Whether it’s a yacht or a sport cruiser, we get the scoop on watercrafts that call the Cove home. For October, we feature “Rascal” – a Seabird 37 belonging to Deep Cove Yacht Club member Randy Young, who writes about his memories on the boat.
Rascal is a Seabird 37, raised-deck pilothouse built by Cooper Yachts in Canada in 1982.
I was helping a friend do some maintenance on another Cooper boat in Point Roberts and saw Rascal there. I knew immediately I needed to speak with the owner. At that time he was planning next season’s trip, so I left him my number. He called a few months later to see if I was still interested and we struck a deal.
Rascal’s raised deck gives you a dining salon above the waterline so you get a view and lots of light. I always have pasta and root vegetables on board for roasting; there may be some wine as well.
Deep Cove Yacht Club has the Iron Bay station, so we have year-round access to nature. Occasionally, I spot a swimming bear or deer. The salmon can be pretty thick at the top of the Arm too!
We’re very fortunate. The B.C. Coast is pretty spectacular anywhere but we all have favourite places if we can find them again!
One of the more memorable outings was when we had an engine problem on the outside of Montague Harbour. I was with my daughter Erin and her friend Darcy; they were about 13 or so. We had to sail away from the anchorage and into the marina to a slip, so the mechanic could work on our fuel system. It was exciting for all concerned. Dinner was good that evening.
Sailing under headsail alone is my favourite; it’s quiet and very relaxing. My daughters visit if I am up the Arm, and their friends come from time to time. Everyone gets busy with their lives, so it’s nice to see them.
I started sailing in Sydney, Nova Scotia, with the Sea Cadets when I was 14. The experience made me want to live on a coast somewhere.
I joined DCYC in 1981 when I lived up in the Sunshine Falls area when it was boat-access only. We bought there in 1978 and sold in 1997. I now live in Raven Woods. ■
