Welcome to Nautical Noel, my December splash of cheer straight from the aft deck. This month, I’m digging into the gray fatty layer on salmon (should you eat it… or politely slide it to the side?), setting a beautiful holiday table on board with only a few simple things, and rounding up twelve fabulous local places to shop for gifts that boaters will actually use. And because December isn’t just about shopping, don’t miss the seasonal happenings like FlyOver Canada’s Soar with Santa, which is pure magic. Pour something warm, pull on your coziest socks, and let’s celebrate the season, boater style.

As the rain returns and the nights grow longer, it’s time to settle in with something warm and a little inspiration. This month, I’m decoding boating measurements, from nautical miles to litres and cups, so math finally makes sense onboard. And there is a free download! I’m also sharing 10 great BC authors who capture life on or near the coast, plus a few cozy comforts for your boat: flickering faux candles, soft slippers, and a healthy chocolate treat. And don’t miss my latest YouTube video to Wootton Bay, where calm seas and coffee make for the perfect fall day.

This month’s newsletter is all about looking back to plan ahead by using your summer cruising memories to sketch out next year’s perfect boat trip. I’m also sharing some healthy boating habits I’ve been trying (more exercise, more water, fewer “docktails,” and yes, vitamins and electrolytes do help). Plus, you’ll find an update on Starlink for boaters and my latest video adventure to beautiful Grace Harbour.

September’s newsletter is packed with salty-sweet inspiration, starting with a dive into cooking sea asparagus and why it’s the Pacific Northwest’s tastiest shoreline secret. I’ve also rounded up smart tips and tricks for juicing onboard (yes, even in a tiny galley!) plus a peek at five BC foraging books that connect us to the coast in a whole new way. To top it off, we’ll cruise into beautiful Tenedos Bay and talk about the power of a great boat card for making lasting connections on the water.

August’s newsletter is packed with tales and tips: from must-have gear for an elegant beach picnic to the thrilling ride through the rapids from Walsh Cove to Dent Island. I also dive into the mysteries of moon-driven tides—and share the sticky saga of a lion’s mane jellyfish that turned my generator into a gelatinous mess.

This month’s newsletter takes you to Mitlenatch Island, a wild and wonderful marine sanctuary known as the Galapagos of the Pacific Northwest. You’ll witness the aerial drama of eagles hunting hake at Dent Island and get inspired by my summer boating bucket list of fun things to do on your boat. Plus, check out my new real-time tracking link, “Where’s Missy,” so you can follow along as I cruise the coast, one nautical mile at a time. Join me, ‘Out There and Loving It’.

Welcome to June in Bloom, where everything smells a little sweeter—including the world’s most expensive perfume, inspired by the scent of rain (yes, really). This month, I’m sharing a dreamy time-lapse of one of my all-time favourite boat trips from Pender Harbour to Princess Louisa Inlet, a low-effort boat garden that will keep you in lettuce all summer, and my new must-have for hot days and long nights: Organika electrolytes (a.k.a. hangover magic in a sachet). Let’s dive in—June looks good on you.

May is that glorious month when the sun teases, the cocktails flow, and we all pretend fleece vests count as beachwear. Between seaside cideries, egg-free frothing magic, and docktails with names like The Little Dinghy, it’s clear this month is best enjoyed with one hand on the cocktail shaker and the other on those fabulous new sunglasses. Long weekends are for long pours — and if you’re still wearing shoes, you’re doing it wrong.

Even though it’s April 1st, this newsletter is no joke—it dropped after 12 noon, so the pranks are officially over and the good stuff begins. Inside, you’ll find the Top 15 Books for Summer Reading, a recipe for Champagne Popsicles guaranteed to impress at your next dock party, a look at silly boating superstitions, and a deep dive into why BC seaweed might be your new superfood. Plus, don’t forget to mark your calendar on April 12th for the Bluewater Cruising Women on Water Seminar, where I’ll be talking all things boat systems—yes, it’ll be informative and fun, I promise.

Spring is here, so it’s time to stock up, get organized, and hit the water! This month’s newsletter is packed with smart provisioning tips, a must-have grocery list, and the ultimate debate—are you team “old-school Excel” or ready to embrace the latest provisioning apps? Plus, don’t miss out on an amazing seminar for Women on the Water in April—inspiration, tips, and community all in one place! And yes, I will be a guest speaker! 🚤⚓✨

February’s newsletter is all about date night with your true love—your boat (because, let’s be honest, she is a great travel companion and always looks good in the moonlight). I’ve got all the essentials for romance: wine, chocolate, a dreamy Thai dinner, and a little boat trip planning—nothing says love like plotting your next great escape together. ❤️⚓🍷

It is boat show season! This month, I’m thrilled to share my brand-new Ultimate Guide to Attending the Boat Show—your must-have resource for making the most of your time at both events. Whether you’re heading to the Vancouver Boat Show (January 29–February 2) or the Seattle Boat Show (January 31–February 8), I’ve got you covered with insider tips, pre-planning ideas, and my picks for can’t-miss exhibitors.

Vancouver attendees, don’t forget to grab my exclusive coupon to make your experience even better! Plus, check out my collection of great products to prepare for the boat show, from comfy walking shoes to hydrating backpacks that keep your swag organized. Let’s make this boat show season unforgettable—see you there!

The holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time to savour the season on the water. In this month’s newsletter, “Tinsel and Tides,” you’ll find some smart gift ideas for boaters and a fun video of my day trip to Perris, California, to see where my boat was built.

I will be heading out on my boat for the holidays with some warm cocoa and my faux fireplace DVD!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and I love all the decorating, parties and glitter. I appreciate a good gift just as much as the next person, but for many, many years, I have chosen experiences over things. That being said, I think that a customized gift with the boat’s name or logo is very thoughtful, and now is the time to order to beat the crowds.

I have also started creating some videos – amateur to start but I can only improve!! Enjoy the Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island cruise from the comfort of your desk or fuzzy slippers!

Winter boating has its charm — crisp air, glassy waters, and that peaceful quiet you only get when the summer crowd has packed it in. But let’s be honest, it’s all about sweata weatha now. You’re bundled up, and sipping something warm (pumpkin spice, anyone?). The wind’s got a bite, but there’s something satisfying about being out there, taking on the elements while everyone else is curled up indoors. It’s the kind of day that makes you feel like you’ve earned your time on the water—just with a few extra layers.

In this month’s newsletter, I am sharing my favourite chic boat scarf that’s perfect for those breezy days on the water, along with essential grocery items to stock your pantry and freezer for easy, delicious meals aboard. Plus, don’t miss my top pick for a galley knife that makes prep a breeze, and get the scoop on upcoming boating events you won’t want to miss!

This month, I am thrilled to introduce two new features on my website. I have put together some of my favourite collections of sunglasses, dresses, snacks, etc., along with a brand-new Events Calendar.

This month’s newsletter is packed with all things sun-kissed and stylish. Discover my favourite sun products, the coolest ice cubes, the ultimate tinted face sunscreen, and exclusive discounts from top online retailers for fun-in-the-sun women’s fashion, including big sunglasses, breezy long dresses, and chic hats. Stay sun-safe, radiant and fashionable while cruising the waves!

There is nothing more relaxing than reading a book on the back deck. Unless, of course, you are wearing fabulous sunglasses and drinking from a chilled glass. I have put together a collection of my favourite products for 2024. Enjoy!

It’s snowing in Vancouver, and it is the perfect time to curl up on the couch with a gourmet hot chocolate and plan your trip to the boat show(s).  This year, we have Vancouver and Seattle back-to-back. Oh my!

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and while I prefer to share experiences, sometimes some really cool gadgets catch my eye. This summer, I used an underwater camera to determine that a crab line was wrapped around a fellow boater’s prop. The water was cold and the expense of a diver was high if there was nothing there. Those were dollars well spent. I am also a big fan of “know-before-you-go” so I have added my local tide datum to my Outlook calendar. It makes trip planning easy, and loading the boat at a high tide (avoiding the vertical ramp with the wheelbarrow) even easier!

I know they call it November rain but we already have a good dose of October rain. As hard-core boaters, we have figured out ways to stay dry and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Here are some of my not-so-soggy favourites.

I admit it, I was in denial – trying to squeeze the last ounce of summer out of 2023.  I knew if I posted the September newsletter, I would have to admit that Fall was upon us and I wasn’t ready.  I was thinking small. Now I say, “Bring it on!”

It has been a fantastic summer thus far and the theme this month is catching up with friends, aka the “dock party”. A gathering with those who only drink wine on special occasions, like Thursdays. Check out the handy new picnic cooler I found along with a long-time fave, the plastic wine carafe. Happy docktails!

After years of experimenting, I have found the perfect salt and pepper grinders for my boat. Along with some great cooking tweezers, a must-have safety product, and a fun summer event that raises funds for the Gambier Community Centre Society.

It’s time to load the boat and I want to share a couple of my favourite “make life easy” carry-ons to help you.  Also, an article I wrote for Northwest Yachting Magazine about things going terribly wrong.  But not to worry, it ended well.

This month is all about Cinco de Mayo, starting with my favourite Margarita recipe, some fabulous stay-cold glasses, an easy appetizer, a good read and all the events.  In the words of my favourite bumper sticker, “Stop trying to fix everything; you’re not tequila.”

April is time to unwrap the boat if she has been hibernating and prepare for this year on the water. I downloaded the SkyView app and think it is amazing –point it to the sky, and the app identifies all things celestial.

March can be a dreary month which made me think of things that can fall in the water or get wet. Also, we have made it out of the darkness and “spring ahead” on March 12^th.

Put on your comfortable walking shoes and a warm fleece, it’s time for the 2023 Vancouver International Boat Show. I have put together a list of my top tips and tricks.

Happy New Year, boaters! 2023 starts with some inspiration, good skin care and the lead-up to the first in-person Vancouver Boat Show.