About Tugboat Island
Tugboat is one of the islands surrounding Silva Bay at the south end of Gabriola Island, 24 nm W-NW of Jericho Home Port; the RVYC dock is situated directly across from Silva Bay Marine Resort.
There are three webcams overlooking the 2,500 lineal feet of moorage with 30/50 amp power, plus a separate dinghy float/breakwater.
There are available for member use: 2 Walker Bay dinghies with sails, 1 Walker Bay row only, 2 Lasers with sails, 2 paddleboards, and 4 kayaks.
Ashore there is a pavilion with Wi-Fi, kitchen, fireplace, BBQs, toilets and showers, a common-use freezer (for making ice and freezing fish) and a separate table tennis room. Flush toilets and showers are located under the Clubhouse. Further flush toilets are located just off the playing field. The dock shed has a sign-in book as well as a bulletin board with local information.
No garbage facilities are available. Details of the current disposal arrangement at Page’s are on the bulletin board.
There are two tent pads on-site that can be booked free of charge via the Club’s online reservation system.
There is electricity on the docks and water on a very limited basis.
The island has been preserved in its natural state and has many varied nature trails, tidal pools, and types of wildlife. There is an active programme to encourage and protect the native species of trees and flowers. Within the 14 acres, there are several distinct ecosystems supporting species of wildlife and flowers no longer seen on other Gulf Islands. Details of the Garry Oak Restoration Project are in the Clubhouse and members are welcome to contribute.
The Island is home to deer, raccoons, otter, mink, owls, eagles, and a multitude of seabirds and songbirds. There is a firm rule that pets must be kept on a leash at all times while on the Island. To avoid trail erosion, no bicycles are allowed on Tugboat Island.
Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere or anytime on Tugboat Island.
SAFETY
* The dock has a Spill Kit, electric emergency pump, pike poles, and fire extinguishers.
* Child and Adult EPI pens, oxygen, AED, and fire extinguishers are located in the Pavilion.
* The primary Muster Station is at the sign-in shed.
* There is information posted in the sign-in shed and the Pavilion giving your location and what to do in the event of an emergency.
NOTES OF CAUTION
* There are two large shoals between the registration shed and the airplane float.
* At a zero tide, there are 1½’ to 2’ of water.
* This area is clearly marked by four white buoys surrounding each shoal’s reef tips (8 buoys total); due to tidal action, the buoys may move out of position and not always be immediately above the reef pinnacles.
* Please exercise caution throughout this area.
* No drone flying permitted. Tugboat Island is within one nautical mile of an aerodrome and its airspace is restricted.