Ship shape _ MAKING A list of items to take along on a sailing trip is a good way to make sure you don’t forget anything. 23 - Sunday. March 26, 1989 - Nerth Shore News Gulf Islands are a boater’s paradise UNSPOILED WILDERNESS abounds in the Gulf Islands, nestl- ed beside the east side of Van- couver Island. The Gulf islands are truly a boater’s paradise — rustic in char- acter, tranquil, scenic — with a mediterranean climate: moderate rainfall in the winter; dry and sun- oy in the summer. Bordering the Strait of Georgia are Saturna, Mayne, Galiano and Gabriola Islands, while within this outer barrier are North and South Pender, Saltspring, Kuper and Thetis Islands. Most of them are connected with the B.C. Ferry system, making them accessible to all. For boaters, these islands are among the best marine areas in the world, with sheltered waters and hundreds of overnight anchorages. Most can be explored at will, and numerous marine parks are scattered throughout. Scuba div- ing, fishing, crabbing, boating and swimming, in addition to bicycl- ing, camping and hiking are to be taken advantage of. Saltspring Island. Tourist Infor- mation: 537-5252. Area popula- tion: 7,000. Boat launching sites: Cusheona and Weston Lakes, Harbour’s End Marina, Govern- ment Boat Basin, Ganges, Hudson Point. Saltspring is the largest of the Gulf Islands, with a balmy climate and quiet valleys. With 11 lakes, Saltspring is home to a large artist colony. It has a full range of retail, commercial, professional and trade services. Plenty of campsites. Mayne Island. Tourist Informa- tion: 539-5611. Population: 700." Boat launching sites: Brickyard Beach, Degnen and Silva Bay. During the Cariboo Gold Rush, miners gathered here before travel- ling across the Georgia Strait. Century-old buildings are a delight for photographers at Miner’s Bay. Russels Beach on the gu'f side of the island is a must. Boaters who dock at the government wharves at Miner’s Bay can walk into the village. Docking facilities also at Horton Bay. Galiano Island. Tourist Informa- tion: 539-2233. Population: 800. Boat launching sites: Montague Harbour Marine Park. -Halfway. between Vancouver and? Victoria lies. Galiano, a ‘stop- .over point of natural, rustic beau- © ty. Enjoy ocean-front parks, clam- shell. beaches, sandstone cliffs and trails. North and South Pender Islands. Tourist Information: 382-3551. Population: 1,200. Boat launching sites: Hamilton Beach, Thieves Bay, Otter Bay. Explore the Viliage of Port Washington, ‘visi: artists’ studios and golf at Otter Bay Road Golf Course. Boaters will find marinas at Port Browning and Bedwell Harbour, as well as government wharves at Hope Bay, Browning Harbour and Port Washington. Saturaa Island: Tourist Informa- tion: 382-3551. The southernmost of the Gulf Islands, Saturna is the feast- Populated island. Cycle along East Point Road beside Georgia Strait. Visit the pub and general store at Saturna Point. Boaters can dock at the government wharf to replenish stocks. The following is a list of marine parks located among the Gulf Islands: © Princess Margaret Marine Park: on Portland Island at the junction of Swanson and Satellite Channel, southeast of Saltspring Island. Sandy beaches. © Winter Cove Marine Park: on the northeast shoreline of Saturna Island. Sheltered anchorage. Sandy ° Besumont Marize Park: In Bedwell Harbor on the west side of South Pender Island. Good moor- ing and anchorage. Post cffice, fuel. *@ Montague Harbor Marize Park: on the southwest side of Galiano Island. Mooring floats, boat launch. © Cabbage Island Marine Perk: Off the northeast coast of Tumbo Island, east of Saturna Island. Sheltered. Small, sandy beach. Approach with caution. © Sidaey Spit Marine Park: Inlet. Boat access only. 16 undeveloped campsites. North end of Sidney Island. Water. For a complete list of B.C. Marine Parks write to: Ministry of Tourism, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C. V8X 1X4 or phone 387-1642, Weather information: Victoria marine weather: 642-3431 (Sooke); Marine and small crafts forecast: 656-2714, Tidal information: 356-6371.