Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Proposed Marina For Victoria, BC Looking For Government Decision By Year's End .


Proposed Marina For Victoria, BC Looking For Government Decision By Year's End .
Monday, 28 November 2011 17:40 . .The Victoria Times Colonist newspaper has reported that the developers of a proposed luxury marina in Victoria's harbour are hoping the federal government will make a decision on the project by year's end.

The story explained that Transport Canada originally approved a navigable waters permit in May 2010, and received green lights from Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment Canada for a 52-slip marina.

But the $19-million project was subsequently decreased in size to a 29-slip development after a rezoning by the City of Victoria in September 2010.

New submissions for the smaller project were made to Transport Canada. Public input was then solicited for the federal government late last year and in February of this year.

Federal officials were contacted by the newspaper last Wednesday but did not provide an update on the application's status.

Marina developers would like to get a result before the end of the year. If approvals come through, that will allow marketing and construction to go ahead in 2012.

"We are still waiting on Transport Canada for the revised navigable waters permit and environmental screening," Lachlan MacLean, vice-president of WAM Development Group, said Wednesday from Vancouver.

"I think they want to be very careful because the project has been under a lot of scrutiny, so they want to make sure they have explored every avenue and make sure that they have a very robust decision."

WAM is partnering with local developer Bob Evans to build the marina and two commercial buildings in front of Songhees.

"If we can have that decision made before the end of the year, that works well going into boat show season, which kicks off early in 2012," MacLean said. They would like to promote the marina at the Seattle Boat Show starting Jan. 27, the Vancouver International Boat Show starting Feb. 8, and a show in Victoria in April.

The marina is taking reservations for slips, which would be able to handle vessels of 20 to 45 metres in length.

Federal approvals are needed before the developer can dredge the seabed under the marina site. The next window for dredging would be in July 2012. If work starts next year, the marina would open in 2013, he said.

The development project is as contentious as it is complex. Federal, provincial and municipal governments all have decision-making roles in the plan. A variety of community interests rallied to battle the marina, citing concerns including blocked views, environmental worries, decreased safety in the already busy harbour, and a dislike of large luxury yachts.

Victoria responded by downzoning the provincially owned water lot where the marina would be located, resulting in a decrease in size. The project received a development permit approval this past September for its commercial buildings.

Friday, November 25, 2011

CTV British Columbia - Severe windstorm in B.C. - News Photo Gallery

CTV British Columbia - Severe windstorm in B.C. - News Photo Gallery

10 % OFF CHARTER RATES!


SAVE!!! 10% OFF 2012 Yacht Charter Rates!!!!!!! Book your 2012 charter vacation before December 16th 2011 and save 10% off your charter rates!!! GREAT gift idea!!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

THANKS FOR THE NICE LETTERS!!!





Hey Cindy:

I took a few photos but they are all of scenery, well there is one of me and it is horrific....LOL. Bonney has taken 181 photos and is mailing us all a CD. So there will be more to choose from. I love my photos though, lots of ambiance. Just when I was supposed to flake the sail, I think I was taking photos.....LOL.

Had an amazing time. Met some great people. Learned so much, including navigation. What I will remember the most is at the helm in 33 knots of wind and not feeling the least bit scared (thanks Mike), and stopping in the evening at different islands was just so amazing. How lucky we are to be Canadians in this beautiful country. A big thank you to Mike our skipper who accommodated us on our various levels of competence/skill, an amazing feat in itself. Thank you so much for the ride to and from the airport Cyndie, just made things run smoothly. All in all, an incredible experience, one that I won't forget in a while.

Judy, Okotoks, AB.

Friday, October 7, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING


WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
TAKE THE TIME TO REFLECT ON ALL YOU ARE THANKFULL FOR! SMILE!


Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.


If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.


Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.



With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

LAST MINUTE DEALS


LAST MINUTE CRUISE AND LEARNS!!!
Competent Crew and Day Skipper October 13th 4 PM - October 16th 4PM
Yacht Masters Offshore - October 11th - 18th
Call now for GREAT SAVINGS!!!!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

COMPETENT CREW AND DAY SKIPPER COURSE




My 15 year old son, just returned from his competent crew and day skipper course last week. He had an exceptional time! He totally lided his instructor, Brain, who had him docking in some seriouse winds!!!
Aidan was challenged and surprized with what the course covered (he has been sailing for many years already). Brian covered all the basics and then some. Aidan said they did a lot of docking, navigation, chart plotting, anchor setting and ofcoarse, sailing!
They had everything from 26 degree weather to gail force winds and rain!
He had a brilliant time and I recomend this to any teen that enjoys boating!!!
Aidan is working on his Coastal Navigation in preperation to his Coastal skipper course!


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

COASTAL SKIPPER COURSES


SAVE $300.00 off our Coastal skipper Cruise and Learn Course
NOW ONLY $1095.00 plus insurance and HST

Only 2 spots left in our September 22nd - September 27th Coastal Skipper Course:
Coastal Skipper

This course, designed for the graduate of the Day Skipper program and marked Coastal Navigation program or people of equivalent experience, will expand your experience by navigating some of the stronger current passes. This course touches lightly on the basics as a review and continues on to more advanced levels of anchoring, sail trim, use of a cruising chute, heavy weather tactics, cruise planning, navigation and night passages. This level is commonly a prerequisite to bareboat chartering.

Prerequisites: Level 1, 2, 3, VHF & Adult First Aid (CPR)

Price includes:

5 nights live aboard accommodation, instruction & course material, towels, pillows, sleeping bags, foul weather gear and 5 hearty breakfasts, lunches, and 4 dinners!

Thursday, May 12, 2011

WOW!!!!





I always wanted to learn to sail but never knew how to go about the whole ordeal. Island Cruising ensures that every aspect of your trip is taken care of, you just show up, learn, and relax. It was actually much easier than I though, and more enjoyable and fulfilling than I had even even imagined. It was in one word, AWESOME! The cruise and learn has everything that you might want in a holiday. Beautiful scenic Gulf Island tour, fascinating wild life, excellent company (thank's Anne & Chris), tasty meals and the most fun you can have learning. At the end you are one step closer to Sailing on your own anywhere in the WORLD!!!! It also helps that Dave (our instructor) was very experienced, patient and fun. A good teacher makes a big difference. Thank's Dave!
Just to think that it is possible to sail anywhere I go in the world for my next holiday puts a giant smile on my face. Now, I won't have to sit at the resorts and wish I was on a boat... I will be able to charter one myself... and forget the resort all together, just stay on the boat and go anywhere you want. That's what they mean by freedom! No one should live their life without learning to sail and if I can do it, then I'm sure that anyone can.
I will be posting some photos from the trip very soon... Be sure to stay posted, they are phenomenal!

Monika

Friday, April 29, 2011

SPECIAL DISCOUNT CRUISE & LEARNS $1050.00


May 5th 4PM - May 10th 4PM Competent Crew/Day Skipper or Coastal Skipper Courses
Level 1 + 2
Competent Crew & Day Skipper Certification

Based in the scenic cruising grounds of the Gulf Islands, this comprehensive course covers boat handling and safe seamanship practices as well as introducing the basics of coastal navigation. After departing our base at Port Sidney you'll spend five days on board a 34 - 38 ft sailboat, cruising and learning through some of the most spectacular waters in the world. You'll spend each night either at anchor under the stars or secured at a cozy marina. For those students looking for a holiday of a slightly more relaxed nature a Competent Crew standard has been developed to provide a sufficient level of knowledge to assist in the safe operation of a vessel.

Level 4
Coastal Skipper

This course, designed for the graduate of the Day Skipper program and marked Coastal Navigation program or people of equivalent experience, will expand your experience by navigating some of the stronger current passes. This course touches lightly on the basics as a review and continues on to more advanced levels of anchoring, sail trim, use of a cruising chute, heavy weather tactics, cruise planning, navigation and night passages. This level is commonly a prerequisite to bareboat chartering.

Prerequisites: Level 1, 2, 3, VHF & Adult First Aid (CPR)

Price includes:

6 nights live aboard accommodation, instruction & course material, towels, pillows, sleeping bags, foul weather gear and 5 hearty breakfasts, lunches, and dinners!

CALL NOW to reserve your spot!!!!! 250-656-7070

Monday, March 28, 2011

ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!!


We need to fill our last spots in our upcoming Cruise & Learn course.

Boarding: April 22 at 4:00 p.m. at the Port Sidney Marina
Returning: April 27 at 4:00 pm. at the Port Sidney Marina

Competent Crew & Day Skipper (Level 1 & 2)
students also welcome.

Competent Crew and Day Skipper (Level 1 & 2)

Based in the scenic cruising grounds of the Gulf Islands, this comprehensive course covers boat handling and safe seamanship practices as well as the basics of navigation. You will spend each night at anchor under the stars or secured at a cozy marina. For those students looking for a more relaxed holiday, the Competent Crew standard will provide a sufficient level of knowledge to assist in the safe operation of a vessel.

WAS $1295 per person

NOW $1050 per person

Price includes: Live-aboard stay, instruction, course material, linen, foul weather gear and all meals.

Please note: This promotion is only applicable to this cruise and learn and cannot be applied to already made bookings. Thank you for your understanding.

Dont miss this great price!
Please contact us ASAP if you are interested.


250-656-7070
1-800-663-5311
info@islandcruising.com

For more information on these and other courses check out our website.

For more specials and promotions join our facebook page.

Victoria Inner Harbour Floating Boat Show


Along with new and brokerage (pre-owned) boats that will be on display, several new exhibitors have joined this very exciting event. Having moved to Victoria's Inner Habour we have increased our land based exhibitors by 100%.

Visit over 150 boats on display as well as many booth exhibits with marine related products ranging from: electronics, sounders, radios, insurance companies, financial institutions, clothing gear, diving gear, dinghy's and much, much more!

SHOW HOURS
April 28 to May 1, 2011 - Victoria's Inner Harbour
Thursday to Friday - 11am to 6pm
Saturday and Sunday - 10am to 5pm

ADMISSION
Boarding Pass - $10.00
Students/Seniors - $8.00
Three-day pass - $25.00

Visa and Mastercard accepted at the gate.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

VANCOUVER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & TRAVEL SHOW


VANCOUVER OUTDOOR ADVENTURE & TRAVEL SHOW


MARCH 19 AND 20TH 2011 VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE


SATURDAY MARCH 19TH 10AM - 6PM
SUNDAY MARCH 20TH 10AM-5PM

COME AND VISIT US AT BOOTH 733

See it! Do it! Live it!

Explore BC's largest adventure & travel show offering pre-season deals on the newest outdoor gear and amazing travel destinations! See canoe & kayak experts in the Whitewater Demo Pool or ignite your passion for biking, hiking, running, water, board or mountain sports at over 200 exhibits!

Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's Show


Edmonton Boat & Sportsmen's Show

March 17th - 20th 2011



Come visit us at the Edmonton Boat & Sportsman's show, held at the Edmonton Expo Centre!



You can find Island Cruising at booth 273 .



Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for Juniors, kids 6 and under free,$9 for seniors and $34 for family passes


We look forward to seeing you there!

Edmonton Boat Show



Thursday, March 17: 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Friday, March 18: 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 19: 10.00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 20: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.






YOU DESERVE A SPRING BREAK!

With all the the wild winter weather we have had this year, we are ready to celebrate and welcome spring with open arms!!

Let us give YOU a reason to come join in the SPRING BREAK!
FREE DAYS UNTILL THE END OF APRIL 2011
NOW THATS WORTH CELEBRATING!!


You have worked hard this winter. So Island Cruising wants to offer you a free day on your WELL DESERVED SPRING BREAK Yacht Charter!!



The West Coast Spring season brings longer days, warmer weather and AWESOME winds that are steady! Some of the best sailing conditions of the year!


BUT WAIT, if you book your spring yacht charter now, we will throw in a free day, for all charters of 5 days or more!

We'll even give you a complimentary preboard!

You can't afford not to take advantage of this amazing offer, so contact us today to book your charter.

This offer is for spring 2011 (until April 30 2011)charters only (booked now and completed before April 30 2011). This offer applies to new bookings and can not be combined with any other discounts or offers

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Team Building!


Has your team forgotten that, there is NO "I" in "TEAM"?
Maybe it is time to plan your "TEAM BUILDING" Corporate Event!!
An Early Summer Flotilla that can inspire your team in ways only SAILING together can!! They will build their sailing skills, trust, communication and their team spirit in some of the most stunning waters of the Gulf and San Juan Islands!
Call us today, we will put together the perfect TEAM BUILDING package for your crew!!!

Take back the Helm




Wanting to take the helm on your family’s next vacation?

Island Cruising offers awesome Cruise and Learn courses that will prepare you to take the helm with confidence. You can spend five adventure filled days cruising in some of the worlds most breath taking surroundings, as you learn to operate a power or sailing yacht.
Imagine the experience to live aboard, navigate and capture the power of the wind while exploring the extraordinary Gulf Islands


Level 1 + 2
Competent Crew & Day Skipper Certification

Based in the scenic cruising grounds of the Gulf Islands, this comprehensive course covers boat handling and safe seamanship practices as well as introducing the basics of coastal navigation. After departing our base at Port Sidney you'll spend five days on board a 34 - 38 ft sailboat, cruising and learning through some of the most spectacular waters in the world. You'll spend each night either at anchor under the stars or secured at a cozy marina. For those students looking for a holiday of a slightly more relaxed nature a Competent Crew standard has been developed to provide a sufficient level of knowledge to assist in the safe operation of a vessel.

Level 4
Coastal Skipper

This course, designed for the graduate of the Day Skipper program and marked Coastal Navigation program or people of equivalent experience, will expand your experience by navigating some of the stronger current passes. This course touches lightly on the basics as a review and continues on to more advanced levels of anchoring, sail trim, use of a cruising chute, heavy weather tactics, cruise planning, navigation and night passages. This level is commonly a prerequisite to bareboat chartering.
Prerequisites: Level 1, 2, 3, VHF & Adult First Aid (CPR)

Friday, March 4, 2011

SPRING COMMISSIONING CHECKLIST


Spring Commissioning Checklist

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To help boaters have a trouble-free summer boating season, BoatU.S., the nation’s largest recreational boating association, has a spring commissioning checklist. Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, following this checklist is an easy way to get ready for the season.

BEFORE YOU LAUNCH:

Inspect and lubricate seacocks. Hoses and hose clamps should be inspected and replaced as necessary.
Replace deteriorated zincs.
Inspect prop(s) for dings, pitting and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft - if it’s loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.
Check to make sure the rudderstock hasn’t been bent.
Inspect the hull for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
Make sure your engine intake sea strainer is free of corrosion and properly secured.
Check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, be sure to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.
Use a hose to check for deck leaks at ports and hatches. Renew caulk or gaskets as necessary.
OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES:

Inspect rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried and/or deteriorated spots (look especially in the folds), and replace if suspect.
Check power steering and power trim oil levels. Replace worn-out zincs.
Inspect outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion and mean that the cable has to be replaced.
ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS:

Inspect fuel lines, including fill and vent hoses, for softness, brittleness or cracking. Check all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
Inspect fuel tanks, fuel pumps and filters for leaks. Clamps should be snug and free of rust. Clean fuel filters.
Inspect cooling hoses and fittings for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Make sure they fit snugly and are double-clamped.
Every few years, remove and inspect exhaust manifold for corrosion.
Clean and tighten electrical connections, especially both ends of battery cables. Wire-brush battery terminals and fill cells with distilled water.
Inspect bilge blower hose for leaks.
SAILBOAT RIGGING:

Inspect fittings for cracks and rust. Inspect wire halyards and running backstays for "fishhooks" and rust.
Remove tape on turnbuckles and lubricate threads, preferably with Teflon. Replace old tape with fresh tape.
Recaulk through-deck chainplates as necessary (generally, once a decade).
TRAILERS:

Inspect tire treads and sidewalls for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary. Check air pressure. Don’t forget the spare!
Inspect bearings and repack as necessary.
Test tail and back-up lights. Test winch to make sure it’s working properly.
Inspect trailer frame for rust. Sand and paint to prevent further deterioration.
MISCELLANEOUS:

Check expiration dates on flares and fire extinguishers.
Check stove and remote tanks for loose fittings and leaking hoses.
Inspect bilge pump and float switch to make sure it’s working properly.
Inspect dock and anchor lines for chafing.
Update or replace old charts, waterway guides.
Check shore power cable connections for burns, which indicates the cable needs to be replaced.
Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date. Don’t forget your trailer tags.
Review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER SPRING PREPARATION



Spring Boat Preparation
Putting your boat back in commission for the new season

Proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat in this upcoming season

Preseason preparation makes the difference in whether we have a safe boating experience or enjoy an unwanted adventure. If you followed the suggestions described in the article Boat Winterizing and Dry Storage, you are well on the way to getting back in the water today.

Here are some suggestions for spring boat preparation and links to articles on these topics at Boating and Sailing. Talk to your boatyard operator and mechanic, they may have additional suggestions for maintenance that is appropriate for your boat. Remember to exercise the concepts of Clean Boating as you get ready for the new season.

Spring boat preparation is hard work, but certainly within the capability of most boaters. Many commercial boatyards happily provide these services for your boat. Schedule yard work well in advance and avoid the rush that comes with the first nice spring day. Boat preparation involves several areas of interest. They are:

Boat & Yacht Teak Decking Maintenance Free Synthetic Teak at less than half the price. nuteak.com
Victoria-Cheapest Storage 80 sqft Units $69/mo -160 sqft $129 Vehicle Storage from $45/mo www.westcoastsuperstorage.com
•Vessel Exterior
•Hull Condition
•Vessel Interior
•Emergency Equipment
•Electrical Systems
•Outboard Engines and Outdrives
•Inboard Engines
•Boat Trailers
•Galley
•Head and Waste Treatment Systems
•Water Systems
•Sails and Rigging
This article begins with discussion of the first three topics.

Vessel Exterior - Scrub down your boat with a mild detergent. Use a detergent that causes minimal environmental impact. Remember that in some states, it is illegal to allow wash water back into the harbor without treatment. Apply a coat of wax to the boat. Clean and polish all metal fittings. Ensure cockpit drains and scuppers are clear, they are easily blocked by leaves and winter debris. Check the operation of hatches and windows, clean and lubricate their hinges. Clean and check the condition of canvas.

Hull Condition - Lifting and storing a vessel can cause minor damage. Look for scratches, blisters, and abrasions to the hull. Check transducers, pitot tubes, and exterior surfaces of thru-hull fittings. Ensure the engine sea strainer is clean, free of corrosion, and secure. Arrange for repairs and refinishing of hull defects. Once hull maintenance is complete, touchup or apply a new coat of bottom paint as needed. Replace your zincs. New zincs are inexpensive and prevent costly damage from corrosion and electrolysis. Inspect the condition of the vessel's shaft, cutlass bearing, supporting struts, and propeller. Check the swim platform and boarding ladder.

Read on
Preseason Boat Preparation
Further Spring Boat Preparation
Boat Winterizing and Dry Storage
Vessel Interior – Inspect the condition of thru-hull fitting, work attached seacocks (valves), check the flexible hoses and clamps. Consider proactive replacement of clamps and hoses. A failed thru-hull fitting can cause a major emergency. Look for oil in the bilges. If oil is present, identify its source, take prompt action, and fix the leak. Clean the bilges and stock oil adsorbent pads and pillows for use in the engine spaces. Check operation of bilge pumps and switches. Lubricate stuffing boxes, shaft and rudder logs. Your boat should be equipped with a good water separating filter that can reduce ethanol fuel problems. Drain any water present in the filter and check the condition of all flexible fuel lines.


Read more at Suite101: Spring Boat Preparation: Putting your boat back in commission for the new season

www.suite101.com/content/spring-boat-preparation-a12035#ixzz1EARoRHfn

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2011 Vancouver International Boat Show


HEY VANCOUVER, LARRY IS IN THE HOUSE!!! He has put up the booth and is waiting to greet you at Booth #541. Larry can help you with all your Yacht Charter Vacation needs!!! Our team will be there to help you with any questions on Island Cruising's Sailing School,Yacht Charter Vacations and Yacht Management.
Have a boat, want to buy a boat ??? Let island Cruising show you how affordable Yacht Ownership can be!!!!

Please come by and say HELLO!!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Cruising destinations: Desolation Sound


Captain George Vancouver first sailed these waters in 1792 - and seeing the land and seascape so remote and forbidding, he was inspired to name it Desolation Sound!

The park was created in 1973 and continues to be a popular destination for boaters. Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is the only major marine park of its kind on the Pacific coast of Canada. From your Island Cruising yacht, you can expect to see a majestic and untouched landscape made up of evergreen mountains topped with snowcaps, fjords, waterfalls, and teeming with birds and other wildlife.

Things to see and do: The first thing that comes to mind when considering things to see and do in a marine provincial park is of course... sailing! Explore the numerous little coves, inlets and islands that make up the 60km of pristine coastline. Ashore, interesting tidal pools and marshes will enthral you with an abundance of marine organisms, birds and waterfowl. Use the dinghy and outboard motor included in your Island Cruising charter to explore the waters not accessible by sailboat. Other activities include kayaking, swimming and scuba diving. The waters of Desolation Sound do not experience as much tidal circulation as in other parts of the region. It is for this reason that pumping out your holding tank is strictly forbidden in Desolation Sound. Conversely, because the waters do not move as much, they warm up significantly during the summer months and are particularly inviting for swimmers, snorkelers, and scuba divers alike! Fishermen can try their luck at catching salmon, rockfish, cod and snapper. Be aware that fishing for rockfish is limited in the conservation areas, and you must have the appropriate licenses to fish. Island Cruising can add a fishing kit to your charter - ask our reservations team for more information.

Marinas and anchorages: There are many anchorage sites in the region, including the beautiful Prideaux Haven; Tenedos Bay, connected to Unwin Lake by a short hiking trail; and Grace Harbour, which is well protected from all winds and seas. Unwin Lake is ideal for swimming and freshwater fishing, which makes for a relaxing day on shore. While marinas are uncommon in Desolation Sound, the historic Lund Hotel is well worth a visit! Fully renovated and restored, the hotel has an on-site restaurant, pub, general store, and fuel dock, and also offers guided kayaking tours! There are two options for the kayaking tours: kayak by moonlight and experience the magic of the bioluminescence, or enjoy a retelling of the history of Lund, and hear all about the First Nations' history as well as the antics of the early settlers.

Hazards in the area: If stopping by Mitlenatch Island on your way from our base at Pacific Playgrounds to Desolation Sound, be aware of the rock to the north of the northern tip of the small island, as well as the reef and rocks off of the west coast of the island. Temporary anchorage is available along the northwest shore only. Navigating the waters of Desolation Sound does involve careful inspection of the charts and vigilance at the helm. There are rocks in and around many of the popular inlets, such as Rosetta Rock at Malaspina Inlet, and the rocks to port when entering Tenedos Bay. A responsible and experienced navigator should not have any problems, providing daily route planning is observed and the GPS is referred to at regular intervals.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Calgary Boat Show: Larry is waiting at booth 342!


Larry has put up the booth and is waiting to greet you at Booth 342. Larry can help you with all your Yacht Charter Vacation needs!!! Jack Dale,Instructional Captain, will be joining Larry today to help you with any questions on Island Cruising's Sailing School.Have a boat, want to buy a boat ??? Let island Cruising show you how affordable Yacht Ownership can be!!!!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Calgary Boat & Sportsmen's Show Feb. 3rd - 6th 2011


Larry Meyer, Owner of Island Cruising, has been driving all night to get to the CALGARY BOAT SHOW!!!

Come chat with him face-to-face at booth 342. He can help you organize your brilliant Gulf Island Sail Vacation, or get you certified through our ISPA/CYA Sailing School or even help you find your dream yacht and help you see how affordable Yacht Ownership can be!!!

Visit the Calgary Boat & Sportsmen's Show website for more information: http://www.calgaryboatandsportshow.ca/

Venue: BMO Centre at Stampede Park

Friday, January 28, 2011


Mileage Builder Cruise and Learn
Between
Pacific Playgrounds Comox Vancouver Island
and
Port Sidney Marina Sidney Vancouver Island

Dates:
July 1- July 6, 2011
July 18 - July 23, 2011
July 23 - July 28 2011
Aug 7 - 12 2011

Instructor/Skipper: TBA

What's included: Most meals, linens, instruction, preboard

Participate in a 4 day trip with instructor. Build your
miles, refresh your skills and enjoy a great sailing experience
in stunning surrounds. A great mileage builder course!

Cost: $1095 p.p.

*all prices subject to change

Thursday, January 20, 2011

FLEET EXPANSION 2011


Island Cruising is looking for Sailing Yachts and Power Yachts to join our 2011 Fleet!!

Let us show you how affordable Yacht Ownership can be!!!

Our latest addition is a remarkable 2008 41 foot Beneteau! She is booking up FAST!

She is open and roomy with an exceptionally large cockpit with double turn wheels and a full batten Main! She has all the extras to combine luxury, comfort and remarkable sailing performance!

Come join our fleet of exceptional Yachts!

Call 250-656-7070

April 17 - April 30th 2011 AVI Advanced Yacht Master Offshore Flotilla


Island Cruising has all ready filled Sea Biscuit for Around Vancouver Island Advanced Yacht Master Offshore Course.

We will add a second yacht to make it our first Advanced Yacht Master Offshore Course Flotilla!

Advanced Yacht Master Offshore is an intense course!! The instructors demand that the prerequisites are in place!

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

The students will benefit from BOTH instructors teaching styles, expertise and knowledge!!!

This is going to be a remarkable AVI flotilla! What a AWESOME learning opportunity!

Call now to secure your place!! 250-656-7070 or cyndie@islandcruising.com

April 1 - 8 2011 ISPA Instuctors Course


Island Cruising is offering 2 ISPA Instuctors Courses this April.

ISPA Competent Crew/Day Skipper/Coastal Navigation April 1 9AM - April 5th 4PM

ISPA Coastal Skipper Course April 6th 9AM - April 8th 4PM

Classes are 75% full... Call us today to book your spot!

250-656-7070
Cyndie@Islandcruising.com

Friday, January 14, 2011

SWIFTSURE INTERNATIONAL YACHT RACE


WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTICIPANTS FOR THE WEST COAST'S PREMIER LONG DISTANCE RACE!!!! $1495.00 PER PERSON
MAY 27-29 2011