when we see a forecast like this in NOVEMBER, we'll take it!  ~ especially when it's our last flotilla entirely in 2014



~ we'll be heading off to GIBSONS & SNUG COVE this weekend, with a crew members brining a special dish for the famous POTLUCK on SATURDAY night ~

SUNDAY morning we dine where RELIC of the BEACHCOMBERS did at MOLLY'S REACH before heading to SNUG COVE ~ up over GAMBIER if conditions permit



~ act now ~ we'd love to have you aboard ~

• CHARTER a boat ~ contact our office for boat availability
• bring your own boat ~ contact our office to register your vessel for the event
• join the CREW club boat CLUB MEMBER PRICE $349 per person  (NOT A MEMBER? - you can obtain a 30 day trial membership to try out our events once before joining the club)
• JIB SET MEMBERS - a few of your fellow members are looking to put together a charter

Today, roll call was at 0730 and we all left the dock at eight as planned, then we motored as a group out of the harbour and around the west end of Malcolm Island. Destination: Claydon Bay.

After yesterday's gale, today's conditions were remarkably calm. We occasionally encountered winds of five to ten knots crossing Queen Charlotte Strait and Intrepid sailed all afternoon but most boats headed straight to Claydon Bay and anchored in a well-protected corner.  A few of our group went to Sullivan Bay to enjoy the floating town and marina an extra day.  The flotilla is loosely organised, with boats proceeding according to their own wishes, but keeping in touch by radio and planning in face to face meetings whenever we are in ports. 

In spite  of few small mechanical issues here and there, all boats are able to keep up.  With this many people an boats travelling together, each is secure in the knowledge that we are being led by experienced explorers and supported by the considerable combined wisdom and experience of the other skippers and crews.

Tomorrow's destination is Sullivan Bay on North Broughton Island, a mere 4.2 nautical miles from our present anchorage.  We are now halfway through our time and as far north and east as we will go. These days, we are enjoying the Broughtons region, but from here, each stop will be a little closer to our home base at Powell River.

Follow us in real time on the Spotwalla or Spot website.

to sail hard or not to sail hard?

THAT is the question

there are times aboard to push a little, grow a little and see what you’re made of

at other times, it’s best to kick back & CHILLAX ~ allowing others to take the above steps while you just recharge in the magical way that life afloat affords

so goes the story of “ADMIRAL EASTER BUNNY” getting his ears (so to speak)

while visiting the BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS for the first time years back, a question surfaced about his intent to be the skipper (as the veteran sailor / senior ‘officer’ aboard – otherwise known as the 'boss')

“YOU be the SKIPPER ~ I’LL be the ADMIRAL ~ over there reading my book!”



combine this quick statement to a regular desire to make increasingly more challenging treasure hunts each EASTER weekend 

these concepts combine to the name “ADMIRAL EASTER BUNNY” ~ the name has stuck since

more recently, CREW CLUB cruises with freshly minted crews with a combination of eager people to push forward, ADMIRAL EASTER BUNNY prefers to kick back & relax

“DO WHATEVER YOU WOULD LIKE WITH THE BOAT (as long as I don’t have to call the owner or the insurance company!) is the standard line honed from this approach

so, when joining a capable crew, some push forward, some CHILLAX, but everyone having an enjoyable time is THE objective   

JUST HAVING FUN ~ an admirable goal from ADMIRAL EASTER BUNNY

the days are back getting longer & that indicates we’re back on our way to boating season (when does it really end anyways?!)
 
the year kicks off with the POLAR BEAR CRUISE JANUARY 1 & roars along to our HOLIDAY PARTY in DECEMBER, with plenty of large & small adventures in between



here are a few highlights:

 
january 5 FIRST sunday sail of 2014 ~ casual sailing through our CREW CLUB
 
january 22 * earliest VANCOUVER BOAT SHOW ever!  ~ join our SHOW & TELL & grab a free ticket!
 
april 17 ~ easter FLOTILLA ~ boat show is early & easter is about as late as it gets this year ~ check out our 2013 photo logbook
 
may 9 ~  friday night RACING ~ become a FRIDAY NIGHTER!
 
may 15 ~ MAY LOOOOONG weekend cruise ~ our long weekends are longer
 
june 8 ~ circumnavigation of VANCOUVER ISLAND ~ course & rally
 
june 14 * * * BROUGHTONS FLOTILLA * * * with the DREAMSPEAKER TEAM

 
july 3-7  VICTORIA -MAUI 2014 (our crew is SOLD OUT)

 
july 20 - 25 ~  WHIDBEY ISLAND RACE WEEK       

 july 26 ~ VIC-MAUI banquet in MAUI
 
july 27 ~ MAUI back to BC offshore course/passage (our crew SOLD OUT)
 
october 26 ~ BAJA HA HA – rally from san diego to cabo san lucas

 november 23 ~ ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS ~ cruise rally style across the ATLANTIC from LAS PALMAS to ST LUCIA


this is just a sample of some of the great adventures ahead -- check back for more as the season gets rolling
 

NORTH of DESOLATION SOUND & CAMPBELL RIVER ~ but still within the protection of our lovely VANCOUVER ISLAND is the BROUGHTON ARCHIPELAGO & your once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore it as part of a group led by the DREAMSPEAKER CRUISING GUIDE TEAM is here



this captivating group of islands, islets & passages that make up an exquisite region remains chalked full of wildlife, untouched harbours & quaint villages

your leaders literally WROTE THE BOOK on this region & plenty of great times were had at their 2013 event in DESOLATION SOUND


DETAILS:

our adventure begins JUNE 14 2014

come to our session & meet the DREAMSPEAKER TEAM  LIVE  &  IN PERSON

got a book? ~  get it autographed ~

need a book? ~  we can hook you up! ~

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 at GRANVILLE ISLAND (starts 6.30pm) RSVP

check back at our site, we'll roll the cameras to capture some fo the 'preliminary' magic

a couple humpack whales decided that this fantastic THANKSGIVING FLOTILLA was too much to miss... they have joined our little adventure!!





others think the event is great too... lots of sailing so far from SIDNEY base





this update brought to you in real time from COULL ENDEAVOUR!!

we have a new selection of truly unique course opportunities on our fresh page

one more chance to explore the WEST COAST of VANCOUVER ISLAND with us this season!

we still have a couple spots left on our AUGUST 4^th trip starting in UCLUELET for 7 days of spectacular cruising along the west coast including stops in the BROKEN ISLANDS & BAMFIELD before making your way back to our PORT SIDNEY location

build upon your existing sailing skills in this MILEAGE BUILDER program or work towards achieving your INTERMEDIATE certification 
it’s up to you what you would like to achieve during this unique experience

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DATES ADDED ~ ADVANCED COURSES NEW DATES ~ after rave reviews on sold out programs on the pure sailing machine that is ALEGRIA, our new DUFOUR 45e, & a spike in interest, we will be adding another 5 day advanced program later this SEPTEMBER 

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SEPTEMBER 11 - cruise with the DREAMSPEAKER TEAM on the DESOLATION SOUND flotilla ~
join COOPER boating and the authors of the DREAMSPEAKER cruising guide series,  ANN & LAURENCE YEADON-JONES, on a trip of a lifetime



LAURENCE and ANNE YEADON JONES would like to make this flotilla a unique experience where clients feel that they are going on a personal voyage with the DREAMSPEAKER TEAM and where they will share some of their favorite destinations & experiences

with LAURENCE as the coach on this MILEAGE BUILDER program, this cruise is with an instructor but the goals are building up experience at your current level without looking at new material. With Ann, you will learn all the history &details of every bay & island in DESOLATION SOUND without turning a page
                                                                                                                                                  
this trip is 7 days, 7 nights starting and finishing in POWELL RIVER Sept 11th, to book a cabin on ANN & LAURENCE'S  boat please contact our office as soon as possible as we are booking up fast ~ this flotilla currently has 6 boats confirmed but we have room to add a few more if you would like to book your own group on your own private charter

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become an INSTRUCTOR


share your passion for introducing others to the art of sailing this program is for you!  dates for the fall INSTRUCTORS' courses have been set with a condensed 6 day option starting in VANCOUVER on NOVEMBER 5th

the WEATHER gods were kind to this year's EASTER FLOTILLA - check out our photo logbook with preliminary images of this year's event!



owners, bareboat charter clientele and club members enjoyed the fun and camaradarie of the northern GULF ISLANDS in this trip'

CHARTER - we've been busy hauling, painting & polishing the fleet to ensure you've got a great ride for the EASTER FLOTILLA for the group you like to cruise with - boats from VANCOUVER & SIDNEY will join the flotilla & boats from POWELL RIVER have also been seen in VANCOUVER getting ready for the season 

 

CREW CLUB - if you don't have a group to cruise with, our CREW CLUB is all about BOATING ADVENTURES MADE SIMPLE - easter flotilla per member rate of only 

 

not a member? - try out the club with our current  bonus offer

 

COURSE - our mileage builder courses are great ways to cruise with professional coaching & we have one lined up to sail with the flotilla

 

contact MARLA today (604.683.6837 ext 19) & join us this FLOTILLA  FRIDAY for a fun filled session to get you ready for the season  

 

MARCH 15 FLOTILLA FRIDAY *PARTY*

 

MARCH 22 FLOTILLA FRIDAY *PLANNING & PREPARATION*