Moonshine Cove Yacht Club

Early configuration 1992

Our beginnings were simple enough. The MCYC began its journey to today as “The Friends of Coho Cove”. This photo from the summer of 1992 shows what were at the time average size boats that visited Mudge. At that time, there wasn’t a registered Society or direct regulations. The operations were handled in an informal, as needs arise basis.

Large and small boats in 1993

From its inception, 100% of the operations, construction, repair and governance has been undertaken by volunteers. The marina operated in a very frugal manner, using the creativity, and at times we think magic to keep the marina safe and operational. A major re-build was undertaken by the volunteers in 1995 that used re-claimed lumber to construct new docks, and reconfigure the original dock layout.

major re-build in 1995

You can see from this picture, volunteers using re-claimed timber to construct the docks on the shore at low tide. Looking carefully we can recognize a number of the workers. Some of these structures from 1995 were still in use until 2017 at which point the jetty was removed with a new ramp installed connecting the shore to the main dock.

View looking into the marina 1997

In 1997 the process was begun to build organizational structure to the marina. July of 1997 saw the Friends of Coho Cove incorporated as a BC Society. Bylaws and Regulations adopted by those gathered at a public meeting. This was also the point in time where citizens of Mudge were offered a chance to purchase memberships. The thought being that more equity was needed to protect the docks and works from the northwest winds. You can see how open the docks and boats were to the weather in 1997.

adding to the original breakwater

Once capital was raised not only were docks again reconfigured, but the breakwater was lengthened and heightened. In 1998, the Friends of Coho Cove was officially renamed as The Moonshine Cove Yacht Club. The MCYC was incorporated as a BC Society in June 1998. The MCYC purchased Lot 53, which is the piece located immediately at the head of the bay.

Very close call with SeaSpan Tugs

Times haven’t always been easy at the Marina. Strong winds have and continue to cause damage at the docks and to our shoreline. We have also faced human perils. The MCYC came pretty close to losing a big portion of our breakwater when a SeaSpan barge broke loose in a strong northwest wind. No matter what we have faced since the inception of our facility, our member volunteers have never shirked from doing their part to protect and when necessary, repair our docks ands works. we are extremely proud of this fact.

Today, in this the 20th anniversary since incorporation of the Moonshine Cove Yacht Club, we stand committed to ensuring that members 20 years hence will still enjoy the use of this marina, and share the sense of pride the member today do in all we have accomplished together.