Vancouver Island British Columbia
Generally, the Sailing Holidays region around Vancouver Island can be devided into two sailing areas.
The Gulf Islands:
The Vancouver Island is situated 20 sea miles away from Vancouver city. The sailing area includes about 200 islands and offers the possibility to sail secure short distances. The highlights of this region are its beautiful anchorages, small marinas, nature parks and plenty of oytser beds.
The San Juan Islands:
The heart of the San Juan group of islands is situated about 30 sea miles to the south-east from Vancouver. The islands lie in front of Seattle and belong to the US territory. Countless anchorages, modern marinas, good bars and clubs with live music attract many Canadian sailors to visit their American neighbours. The Straits of San Juan is especially known for the diversity of whale families. Orcas can be observed there all over the year. Planning your sailing holidays, you should consider the American visa regulations in advance. In other respects, there are no problems entering the region.
For a two week Sailing Holidays cruise you can combine either the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound or the Gulf and the San Juan Islands.
If you want to explore the whole region, you will need at least four weeks or even more. In any case, you should plan at least 3 or 4 days for the region around Vancouver, as there is a lot to see and do. Vancouver is diverse like no other city. If you like sushi, the “Tsunami Sushi” on the Robson Street Nr. 1025 will be your favorite. The noblest restaurant in Vancouver “Joe’s Oysterbar” is also worth visiting. Remember to reserve a table in advance.
If you wish to stay over night in the city, the central Four Seasons Hotel is the perfect place, as from there you can explore the centre of the city afoot. The visit of the Granville Island is a must for all passionate sailing crews, as they will find the biggest Farmers Market and a range of maritime shops there. The best place for a drink is the “Bridges”.
Day 1
After an extensive breakfast in “Bojangles”, the Sailing Holidays crew can buy provisions in the SAVEWAY and the liquer shop in the Robson Street. Both can be easily reached afoot. The “Capers” on the opposite side of the street is famous for great cheese, bread and fish. Getting some area instructions is important before starting for the northern direction. The way leads along the Stanley Park and under the Lion Gate Bridge, leaving behind the fascinating skyline of Vancouver. The first destination is Snug Cove on the Bowen Island (10 sea miles).
Day 2
Namaimo, the northern border of the Gulf Islands, is situated some 25 sea miles to the west. From this place you can already start watching out for whales. There is a good maintained marina, many restaurants and numerous clubs and bars with great night life.
© Christian Eschenburg
Saltspring Island
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Day 3
Going 12 sea miles further to the south you will find the artists’ colony Salt Spring Island with well protected bays.
© Christian Eschenburg
Pender Island
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Day 4
© Christian Eschenburg
Otter Bay Marina
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You can anchor in the bays of North and South Pender Island or moor in the Otter Bay marina.
Day 5
Saturna Island. Anchoring in the Boat Cove in front of the Saturna Island Wineyard restaurant (www.saturna-island.bc.ca), you should not miss the opportunity to make the wine-tasting tour through the wine cellars. The local Chablie wine got an international price in 2000. The narrow straits of the Boat Pass is a special challenge for the charter crew. The skipper should pay special attention to the stream.
Day 6
Another great place to anchor is the Montague Harbour on the Galiano Island. Alternatively, you can go to Dionisio Point.
Day 7
The Wallace Island is a nature park with a pontoon for yachts. You should come early to secure your mooring place.
© Christian Eschenburg
Sydney Harbour
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Day 8
The Sidney Harbour has several marinas. There are good shops and nice restaurants (for example the “Latch” run by a couple from Austria).
Day 9
Some 15 sea miles to the south the Friday Harbour with a comfortable marina is situated. This is the first port for entering the US territory. There are numerous bars with live music, especially known is the annual Jazz festival, which takes place in August.
Day 10
The perfect day for whale watching – around the Cattle Point in the south of the San Juan island you have the best chances to observe orcas.
© Christian Eschenburg
Victoria British Columbia
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Day 11
Going back into Canadian waters, the capital town of British Columbia Victoria is worth visiting.
Day 12
Day of rest in Victoria.
Day 13
25 sea miles are left to return to the Granville Island in Vancouver. Enjoying the nightlife of this artists’ place is a great ending of your charter cruise.
© Christian Eschenburg
Brentwood Bay Marina
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Day 14
The last distance to the Bayshore West Marina in Cool Harbour is just 10 sea miles, where you can comfortably fill your tanks on a swimming fuelling station.
The descriptions above do not provide full information about the offered destinations. The skipper shall decide about spending more days in ports, adding or skipping of some islands depending on the situation and the weather conditions during the cruise. From the experience we know that sailing crews often do not calculate enough time for their way back. Therefore, we recommend planning some extra time.
This description of the Sailing Holidays area is a general guideline for charter crews. The following suggestions do not include specific factors such as nautic experience and ambitions, exact weather conditions, early or late risers. The sailing area is very large, that is why a charter crew should discuss and choose destinations accordingly to their individual wishes. Therefore, the following description is just a subjective selection of possibilities and does not substitue region and port manuals.
© YachtBooker