Details on the 2024 Ganges cruise are coming soon! Here are highlights from last year's cruise. 

Let the festivities in the Gulf Islands begin!

Recently, we embarked on our annual Poets Cove and Ganges Cruise and it was an absolute blast! The docks were filled with a mix of energy and tranquility. This springtime cruise brings together our lively community of Cutwater and Ranger Tug owners to get out and enjoy time on the water.

Nestled within the Canadian Gulf Islands, the Poets Cove and Ganges Marina event offers participants the joy of two picturesque destinations to choose from. Situated on Salt Spring Island and South Pender Island in British Columbia, these marinas provide an idyllic setting for our event. Crystal-clear blue waters, sun-drenched skies, and warm weather make it a boater's paradise! Without a doubt, summer had arrived early this year. The rugged terrains and lush forests form a captivating landscape, with Madrone trees reaching out from the coastlines.

The essence of this event is simple — it's all about having FUN! More than just a factory event, this cruise aims to cultivate a tight-knit community, offering our customers an exceptional reason to embark on a maritime adventure. It's an opportunity to learn about the border crossing, forge new friendships, reconnect with old pals, and create enduring memories together. This year, approximately 65 boats joined us, with 35 mooring at Ganges and another 30 at Poets Cove.

Once everyone had settled on the docks, we kicked things off with appetizers and happy hour games, which were a resounding success! Our group showcased their culinary talents, preparing delicious appetizers. The grand prize at Poets Cove went to a mouthwatering combination of small smokies wrapped in bacon and sprinkled with brown sugar. Simple, yet loaded with flavor! Steve Zedekar graciously served as one of our event ambassadors this year, offering invaluable assistance in coordination and on-the-dock support. You'll spot him in a photo, carrying a stack of cups that would have been a heavy burden for even Hercules himself! To help burn off our dockside indulgences, we organized a 5k(ish) run and enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners who made this event possible. Port Boat House (special thanks to Dave “Legend of the Links” Turner and Grill-Master Garret, who’s help was invaluable on the docks at Ganges), Bellingham Yacht Sales (Chef Matt kept us well-fed with grilled Sealife and even let us stow-away on his trip up to Canada), and Dolphin Insurance all provided support to help us host this event.

What's a gathering without some friendly competition? We set the stage for Cornhole tournaments and even organized a Golf tournament called Chip and Sip. Picture this — a floating green just off the dock, with boaters showcasing their chipping skills. The highlight at Ganges came when a customer, on their final stroke of the last round, executed an extraordinary shot, sinking the ball into the hole. The crowd erupted!

As we reminisce about this remarkable event, we’re filled with excitement for next year's voyage. The Poets Cove and Ganges event holds a special place in our hearts, marking the arrival of the warm weather cruising season in the PNW. We eagerly anticipate the joyous moments, laughter, delectable cuisine, and, of course, (hopefully!) splendid weather that await us in the Gulf Islands.

If we were to summarize this extraordinary event in three words, they would be: Fun, friends, and food! May you always have fair winds and smooth sailing, my friends!

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