HOPE EVERYONE HAD AN EXCEPTIONAL HOLIDAY

Hi everyone!!! I hope you all had a brilliant holiday season!!! We sure did!!! We are back in our offices Jan. 3rd 2011, ready to book your next Yachting Vacation!!
Thank you for a wonderful 2010 and we look forward to serving you in 2011

RIO DORADO BENETEAU 40

We have a new Yacht to the Island Cruising Fleet!! Rio Dorado is a Brilliant 2008 40 Beneteau!!!Large, roomy yacht boasts three private double cabins and two heads. It's comfort plus on board this modern sailing yacht with roller furling main and fore sail and many extras. The spacious saloon area, with 6'6" headroom, and the table converts to a fourth double bed if required. Elegant fabrics and rich teak combine to create a warm and luxurious atmosphere

FREE DAY IN JUNE!!!

JANUARY 2011 SPECIAL!!
BOOK A JUNE CHARTER FOR 5 DAYS OR MORE AND RECIEVE A FREE DAY!

IT IS THAT SIMPLE!

MAKE SURE YOU MENTION THIS SPECIAL WHEN BOOKING PLEASE!
1-250-656-7070

Island Cruising on Shaw TV

Island Cruising was recently filmed for 'The Daily', a show on Shaw TV, which profiles events and happenings in the Greater Victoria area. This was a really exciting opportunity for us to show people across Canada what they can expect when they plan their cruising vacation with us. Check out our video below - kick off your shoes and relax aboard "Growltiger," for an exhilarating glimpse of sailing in one of the most beautiful regions in the world.
Fair Winds and Calm Seas
Sharon
Island Cruising

Why Vancouver Island Snorkeling and Diving?

Why Vancouver Island Snorkeling and Diving?
Some interesting and unique tours are offered here on the Island - join a guide and snorkle with salmon, or swim with seals. Some excellent diving charters are operated where you'll definitely see Giant Pacific octopus and wolf eels, and the rare 6-gill shark that can grow to over 20 ft, inhabiting the areas around south Denman and Hornby Islands.
Vancouver Island diving offers some pretty interesting underwater topography, from rocky outcrops to sandy seabeds. There's also has a handful of decent artificial reefs that have been sunk for divers to explore, including a couple of Boeing 737's located off the eastern shores of the Island.

Other popular dive sites include Jedediah Island, Madrona Point and Nanoose Bay.

When's The Best Time To Go?
Winter is prime season for Vancouver Island diving. The Island's sea life is vibrant and plentiful year round, but local divers prefer winter. That's when the view-obscuring plankton dies off and visibility can reach 150 feet, with water clarity rivaling that of the most popular Caribbean dive sites (but not as warm!)
Underwater viewing distances from fall to spring is about 80 to 100 feet.

Save On Foods Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race

"Welcome to the 2011 Van Isle 360

International Yacht Race

The Van Isle 360 is a biennial, 580 nm. point to point race circumnavigating wild and rugged Vancouver Island, B.C. Sailed in ten legs the course provides inshore, offshore and overnight legs through some of the world's most challenging and beautiful waters.
Next Race - June 4 - 18, 2011

2011 Van Isle 360 - June 4 - 18, 2011

Tuesday Nov. 9 - 2011. We are working on the 2011 Entry Applications and Notice of Race and hope to have these ready by the end of the month. Please contact the race office to ensure you are on the contact list to receive updates as they become available. Stay tuned, more exciting news to come."

Polar Bear Cruise

We have some brave committed winter sailors going out on a cruise this week end. Can anyone submit some GOOD HEARTY meals they can prepare on their yacht??

How about submitting your best Polar Bear Cruise pictures too!!

VIC- MAUI 2012

The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Lahaina Yacht Club are pleased to announce the 2012 Vic-Maui International Yacht Race.

The 2012 Vic-Maui race, the 23 edition of this ocean racing classic, will start from Victoria, B.C. Class starts will be staggered, with starts as early as June 28, 2012. The race will finish near Lahaina, Maui, a great circle route distance of 2308 nautical miles.

Vic-Maui, first contested in 1968 and runs every second year since, is the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest ocean racing. The Vic-Maui race challenges sailors to demonstate thier skills by beating out of the Juan De Fuca Strait, reaching around the Pacific High Pressure zone and running the trades to Hawaii. The 2010 Vic-Maui enjoyed excellent wind conditions, with line honors captured by a 35 foot high performance cruiser which finished in just 11 days and 15 hours.Overall win earned by a 48 foot performance cruiser which finished in twelve days and twelve hours. Vic-Maui records are waiting to be broken in 2012!

The adventure begins during the long daysof mid summer and each day of the passage south towards the tropics brings warmer temperatures. The days pass quickly with the fleet surrounded by dolphins and albatross, spectacular sunrises, sunsets and brillant star nights. teamwork gets the boats to the finish line near Lahaina, where day or night, each ariving yacht is greeted with the outstanding Hawaiian welcoming party.

LET ISLAND CRUISING BOOK YOUR TROPICAL YACHT CHARTER FOR YOU!

Dreaming of warm weather, diving into clear blue water and exploring diverse islands and landscapes? Let Island Cruising book your tropical yacht charter for you!!

Wether it is the tranquil anchorages, picture perfect beaches of the Caribbean, the isolation and stunning beauty of the Far East, the diversity of coastlines and cultures the Mediterranean has to offer or the swaying palms, coral lagoons, shimmering turquoise seas of the South Pacific , we can find you the perfect yacht for your adventure!!

Call: 1-800-663-5311 or www.islandcruising.com

St. Vincent and the Gredadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines was named as the Best Sailing and Yachting Islands of the Year by Caribbean World Travel Magazines. Let us arrange your winter sailing vacation and see yourself why these islands are voted the best for sailing, diving, snorkeing and relaxing.

Sail-World.com : 67-year-old grandmother starts solo non-stop circumnavigation today

Sail-World.com : 67-year-old grandmother starts solo non-stop circumnavigation today: "67-year-old grandmother starts solo non-stop circumnavigation today


'Jeanne Socrates - starts today' .
Today is the day for Jeanne Socrates, 67-year-old grandmother, to begin her solo non-stop circumnavigation.

She's been held up by the weather for a few days, but today she is to be towed to her start line at Canada's Victoria Harbour entrance to be ready to sail away around 4pm local time.

Her attempt is being recorded by the World Speed Sailing Record Council, and for that she carries a 'black box' to record her attempt.

She says today she is expecting west wind over strong (Springs) ebb tide from Race Rock westward, so will have rough water, but a 'push' in right direction initially, with difficult sailing out of Strait of Juan de Fuca.

That's a calculation, and by late Tuesday, she thinks the storm that has kept her from starting should have abated. She needs to get away south from Canada before the winter gales start in earnest.

Of course attempting to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world may not be the typical behaviour of a 67-year-old grandmother."

Island Cruising Yacht Charters & Sailing School - Around Vancouver Island Yachtmaster Offshore. 14 day circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.

Join us on for an incredible sailing adventure!
Next trip April 2011

What’s included: Course material, all meals

What’s not included: Shoreside activities
What to bring: Foul Weather Gear, Strobe Light, Safety Harness, Flashlight, Knife, Thermos
Cost: $3490

Contact us today for further information including prerequisites.

Diving News!

Island Diving!!!!

Fall is here and it is time to get certified!

PADI OPEN WATER course starting November 9th 2010

$450.00 per person (6 hours of pool time & 4 shore dive)

Price includes instuctor, pool fees, crew pack, equipment and PADI PIC cards

For information: www.islanddiving.com - 1-778-426-3483 - info@islanddiving.ca

The Importance of Being Winterized

Have you ever dreamed of owning your own boat and having the freedom to go wherever the wind takes you? Or perhaps this dream is already your reality.

Improper boat maintenance and winterization can snatch that dream away. Don't let an easily avoidable problem like mildew stop you from sailing next summer. Here are some tips from our experts in yacht maintenance and winterization:

1. At the end of the season, have your oil and filters changed. Over time, impurities build up in your engine oil that will corrode the internal components and settle around items like rings and seals. Having your oil changed is an essential step in engine maintenance.

2. Have your boat throughly cleaned inside and out. Don't wait till the springtime when the scum and barnacles will be even harder to get rid of and could end up taking twice the amount of time to clean off. Ensure your boat is free from damp and the risk of mildew by purchasing and installing a dehumidifier/heating system. This is especially important for fibreglass boats. Remove your foul weather gear, cushions and other small items which are susceptible to mildew, and store them in a dry, clean space.

3. Drain and clean the bilge and spray with a moisture displacing lubricant.

4. Drain the water tanks and the hot water tank. Empty the holding tanks and add clean water and an enzyme-based additive that will break down any leftover residue.

Island Cruising can assist you with the winterization of your boat, and also with weekly yachtcare, helping to keep your boat in tip-top shape. Call us today at 250-656-7070 and ask for Marta to chat further about your needs.

SWIFTSURE 2011

Great news! Swiftsure will be held the last weekend in May, the 28th and 29th! Registeration will hopefully open in March!!

2011 31st St Maarten Heineken Regatta

We are currently getting a team together for the 2011 31st St Maarten Heineken Regatta March 3rd - March 6th 2011!!!

FUN STUFF

Around Vancouver Island

The Around Vancouver Island trip has recently been completed with skipper Jack Dale on Growltiger. One participant reported that the trip was "enjoyable and a great learning experience". Congratulations to those who completed their Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster courses. Good job!

Vic-Maui

The Victoria to Maui Race offically starts this Thursday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. in the Victoria Inner Harbour. Come down and watch the start of the race and enjoy the actvities going on in the harbour to celebrate the starting of the race.

Yachtmaster offshore Cruise n' Learn from Maui to Victoria

We still have a couple of spots on this exciting trip. Join our instructor for this voyage of a lifetime, and get your Yachtmaster Offshore certification at the same time.
Vic-Maui challenges navigators to demonstrate their weather routing and navigational skills. Understanding the weather is critical when making decisions on navigating out of the Straits of Juan De Fuca and along the Washington, Oregon and Northern California coasts to get to the trade winds first. Success depends on the navigators skill in predicting where the Pacific High pressure zone will be.

Departs Maui on or about July 26. $4,995 per person.
Visit Vic-Maui's offical website: http://www.vicmaui.org/

Contact us for more information!

Find us easily on Facebook

Now it's easy to find us on Facebook! Just type in: www.facebook.com/islandcruising and you will automatically bring up our Facebook page!

Cruising destinations: Pender Island

Pender Island is actually comprised of two separate islands. Although, North Pender Island and South Pender Island were originally connected by a narrow strip of land, the isthmus was dredged in 1902 to allow the ferry to travel from Hope Bay (on the East side of the North Island) through the sheltered waters of Bedwell Harbour on its way to Sidney. Suprisingly, the bridge connecting the two islands was only built 53 years later, in 1955!

Things to see and do: Anchor at the Beaumont Marine Park and hike up Mt. Norman (typically takes one hour). Explore the Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary, which is one of the last remaining wetland areas in the region. Play 27 holes of frisbee golf at the Golf Island Disc Park. Although the course features a bumpy landscape and many trees, it makes for a beautiful walk through the woods! Visit the Pender Island Museum, and find out more about the rich history of the Penders. Join Pender Island Kayak Adventures on a kayaking tour and explore the hundreds of bays and beaches that make up the 38 miles of coastline.

Marinas and anchorages: Poets Cove Resort and Spa is synonymous with a visit to the Pender Islands. Featuring a fantastic restaurant, a casual pub, an in-house spa (that offers some treatments, such as back massages, in the comfort of your own boat) and a hot tub & swimming pool, Poets Cove is a favourite among boaters! Another great marina is the Otter Bay Marina, which offers bicycle and scooter rentals, laundry, volleyball, badminton, a horseshoe pit, and a kids playground! Moorage is also available at Port Browning Marina and includes the use of the swimming pool. Mooring buoys and anchoring are avaliable at the Beaumont Marine Park, Medicine Beach Nature Sanctuary, Thieves Bay, Hope Bay and Otter Bay.

Hazards in the area: With its low topography and position in the shadow of the Olympic Mountain range, Pender Island is protected from storms and receives much less precipitation than the surrounding areas. One hazard to be aware of: there are some rocks along the west side of the breakwater at Thieves Bay. The area is marked well with many black buoys.

Diving News!

Island Diving
Summers here and its time to get certified!
PADI OPEN WATER course starting June 21.
$399.00 per person

Ever thought about diving, but not sure if you will like it? Heres your chance!
PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course - $35.00 per person
Learn the basics and theory of diving, how to use and set up the gear and expierence breathing under water.

Summers just around the corner get certified now so you can enjoy a full season of diving, if your already certified get your friends and family certified now!
Refer a friend and recieve a FREE tank and dry sit rental.

Daily Dive charters this summer to HMCS Mackenzie, GB Church and several other dive sites.

Let us know what your diving needs will be this summer!
For more information: www.islanddiving.com - 1-778-426-3483 - info@islanddiving.ca

Cruising destinations: Saanich Inlet

The 12 mile inlet that cuts into Vancouver Island is a perfect place to relax with its calm waters and light winds. Boat traffic is minimal in the inlet.

Things to see and do: Visit the award winning French restaurant, the Deep Cove Chalet. With its outstanding menu and gold medal winning wine cellar, you are sure to have a meal to remember! Anchor your boat out in the bay and tender in with your dinghy, or tie up at the Deep Cove Marina and staff from the restaurant will pick you up in their limousine. There are also a few wineries to visit on the Saanich Peninula: Muse Winery, located behind the Deep Cove Chalet, produces award winning, hand crafted wines. Wine tastings, wine terrace, bistro & gift shop open during summer months. Further up the Inlet, another small inlet breaks off: Tod Inlet. Here you can anchor your yacht and take your dinghy to the Butchart Gardens' dock. Stop in for high tea and visit the 50 acres of beautiful floral displays. Enjoy the fireworks display from the comfort of your yacht, or for a better view, bring a picnic blanket and stay late at the gardens. At the end of Tod Inlet, you can access the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park with 25 km of good hiking trails.

Marinas and anchorages: Brentwood Bay Marina is a 40-slip marina with great on-site facilities, including washrooms, showers, laundry, a fitness room, pool, an adult's only hot tub, and cable TV. There is also an elegant restaurant and spa a short walk from the docks. Anglers Anchorage Marina also offers transient moorage and is walking distance to the village of Brentwood where you can find all amenities. Alternatively, anchor in the heart of Tod Inlet for some peace and quiet - perfect for those looking to relax in a pristine, natural environment!

Hazards in the area: The Inlet is very sheltered and during the summer months is typically quite calm with light winds. When entering the Inlet stay well off the coast, and be aware of Wains Rock 0.2 miles off Moses Point (refer to chart 3441). When coming into Brentwood Bay Marina approach the docks from the north side, keeping the red Buoy on the starboard. Buoy marks dangerous rocks.

Cruising the Gulf Islands

Some very popular boating areas in British Columbia are the Gulf Islands. The islands are protected from the winds and rains of the west coast and marine life is abundant. During the summer, you might see killer whales, seal lions, harbour seals and porpoises. Blue herons, Canada geese, bald eagles, grebes and cormorants make up the bird species found on the Gulf Islands and surrounding waters. In and around this region, are over a dozen marine parks, designated for public use. Some offer small craft floats, buoys, interesting hiking trails, picnic and sanitation facilities. To protect and study the plant, mammal and bird life many places are set aside as ecological reserves. Please respect these fragile areas. Summer weather in the Gulf Island region means mornings of calm winds and seas. The afternoons can bring westerly winds and choppy conditions. It is a good idea to do your boat cruising in the mornings.
To Read more go to http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/boating/island/cruz.html

Cruising Destinations: Salt Spring Island

Ganges Harbour is an excellent port of call; whether you're just beginning your vacation and need a place to provision your boat with local organic produce, or whether you've been out cruising for a while and need a little break.

Things to see and do: The possibilities are endless on Salt Spring Island: from restaurants and pubs, to the arts & crafts market on Saturdays, to the farmers' market on Tuesdays, to art galleries, wineries, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving and more! Salt Spring Island is a must on any cruiser's itinerary.

Marinas and anchorages: Located at 48°51' N 123°28' W, Ganges Harbour is a single day sail from the Island Cruising base at Port Sidney. There are several marinas and anchorages to choose from at Ganges: Ganges Marina is a good choice if you're expecting strong winds blowing southeasterly, as there is a floating breakwater there. It is also the closest marina to the town centre. Other services offered are refueling, wireless internet, and laundry facilities. Best of all, the marina offers complimentary coffee and muffins from 8.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. every morning in the summer months! Another option is Salt Spring Marina, which has the best views of Ganges Harbour! Located next to the popular Moby's Pub, Salt Spring Marina offers affordable overnight moorage, wireless internet, laundry facilities, and car, scooter & bicycle rentals. There are also good anchorage sites east of Money Makers Rock and the marinas, where the anchor will hold well in the sticky black mud of the ocean floor.

Hazards in the area: Be aware of Money Makers Rock to the SE of Salt Spring Marina. This area is well marked on both the charts and in the water. Nevertheless, boaters do touch bottom at this location each and every year, so be vigilant! According to Northwest Yachting, "the real problem area is in the Chain Islands between Ganges and Long Harbour. Just north of the Third Sister Island is an area of shoal and rocks that over the years has claimed its share of boats. Last fall, it added two fatalities to its score as two boaters attempted to cut through this area in a fast boat, late in the day, hitting the rocks at full speed. The best advice is not to cut through the Chain Islands. On the surface the area looks clear, yet as the charts show, lurking below the surface are many areas with rocks and shoal. We are often complacent thinking that cruising on the water is safe, safer than driving on a solid highway. But underwater rocks, logs and other obstructions, combined with speed, can lead to fatal results".

Submit your best photo!

Submit your favourite photo from your last charter and it could be published in Cruising World! Send anything: from your favourite anchorage to your crew provisioning! We'd like to see them all. Don't forget to include the name of the photographer and your contact details for credit in the magazine!

Submit photos to info@islandcruising.com

Start Diving Today!

START DIVING TODAY!
Get certified now, just in time for summer

PADI OPEN WATER COURSE
Starting May 4th - 4 pool sesssions,2 classroom sessions & 2 open water dives

Get your PADI scuba certification. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to scuba dive, discover new adventures or simply see the wondrous world beneath the waves, this is where it starts.
• Knowledge Development to understand basic principles of scuba diving
• Confined Water Dives to learn basic scuba skills
• Open Water Dives to review your skills and explore!

Tuesday May 4 - 6:30 - 8:30 (CLASS) 9:00 - 10:15 (POOL)
Wednesday May 5 - 6:30 - 8:00 (POOL)
Tuesday May 11 - 6:30 - 8:30 (CLASS) 9:00 - 10:15 (POOL)
Wednesday May 12 - 6:30 - 8:00 (POOL)
Saturday May 15 - OCEAN DIVES
Sunday May 16 - OCEAN DIVES

$399.00 per person
Includes: Instructor fees, pool fees, PADI Crew pack, Equipment, PADI Ceritification Card

Safety in the BC Waters

The waters of British Columbia are cold year round. If you fall overboard, remember the 1-10-1 principle!

YOU HAVE:

1 minute to get your breathing under control

10 minutes of meaningful use of your arms and legs to stay afloat

1 hour before you become unconcious due to hypothermia

Prevent cold water shock: Don't just carry a lifejacket on board - wear it! Without a lifejacket on, you likely won't survive the first few minutes of cold water immersion.

• Check the weather before departing
• Don't overload your boat
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return

To learn more about safe boating and cold water survival, visit http://www.boatingsafety.gc.ca/

Go to http://www.coldwaterbootcamp.com/ to watch video clips showing the crippling effects of cold water immersion.

The Vancouver outdoor adventure & travel show - April 24 & 25

Island Cruising will be at the Vancouver Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show April 25 & 26 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. With over 300 exhibitors from a wide variety of recreational pursuits, this show has something for everyone. For those who like to get their feet wet there will be a variety of paddle sports and scuba diving options to explore. While for those who prefer to stand on solid ground we offer everything from camping and travel destinations to rock climbing & biking!

Round Saltspring 2010: May 21-23

Memo from the Saltspring Island Sailing Club

We extend a special invitation for you and your crew to join us again, for the 36th annual Round Saltspring Race. You will remember the camaraderie, the magnificent course and scenery, and the friendly weekend events which make up this whole race.

Features still include our Sunday afternoon Lamb BBQ (this year with mint sauce if you wish) and awards presentation. There is an array of trophies and fabulous donated prizes for winners in a variety of areas.

Friday afternoon and evening registation (3pm until 8pm) will be accompanied by a no-host bar, salmon BBQ dinner, unique fashion show, and great music by a local band. Friday dinner salmon BBQ tickets may be pre-ordered and we strongly encourage you to do this, to avoid a repeat of last year's disappointments. A free continental breakfast will be available on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Register online (for the race, the lamb BBQ and the salmon BBQ): www.saltspringsailing.ca/rss10

Entry fee: $65 per boat for registration prior to May 7, and $80 per boat thereafter. Deadline for registrations is midnight May 19.

Call Island Cruising today to book a boat for the Round Saltspring Race! Get a crew together and have a great weekend of fun and camaraderie out on the water.

Boating Week BC April 17 & 18

Come out and help Island Cruising celebrate Boating Week BC

A free community event, April 17 & 18.

Island Cruising will be at the Port Sidney Marina on Dock G, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. We will be running sailing demos with a certified instructor. They will run every hour on the half hour, lasting approximately 60 minutes. Arrive early to put your name on the list! Enjoy our complimentary barbeque and beverages, as well as our onshore entertainment, while you wait to board your boat. Chat to our staff about our cruise & learn programs. For more information check out our website www.islandcruising.com or find us on Facebook “Island Cruising”.

The Calgary outdoor adventure & travel show - March 27 & 28, 2010

Don't miss Canada's largest outdoor adventure & travel show! Island Cruising will be there Saturday and Sunday, come check us out we'll be at booth #412.
With over 200 exhibitors from a wide variety of recreational pursuits, this show has something for everyone. For those who like to get their feet wet there will be a variety of paddle sports and scuba diving options to explore.

This well established event combines a retail shopping experience with simulated outdoor, interactive features and education. The end result - an awesome day out, the chance to expand your knowledge of outdoor adventure and travel pursuits, while upgrading your equipment to ensure you are well equipped for the 2010 season.

Hope to see you there!

Royal Victoria Yatch Club: Spring Dinghy Regatta Spring

Rules

The regatta will be governed by the rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing. The CYA prescriptions to The Racing Rules of Sailing will apply. The applicable One Design Class Rules will apply. The sailing instructions may change some racing rules. The changes will appear in full in the sailing instructions. If there is a conflict between languages the English text will take precedence.

Eligibility and Entry

The regatta is open to one-design dinghy classes with a minimum of 5 entries. Classes that do not meet this requirement will be started together and scored with North American Portsmouth numbers. We anticipate classes to include Fireballs, 29ers, 420s, 470s, Lasers, Radials, Megabytes, Bytes, and Optimist.

For more information, please contact the RVYC Sailing Office at:

Royal Victoria Yacht Club / Phone: 250-592-6113 / Fax: 250-370-2286 / sailing@rvyc.bc.ca /

Registration online at: https://eventmanager.competeat.com/Manager/event/home.do?eid=2510

News from the Edmonton Boat Show

So far so good at the Edmonton Boat Show! We have moved locations, and you can find us at booth 245 in Hall B (near the mini donuts stand...).

There are lots of presenters at this show, so don't miss it! Tomorrow is the last day. See you then!

Where's Waldo?

Some boating fun...

Crossing the Swell: An Atlantic Journey by Rowboat

Tori Holmes, a 21-year-old from Alberta, and Paul Gleeson, a 29-year-old from Limerick, Ireland, met in Australia when Holmes answered an ad to drive the support vehicle for Gleeson's 5,000-kilometre cycling trek across that country. During their first adventure together, Paul fell hard: both off his bike and for the woman driving the car.

It soon became clear that crossing a continent together was simply not enough. Acting on self-assured determination and an ever-growing sense of adventure, Paul and Tori embraced the dream of rowing a tiny boat across the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean in the 2005/06 Trans-Atlantic Race. Of course, neither of the young adventurers knew how to row.

In November 2005, after months of training, Paul and Tori left the Canary Islands to row 4,800 kilometres across the Atlantic. They completed their epic journey in February, after 86 days of huge seas, violent storms, terrifying capsizes, unbearable thirst, bizarre hallucinations and sleep deprivation. Along the way, however, during one of the darkest moments in the race, inspiration came in the form of an unseen, yet completely perceptible, presence. Old seafaring lore has several theories as to what this might have been, but both adventurers are keeping their minds open on it.

To hear the entire story please join us for this rather unusual presentation.

All meetings take place at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, 3475 Ripon Road, Victoria.

April 20: Doors and no-host bar open at 1900 (7:00pm); meetings start at 1930 (7:30pm)

Cost: $3 BCA members; $10 non-members

http://www.bluewatercruising.org/

Have You Entered Your Great Boating Story Yet?

Diageo, the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of international brands across spirits, wine and beer including Talisker, has partnered with Canadian Yachting magazine and Sail-World Canada to run the Talisker Tales Contest. The authors of the top three boating stories, provided either by text or video, will be flown to Toronto for a two-day stay at a luxury downtown hotel and be the VIP guests at a scotch nosing event where all three stories will be told (or viewed) and voted on by the attendees. The winner will receive a beautifully engraved scotch decanter and a one-of-a-kind Talisker Tales burgee. The contest closes September 30, 2010 to ensure we get all your great boating stories, past, present and future. To enter go to http://www.taliskertales.ca/ also email Island Cruising your story, we would love to hear them!

Pacific Rim Whale Festival - Tofino, Ucluelet & Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Pacific Rim Whale Festival - Tofino, Ucluelet & Pacific Rim National Park Reserve:

"Welcome to the Pacific Rim Whale Festival!
March 6-14, 2010


Every March, spring splashes into Canada with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival!
Join the fun on the shores of Vancouver Island's wild west coast, as we celebrate the arrival of upwards of 20,000 grey whales on their northbound migration from the Baja Peninsula to Alaska's Bering Strait and beyond. Come experience the wonders and charm of the 24th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival, with an array of events taking place throughout the coastal towns of Tofino and Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Storm "Xynthia" devastates European marinas

Over the weekend, a massive storm hit the West coast of Europe causing widespread devastation to boats and marinas from Portugal north up to the Netherlands.

To read more about the storm, check out the article in Blue Water Sailing.

Sailing in Vancouver during the Olympics

Island Cruising sailed Pretext, our Bavaria 32, over to Vancouver this past Monday. The weather was great, the winds were ideal, and we managed to get some good pics! Hope you enjoy!

Also, don't forget that you can charter Pretext for the Pender Island Chamber Music Series in March for the amazingly low price of $1282.00 for three days! The Poet's Cove shuttle will transport you from your slip at their awesome marina to the concerts free of charge. Click here for more details!

Cruise and Learn April Long Weekend

We have two spots left on our Cruise and Learn April 2-7. That is the Easter long weekend.
Great instructor, great boat, great food, great company! Call now and don't be disappointed! 250-656-7070
www.islandcruising.com

West Vancouver Yacht Club Southern Straits Race

Just a reminder that the Southern Straits Race is coming up April 2-4 (Easter Weekend).
Go to www.wvyc.bc.ca for more info.

Charter in the BVI's

Charter "Wombat", a Jeanneau 40.3 (2007) for 7 days for the reasonable base rate of $3500.00 "Wombat" has 3 cabins and 2 heads.

An ideal charter yacht with good sailing performance, aided by the fully battened mainsail and twin helms.

The forward cabin boasts an ensuite head with a shower, a large and very comfortable v-berth with a small seating area adjacent, and a large hanging closet, with more than reasonable storage space.

The two equal sized aft cabins offer generous berth space and share a large head with a shower.

Her main saloon and dining area are forward of the L-shaped galley, and the salon converts to a double bunk for extra kids or crew.

The 40.3 is a direct descendent of the Sun Odyssey 40, an evolution of a design that is meant to offer a lot of boat and a substantial feel that implies worthiness.

"Wombat" even comes with free Wi-Fi onboard.

Equipment includes inverter, autopilot, AM/FM Radio/ CD Player, Cockpit speakers, Windlass, cabin fans, fridge, oven, stove, bbq, RIB with 8hp outboard, fully battened mainsail and furling genoa, windscoops, cell phone rental for $10.

Charter price includes: 4 bags of ice, dinnerware, first aid kit, binoculars, pfd's, basic cleaning materials, linens and towels, galley equipment, masks, snorkels and fins, cruising guides and charts.

Call us to discuss what dates work for you and advice on travel plans.

Boating Week April 12-18

Stay tuned for exciting events happening at our waterfront location at Port Sidney during Boating Week April 12-18. Mark your calendars now for your chance to try sailing for free! Drop by to check out displays and enter to win a door prize.

www.bcmta.com/03boating/index.php

Video of Dall's Porpoises playing around at the keel of Resolution

We've just uploaded an awesome video of a pod of Dall's Porpoises playing around at the keel of our Hunter 410. Click here to take a look at the video on our Facebook page.

N.B. You do not need to have a Facebook account in order to view our Facebook page.

Island Cruising and Poet's Cove Resort invite you to Pender Island's Chamber Music Concerts

Sail away on "Pretext", our Bavaria 32, for 3 days at our winter rate, $1282.000. Includes all bedding, towels, charts, cruising guides, rain gear and a kitchen starter pack. This boat is fully heated and ready to cruise comfortably.

Visit Poet's Cove Resort on Pender Island. They will transport you off to a magical world of chamber music on the island. A great way to spend a spring break on the West Coast! Overnight moorage of $30/night includes access to the pool and hot tub (open year round). Relaxing!

Monday March 8, 2010 - I Tromboni, one of Canada's most entertaining chamber music groups, is a dynamic quintet, better known as the Team Canada of Trombones. Since its inception in 1999, these Vancouver based musicians have been breaking down the barriers and stereotypes that have kept the trombone in the back row of the band far too long!

Monday March 22, 2010 - Duo Concertante, featuring pianist Timothy Steeves and violinist Nancy Dahn. They have been performing together since 1997 and have toured in Canada, Europe, the US and China. Their live performances and recordings are often broadcast on CBC radio as well as in the US.

Concert tickets $25/adult, $5/child

Racing Trim Seminar – Vancouver – March 13

If you’re entering the Southern Straits, Van Isle 360°, Swiftsure or Vic-Maui, this seminar is for you and your crew! Instructed by Bruce Hedrick whose racing career spans 4 decades and thousands of races, you will cover topics from sail trim and boat speed through to boat handling.

Date: March 13, 2010

Times: Registration starts at 8.30 a.m.; course starts at 9.00 a.m. and ends at 5.00 p.m.

Location: Delta Town and Country Inn

To register: click here

Featured Boat: Angelina II

Angelina II can sometimes be a little inconspicuous, due to her habit of hanging out with the "big boys" in our fleet, but all that's about to change (sorry, Angelina II but the spotlight's on you)!

When choosing the perfect yacht for your charter this Summer; the perfect yacht is the one that suits your needs perfectly. Angelina II has got you covered!

With two large and spacious staterooms, Angelina II can sleep four to six. Most boats sleeping four to six fall into the 30' - 38' range; not so with this boat! She is a whopping 41' of space, comfort and luxury. Why squeeze around the settee at dinner time when you don't have to?

Angelina II is priced competitively and the cost of a week on board is comparable to the 37' boats in our fleet.

With an in-furling main and cruising chute, these sails are in awesome condition and can keep you sailing in every condition. No need for the Yanmar 40 motor...

If the weather's bad (is the weather ever bad in B.C.?), you've got the luxury of a dodger and bimini on your boat.

Our staff are waiting to assist you with booking Angelina II for your vacation this Summer. Give us a call today!

Latest addition to the IC fleet: Shoto (Sabre 362)

Sabres are among the finest production yachts on the market. Shoto is a true performance cruiser, combining speed with ease of handling and superb sea-keeping qualities; equally at home gunk holing the bays or challenging the open ocean.

The name SHOTO (Shōtō) in Japanese means "pine-waves", and describes the graceful movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them. Shoto is also the name given to one of the two traditional samurai swords. These two ideas strongly convey the sense of the Sabre sailing the pine rimmed waves and waters of the Pacific North West.

Quick notes:

Sleeps 7

2 staterooms

1 head/shower

Fridge

Electric Windlass

GPS

Autohelm ST4000 Autopilot

Plotter

Dinghy & Outboard

Inverter

Furling Main