Medicine for Mariners Seminar in the BVIs

This CME-accredited seminar takes place in the British Virgin Islands from January 16 - 23, 2010, and is aimed at all sailors who are medically responsible for the health and safety of others in marine environments. In particular, physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals may find this of interest. Below is a link to the website for more information:

http://www.beyc.com/index.php/second-annual-medicine-for-mariners-and-safety-at-sea-educational-conference.html

Season's Greetings!

I took a couple of pictures last night of the Christmas lights at Port Sidney Marina. It's a pity I wasn't able to go to the Christmas parade last Saturday night! Maybe next year!

Do you have any pictures of the Christmas lights in your hometown? Post them to our Facebook page and share them with our crew! Here's a link to our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Island-Cruising/168800066687

Sunshine in Sidney!

Some might wonder about the newsworthiness of the sun shining in Sidney? Well, maybe it's not newsworthy, but it certainly has lifted our spirits :) I thought I'd share some of the winter scenery with you, and remind you of what you have to look forward to next summer! Don't forget to book your 2010 charters before the end of the year to secure of 2009 rates!

Problems with our computer network

Just thought I should let everyone know that we are having major I.T. problems today. A repair technician is on the way, and we hope to be back up-and-running at full speed by tomorrow. Apologies if you are waiting for any quotations or responses to emails. We are currently unable to access our emails. Thanks for your patience!

Island Cruising visit to Alberta next week

Just wanted to let all our blog readers in Alberta know that Larry and Kathryn will be visiting Calgary and Edmonton next week. If you are interested in attending one of our presentations, or just popping in to say hi, come join us at:

Calgary Power & Sail Squadron
Mewata Armoury: 2nd Floor, 801-11 Street SW, Calgary
November 24, 2009
8:00-10:00 PM (doors open at 7:30 PM)

Calgary Yacht Club
Danish Canadian Club: 727-11 Avenue SW, Calgary
November 25, 2009
7:00-9:00 PM

Client Appreciation Night
Crown Plaza Chateau Lacombe Hotel
River Valley Room: 10111 Bellamy Hill, Edmonton
November 26, 2009
7:30-9:30 PM

We'd love to see you at one of these events! Let us know if you can make it by emailing us at info@islandcruising.com or calling us at 250-656-7070 or toll free at 1-800-663-5311. We will have special offers for 2010 bookings, as well as door prizes at our client appreciation night, so don't miss it!

What's under the water?

Ever stop to think what's under the water when you're out sailing round the Gulf Islands? It's so easy to get caught up in the beauty above sea level: the light breeze tickling your skin, the sun's warm, syrupy rays comforting you, and Mt. Baker looming in the distance... The water looks so cold and uninviting that it's easy to believe that what's under it is the same.

I stopped by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre this afternoon and my eyes popped at all the colours and the creatures inhabiting our local waters. I'm going to make it a priority to go scuba diving sometime soon! Island Cruising offers diving as an add-on to your yacht charter, so if you're interested in seeing the creatures in the pics below for yourself, ask us how to book a dive as part of your next charter!

Happy birthday, Sharon

Island Cruising is celebrating Sharon's birthday today! Sharon heads up our accounting department - thanks for all your hard work, Sharon! Please join us in wishing Sharon a very happy birthday :)

Olympic Torch comes to Sidney!

Olympic fever has begun. The highly anticipated kick-off of the Olympic torch relay begun outside the BC legislature building this morning, albeit 90 minutes late... Rough weather conditions en-route managed to delay the Canadian Forces airplane that was carrying the flame, but they did not dampen its spirit. Shortly after 1.30 p.m. today, the flame was carried down Beacon Avenue here in Sidney. Lots of supporters and well wishers came out to cheer along the procession, and join in the festivities. Island Cruising was there too to show our support for our Canadian athletes! We will have yachts available for charter out of Granville Island Marina next February, so if you are heading out to Vancouver for the Olympics, contact us to arrange for your accommodation on board one of our yachts.

Fair winds and calm seas,
Melissa

www.islandcruising.com

Island Cruising joins twitter

We just joined twitter! Follow us on twitter to get up-to-the-minute news about what we're doing, our specials, and to connect with others in the sailing community.

Are you sailing in the Vic-Maui 2010? Looking to chat to others sailing in the race? Join our twibe: http://www.twibes.com/group/vic-maui

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL - CRUISE AND LEARN!

FREE Coastal Navigation Package (value $299) when you book one of 2 remaining spots on our Comox - Port Hardy Cruise and Learn!

Take this opportunity to complete your Coastal Navigation and Coastal Skipper (Levels 3 and 4) while sailing the spectacular Discovery passage - one of the most rugged and scenic regions in all of British Columbia!

$1450 all inclusive. Click here for course details!

First Aid and VHF are prerequisites for this course. Please call 250-656-7070 for more information.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas
Sharon
Island Cruising

FEATURING OUR 4100 TARTAN "SANGUINE"

Sanguine is a real beauty, with 2 roomy cabins, sleeping up to 7 people. Plush leather seating in the salon and loads of room in the galley create a feeling of spaciousness and luxury. She has awesome handling capabilities even under low wind conditions. If you are looking to sail something a cut above the rest, look no further than Sanguine!

We are offering a discount of 10% and a free pre-board on Sanguine for the month of August.

Fair Winds and Calm Seas
Sharon
Island Cruising