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November 29, 2010
Cooper Boating
1815 Mast Tower Road
Canada V6H 3X7
Vancouver, BC
Forest Gump made the observation that ÔÇ£Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what youÔÇÖre going to get!ÔÇØ
Investing in a sailing experience with a company that I had no experience presented a significant financial risk. Boarding a boat and putting my life in the hands of an instructor/captain whom I had no knowledge presented both a personal and emotional risk.
But if every instructor Cooper Boating employees is even close to the outstanding caliber of Marla Hedman all risk is nullified. In August of 2010, I opened a ÔÇ£box of chocolatesÔÇØ to have one of the best experience of my life. From the moment I stepped on board the Polaris to the moment we returned to Granville Island my heart was smiling. The crew whom I had never met composed of an Engineer, a Physician, an Attorney and CEO, and myself: a Professor and President of a leadership consulting company, were all highly educated professionals that knew how to have a wonderful time.
Our instructor and captain Marla Hedman was equally as professional and enjoyable. There was not a moment that I felt unsafe or that I did not believe that she had a keen observation of everything happening aboard the Polaris. Marla has a wonderful manner of teaching that allowed the crew to maximize the talents and skills each of brought on board while giving us the opportunity to learn in a comfortable non-threatening environment. Marla is an outstanding sailor with keen ability to both sail and teach. She is fun, has a genuine nature, is an exceptional listener and outstanding coach, and someone I would be glad to sail with in any sea in any condition.
Thank you Cooper Boating for realizing it takes more than just a fine boat to make a great sailing adventure. Thank you for selecting quality instructors like Marla Hedman. I have been on other boats in ports in different parts of the world where the captain made the experience a nightmare for his or her crew. This experience was just the opposite: Marla Hedman made this ÔÇ£Bucket ListÔÇØ moment in my life perfect!
Sail on!
Tim Clipson, Ed. D
Professor of Executive Leadership and Executive Communication
President of Leadership Is For Everyone, Inc. (LIFE, Inc.)
EXTREME FUN ON THE WATER we say!!
FLOTILLAS - While the word flotilla originates from a formation of warships, the only mission of the flotillas organized around BC waters is to have fun and experience this great coast in a fantastic group environment. Those who are new can draw from those who have done it before. Those who have done it before come back because it's - well - just piles of fun.
The first FLOTILLA of the 2011 season falls on Easter and the dates are April 22/23/24/25th. We have a coordinator, Marla Hedman whom you can contact for further details.
ITINERARY for EASTER CRUISE
Day One, April 22 at 0900 we depart Vancouver and our destination is Porlier Pass for 1415 hrs. Once traversing this scenic and exciting pass, navigate through the charming waterway between Reid, Norway, Mowgli and Hall Islands and set your course for Thetis Island Marina for Friday nights stay. This marina and its owners are always hospitable and the rustic shore amenities never fail to entertain! The roadways on Thetis Island are low traffic and easy hilly so for those of you that like to hike or jog, you can get more of the island experience. Have your evening meal aboard or ashore at the Thetis Island Pub. (NOTE: Subject to interest we will have groups originating from areas other than Vancouver Harbour)
Day Two, April 23 starts out rather leisurely as slack water at Dodd Narrows is 1453 hrs. Sleep in or get an early start if there is a yachting challenge to participate in that day. We're on our way to Newcastle Island in the Nanaimo Harbour. This island marine park is a BIG favourite for many cruising enthusiasts and that evening we will be having a roaring bonfire near the tidal pools. Bring your favourite roasting treats and roasting sticks, too! We do not cut down anything on this island! We encourage all our musical friends to bring guitars and bongos and harmonicas and song sheets.
Day Three, April 24 is EASTER BUNNY CHOCOLATE TIME! This annual event includes boat crews scouring the rock quarry for Easter Bunny "droppings", many mugs of steaming coffee and hot chocolate, peaceful gazing at the beautiful surroundings and laughter at the antics of adults becoming children again as they race to gather more chocolate than the young yuns. It is recommended to get off the docks around noon as we have approximately 21NM to travel to reach our Sunday night home: Gibsons Landing on the Sunshine Coast. Everybody loves Molly's Reach and well known foodies say that the best carrot cake on the coast can be found here. Good fish and chips, too. For those who like their seafood raw, check out the new Smitty's Oyster House on the boardwalk below the pier.
Day Four, April 25th is Monday and our destination is home. There are some hearty breakfast spots in Gibsons and there is also a fuel dock here for boats needing to top up their tanks. If you want to leave early, you can always stop at Snug Cove for lunch, anchor in Mannion Bay for a picnic or just sail for the city after a sleepy morning.
Why a FLOTILLA is a good thing!
1) FLOTILLA LEADER - The flotilla leader is there as a resource - available on the VHF and by phone. Your fearless leader will keep an eye on the group like a shepherd tending their herd. They are also there to help make sure your anchor is well set, grab a line and give a pointer when you are docking. Flotilla leaders are generally available when you need some assistance. They will also organize some of the shore side activities normally associated with these events.
2) BASIC TRIP PLAN - While we have adjusted basic plans from time to time because of weather, there will be some great destinations along with that old adage - more than half the fun is just getting there.
3) BRIEFING - Before departing, the flotilla leader will brief skippers and everyone interested on the route, destinations, navigational considerations, timing and a review of the most recent weather information. For those who are new - think of this as cruising with the training wheels still on!
4) GREAT PEOPLE - From beginner to expert, flotillas attract a wide range of experience and mixing this allows for great learning and mentorship. If you enjoy new experiences and meeting new folks - you're one of those great people welcome to join the next flotilla!
5) FLAVOUR - There's usually some theme to the flotilla that - a treasure hunt at Easter, a jazz festival in the fall... a cool potluck dinner between great friends to wrap up the season each year in November - each flotilla has a flavour to allow you to pick your favourite!
6) TRAINING BOAT- there is always a CYA instructor or two or three ready to mentor sailors on their first big cruising experience.
7) CREW FIND MEETING - join the flotilla leader to meet new and old friends to discuss sailing and boating plans. FEBRUARY 27th, Sunday afternoon at 5PM on Granville Island at the classroom of the Cooper Boating. 1815 Mast Tower Road
FLOTILLAS ARE ORGANIZED BY THE BC SAILING ASSOCIATION.
Being that Granville Island is not always the easiest place to dock, we're sure this feature will be a hit! Book today to avoid disappointment.
administration phone 604.683.6837 fax 604.687.3267
