Personal Experiences

Since Instructor John Roper started teaching at the former Jibset Sailing School in Vancouver in 1985, he has welcomed hundreds of sailing and nature enthusiasts on board from across Canada, the USA, and around the world. Many have written about their experience.


On the helm with happy crew in Malaspina Strait, summer1989

Debbie, B.C. Thank you again for the wonderful holiday. I can't begin to tell you how much your knowledge of sailing and your ability to share this knowledge with others has contributed to my enjoyment of the sport. I am pleased to say that I'm sailing with much more confidence these days. After our sailing tour, and learning "the ropes" from someone as seasoned and patient as you, I have far fewer white-knuckle moments at the helm. I am learning to be more observant of how the boat is responding to the wind and water, and to be more mindful, rather than hysterical and reactive, when I need to change course, trim the sails etc. in response to changing conditions. In short, and thanks to you, I am now a much more relaxed and happy sailor!

Marie, Nova Scotia: By far the most comfortable sail I’ve had, absolutely the best days if sailing on the best boat with terrific company. Really loved the close hauled sailing John!

Erik, Madeira Park, BC: Crossing the strait on a blustery day, leaving Gibsons to time arrival at Gabriola Passage at slack tide on Sept.12 heralded the start of a late summer Gulf Island cruise over seven days. The seaworthy cruiser, a centre-cockpit Seabird 37 built by Cooper Yachts, was made for this passage. The long-keel displacement cutter virtually frolicked in the foam. The wind wasn't co-operating, coming from the southwest, so we started motor sailing with the diesel, a reef in the main sail and the little stay sail with its boom. The sails helped to stabilize the boat in the lumpy three to four foot waves. When the wind changed into the southeast, the Yankee was unfurled and the motor was stopped, raising the speed from six to seven knots.

Erik at the wheel

Janet, Vancouver, BC: I can highly recommend a trip with Captain John aboard his very comfortable cutter. Great company, delicious food, magnificent scenery, and perfect weather.

Mary, Castlegar, BC: Thank you for a marvellous sailing adventure which I enjoyed thoroughly.

Lois, Vancouver, BC: My holiday was something I had always wanted to do, a sailing cruise on the Sunshine Coast. Since this was with a training organization, we took turns crewing on deck and serving galley duty. Amazingly enough we had superb eals, thanks partly to Captain John who manned the barbecue on deck. We had good sailing weather, two days of which gave us a good challenge with brisk winds.

Derrick, Surrey, England: Tina and I were thrilled to be able to join Captain John in April. We cruised the Gulf Islands and saw many beautiful scenes, experienced delightful tranquility, and saw at close quarters California sealions, harbour seals, and otters. Sailing was always accompanied by ample supplies of tea and food. Anyone looking for a break with a difference should definitely consider a trip with Captain John.

Donna, Kelowna, BC: Thank you so much for a wonderful week. Think I'll try it again sometime - the memories will keep me happy until I get another chance.

Rolf, Biberist, Switzerland: We had arranged with our Vancouver friends for a sailing cruise through the Gulf Islands. We had three most exciting days, and of course, after the boat trip, we had to explore the city of Vancouver. We just loved it, and we could imagine retiring to a place like that!

Iris, Vancouver, BC: Thank you for a wonderful week and for introducing me to that special "other world". The experience was so different from "this world" and I enjoyed every minute.

Gillie and Mark, Gibsons, BC: Thank you for a fabulous time aboard "Mistress", a boat with a true heart. We have so enjoyed your company and the ease and expertise with which you have taught us the sailing course.

On Board Mistress, April 2006, Just have to tell you about a wonderful experience. On Tuesday about 3 miles out of Gabriola Pass on route to Gibsons we encountered over 50 dolphins. They played with us for half an hour as we sailed along at 3-4 knots, the best ever nature experience, What a thrill!


Under Sail