REGIONAL MAP OF VICTORIA
Airlines, Ferries and Bus Lines to Victoria, BC
Air Canada.com – Flights, Hotels, Cars, Travel info
Port Angeles Vehicle & Passenger Ferry to Victoria, BC
INFORMATION ON VICTORIA & B.C.
BC Travel Info:
A great map of Vancouer Island, showing distances
Parks Canada - Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada
Tourism Victoria – the most comprehensive tour guide for Victoria and the South Island
Tourism Oak Bay - some interesting things to do on the eastern edge of Victoria -"by the sea"
SAILING ASSOCIATIONS AND COURSE INFORMATION:
1. What can we expect to see and experience in Victoria and on Vancouver Island? The links on the right will give you all the information you need and then some. Victoria and the Island is a magnificent place.- the reason why so many people who have travelled the world do their darndest to try and live here (we fortunately have succeeded). It is still on the edge of the "wild" and escape to unique and tranquil places "off the beaten path" is still possible .
2. How do we get there? The Map on the right shows Victoria and Vancouver Island in regional perspective. Note that Victoria is easily accessed from Seattle and Vancouver, the two closest major cities. Refer to the Links below this map for transport here by air, bus and ferries.
3. What's the weather like? Many people do not know that Victoria and the Island recieve less rainfall during the summer than most other areas of Canada. If it were not for irrigation, our lawns and gardens would not be the attraction they are. Just come expecting lots of sunshine and temperatures in the comfy 20 deg C. or 70 degree F. range from June to the end of September. Bring a sweater for sailing however, as cool ocean waters (10 deg C. - 50 degree. F.) on a breezy day can surprise. And don't be worried if your hotel does not have air conditioning, an open window generally sufices.
If you are confused with C (Centegrade) degrees temperatures in Canada, you can convert to Fahrenheit by multiplying the C deg.number by 2, then then subtracting this result by 10%. then adding 32. For example 10 deg. C is 50 deg F. If you got this, you can join our Science Club! For a good website describing the weather you can expect while here Click! For an overview of weather any month 0f the year - Click!
4. What kind of sailboat/s do we use? Our primary vessel is a Beneteau 351 "Oceanus" sloop, a modern cruising boat, featuring wheel steering , self furling jib, and in-mast furling main. She has the full range of electronics, and creature comforts that you might expect for extended cruising. Click here for a complete description of our Beneteau sloop. Our back-up vessel is a modern 42 foot Catalina (sloop), featuring all the "bells and whistles" of our Beneteau, but with an extra state room, head and larger salon/galley to accommodate larger groups.
5. What to wear on the sail boat? Always dress in layers as the weather may sometimes surprise, and will generally be cooler on the water than on the land. Hats are a good idea, but make sure they will not blow off. It is important to bring the appropriate foot wear- good gripping soles that will not mark the boat. Bare feet are a good backup!
6. What should I bring on my overnight trip? We will give you a list of what to bring. The main concern is that you do not bring too much and that what you bring is packed in several rather than one bag and that bags are soft so as to be easily stored. Luggage with wheels is inconveniant and will damage.
7. What is a typical sail training day like? Our day begins with a leisurely breakfast, about 7:30. This gives us a chance to discuss our objectives and plans for the day. A weather, tide and current check helps us determine our destination and sail tactics for the day (with a "Plan B" and "C" plan should conditions change). Everyone is given a different daily role, so that everyone gets a “hands -on” experience as Skipper, as Crew, and as Navigator. We try to anchor somewhere calm for lunch, where we might also go ashore to stretch our legs and do some exploring. We then continue with sailing in the afternoon. We aim to anchor for the night no later than 6 p.m. Part of the evening is spent reviewing what we have done - before relaxing. Everyone is expected to pich in with cooking, clean up, and whatever else needs doing. We do not sail at night.
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8. Where do we sleep? Our Beneteau sailboat features two separate state rooms (one fore and one aft), each sleeping 2 persons comfortably and with privacy. There is a settee in the salon (middle of boat) which makes into a double bed. There is a single berth in the salon (across from the settee) that can be made up for another person if needed. The Catalina 42 has three separate state rooms each sleeping two persons comfortably, plus additinal space in the salon.
9. What about showers and toilets? Our Beneteau is equipped with one head (marine toilet), and two showers; including one located on the swim grid for the "polar bears" in our group. The boat also features hot and cold water under pressure. For a change of scene and sanitation, we usually make at least one pit stop when cruising the Gulf Islands: Poets Cove on Pender Island for example. (this full featured resort features a warm swimming pool, hot tub and "unlimiited" water for showering).
10. Will I get seasick? Probably not. In the many years we have been sailing and kayaking the waters around Victoria and the Gulf Islands (having taken many hundreds of people on these trips), we have experienced only two cases of sea sicknesses. The reason; the waters we will be travelling are well protected by many islands, and there is little in the way of swells such as those commonly experienced on the West Coast of Vancouver Island (swells are the chief cause of sea sickness). Nevertheless, for those of you who are susceptible to sea sickness, or don't want to take a chance, we can suggest some “across the counter” medicines you may want to take along.
11. What does CYA stand for? CYA is short for Canadian Yachting Association. This is the governing body that organizes the sport of sailing in Canada. It encompasses the provincial sailing organizations and the 300 - plus sailing clubs throughout the country. Part of its mandate is to set and to maintain national standards for sail training. This it achieves through its Learn to Sail program for small dinghy sailing, and its Learn to Cruise program for large keelboats. Blackfish Sailing Adventures teaches the Learn to Cruise Program which focuses on crusing onboard sailboats.
12. Where can I get more information and answers? Call us most any time or E-mail . We would be glad to answer any further questions you may have.