Over 80 C&C boats of all ages, from as far away as Portland, crowded the docks at Thetis Island Marina on August 9 and 10 of this year as the marina was again the host of the annual C&C Rendezvous. The C&C's started arriving as early as Wednesday, in anticipation of the Friday night dock party, hosted by Yacht Sales West, and the famous pig roast and family party on Saturday night.

Tim Jackett, the Director of Operations for C&C, and the designer of the new C&C boats built by Fairport Marine, made a surprise appearance. There was intense interest, particularly from the racing skippers, in the new 99, the 110, and 121 (32', 36', and 40') which were at the docks.

The was also constant traffic up and down the docks as skippers and mates checked out the improvements and upgrades in the older marque boats in attendance. The beautifully kept 1968 Bedlam was the oldest boat there, the largest the impressive 48' Landfall Ectasea. Virtually every size up to the 48 was represented on the docks, including some custom boats built by C&C and even boats designed by C&C for other builders.

Also flying in for the festivities was Stu Murray from London, Ontario, the Webmaster of the popular C&C web site: www.cncphotoalbum.com, himself the owner of a classic 30. Unfortunately, the airline wouln't let Stu bring his boat with him, so he was forced to stay in a cabin on shore, although with an excellent view of the party. Apart from several mosquitoes, which Stu apparently brought with him from Ontario, there was the usual absence of irratating insects.

The meeting of new and old friends provoked laughter far into the night, helped by the fine food and refreshments, both at the events on shore and on the boats. The everyone-wins-something draw on Saturday night featured some excellent prizes, donated by the many sponsors of the event.

Bryan Cantwell, who did the organizing for this year's rendezvous, thinks that this may be the largest on the west coast, and was especially apreciative of the sponsors who gave so generously, and to Thetis Island Marina for again being an accommodating and and helpful host.

For information about joining the C&C West Coast Owners Group, email the association at westcoastgroup@sailacandc.com or visit the web site at: www.sailacandc.com/westcoast.