Cruise & Learn - North and South Gulf Islands, British Columbia

As a destination there are very few places in the world that match the beauty of BC's majestic mountains meeting the sea, quiet coves, quaint ports, pristine marine park anchorages and the abundance of wildlife.

ASA103 Coastal Cruising certifies the student with skills for cruising safely in local and regional waters as both skipper and crew on an auxiliary sailboat of up to 30 feet in length, in moderate winds and sea conditions.

   Reserve Your Course
ASA104 Bareboat Chartering - also called Intermediate Cruising- certifies the candidates boat handling, seamanship and knowledge of sailboat systems and maintenance procedures on sailboats 30-50 feet long sailing by day in coastal waters. Most reputable sailboat chartering agents insist on the skipper's qualifications including sailing school courses, boat handling skills, navigation knowledge and experience logged before bareboat charter reservations can be confirmed.

ASA105 Coastal Navigation is a recommended option for C&L courses and requires no pre-requisites. Includes recreational boating navigational theory and practices required to safely navigate a sailing vessel in coastal or inland waters. The application of this Sailing Knowledge is found in the Bareboat Cruising (intermediate Coastal Cruising) and Advanced Coastal Cruising Standards.

Itineraries depend on weather forecasts:

North Gulf Islands Sunday - Vancouver - False Creek yacht orientation and DVD Monday - passage around Bowen Island to Plumper Cove Marine Park anchorage Tuesday - Passage along Sunshine Coast to Secret Cove Marine Park anchorage Wednesday - Passage to Pender Harbor and Garden Bay Marine Park Thursday - Passage Thormanby Island, Half Moon Bay to Gibsons Marina Friday - Passage to Point Atkinson, West Vancouver docking at 4 pm

South Gulf Islands Sunday - Vancouver- False Creek yacht orientation and DVD Monday - passage English Bay, Straits of Georgia, Silva Bay, Gabriola Island Tuesday - Telegraph Harbor, Thetis Island; Montague Harbor, Galiano Island Wednesday - Ganges and Long Harbor, Saltspring Island Thursday - Sansun Narrows and Mill Bay Friday - Porlier Pass, Kitsilano Beach, English Bay and False Creek docking at 4pm

6:30 PM Sunday, on the first evening of your Cruise & Learn we welcome you aboard, introduce you to your fellow students, stow your personal gear and conduct an orientation of "Allons-y " our Beneteau First 36.7.

As a crew we review objectives and create a Sailing Plan based on current weather forecasts, currents and tides. These help to identify the anchorage we will be sailing to each day. To ensure a safe and comfortable passage we consult with the weather forecast each day and make changes as required.

The course knowledge and skills of the day are posted at 9pm each evening for the next day. CSA tests are done aboard the afternoon on the last day of courses.

Activities
In addition to a busy sailing schedule of 6+ hours per day you are encouraged to take our RIB dinghy and outboard to shore for seaside hiking, snorkeling and scuba diving (proof of PADI certification required). We also have an inflatable kayak for your use.

Meals
Meals are designed to be healthy, delicious and light. Safe cooking aboard is taught in our galley complete with oven & refrigeration and deck mounted propane barbeque:

• Breakfast is continental with fruit juices, fresh fruit, cereals, fresh muffins, tea and coffee
• Lunch includes soups, salads and sandwiches with variety of soft drinks and milk 
• We are licensed to fish for dungenous crab and oysters and subject to availability will serve them before dinner as appetizers at anchor. 
• For dinners, students are asked to assist in preparing barbequed fresh turkey, salmon, chicken, lamb or beef served with baby vegetables, pasta and salads. Desert is a pleasant surprise. 
• We provide vegetarian or restricted diet meals at your request 14 days prior to your Cruise & Learn departure 

Sleeping and Living Aboard
Three private cabins are hatch ventilated and have forced air heat. Two single salon berths can also be used as berths. We provide fresh laundered color coded sleeping bags, towels and face cloths for each student. We also provide Neutralla non-allergenic soaps and body lotions. Our yacht has hot & cold pressurized water for sinks, toilet and shower to keep everyone comfortable.

Personal Sailing Gear
Fundamental to comfort on- deck and below are foul weather jackets and pants, layered breathable clothing, sailing gloves, sailing knife, jeans, quick drying shorts, T-shirts swimsuit, white soled structured shoes, sandals, long sleeve shirts, billed or bucket cap, sunglasses and 12 oz. of 12+ sunscreen.

It is requested that your personal gear weigh 30 lbs or less and is stowed in one duffle or soft walled bag. We will be stopping at full service marinas equipped with washing machines on the third day of each passage. We recommend that you bring your own personal care products in an easily stored kit in your personal gear.

Short of time? Not familiar with these items?
Our Ships Store can supply quality brand name products at discounted prices. Print out our form and include the total with your booking for a one time 10% discount.

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