Party boat season begins early this year. In the late afternoon of May 15, 2023 this yacht ABRAXAS, (available for rental by Luxury Yacht), was about 250m - 300m off Volunteer Beach in Kitsilano blasting loud amplified “music” for several hours, from before 5pm until at least 9pm. It could be heard clearly on our balcony several blocks away, on the beach itself and at street level near the beach. Surprise, surprise: sound carries over water!
So much for us or anyone else nearby enjoying a quiet sunny evening outside! These party boaters so-called self-entitled "fun" is not fun for everyone else who is forced to listen to their music!
Also, the boat appears to be over capacity. The website says it “can take at least 35”. but it looks like there are 40+. The cost for 6 hours - $5.5K! Who can afford that?
This photo was taken at 5pm. I spoke to the owner Mark Wellburn on the phone at 7pm. He said that they would move the yacht further out into harbour, but it stayed there until after sunset, just as loud. Mark claimed he talked to the police and was told that they were OK as it wasn't 10pm. Seeing as it was impossible to get through to the VPD all evening, he was obviously making this up. I informed him that the City has rules for party boats that he was not adhering to (see below), including not being close to shore, that the City controls business and liquor licences and that I would be reporting him.
I will be emailing Mark to inform him about the Party Boat music rules as detailed below. His email is markwellburn@gmail.com. His phone number his 604-603-8632. #noisepollution #noisehurts
Below are the party boat charter rules set out by the City of Vancouver Liquor License Co-ordinator in 2015, as posted in a Petition update at that time.
It would be much appreciated if the City Liquor Licence co-ordinator could remind all the charter boat owners of these rules asap.
Aug 19, 2015: New city guidelines re party boats
"Regarding the noise reduction we have taken the following steps.
1) Posting the following “standing orders” on the Bridge for the Captain.
a) That the vessel to stay 1.5 nautical mile off Kitsilano and Point Gray areas when having music on the top deck.
b) Cruise at an increased speed when leaving False Creek and returning.
c) If cruising close to shore, sound levels to decrease exponential based on distance from the shore.
Note these orders will be incorporated into our existing bridge operational and training manual.
2) Monitor top deck levels for sound. Note: An app is available for smart phones, we usually do this but was missed on one occasion.
3) Not allow outside base bins to be brought in from charter parties to be used on the top deck.
Lucia Cumerlato
Liquor Licence Coordinator
Licences & Inspections
City of Vancouver
T. 604.871.6461