we've got two SPECTACULAR flotillas lined up with the DREAMSPEAKER TEAM - a couple to literally wrote the books on cruising this region

later in JUNE we're heading to PRINCESS LOUISA INLET from COOPER BOATING VANCOUVER and in SEPTEMBER we'll sail to DESOLATION SOUND from the POWELL RIVER location

you can join a flotilla with your own bareboat charter here in BC, on a mileage builder course, or hire a skipper to handle the boat for you... one lucky group on each of these trips can have LAURENCE YEADON JONES of the dreamspeaker team as their skipper and ANNE as first mate!

 

many people ask how to get from their first courses to comfortably chartering - FLOTILLAS ARE A GREAT WAY TO do this because you are on your own boat with your own crew, but you have a shepherd of sorts, and these two are THE BEST!

Enjoy CHOICES, OPPORTUNITY and cutting edge alternatives to conventional medical treatments for 2012 

CHARTER FLEET BUILDING: meet two of our special agents

 SIMON COX 

Yacht Sales West  Vancouver Island

About this time last year, Simon Cox from Yacht Sales West introduced some great people to our charter ownership program - and the concept he introduced blossomed into ARCTURUS, which has gone on to become one of the stars of our growing Powell River fleet.  As that fleet location grows, partly due to a few boats migrating north, for the first time in years we have openings in all three locations including the beautiful Port Sidney location.  Simon has new and late model Catalinas, Bavarias, and Dufours to show you at Port Sidney. 

 DAVE BONAR

Bosun's Yacht Sales ? Granville Island

Over 10 years ago, Dave Bonar was completing his MBA with the Ivey School of Business and he came to Cooper Boating to work on a practical evaluation of an ongoing business - that being our wildly entertaining boating business.  His team made some suggestions and we followed a few of those and blindly ignored a few others, but the magnetism of our industry has brought him back to work alongside Cooper strategically helping clients moving from chartering to owning their own boats - either to place in the Cooper program or enjoy privately.   Dave brings a passion for boating and a professional approach thanks to diverse business experiences and a lifetime enjoying time growing up (or not) on the water.  His time away from our group saw him take on challenges in the medical industry - but the treatment today is to help folks heal through the miracles of the ocean!  Recently, Dave has been scouring the corners of the planet looking for your dream boat - now he just needs to connect with you and write some prescriptions. (Honestly honey, Dr. Dave insists I need this boat)

Now that you've seen a couple of our special agents, enjoy the efforts of our supercharged fleet management team, check out some of their exciting recent developments :

CRISTA GALLI   2011 Dufour 405 Grande' Large  

In medical school, Rod saw a tiny bone like bit sitting up front of the brain and, in order to commit it to memory, he said to himself "that would be a great name for a boat".  30 years later, the 'sail of the brain' is in fact the name of Rod's new dream boat.  Come find out why this model has such rave reviews from the boating press.

Rod's trade in, a Martin 244, will shortly be available to the JIB SET sailors.   As the most over-equipped Martin 244 launched to date, GALILEO is sure to be an exciting toy for the membership.  Been thinking about the JIB SET membership? Mention this posting when you sign up in November and take 50% off your initiation fee and don't pay dues until January 15, 2012.  Take advantage of valuable free and super-low-cost clinics for members only and the exciting Polar Bear Cruise on New Year's Day (among others!)

CHOICES  Westcoast  Custom Yachts 46'  

A few years ago, Hugh contemplated jumping into the charter fleet ownership with the boat now called PRINCESS PATRICIA and timing just didn't work out.  When he connected with our crew this fall, Dave Bonar helped Hugh jump into another Westcoast 46 and CHOICES is currently undergoing further customization by the Westcoast Custom Yachts crew.  Ironically, Doug and Patricia - who did buy the boat currently known as PRINCESS PATRICIA have enjoyed moving from sail to power and are now working to update and partner on a larger vessel for the fleet.  If you are interested in taking over PRINCESS PATRICIA or partnering on the larger Westcoast 62 or 64, contact us today!

 Launching the newWestcoast Custom Yachts 62' - need your dream name!

OPPORTUNITY  2012 Bavaria 36 Cruiser  

The crew at Yacht Sales West got excited about the success of the our recent additions and have ordered a brand new 3 stateroom Bavaria 36.  Tentatively called OPPORTUNITY and headed for our Sidney location, this boat will happily take a name of your choice if 2012 is the year for you to take the plunge as a fleet owner.  The crew at Yacht Sales West has always been good about getting well equipped boats for the program and now they have raised the bar by allowing us to find some of the charter BOOKINGS for this boat ahead of time!  You won't find that on just any options sheet!

Willkommen  "ACappella"  !!

After much  anticipation, our *NEW* 2011 Bavaria 45 has  arrived at our Vancouver
 docks! She's just visiting, however, as she'll be spending most of this summer
in the natural beauty of Desolation Sound. 

"ACappella"  sleeps 8 in 4 cabins and features a powered retractable aft swim platform for
those warm Desolation Sound waters (22-26 degrees Celsius in the summer)!

This lovely lady is booked up for much of the summer already, but still has some time in August
and September for a lucky charterer!

Friends and family of Cooper Boating travelled to New Zealand in February 2011 for sailing in a land that closely resembles our Canadian West Coast. Except the water was warmer!

Contact Marla if you would like to know MORE about sailing in a country that seems to have invented HOSPITALITY and laid back lifestyles. New Zealand is part of our International Cooper Vacations program. 

Just added - the second Bruce Farr designed Bavaria model.  ACappella is under construction at the Bavaria yard in Germany and will feature this massive power (up/down) swim platform: 
 (how cool is that?)
and she's got 2 rudders and 3 heads!  You can also split the boat between 4 couples or a large family with the 4 cabins.  
 ACappella (sistership)
ACappella will join her smaller sister Arcturus - landing in our Powell River base once thorough sea trials are complete.  
 Arcturus (sistership)
One favourite change to see back 'in style' (thanks in part to this fold down platform) is a big transom (of sorts)  - a place to put the name!

We have just added two boats to the fleet.  Arcturus will be a brand new 2011 Bavaria 32 that will be delivered in April and is destined for the Powell River fleet.  She is the first of the new generation Bavaria Yachts to head into a charter program anywhere in North America.  Bruce Farr is known for designing boats with excellent sailing characteristics and Arcturus is certain to benefit from this new design style.  The massive fold down transom platform is impressive (and our dock crew is glad they don't have to glue foam to the underside of the stern seats - which perpetually fell overboard on the older Bavarias)

The other addition is Cachet, a Carver 430 with a spectacular layout.  This well equipped boat is undergoing a host of updates this winter so she will be fresh for the 2011 season.  Check out Cachet and reserve today out of our Sidney location!

What is a flotilla you say??

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.

As the calendars start to fill up, it becomes progressively more challenging to fit the long reservations in.   We already have a bunch of 2 week bookings for 2011, along with a few 3 and 4 week reservations on key boats.   It is so fantastic to get out for a long time as our coast has so many places to see and one can truly unwind on a long adventure on the water.   Cooper is uniquely positioned to handle these longer bookings as clients can effectively start at one base and make a 'pitstop' at another base along the way.
Remember, the moment you have the reservation, you can start planning and really looking forward to your adventure on the water.  We've collectively got the most experience helping people plan spectacular trips on this coast.

To help checking boats by date available, please take a look at our secure online booking system.  Our system is compliant with the new credit card rules and open 24/7 so you can plan from the comfort of your own home.