Vancouver Island Yacht Charters

Sample Itinerary for the week long summer camp

Day One:

Sail from Stones Marina in Nanaimo to Mark Bay and back to Nanaimo.

Depart at 9 a.m. and return 5pm.

During this day the “Capable Crew” will cover safety on board, parts of the sailboat, parts of the sail, chart reading, tacking and anchoring.

Day Two:

Sail from Stones Marina in Nanaimo to Snake Island and back to Nanaimo

Depart at 9 am and return at 5pm.

During the day sail the “Capable Crew” will learn about the various boat safety equipment, more buoy information, rules of the road, tides, some points of sail ,the chip log and two of the major knots used on sail boats.

Day Three:

Sail from Stones Marina in Nanaimo to Hammond Bay and back to Nanaimo.

Depart at 9 a.m. and return 5pm

During the days sail the “Capable Crew” will study and practice the techniques of chart plotting, reefing the sails, using the hand compass and reading the currents. The “Capable Crew” will also practice rowing techniques. Two more important knots will be covered on this day

Day Four – our “sail away” day

Depart at 9 a.m. and ETA at Silva Bay, Gabriola Island 5pm

Sail from Stones Marina in Nanaimo to Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. Drop anchor in the bay and overnight in Silva Bay with a barbecue dinner. This day will be great practice for the “Capable Crew” to perform the points of sail techniques as well as more chart plotting and MOB (man overboard) procedures. The evening will be lots of fun with “Sailors tales and Shanties” as well as sailing limericks.

Day Five:

Depart at 9 a.m. from Silva Bay and arrive Nanaimo to disembark at 5 pm.

After breakfast on board, the “Capable Crew” will prepare the boat for sailing back to Nanaimo. Each crew member will sail the boat using all the skills and techniques that they have learned during the week. On return to the Nanaimo base, the crew will clean and tidy the boat and put it to sleep before saying farewell to all the new “capable crew” friends they have made.

Additional information

During the sailing voyagers the crew will record information in their individual log books relating to speed and distance traveled as well as any unusual sightings. In addition as a team the crew will complete the review sections in their manuals.

There will also be many opportunities for recording and photographing wild life activities. At the end of each week we request that each crew bring in the photos taken during the trips to be put onto a disc. This means that at the end of the Nautical Camp each crew will have a disc containing all the photos as a memento.

The sailing vessel is under the command of a certified and registered CYA(Canadian Yachting Association) sailing instructor. On the day that the crew sail for the overnight on the boat, a chaperon will be on board in addition to the instructor.

Nanaimo Yacht Charters will ensure that there is plenty of water and soft drinks on board as well as small snacks. The crew will bring a packed lunch for each day and depending on the activity they will either eat lunch on board on at a picnic spot on land.

Nanaimo Summer Camp Recommendations to bring on board each day:

The following is a list of suggested requirements for safety and enjoyment of the camp:

Approved deck shoes /boots –

These have a special sole that provide grip even when wet, yet do not leave black marks on deck. Most runners with non marking soles will be acceptable.

Warm clothing to suit weather, including a change of clothes –

A must even on what appears to be a nice sunny day as the wind on the water can be chilling.

A hat or toque. –

The hat should have a brim to provide sunshade and be warm enough to prevent heat loss.

Wet proofs (rain gear and deck boots) –

A small towel is recommended during wet weather to wrap around your neck. This prevents water from running down your neck.

Sunglasses and sun block. –

Sun glasses with a strap and sun block are required all year to help cut the sun glare off the water.

A sleeping bag, pillow and towel

This will need to be packed for Thursday for the overnight. Don’t forget toiletries too.

Bring a duffel bag each day.

In this you can bring along a drink and any medications you may require. Please notify Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School of any food allergies or medical requirements during the day. Your instructor can advise you of the suitability of your equipment should you have any questions. If you have your own approved PFD, you are welcome to bring it aboard. All the boats are equipped with PFD’s and all students will be required to wear them when under sail.

To book for these camps Email: lorraine@nanaimoyachtcharters.com Or call 250 754 8601