Suncoast Sailcruise Canada ~ Program

Program

The temperate south-western BC climate means cruising can be enjoyed in our comfortable all weather vessel from mid March through mid October. Our vessel operations are well suited to beginners with no experience, or to sailors with some experience who want to extend their skills and cruising knowledge. We expect to operate a limited number of cruises in spring and fall when the wildlife and flora is at its most enjoyable, and sailing is at its best

Planning to join a cruise.
For most persons, the cruise experience starts when boarding the large comfortable BC Ferry at Horseshoe Bay for the 40 minute crossing of spectacular Howe Sound to Langdale on the Sunshine Coast. From there it's just a 5 minute drive into Gibsons Landing. On arrival the skipper will welcome you on board Mistress and sign you on as crew members for the voyage. Then he will familiarize you with the vessel operating and safety equipment, and introduce you to navigation with charts and tide tables for crossing the Strait of Georgia and transiting a tidal pass into the Gulf Islands. Plan to arrive the afternoon before sailing and spend your first night on board at Gibsons Marina. Also you have the opportunity to explore our colourful home port.

The day of departure starts at dockside with checking the weather forecast, instruction on safety and vessel terminology and equipment, and safe procedures for departure and docking. After practicing operation under power, you may assist in raising the sails and head out into the Strait of Georgia. After confirming the wind direction and strength you will assist in setting the sails and steering a compass course. En route you can learn how to determine your position with visual or GPS fixes and make course and/or speed corrections as needed to arrive at a tidal pass at slack tide. Transitting the pass leads into the protected channels of the Gulf Islands, and a quiet dockside or the night.

The next day may start with docking practice, followed by learning how to set the sails for changes in wind direction. An afternoon of passage making follows to arrive at a sheltered anchorage for the night While at anchor there may be use of the inflatable dinghy from the swim grid, meal preparation, and securing for the night. After spending the night at anchor you can learn how to moor to a mooring buoy and how to rescue a person overboard. This can be followed by heaving to and reefing, and use of the autopilot and VHF radio, while sailing to another anchorage or marina. Day by day you are becoming a capable crew member with experience in most aspects of safe navigation and seamanship..

Wildlife & Flora
Due to mild winters, there are many species of seabirds and marine mammals that are winter residents here. Activity and feeding builds in spring, in preparation for migration to Arctic or Interior breeding grounds in May. In March and April huge flocks of Loons, Grebes, Goldeneyes, Surf Scoters, Harlequin Ducks, and Bonaparte Gulls can be seen, as well as numerous California or Stellar Sea Lions feeding in waters teeming with spawning herring.

Eagles are nesting, with the young appearing in May and developing their spectacular flying ability in family groups on windy days. In all seasons you might see Turkey Vultures, Blue Herons, Cormorants, Guillemots, Murrelets, Mergansers, Buffleheads, Seals, Killer Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises, Otters, and Mink. In fall the Eagles move to the interior rivers to feed on spawning salmon and return to the coast in winter. By mid September the return migration of winter residents is well underway, and in October there are spectacular flights of snow geese returning from the Arctic.

At Gulf Island destinations, well watered by the winter rains, the flowering cactus, succulents, lilies, Indian paintbrush, wild sweet peas, and rock cress bursts forth in vivid colours with the strengthening sun in March, April, and May. Plants become dormant during the summer when rain shadow effect, caused by the mountains, brings arid conditions and water shortages.

What Is Included

As a contributing crew member your cost covers parking, food on board, fuel, moorage, and marine insurance. Provisions are of excellent quality and include organic produce. Any meals ashore will be on your own account. Be sure to advise us about any special dietary needs or preferences. You can bring your own bedding, linens and towels, or we can provide them for an additional charge. The cockpit can be fully enclosed with weather-proof screens so you need only bring normal clothing for outdoor activity, rubber soled footwear, personal effects, and easily stowed travel bags. You are encouraged to arrive in the afternoon before cruise departure, to explore the waterfront, parks, galleries, markets and boutiques of Gibsons Landing and dine in one of the many colourful eateries, before spending the night on board at our home berth at Gibsons Marina.

Registrations and Conditions

Contact us at advising your home address age range, and we will respond with the current availability, and costs. To register we will need to receive a 30% deposit by cheque or money order, followed by payment of the balance at least 30 days prior to the cruise departure date. On receipt of your registration deposit we will send you a Cruise & Learn Manual for advance study. As our operations are very limited we encourage you to inquire well in advance and you can be placed on our wait list for available positions.

PO Box 692, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0, Canada Ph: 1-604-886-0540
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