating this weekend.
 

After 2 solid days of rain which can be hit or miss for this time of year on Vancouver’s ‘Wet Coast’ people were lined up for today’s opening Boat Show’s Annex located just beside Cooper Boating’s office on Granville Island.

Although it doesn’t look like the sun is going to shine today it still looks like its turning out to be a great day for coming down to the boat show.




Be sure to check out our live web cam, the same web cam featured on the Vancouver Boat Show’s web site.

the main gate to the boat show floating venue is between our office and clubhouse - you can't get any closer than that - check out the new web functions including a WEBCAM that looks exactly at the boat show docks… setup happening NOW... show opens WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8

  

we've freshened both the website and office last while and hope you enjoy some of the new functions including secure booking engines and simplified browsing of courses - check out the new course showcase - shopping for your next course should be as much fun as the course itself!

Boat folks are great at socializing and this Friday is the main event.  Remember the events of 2011 and connect with others for some great events in 2012.  Kitsilano Yacht Club FRIDAY DECEMBER 16 - details and rsvp


Cooper & Catalina holiday gathering - TUESDAY DECEMBER 20 - Meet a any legends lately?  We've got some at Granville Island on Tuesday, including our founder Mr. Forbes Cooper and his little 64' toy (a great gift idea?)  and will have some festive cheer afloat in the marina.  details   join us 

Stuck shopping for a boat enthusiast?  People asking what to get you?
The gift that's great to share is a gift certificate from Cooper Boating.  Available for any program or denomination, Cooper Boating gift certificates can be obtained through our office - open daily through December 24 at noon.   If you are unable to come by, we can arrange your certificate by phone and send you a certificate by e-mail to print for your favourite boater.   When people ask what you want, don't forget that time on the water is truly priceless! 

If you are operating a boat in Europe you will now need an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) and Cooper Boating through its partnership with International Yacht Training can now help you obtain these documents.

 

The approval to issue the International Certificate of Competence was awarded to the IYT Worldwide by the Irish Department of Transport of the Government of Ireland on January 21st 2011.

 With European governments currently juggling budgets, the police and enforcement bodies are scrambling with reduced budgets and consequently are only too happy to fine you for not having the required paperwork.  Accordingly, charter companies in the affected regions will generally not even accept your charter reservation if you do not hold an ICC. 

Unlike the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card, the International Certificate of Competency requires demonstration of required skills in a practical setting - it's not just a quiz, but time on the water with an approved instructor who is willing to sign off that you meet the requirements.  Courses can be a lot of fun and great review before being examined for an ICC.  If you are 'up to speed', we can arrange to have you tested as soon as you are ready - Cooper is open year round in the mild west coast climate. Plan early to get your ICC as it combines practical evaluation and theory.

The Mediterranean is a beautiful place to charter and a group from Cooper Boating sailed there in September 2011 with Marla able to organize all their requirements ahead of time and that lead to smooth sailing indeed. 

Past graduates of IYT Worldwide may automatically obtain an ICC based on their current IYT Worldwide qualifications.  The ICC complies with the Economic Commission for Europe, Resolution No.40 on International Certificates for Operators of Pleasure Craft.

This certification allows the operator to command a pleasure craft up to 24 meters in length (78 ) or 80 gross tons. This certification was previously only available (through IYT Worldwide) to Irish and U.K citizens but is now available to everyone.

For further information on how to obtain your ICC please contact Cooper Boating today.

It has been said that the best thing about Canada  is leaving it in the winter. Even though we rarely admit to that 'W' word in the boating biz (we roll from fall to spring), there are a few times when getting outta here is a great idea.  If you've started your sailing and need to continue with a warm water fix, we're running courses on a Jeanneau SunFast 52 out of Grenada with Scott Watson, a great instructor who migrates south this time of year to sail in the second best place on earth.
Two distinct programs - CYA Intermediate and Caribbean Regattas


Contact us today for more details or to book.  Need to know how to sail like a Canadian in Grenada? - wear a toque, talk lots about the weather and handle the boat in style. 

Can't make it?  Scott is back here sailing with Cooper students this summer in the best place on earth (BC of course!)

Today we lined up lucky number boat #13 for our growing Powell River location - and this one is an absolute home run experience.  This Westcoast Custom Yachts 64 footer has been personally tested by the builder to demonstrate the workmanship of his crew over the past few summers.  

Enjoy charters in the untouched beauty of Desolation Sound this summer from this ultra quiet, ultra efficient locally built masterpiece.  From the centre console tender kept up top on the world's best yacht crane to the satellite television system through the granite counters and underwater exhaust, whether you're a passionate boater or guest of one, this boat is sure to delight.  COME SEE HER TODAY AT OUR GRANVILLE ISLAND LOCATION OPEN DAILY THROUGH DECEMBER 24 before she starts her reign as the finest boat in Powell River next spring. 

Island Roamer remains for sale, but with all the strong interest so far indicating she is headed for our charter program, Forbes Cooper, the founder of Cooper Boating, gave the order today to start lining up a spectacular season for this fine vessel. If you are interested in charter ownership with this vessel, our the doctor is in and waiting to see you.  There are opportunities for a recently launched Pilothouse 62 and an Express 64 launching this spring as well. 

The redevelopment of Powell River's waterfront turns this logical jump off point to the worlds best cruising grounds into a showpiece and this city has been fantastic rolling out a welcome mat for fleet. 

If you're looking for something a bit smaller out of Powell River, please note that Calypso (addition 12) and Mariner's Compass (11) have also given the orders to move to Powell River in the spring of 2012.   Returning this spring are the great sailing pair of new Bavaria yachts that were fleet favourites in 2011 - Arcturus (32') and ACappella (45').

Desolation Sound - look out, we've got a fleet approaching the size of the Canadian Navy coming to invade your waters! (oops - that might be a little strong - sorry about that!)

Enjoy CHOICES, OPPORTUNITY and cutting edge alternatives to conventional medical treatments for 2012 

CHARTER FLEET BUILDING: meet two of our special agents

 SIMON COX 

Yacht Sales West  Vancouver Island

About this time last year, Simon Cox from Yacht Sales West introduced some great people to our charter ownership program - and the concept he introduced blossomed into ARCTURUS, which has gone on to become one of the stars of our growing Powell River fleet.  As that fleet location grows, partly due to a few boats migrating north, for the first time in years we have openings in all three locations including the beautiful Port Sidney location.  Simon has new and late model Catalinas, Bavarias, and Dufours to show you at Port Sidney. 

 DAVE BONAR

Bosun's Yacht Sales ? Granville Island

Over 10 years ago, Dave Bonar was completing his MBA with the Ivey School of Business and he came to Cooper Boating to work on a practical evaluation of an ongoing business - that being our wildly entertaining boating business.  His team made some suggestions and we followed a few of those and blindly ignored a few others, but the magnetism of our industry has brought him back to work alongside Cooper strategically helping clients moving from chartering to owning their own boats - either to place in the Cooper program or enjoy privately.   Dave brings a passion for boating and a professional approach thanks to diverse business experiences and a lifetime enjoying time growing up (or not) on the water.  His time away from our group saw him take on challenges in the medical industry - but the treatment today is to help folks heal through the miracles of the ocean!  Recently, Dave has been scouring the corners of the planet looking for your dream boat - now he just needs to connect with you and write some prescriptions. (Honestly honey, Dr. Dave insists I need this boat)

Now that you've seen a couple of our special agents, enjoy the efforts of our supercharged fleet management team, check out some of their exciting recent developments :

CRISTA GALLI   2011 Dufour 405 Grande' Large  

In medical school, Rod saw a tiny bone like bit sitting up front of the brain and, in order to commit it to memory, he said to himself "that would be a great name for a boat".  30 years later, the 'sail of the brain' is in fact the name of Rod's new dream boat.  Come find out why this model has such rave reviews from the boating press.

Rod's trade in, a Martin 244, will shortly be available to the JIB SET sailors.   As the most over-equipped Martin 244 launched to date, GALILEO is sure to be an exciting toy for the membership.  Been thinking about the JIB SET membership? Mention this posting when you sign up in November and take 50% off your initiation fee and don't pay dues until January 15, 2012.  Take advantage of valuable free and super-low-cost clinics for members only and the exciting Polar Bear Cruise on New Year's Day (among others!)

CHOICES  Westcoast  Custom Yachts 46'  

A few years ago, Hugh contemplated jumping into the charter fleet ownership with the boat now called PRINCESS PATRICIA and timing just didn't work out.  When he connected with our crew this fall, Dave Bonar helped Hugh jump into another Westcoast 46 and CHOICES is currently undergoing further customization by the Westcoast Custom Yachts crew.  Ironically, Doug and Patricia - who did buy the boat currently known as PRINCESS PATRICIA have enjoyed moving from sail to power and are now working to update and partner on a larger vessel for the fleet.  If you are interested in taking over PRINCESS PATRICIA or partnering on the larger Westcoast 62 or 64, contact us today!

 Launching the newWestcoast Custom Yachts 62' - need your dream name!

OPPORTUNITY  2012 Bavaria 36 Cruiser  

The crew at Yacht Sales West got excited about the success of the our recent additions and have ordered a brand new 3 stateroom Bavaria 36.  Tentatively called OPPORTUNITY and headed for our Sidney location, this boat will happily take a name of your choice if 2012 is the year for you to take the plunge as a fleet owner.  The crew at Yacht Sales West has always been good about getting well equipped boats for the program and now they have raised the bar by allowing us to find some of the charter BOOKINGS for this boat ahead of time!  You won't find that on just any options sheet!

We are finalizing our 2012 course schedule at the moment and have some exciting new programs to unveil.  
Some of our programs have a habit of booking quickly, so we are introducing a few of them here so people can get thinking about them and start planning - contact the office today to enrol:
Advanced Sailing - Inside Passage - Vancouver to Prince Rupert starts June 1
Rally Around Vancouver Island - June 17 Multiple Boats - Do CYA Intermediate, Advanced or Offshore
CYA Intermediate (Caribbean) - Grenadines - Starts January 2012 (details coming soon)
7 Day Advanced Sailing - July 21 Vancouver to Ucluelet or August 11 Ucluelet to Vancouver
7 Day Offshore Sailing - August 4 (Start/Finish Ucluelet)
VHF - January 7  or February 18Coastal Navigation - January 16 or February 13
The remaining courses in 2011 still have openings:
Diesel Course (1 Day) November 20Advanced Diesel Starts November 22

Here's the schedule of seminars for later this week so far.  We have a few people still to firm up - so expect a few late additions - but this open house has been transformed from static to supercharged with the BOATING EXPO flavour.   We've also got the flavour of the weenie roast!!

(September 19, 2011  v.2)

To gain access to any seminar, bring a non perishable food donation or cash donation to the Vancouver Food Bank to one of the BOAT EXPO participants.   You will receive a pass that allows you to attend as many seminars as you would like.  Thanks for helping this great cause - we hope you enjoy the presentations.

STAY TUNED - A FEW LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS EXPECTED!

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thursday, SEPTEMBER 22

1000 -? 1130 Basics of Boat Buying

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING

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thursday, SEPTEMBER 22
1400 - 1500 Up Close and Personal With Your Marine Head

 

DAVE BONAR - BOSUN'S SALES AND SERVICE AND DANIEL HAWKES - YACHT SALES WEST

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thursday, SEPTEMBER 22

1600 -1700 Winterizing checklist for your boat 

 DANIEL HAWKES - YACHT SALES WEST

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friday, SEPTEMBER 23

1000 -?? 1100  Recipe for a successful charter trip

DAVE BONAR - BOSUN'S SALES AND SERVICE

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friday, SEPTEMBER 23

1400-1500 Buying your boat from out of country - the good, the bad & the ugly

LEN BARONIT - YACHT SALES WEST

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friday, SEPTEMBER 23

1600 - 1700  The best value in English Bay - the JIB SET sailing club

PETER DERVILLER, JIB SET COMMODORE 

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saturday, SEPTEMBER 24

1000 -?? 1130  Basics of Boat Buying

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING

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saturday, SEPTEMBER 24

1130 -1230  The best value in English Bay - the JIB SET sailing club

PETER DERVILLER, JIB SET COMMODORE 

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saturday, SEPTEMBER 24

1230 - 1330  Up Close and Personal With Your Marine Head 

DAVE BONAR - BOSUN'S SALES AND SERVICE 

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saturday, SEPTEMBER 24

1400 - 1500  You Work Hard, Your Boat Should Too:  Charter Ownership

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING

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saturday, SEPTEMBER 24

1600 -?? 1730  Marine Electrical 101 

 

JEFF COTE - PACIFIC YACHT SYSTEMS 

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1000 -?? 1100  Basics of Boat Buying

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1100 -?? 1200 Catamarans 101 (Design, Build, Charter, Purchase, Explore)

IAN STOPFORTH, VOYAGE YACHTS, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1300 - 1400   You Work Hard, Your Boat Should Too:  Charter Ownership

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1400-1500   Introduction to state of the art - HYSUCAT 

IAN STOPFORTH, VOYAGE YACHTS, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1500 -?? 1600   Up Close and Personal With Your Marine Head

DAVE BONAR - BOSUN'S SALES AND SERVICE 

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 sunday, SEPTEMBER 25

1600 - 1700   Voyage of a Lifetime -  Set plans for Alaska, Around Vancouver Island and beyond!

COLIN JACKSON - COOPER BOATING