Blue Heron Books and the Vancouver Island Public Library present David Esson Young, local author and former shipmaster of the Uchuck.
He will give a presentation about his book The Uchuck Years: A West Coast Shipping Saga at the Comox Branch of the Vancouver Island Public Library on July 12 at 6:30 p.m.
In The Uchuck Years, David Young shares a quintessentially coastal tale about his life on the Uchuck vessels — the steamships that played a central role in the communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
In the Alberni Inlet, and later, in Nootka Sound, the Uchuck carried groceries and liquor, freight, and even beach-bound day trippers to and from civilization.
There are few people who lived or worked in any of the coastal towns or camps in the area who would not recognize the name Uchuck — and understand its vital role in the region.
The boats and crew saw the development of various Vancouver Island industries, from the fishing and logging boom of the mid-20th century to mining and logging, to tourism.
Today, the Uchuck III is one of Canada's last working historic steamships, and still provides passenger and freight service in Esperanza Inlet, Kyuquot Sound and Nootka Sound.
Young started as a youngster with the company and later became senior master, president and part-owner. It is clear that working on the Uchuck was a labour of love for Young.
In the book, he draws on extensive company records as well as over forty years experience. He now lives in Royston.
— Blue Heron Books