It all starts today - the VICTORIA FLOATING BOAT SHOW in the inner harbour (which certainly beats the other, non-floating... aka sinking... boat show!)

We're down on the Aquila 44 and the Hanse 47 - so we've got monohulls, multihulls and power and sail.  All the bases covered - so come talk about boating courses, charters and club events for this great season ahead!

YOU know how valuable, refreshing, and freeing your time is on the water- this year, share that joy with your friends and family with a gift that gives access to boating lessons, charters, and clubs.             

Grow your crew!

                                                               

Gift Certificates are available in any denomination.
Available in person, or by phone- Gift Certificates can be printed, or emailed instantly!
604.687.4110

Christmas hours
Open 9-5pm 7 days a week with the following exceptions:
Dec 24    9am - 1pm
Dec 25    Closed
Dec 26    Closed

ADVENTURE SAILING courses in 2013 are looking more excitng then ever!  We are looking forward to the arrival of ALEGRIA, a  brand new 2013 Dufour 45e 4 cabin yacht to our school fleet for next season. This Dufour  won the 2011 cruising world  boat of the year award.  A great all round performer, ALEGRIA  will certainly make an impression on the students going round Vancouver Island in 2013.  Our 2013 dates will be published in the fall, so let us know if you would like to be notified of our next round Vancouver Island Course.  When not out on Advanced level courses, ALEGRIA will also be available for charter during the 2013 season.


 

the main gate to the boat show floating venue is between our office and clubhouse - you can't get any closer than that - check out the new web functions including a WEBCAM that looks exactly at the boat show docks… setup happening NOW... show opens WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8

  

we've freshened both the website and office last while and hope you enjoy some of the new functions including secure booking engines and simplified browsing of courses - check out the new course showcase - shopping for your next course should be as much fun as the course itself!

If you are operating a boat in Europe you will now need an International Certificate of Competency (ICC) and Cooper Boating through its partnership with International Yacht Training can now help you obtain these documents.

 

The approval to issue the International Certificate of Competence was awarded to the IYT Worldwide by the Irish Department of Transport of the Government of Ireland on January 21st 2011.

 With European governments currently juggling budgets, the police and enforcement bodies are scrambling with reduced budgets and consequently are only too happy to fine you for not having the required paperwork.  Accordingly, charter companies in the affected regions will generally not even accept your charter reservation if you do not hold an ICC. 

Unlike the Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator Card, the International Certificate of Competency requires demonstration of required skills in a practical setting - it's not just a quiz, but time on the water with an approved instructor who is willing to sign off that you meet the requirements.  Courses can be a lot of fun and great review before being examined for an ICC.  If you are 'up to speed', we can arrange to have you tested as soon as you are ready - Cooper is open year round in the mild west coast climate. Plan early to get your ICC as it combines practical evaluation and theory.

The Mediterranean is a beautiful place to charter and a group from Cooper Boating sailed there in September 2011 with Marla able to organize all their requirements ahead of time and that lead to smooth sailing indeed. 

Past graduates of IYT Worldwide may automatically obtain an ICC based on their current IYT Worldwide qualifications.  The ICC complies with the Economic Commission for Europe, Resolution No.40 on International Certificates for Operators of Pleasure Craft.

This certification allows the operator to command a pleasure craft up to 24 meters in length (78 ) or 80 gross tons. This certification was previously only available (through IYT Worldwide) to Irish and U.K citizens but is now available to everyone.

For further information on how to obtain your ICC please contact Cooper Boating today.

A big welcome back to Steve Cropper - back in the lead of the Sidney dock after a break from Cooper the past few years (to build a home on Mayne Island).   Steve started as a few of our regular crew did - first as a client - renting boats out of Granville Island, then becoming an instructor, followed by some time working in the office.  He spent some time nearby as captain of small commercial vessels.    
Now he's back taking the lead for the care of our boats based in Sidney for spectacular boating courses and bareboat charters.

Steve also has a background - pre boat biz - of TV and film production - we think our You Tube channel shall benefit by better material this season!

Steve can be reached via email and through our main dock number in Sidney -  2 5 0 . 8 8 3 . 2 6 2 8  ( 8 8 3 .  B O A T )