Whether it’s a yacht or a sport cruiser, we get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home. For July, we feature Moondancer, belonging to longtime Deep Cove Yacht Club member Kathy Stuart, who has lived in the area for 40 years.
What kind of boat is it? Permaglass trawler
When was it built? 1980
Any cool backstory on how you acquired it? My brother-in-law built it and in 2011 upgraded to a bigger boat. I bought it and he taught me how to dock it! The Moondancer was the biggest boat at the DCYC at one time and towed the first dock up to Iron Bay.
How long is it? 11 metres
What special features does it have? Diesel engine and an awesome bridge
What’s your favourite area to explore in it? Indian Arm; although the Moondancer has cruised the West Coast from the San Juan Islands to Desolation Sound over many years, with my sister Jane and brother-in-law Paul Shaak.
Any cool stories about adventuring in the boat? I would say the coolest thing is my brother-in law building it and accommodating many years of changes with both their growing family, and all the rest of us. The galley was converted to “twin bins” when the twins were born and then the boat transitioned as the boys grew. With the whole extended family on board, Moondancer accommodated the Shaak family for every event – Sail Pasts, Remembrance Days, trips to Iron Bay, Easters, Thanksgivings, spreading our parents’ ashes and more. It was a very special thing to have had the opportunity to take on the responsibility of being the skipper of the Moondancer. So many years of cherished memories and now we keep them going with the next generations.
What’s your dream day on the boat? A dream day on the boat is blue skies, sunshine, calm waters, a fresh morning swim before a cup of coffee, then enjoying the view from Iron Bay looking out at Croker Island with a cold drink and a good book.
How often do you go out in it and do friends and family come along? My kids have a boat, my sister and brother-in law have a boat, my girlfriend has a boat, and we boat together. Iron Bay is the best spot for the family and all our friends. My kids camp and the Moondancer is the mother ship.
When/why did you start boating? My family grew up with boats, but I have had my own since 1994.
What kind of wildlife have you spotted up Indian Arm from the boat? Two weeks ago a bear swimming across from one side to the other side of Indian Arm, near Granite Falls.
What’s the best part about boating in Deep Cove? Protected waters and beautiful (surroundings), as well as being close to home.
What do you enjoy the most about being a member of the DCYC and when did you join? I joined in 1994. It is a great family club that is very comfortable, great Out Station, and a walk from my house! ■
