Background reading suggestions for newbies in the PNW

[Armchairsailor2]

My question is a two-parter really - I've had some recommendations for pilot books for the PNW in the past, but would be keen to get a few books that would allow me to "convert" from my British RYA-based training and understanding, so something that would give me an introduction to any alternative terminologies, navigation conventions etc.

I'm also after a good general beginners read for the rest of the family, as they have yet to be introduced to the joy of sailling, so thought it would be prudent to get them straight off on the right tack, rather than getting them to read Tom Cunliffe or other such notables.

We'll be based in BC, so if there are any differences between US and CA conventions, it would be helpful to know. Sooo, what's a good read for starting out on the adventure over in the New World?

[PaulinVictoria]

You'll need to get your PCOC (pleasure craft operators certificate), which will cover those sort of things. As far as I know, the only thing you need to watch out for it that the red/green channel markers are the opposite way around over this side to the UK.

[jrd22]

For the family "The Curve of Time" Wylie Blanchett
Cruising guide "Dreamspeaker" series

Welcome to the neighborhood!

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by jrd22

For the family "The Curve of Time" Wylie Blanchett
Cruising guide "Dreamspeaker" series

Welcome to the neighborhood!

Good reading - Sailing Home - Gary Geddes

For sure - the Dreamspeaker guides.

For less expensive guides Northwest Boat Travel and Waggonner.

I might suggest taking a Navigation course through the Canadian Yachting Association or International Sail and Power. There are some big tides and currents in the area. The instructors can provide some great advise. That will also help with dealing with IALA system B.

As an example, the rule of 12ths is not of much use in the mixed semidiurnal tides common in the area as most tides cycles are not 6 hours.

Also north of Campbell River the general Direction of Buoyage supercedes the Local Direction of Buoyage (upstream rules).

One other thing the boom vang is what you may call a kicking strap.

[Armchairsailor2]

Thanks for the literature - I'll be sure to check them out. Having grown up on the Menai Straits I'm used to strong tides, so am looking forward to it. Rule of 12ths out the window eh? Hmm, that should make for interesting times.

I've already heard about the PCOC, so will sign myself up for that. Having taken the RYA shorebased Day Skipper course, I think I should have a grounding in the nav aspect, but would be keen to brush up over the winter and revisit some stuff. Are correspondence courses common? I'm going to be working away from home quite a bit for the first wee while, so would have evenings free from getting the kids to bed.

Wow, just looked up the Curve of Time on Amazon - what a story, and what a woman! It reminds me a little of Leaves from Rowan's Logs, which does a similar thing for W Coast Scotland.

[PaulinVictoria]

You can do the PCOC online, Boating License | BOATsmart! Canada Pleasure Craft Operator Card | Boater Exam

[Bilgewater]

Welcome

Being a Canadian Coast Guard onboard requirement anyway but also an excellent read and a great and useful reference book is the "Sailing Directions - Vol 1 South coast" and/or "Sailing Directions - Vol 2 North Coast" published by Fisheries & Oceans Canada.
Nice thick books with most everything you need to know throughout the west coast...a must have and well worth the cost.

I agree with the other recommendations...Curve of Time & The Dreamspeaker guides.

[Armchairsailor2]

Thanks Paul. I note that you can get family discounts for the PCOC - does that mean that each person helming the boat would have to have one? Given that I'd be skippering for the first couple of years at the very least, is there mileage in getting the Boss to do hers at the same time? How strict are they about such things? Is it a prerequisite for insurance or anything?

[jackdale]

Anyone who operates (takes the helm) a power-driven vessel, even the dinghy, requires the PCOC.

[Armchairsailor2]

Ok, I'm drifting things slightly, but is the PCOC a difficult thing to do? What does it cover? I assume handling, particualrly in confined situations, rules of the road/ COLREGS, some nav and engine diagnosis - have I about got it?