One of my favourite activities in the summer includes being near, on or in the water! However I rarely end up on the water sailing but I would soooo enjoy it if only I knew someone or knew how or had a sail boat. Does this sound like you? How often do you get asked to go sailing? How often do you wish you could go sailing? If you are not a sailor like myself, are you overwhelmed at the thought of trying it like I am? I’d be at home decorating the yacht but sailing it …..hmmm? But living on the West Coast it’s hard not to have the desire with all the wonderful places to explore throughout the Gulf Islands especially in the summer when blue skies and sparkling waters beckon. Did you know that our Gulf Islands rank as the 2nd most desirable sailing waters competing with the Mediterranean?? Many people are reluctant to try sailing since it seems all so complicated and a little scary to think of all that could go wrong if you don’t know what you are doing. I discovered that it’s quite simple to enjoy a sailing adventure even if you haven’t the foggiest idea how to sail nor do you have a boat! – add to this – you can bring your family along so that they can learn too while enjoying a wonderful 4-7 day getaway on a fantastic sail boat! Just recently, I set sail for the afternoon with Island Cruising right here in Sidney and got the scoop for you!
So the deal is, these folks are thee experts and they love teaching to enthusiastic groups or families. Their Cruise ‘n Learn vacations are a week of fun and excitement in the Gulf Islands as they teach you how to sail, handle a yacht and navigate safely through coastal waters. Included in this package is your boat, instructor, course material, bedding, and moorage. All your meals are included (love this part) and you can customize your journey with their assistance based on your favourite kinds of places to explore- quiet tranquil coves, resorts, deserted islands, private beaches or wildlife sanctuaries. Perhaps a visit to a local island winery to squish grapes & taste the wine, farmers markets, a dining experience or even a spa resort might take your fancy (ooooohh, I happen to love this last idea). The options are endless. All you need to do is show up with your suitcase and be ready for a wonderful learning experience and vacation. On the other hand if you just want the sailing trip without the learning and training, you will still have a skipper but you can just chillax on board! They also have a bare boat charter for those of you expert sailors who just need a yacht! Take a peek at some of the shots that I gathered for you from their website-makes me want to book Now!
The fleet includes 30 practically new yachts that are all privately owned, superbly equipped, meticulously maintained and staffed with a highly trained and experienced crew to make your sailing adventure 2nd to none. And if you prefer, they do offer motor boats in place of sail boats.
My afternoon with these folks was incredible, the water was perfect, the weather was hot and a small breeze allowed a light weight sail to carry us gently along. These kinds of days are rare, as usually one has a nice breeze or a good strong wind to sail you thru a few of the 2,000 gulf islands waiting to be explored.
Every yacht hosts the full collection of Dream Speaker Cruising Guides for the Pacific Northwest (written by locals) that are excellent reading upon boarding ship to plan your adventure as they are filled with ideas, history, intriguing facts and unique sites to explore making your trip even more memorable. Kids will have a blast on board with the friendly crew who enjoy teaching young and old. Adventures on shore will also give them the pirate adventure they dream of.
Island Cruising is the perfect fit for a wonderful sailing experience. Officially we still have almost a month left of summer sailing opportunities and late September can be a gorgeous month on the water too. Even October offers amazing views from the water with the maple leaves turning amongst the evergreens. So if you are keen give these folks a call or check out the site link I’ve included and see if there’s still dates available for an adventure, it could change your life! If you are a sailor and have experienced some great local adventures please share your favourite place to explore for any of our readers who are contemplating a journey! I certainly am and would love to know the best spots!
Have a great week!
Julie, a sailing trip through the Gulf Islands is a fabulous idea, I would of never thought of doing this for a getaway! I must say that we really have the best summer weather here on the West Coast and there is nothing better than being close to the ocean and nature. Thank you for sharing!
Your adventure and your pictures are inspriring me very much! Even though it probably stays by looking at the images and by thinking how it could be. And to answer your question: No I’m not sailing. But instead of this I should think about to go hiking again in the Swiss mountains which are also beautiful