Dedication to Judy Gilligan

Our Society

The Sooke Classical Boating Society was registered in August of 2010 as a not-for-profit society to receive the transfer of the two Longboats and other assets from the previous owner, The Edward Milne Community School Society, and to undertake their preservation and maintenance.

The EMCSS had had the responsibility for the two longboats since their launching in 1991. Due to changes in finances and mandate, that Society by 2010 was no longer in a position to continue its maintenance role.

A First Directors Group was formed to make application for the registration of the new Society and to move forward with the gathering of members, both from regular users and supporters of the longboats, and from new participants.
The Inaugural Meeting of the SCBC was held on October 30 of 2010. The First Directors were confirmed as the Directors and Executive for the first year of operation. The Society continues to operate because of dedicated volunteers.

Our Aims

  • To preserve and maintain the replica longboats, T’Sou-Ke and Dona Rosa for the Sooke Area
  • To offer a Longboat Program for the Sooke Area
  • To offer educational and recreational maritime programs for the public.
  • To represent the Sooke Area in community events.
  • To participate in maritime festivals and events in the Pacific North West.
  • To provide training opportunities for aspiring crew and coxswains.

Executive & Directors:

  • President: Lesley Wells
  • Secretary: Dawn Eddleman
  • Treasurer: Judi Conwright
  • Maintenance: Terri Louks
  • Coxswains: Lesley Wells, Margaret Smith, Kathryn Frankfurter, Judi Conwright, Terri Louks

Remembering Judy Gilligan

The Society will forever be in Judy’s debt. It’s hard to sum up all the wonderful things she did and all the good times we had! Judy was a community builder and a good friend. Read more about Judy here.

Get in Touch!

Row with us

We look forward to welcoming you to your first row on our longboats! Click below to learn how.

Membership

If you'd like to join our crew for a year or even join our society, please click below for more information.

Group Outings

The Sooke Classical Boating Society welcomes bookings for eligible groups.

Any other questions? Just email us.

Email us: [email protected]

Logo District of Sooke

We thank the District of Sooke for their support.

Funded by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program

Footer

Logo of the Sooke Classical Boating Society. It features a drawing of a traditional sailboat with the text "T'Sou-ke" and "Doña Rosa" above it, encircled by a blue rope outline. The society's name is written below the boat in blue text.

We strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members and visitors to the longboats, recognizing the diverse identities of persons and the rights of all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their gender, race, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, religion, class, age, or national origin.

We respectfully acknowledge that we enjoy our activities on the unceded traditional territory of the T’Sou-ke First Nation of the Coast Salish peoples. We honor their enduring connection to this land and recognize their stewardship throughout history and into the future.