Albin Owners Group

Thanks fornthe reply and route suggestions. We did confirm a booking at the marina and crossed into the US at Friday Harbour on July 4 -that's when it all went south - not only navigationally, but with the Border Agentcy.

Turns out we needed to have our original Transport Canada boat license document in order to get a US cruising permit. We did not have our original document with us, and apparently our 2 great countries do not talk to each other about such trivial matters, or have access to the Boat Registry computer records, so, we got denied a permit and turned back. To add insult to injury - we also had to pay a $19 check in fee - and a $19 check out fee!

The frustrating part of it all is that the Transport Canada Boat license registration document the US is looking for is not an official registration document - any one could apply for a boat license registration number that already exists and the government woukd issue the number to the new applicant - no proof of ownership, transfer document or acknowledgement by the existing or previous owner is required. When you recieve your number you are told that the number is not proof of ownership.

Ah well - enjoy the rendevous and perhaps next year Victoria, BC could be the venue for the rendevous - and we can share Border Agency stories!

Sorry to hear about that. We are going to be cruising up your way right after the rendezvous. Maybe we could meet somewhere in the Gulf Islands. We're going to Victoria first and then hanging out after that.

Hello Blue Moon - we have since returned to our home port - Schooner Cove, north of Nanaimo. If u are planning on heading this way - let us know and we can plan a meet.