Ian is a sailor, someone with a good heart, and right now—he’s going through something really hard. His sailboat Astral Blue, lovingly called Astral wasn’t just a boat. She was his home, his daily life, and his steady companion for the past five years. On August 1st, Astral Blue sank off the shores of Hornby Island in a heartbreaking accident.

Along with his home, Ian lost two laptops, his phone and many essentials.

What Happened

Back in May, Ian’s insurance company told him they’d be cancelling coverage unless he hauled out the boat for a survey. But there weren’t any haul-out facilities near Ucluelet or Tofino that could accommodate Astral Blue for what was needed. So Ian made the tough decision to sail solo around Vancouver Island to Nanaimo, where a marina had a short window open in early August.

After making it to Vancouver safely, he caught a good southeast wind and decided to sail to Gibsons and then Hornby Island while waiting for his survey date. When he reached Hornby, the usual anchorage in Tribune Bay was too rough to anchor. So he moved into the calm of Whaling Station Bay and tied up to what looked like a solid mooring pin.

It was quiet, peaceful. For the first time in ages, Ian went ashore to visit friends and enjoy the rare comfort of a hot bath. When you live at sea, those small things feel huge.

But the next morning, everything changed.

The mooring shackle snapped in the night. Astral Blue drifted onto the rocks. Ian woke up to a photo of her half-submerged. He raced down to help, and with friends, tried everything they could to save her—but the tide overtook her, and Astral Blue slipped beneath the water.

️ What Ian’s Facing Now:

-A $15,000 salvage and towing bill

-An estimated $20,000+ if she can’t be repaired and has to be destroyed

-Nowhere to live

-Lost belongings, gear, and tools

-The emotional weight of watching your world sink

Thanks to quick-thinking friends from Hornby they were able to seal hatches and valves and stop any fuel from leaking. Ian’s deeply grateful to the locals who stepped in without hesitation—offering food, clothes, and support when everything felt lost.

Astral Blue is now on her way to Nanaimo. Once she arrives, Ian will have to decide if it’s possible to bring her back, or if he has to say goodbye to her for good.

Why This Matters

Ian didn’t do anything reckless. He was trying to do the right thing—getting a survey, keeping his insurance up, and taking care of the boat he’s called home for five years. He sailed alone around the island to make it happen. He’s lived simply and with respect for the ocean, and anyone who knows him knows how much heart he’s poured into this life.

This accident didn’t just take his boat. It turned his world upside down.

Astral Blue was more than a home—she was freedom, routine, connection, and comfort. It’s hard to imagine what it’s like to wake up and see your entire world sinking. But Ian’s lived that moment.

Right now, he’s trying to stay grounded in the middle of something devastating. And this is where we get to show him he's not alone.

How You Can Help

Your donation will help Ian:

-Cover salvage and towing fees

-Afford housing and basics in the meantime

-Replace lost electronics, tools, and personal gear

-Attempt repairs—if Astral Blue can be saved—or help with respectful disposal if not

Even small contributions mean a lot. And if you’re not in a place to give, simply sharing Ian’s story is a powerful act of care.

The ocean gives, and sometimes it takes more than we expect. What helps us through is community. Let’s show Ian that he’s not adrift; that he’s seen, supported, and held as he figures out where to go from here.