Vancouver Sailboat Charter Testimonials

		I found out about a guided sailing adventure through the Southern Gulf Islands from August 8 - 16th, 2011 on Facebook. I had house sat for Pam when she went to Desolation Sound Marine Park in 2010, but did not know her that well. After asking for and getting the time off work...all I could keep thinking was, SCORE - look at what I get to do! We took off from False Creek, Vancouver and made it to Jericho Beach for our first night. Then across the Georgia Straight to remote Tumbo Island (just off of Saturna Island), Sidney Spit for two nights, Cadboro Bay (around Victoria there are serious undercurrents), then a zippy downwind sail back to Plumper Sound for a stay in Port Browning on North Pender. We got to fish (with fishing rods) for crab when we were anchored at Sidney Spit. It was wild - we put chicken legs onto a halibut rig & fished for crab!  We would literally put the chicken leg down for 2 minutes, and then reel up 1 or 2 crabs at once. Yummy!

Pam and I got to spend a bit of time one-on-one at a pub on North Pender Island, and met a very friendly fellow Brian. He and his father Philip were coming back from Desolation Sound and invited us all to join them on their refitted classic motor yacht, where we consumed (well everyone else did, I had one beer) almost an entire bottle of scotch.

The next long leg was done by first mate Pam who steered and navigated while the Captain scrubbed the deck through Trincomali Channel with Galiano and Saltspring on each side. We made way to Clam Bay, Captain GiO's favorite anchorage in the southern Gulf Islands. It was such a nice spot we decided to have another layover day and spend two nights nestled between Kuper and Thetis Island with the cut to explore via dinghy or Kayak. It was very cool, Pam convinced me to get onto their two-person kayak with her and we kayaked between Thetis & Kuper Islands at low tide. At some spots, we almost bottomed out but the water was crystal clear and the sea life was amazing. Pam and I tied up our kayak to the fuel dock on Thetis Island (no need to lock stuff here), and went for a lovely walk around the island.

A special treat the second night was listening to the Penelakut First Nations perform on the beach just past dusk as the full moon was rising, and we watched & listened to the seals frolick in the sea. When we left Clam Bay early morning, coming across the Georgia Straight we saw a bunch of beautiful dolphins swimming & playing at the bow of the boat - this was a truly spectacular site to behold! Pam and I had never seen this before (apart from Youtube videos) so it was super special to see wildlife like that interacting with us humans.

I cooked GiO and Pam some fab breakfasts while they lounged about, and we generally ate really good healthy dinners too.

This trip taught me a lot about conservation of water. At home, I don't let the water run like I used to, and I recycle just that little bit more now. Yes, it was because of the trip. It has been years since I have been reminded that we had better take care of our oceans. And, remember our history lessons (albeit when we got home - we found out the beautiful HUGE sailing ship that passed us was actually a Chilean ship that is known for torture).

I will admit the adventure pushed my boundaries, but at all times I felt like I was in very capable hands and am still glowing from participating.

Call me if you have not already figured out these are great people!

Fran Lewis
September 23, 2011

We have probably had the most questions about this boating youtube vlog!!

The following are responses by Captain GiO and First Mate Pam:

Q. The captain did not know the proper weather forecast?
Q. Wasn't that kind of dangerous to do?

A.  The first mate checked the wrong forecast, the Captain knew the correct region's forecast and decided Gusts up to 30 knots in the Northern Salish Sea was something he was ready to experience.  Before starting the leg featured in this footage he asked the first mate if she was ok with heading out... both checked the weather forecast on their iPhones and then agreed to go out.  About 1.5 hours into an 8 hour epic to windward leg through two major storm fronts Pam determined Nanaimo North had a different forecast than what she had bookmarked on her iPhone.  The first mate still comes out regularly and also braved Haro Straight during a Strong wind warning. In Haro Straight she explained the difference between Upwind vs Downwind storm sailing to Fran, a nervous crew mate on a different 8 day trip during August 2011. She explained it was all a matter of experience which builds tolerance which then helps to quell seasickness.

The Captain wanted to share this footage so more people will come out for an adventure when Pacific Northwest Sailing is at its most exciting.  Only having 1/3 of your sails up and having a 16,000 pound sailboat buring it's toerail is something most land-lubbers will never experience.  You do not need to go to Tofino to have a Sea Storm Watching experience of a lifetime!

Would be Crew should realize that typical storms in this region come as waves of cold fronts moving through the Straight.  This means there is a cycle to the behaviour of the wind.  Wait one hour and the intensity will probably shift.  Only experience junkies should come on a storm watching trip.  There is no fast way to get off when we are out in the middle of it.

The footage proves Pegasus is ready for a
Strong Wind Warning - how about YOU?