Around Vancouver Island Yachtmaster Offshore
14 day circumnavigation of Vancouver Island

2008 Dates:
May 8-21
June 6-19
September 5-18

Vessel:
Nauticat 37

Join us for an exciting Yachtmaster Offshore Cruise & Learn around Vancouver Island. The first part of this voyage will take you from Sidney to the northern tip of Vancouver Island via the Inside Passage through a maze of islands with tidal currents running up to 15 knots. On this leg, occasional stops will be made in remote anchorages. After the Inside Passage, students will get a taste of some serious open ocean sailing with occasional landfalls as we make our way back to Sidney via the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Total mileage on the circumnavigation varies between 500 and 700 nautical miles depending on weather and final route. Weather can range from fog, light winds, steady westerlies of 20-30 knots and storm force south easterlies. This is a serious test of navigational skills, seamanship and your stomach. It will also serve as an excellent catalyst for those contemplating offshore cruising.

The crew will consist of a maximum of six students plus an experienced Offshore Instructor. A watch system will be maintained at all times while at sea. Emphasis will be placed on developing the skills of a serious cruising sailor with constant attention to safety.

The skills covered will include:
• Advanced day and night navigation
• Heavy weather sailing
• Maintenance and repair procedures
• Trip planning and provisioning
• Successful cooking at sea

Prerequisites: Coastal Skipper/Advanced certification or equivalent, Coastal Navigation, VHF and First Aid

Instructor: TBA

Course Level: Completion of the course will lead to ISPA Yachtmaster Offshore cruising certification. Course material and food is supplied. Spinnaker Endorsement not available. Cruising Spinnaker only.

What to bring: Foul Weather Gear, Strobe Light, Safety Harness, Flashlight, Knife, Thermos

 

Swifsure International Yacht Race
The West Coast's Classic Long Distance Race

Date: May 22-25 2008
Arrive two days prior to this regatta for a couple of intense days of on-the-water race training before taking part in the Cape Flattery race of the Swiftsure International Regatta.

Prerequisites: Coastal Skipper/Advanced Certification or equal experience

Instructors/Skipper: Alex Fox, Chris Thody

Course Level: Advanced Navigation, Advanced Sail Trim endorsement, Spinnaker endorsement

What’s included: All meals during the race

What’s not included: Shoreside activities

What to bring: Foul Weather Gear, Strobe Light, Safety Harness, Flashlight, Knife, Thermos