For many, a boat is more than a toy or a means of transportation. It’s a place where families gather, adventures begin, and memories are made. Over time, it becomes a home away from home, opening the door to a community of people who share the same passion for life on the water.

That spirit was on full display at this year’s SonShip Reunion, co-hosted by West Bay Shipyards and Randy Cowley Yacht Consultants (RCYC) at Roche Harbour Resort on San Juan Island.

Owners of SonShips were invited to travel from across the Pacific Northwest to reconnect, meet fellow boaters, and celebrate a shared appreciation for these iconic vessels. More importantly, the weekend was an opportunity to bring together both new and long-time owners, strengthen the SonShip community, and welcome those experiencing their first reunion into the community. Once an annual tradition—with gatherings held on both the West Coast and, for a time, in Key West—this year’s reunion marked the return of a long-standing tradition after nearly two decades. Judging by the enthusiasm throughout the weekend, the SonShip community was more than ready to come together again.

We departed from West Bay Shipyards in Delta on Saturday morning and couldn’t have asked for better conditions. The weather was comfortably warm at around 21°C, with light winds of just 5 to 10 knots and clear visibility as we made our way out of the Fraser River.

Upon arriving at Roche Harbour Resort, we were greeted by Randy and Maureen and pleasantly surprised to find that several boats had already arrived, with some owners choosing to spend a few extra days enjoying the beautiful resort before the reunion officially began. The rest of the evening was spent catching up with familiar faces and preparing for the exciting days ahead.

For a first reunion in nearly 20 years, the turnout was encouraging. Nearly 40 owners, family members, and guests gathered throughout the weekend, with many expressing how long they’d been looking forward to reconnecting with fellow SonShip owners. Guests began to arrive throughout the afternoon. Owners settled in, decorating their boats with colourful dress flags —a long-standing nautical tradition reserved for celebrations and special occasions—before gathering for a casual meet-and-greet overlooking the harbour. Over charcuterie, live music from local favourite Tom Henry, and a champagne toast, conversations began between familiar faces and first-time attendees.

By the end of the evening, it was already clear how much an event like this meant to the SonShip community. Conversations flowed easily between longtime owners and those attending their first reunion, and the excitement only continued to build. As the sun began to set, many of us made our way to the Madrona Grill, a Roche Harbour favourite, where great food and even better company carried the conversations late into the evening.

Monday’s mechanical maintenance seminars drew nearly every boat in attendance. If the opportunity to learn more about their vessels directly from many of the people who helped build them wasn’t enticing enough, the spread of Roche Harbour’s famous donuts and coffee certainly was.

West Bay’s Wes and Bas Vermeulen, along with Tom from TCR Coastal Power, led discussions covering topics ranging from preventative maintenance and hull repairs to electrical and power systems. The conversations were anything but one-sided, with owners asking thoughtful questions, sharing their own experiences, and exchanging ideas on how to keep their boats operating at their full potential for years to come.

More than simply maintaining their boats, these discussions were about helping owners get the most out of their time on the water. Whether that meant improving reliability, modernizing a system, or planning a future upgrade, every conversation centred around making the boating experience even better.

The learning continued into the afternoon as owners booked complimentary one-on-one vessel walkthroughs with the West Bay Team. We were happily busy throughout the afternoon, discussing everything from maintenance planning and future upgrades to new ideas for improving life aboard.

It’s not every day you have the opportunity to spend dedicated time discussing your boat with many of the same people who helped build it. For several attendees who had never visited West Bay before, those conversations led to plans for future projects at the yard, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them soon.

The conversations throughout the day extended well beyond maintenance and into what these boats could become. The Sip & Stroll, a highlight of the weekend, gave owners the opportunity to open their boats for others to explore.

Each vessel offered something different. Some showcased innovative technology, while others highlighted thoughtful renovations or unique interior layouts. For many owners, stepping aboard another SonShip sparked ideas they had never considered for their own boats.

Among the standout vessels was Havana, which had departed West Bay just a few days earlier following an extensive refit. The owners  graciously welcomed guests aboard to share the transformation, offering a firsthand look at how a well-loved boat can continue to evolve while retaining its character.

While the Sip & Stroll was a chance for owners to take pride in their vessels and admire the craftsmanship of others, it also became an opportunity to exchange ideas, inspire future projects, and discover new possibilities for life aboard.

As the evening approached, so did perhaps the most meaningful part of the weekend for us here at West Bay Shipyards.

Throughout dinner, happy hour, and informal conversations around the marina, stories were shared between long-time owners and those who had only recently joined the SonShip community. Some attendees had owned their boats for decades. Others had purchased theirs second or third hand and had never visited West Bay or met many of the people connected to the brand’s history.

There was something special about watching conversations unfold across the docks. Experienced owners welcomed newcomers into the fold, sharing cruising stories, exchanging maintenance tips, and offering advice drawn from years on the water. Some people came not because they still owned a SonShip, but because they had once been part of the community. They had watched West Bay—and many of the people behind it—grow over the years, and although their boats had long since found new owners, they still considered themselves part of the SonShip family.

As they reminisced about their time on the water, one sentiment came up again and again: owning a SonShip had been “the time of their lives.” It was a simple phrase, but one that perfectly captured what boating is like. The boats may bring everyone together, but it was the memories, friendships, and experiences that kept people coming back.

By the end of the evening, those distinctions no longer seemed to matter. Owners who had arrived knowing no one left feeling like part of the family. It was a reminder that while ownership may change hands, the relationships built around these boats continue to endure.

As if the evening hadn’t already provided enough memorable moments, Roche Harbour’s nightly Colours Ceremony—a long-standing maritime tradition where the national flags are ceremonially lowered at sunset—brought everyone together once more. In recognition of the large Canadian contingent attending the reunion, both the Canadian and American national anthems were played as Canadian flags alongside American ones were lowered. It was a thoughtful gesture that perfectly reflected the welcoming spirit of the weekend.

The reunion concluded with one final dinner together. By then, conversations had grown from maintenance tips and introductions to cruising stories, future plans, and memories from the weekend. Strangers had become friends, and boats that happened to share the same builder had become the starting point for something much larger.

As West Bay Shipyards approaches its 60th anniversary next year, gatherings like this offer an opportunity to reflect on something that has always been part of the company’s story: the relationships built through a shared passion for boating.

While West Bay has evolved over the decades into a full-service shipyard, supporting yachts and vessels of many makes and models, weekends like this remind us that the heart of boating has never been about a single builder or a single brand. It’s about the people we meet, the memories we create, and the experiences that keep drawing us back to the water.

The SonShip Reunion wasn’t simply about celebrating a fleet of boats. It was about celebrating the owners, friendships, and stories that continue to grow around them. We extend our sincere thanks to Randy and Maureen and everyone at RCYC, Roche Harbour Resort, and everyone who helped make the weekend such a memorable one.

We look forward to seeing where the next gathering takes us.

This reunion celebrated the SonShip community, but our passion extends far beyond a single builder.

Whether you’ve recently purchased a SonShip, own another make or model, or are simply looking for a trusted shipyard to support your time on the water, we’d love to get to know you.

Reach out, stop by the yard, or simply say hello. We’d love to hear your story.