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Sailing Course Testimonials sailing
Women’s sailing courses
Hello Lorraine and Shari,
Having sailed for 15 years and got my CYA Coastal Cruising I do have some hours on the water behind me BUT I can’t tell you how incredibly wonderful the Seawise Women Cruise was for me. It will take me a long time to get over the positive, exhilarating, and rewarding experience. I can honestly say that this was one of the most life enhancing things I’ve ever done and is a pivotal point in my life! It was just what I needed and it helped confirm the skills I already have and let me attempt things I was fearful and anxious of.
On our boat, were 4 women students and a female instructor. Two of us were in their 60′s, 2 in their 40′s and one was in her 20′s We all got along famously and worked well as a team. It was so supportive and companionable and we each could understand the other person’s personal challenges – and we were so full of joy as each of us achieved what we had previously thought was impossible. It was also very moving to see each person reach a level of competence both in sailing and within herself as we moved through the week. I haven’t laughed so much in years and had tears running down my face many a time.
I can’t say enough about the instructor – Rowena – she was very easy going, supportive, encouraging, humourous, flexible, open minded and thorough. In the end we all decided we’d take the ISPA Capable Crew and Day Skipper qualifications because one of us was doing it, and since we were all doing the same things we decided we’d go for it – we all passed with flying colours. It took a lot of studying and discussion and we talked sailing every minute we were together, and we put in long hours.
The whole experience has been a life-changing one for me and has reignited my passion for sailing. Thank you all for contributing to a significant moment in my life.
Enise Olding
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Tailor made sailing course
To the dreamers out there…..
This summer, my wife and three kids (15, 12 and 10) and I decided to try out sailing. My wife and I have been toying with the idea of sailing when we retire for a while now but had never actually done it before. With a couple weeks holidays available in the summer and no plans I started e-mailing around to the charter companies, originally planning on just a couple days out with a captain. After numerous replies we settled on Nanaimo Yacht Charters. Shari was very pleasant to work with and before you knew it, my wife and I were talking home courses (capable crew and day skipper). Anytime we had any questions, Shari was only an e-mail away from answering them.
Finally the day arrived and my kids took their first ferry ride (we live in Alberta) as our adventure began. The hospitality we were shown by all the staff there was amazing and we felt very comfortable right off the get go. We got on the boat for the night and for the first time realized what retirement could be like, and we loved it.
The next morning our instructor Paul showed up. He is a 30yr old from Tasmania with a laid back attitude and a playful spirit. We jumped right into learning as he guided us through our paces, never getting excited even if we did once or twice. Best of all he was absolutely great with our kids. He would get them involved in the sailing as much as they desired and kept them occupied with other games and things when they didn’t. It wasn’t long before he was part of the family.
We sailed down the coast to Saltspring Island and back over the course of a week at a nice leisurely pace. We stayed in quaint little bays and fancy marinas, all while sitting under a full moon at night and beautiful weather during the day. The kids fished, swam, explored shore lines, and had a blast, as did the rest of us. We can’t wait till next year to do it all again.
Thank-you Shari, Ian, Paul and Trevor and the rest of your excellent staff for our dream trip.
Gary, Jennifer, Emily, Sarah and Brian
Shari, here’s probably my favorite picture from the trip. It’s at pirates cove at sunset, just after supper. Sarah is fishing on the deck.
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Dear Shari,
The boat was great – as I noted on the comments, very well equipped with good quality stuff (which certainly makes a difference when it comes to food prep and eating!) Tony was a lovely man and we certainly enjoyed his company. I’ve already sent him a card with some pics he might enjoy. Thank you again to your whole crew .. your friendly (and understanding) help was very appreciated.
Cathy
(on behalf of JoAnn, Jim, and Murray .. of course!)
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Adventure Tourism Course – sailing instruction component
Thank you for maintaining such a conscientious standard of service for the experience our Coastal Adventure Tourism Certificate students have with you each Spring. The boats are superb for the training, and all communications are prompt and professional. Your long-term instructors have been top-notch. The students frequently comment that their sail training was a highlight of their 5-month marine-focused guide training. Kudos for all that you’ve done and are doing with your company.
all the best,
David
David Pinel, M.Sc.
Lead Instructor, Adventure Tourism Programs
North Island College, Vancouver Island
