Barkley Sound –“Music by the Sea” Cruise
Starting in Bamfield, BC on July 20th, 2019
We’re getting the word out early because some of the activities have limited space. While the cruise timing revolves around the Music by the Sea concert series, some of you may want to make the trip and skip the music. This is your chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful boating in the world, coupled with good friends and great music.
The Concert Series:
July 20th is the opening concert, and the festival runs through July 28th. For information about the series go to www.musicbythesea.ca. I’ve been told by some who have attended in the past that the opening day activities are fantastic, so Linda and I have already booked our tickets for that day on line.
The performances are in the evening, with a couple of afternoon matinees. I'm told that each of the concerts is a mix of musical genres, which for example may include string quartet, small orchestra, jazz and perhaps a solo or two. Musicians are brought in from all over the world, and since they stay for the entire series, sets are often arranged as they visit with each other.
The Cruising Schedule:
Since the July 20th concert is important to many of us, that’s the starting point for our scheduling. Since (in good weather) we can count on two or three days of travelling, for most of us that means a departure from Friday Harbor probably no later than July 17th. After two or three days of music, you may wish to leave Bamfield and enjoy Barclay Sound or cruise on to points north. Also, the days of the concerts are open, since there’s nothing scheduled until somewhere around 8pm. Incidentally, you might like to know that this is because the large windows in the performance hall face west over the sound, and management doesn’t want sun in your eyes! Not as trivial as you might think.
Getting There:
Many of us may want to take advantage of the new full-service marina in Port Renfrew. We’re not certain of a maximum vessel size that marina, but more information and that and moorage in Sooke will follow later.
There are also driving and seaplane options, as well as a passenger ferry from Port Alberni three days per week. More information will follow on all of these options after we have our first cruise committee meeting.
That’s it for now:
If you are interested in this cruise, we encourage you to consider booking your concert tickets fairly soon. They’ll probably be available for some months yet, but if you want your choice of reserved seating you may not want to wait.
Likewise marina space is quite limited - the Club will reserve what we can for the cruise. Anchorage is close by, with very good protection and holding. More information on this as well as some planned activities and cruise sign-ups will be available later.
Cordially,
Linda and Terry Lush