The Annual Gathering

Every summer, Camano owners from the Pacific Northwest gather for the Camano Rendezvous. It's become a tradition that defines our community—a weekend when owners who've corresponded on the Camano Forum during the rest of the year finally meet in person, and when the accumulated knowledge of the fleet gets shared over potluck dinners and dock-side conversations.

There's something particular about spending time with people who own the same boat you do. The conversations range from practical—how did you solve that engine or electrical issue?—to philosophical—what makes a good cruising life? Newcomers are welcomed and shown around the boats; veterans reconnect with friends they see once a year. By Sunday afternoon, when boats begin casting off the dock to head home, the community feels renewed for another season.

2026 Camano Rendezvous

This year's rendezvous will be held from Friday, July 10th to Sunday July 12th at Maple Bay Marina on Vancouver Island.

Maple Bay is a natural fit for the gathering. The marina offers protected moorage in a scenic setting, with the forested slopes of Mount Tzouhalem rising to the west and the islands of the Gulf stretching to the east. The facilities are basic but well-maintained, the staff welcoming, and the location accessible from both Canadian and American ports.

The weekend will follow the traditional format: boats arrive Friday afternoon and evening, with informal gatherings on the dock as crews settle in. Saturday brings the main events—potluck meals, some practical and fun group discussions, and plenty of unstructured time for conversation. The rendezvous winds down Sunday morning as boats depart for their next destinations.

Marina Details

Maple Bay Marina 

Address: 6145 Genoa Bay Road Duncan, BC V9L 5T7 Canada

Phone: 250-746-8482

Website: maplebaymarina.com

Reservations: When booking your slip, use promo code CAMANO to ensure you're placed with the group.

After making your reservation with the marina, please send an email to contact our hosts at richardh at telus.net to confirm your attendance. This helps with planning for the potluck and ensures we know to expect you. This is a modest charge to cover the cost of facilities and supplies.

Getting to Maple Bay

By water: Maple Bay lies on the eastern shore of Vancouver Island, tucked into Sansum Narrows between the island and Salt Spring. From the south, it's approximately 25 nautical miles from Sidney, making it a comfortable day's cruise for boats leaving from the San Juan Islands or southern Gulf Islands. From the east, boats crossing from the mainland can route through Active Pass or Porlier Pass, with Maple Bay roughly 15-20 nautical miles beyond depending on your route.

The approach is straightforward, with deep water and clear navigation into the bay. The marina monitors VHF Channel 66A.

By car: For those joining by land or arriving to meet a boat, Maple Bay Marina is located approximately 5 kilometers from downtown Duncan, easily accessible from the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).

Accommodations Ashore

Most attendees stay aboard their boats, but for those who prefer shoreside accommodations—or who are joining crew already at the rendezvous—options exist nearby:

The Maple Bay area offers several vacation rentals and bed-and-breakfasts within a short drive of the marina. Duncan, about ten minutes away, has a range of hotels and motels. Cowichan Bay, a boating-oriented community to the south, provides additional lodging options with a maritime atmosphere.

Questions and Volunteering

This year's rendezvous is being hosted by a group of volunteers and can be reached at richardh at telus.net with any questions about the event.

Volunteers are always welcome—whether helping with coordination, contributing to the potluck setup, or simply being willing to help newcomers feel at home. If you'd like to pitch in, reach out to the hosts and let them know.