ITINERARY
Before each departure we spend a half hour or so familarizing our guests with the safety features and basic operation of our boat, including emergency procedures. We also introduce sailors to area charts so as to discuss sailing options. Our approach is is to get everyone involved and introduced to sailing and the cruising life.
SAILING TIMES
Half Day Sails: from 9 am to 12:00 or 1:30 to 4:30 (three hours)
We sail most every day, year around - as long as there are good winds and fun sailors.
PRICES
| CONDITIONS | Half day (3 hours) | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person sharing or $300. minimum (6 pas. max.) | $95. |
$150. |
| Exclusive use of boat (6 pas. maximum) | $400 |
$700 |
*NOTE: The above prices (in Canadian dollars) do not include a 12% tax (HST).
Shoes: Please bring soft-soled shoes which are non-marking . PFD,s are provided - but advise as to size
Food: Snacks are provided on our half day sails. Lunches as well as snacks can be provided on our full day sails.
OAK BAY DEPARTURE POINT
Ibis, our principal sail boat leaves from the end of C Dock, Oak Bay Marina. C Dock is the first dock you encounter at the bottom of the ramp leading down to the marina (if you look to the left of the ramp you wil notice splashing seals clamoring to be fed). Our boat, the Ibis, is moored at Slip 37 at the end of this Dock.
If you use a GPS, the Oak Bay Marina is located at 1327 Beach Drive, Victoria, V8S 2N4
There is plenty of free parking at the Marina.
If you have ever wondered what this fascination for sailing is all about, and have dreamed of sailing Canada's Gulf islands around Victoria, here is your chance! Our vessel is a Beneteau 351 moored in Oak Bay (10 minutes drive from downtown Victoria). You can choose from half day and whole day sails in and around these protected waters.. sailing experience is not a requirement.
As a fellow "sailor" you can choose to laze back and let us handle the boat, or you can participate fully in all aspects of sailing - taking over the helm if you like. In any event, you will be introduced to basic sailing skills and safety at sea . Al, your Skipper in addition to being a CYA Cruising Instructor , is also an experienced naturalist who will be able to answer most questions you may have about the many marine birds and animals you will be seeing .
The advantage of departing from Oak Bay marina is that this area features the most reliable winds for sailing to be found around southern Vancouver Island. Oak Bay is especially popular with boaters because of the many islands which offer protection from the prevailing winds and waves, and provide sheltered anchorages and fun places to explore. For wildlife enthusiasts, the marine ecological reserves are home to many seals, eagles, and marine birds as well as the occasional sea lion and whale. If more challenging sailing conditions are desired there is the choice of sailing the waters of Juan de Fuca Strait or Haro Strait adjacent.
If you have a half day to spend, we could sail around the Discovery and
Chatham Islands. These are amongst the loveliest 
in the Gulf Islands -
solitary, wild and natural, and set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, Mount Baker being the most conspicuous and spectacular!.
Or if you have a day to spend, we can anchor amongst the islands and go ashore in our inflatable to hike and to picnic. Another option would be to sail across Haro Strait to whale watch in the vicinity of Lime Kiln Park, next to San Juan Island (U.S. waters).