The latest Colgate Sailing Adventures Flotilla Cruise took place in the beautiful Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Heather and Nate Atwater, Offshore Sailing School’s cruise leaders, enjoyed the company of 11 sailors on this unique flotilla cruise adventure. Heather reported, “The days were filled with nice sails hopping from Island to Island, and the afternoons were spent exploring the towns and rocky coast of the interesting Islands we visited.” Here is the rest of Heather’s story.
We had a great cruise in the Gulf Islands! The weather was cooperative with sunny and warm days, good breeze and we sailed everyday! It was a relaxing pace but there was plenty to do, too, if you wanted to. The Canadians were a welcoming and gracious host country, and we very much enjoyed their hospitality! Our group got along really well and we had a good time all together – from the Meet and Greet at the Distillery/Haro’s in Sidney, to the Final Dinner at the Poets Cove Resort on South Pender Island, with lots of fun in between.
Our Flotilla Crew in the 2nd Picture to the Right
Bottom left to right: Ed Lane, Heather and Nate, Melanie and Al MacDonald, Tim and Victoria Kane, Chelly and Joel Larson. Top left to right: Stephanie Giegerich with mascot Sidney, Kelly Kalleen with mascot Caribou, Craig Davis, and Andrea Berndt.
Friday, July 14: At 4 p.m. we all met up for the first time and exchanged greetings, then loaded our gear onto three yachts – Clara Eve a Jeanneau 394, Upendo a Jeanneau 40 (means Love in Swahili), and Rio Dorado a Beneteau 40. At the same time we stowed away provisions, which had arrived from Thrifty’s. Larry from Island Cruising gave us the tour of the yachts, going over their particulars with each of us.
At 7 p.m. we set off to the Distillery next door to do a tasting of their brews. It was a
Saturday, July 15: We left Port Sidney Marina at around 10:45 a.m. Winds were southeast 7-12 knots. We had a beautiful sail out of the bay threading our way between Forest Island and Dock Island, north toward Moresby Island then across Boundary Passage, ending up in a lovely anchorage in Port Browning on North Pender Island.
Our boat invited all the crews to have cocktails aboard the Clara Eve – a lively evening
Sunday July 16: Coffee, bacon and eggs awoke our souls. At 9:30 a.m. the Skippers
In lighter air, 5-8 knots, we had a relaxed meandering sail past lighted rocks, beautiful homes and craggy harbors to Montague Harbor. Here we picked up moorings and dinghied ashore to check out the area. Some took the magical, musical bus ride to the Hummingbird Restaurant. I heard it was all about the bus. Aboard Clara Eve we prepared grilled halibut, zucchini and rice pilaf. Yum.
Monday July 17: Nate did the navigation meetings, while Al and I refilled water bottles
Tuesday July 18: Early start to refill our water tanks at the town dock, then left the
Wednesday July 19: Navigation meeting aboard Upendo then left the dock at 10:15
Thursday July 20: We were sad to leave Maple Bay Yacht Club as we made our way through the Samsum Passage ( a narrow passage with high cliffs, deep water and
Friday July 21: Navigation meeting aboard at 8:30 a.m., then picked up anchor at 9:10 a.m. Powered up Stannich Inlet, then winds picked up and we set sail tacking through Satellite Channel, north of Portland and Moresby Island, and into Bedwell Harbor and Poets Cove Marine. After refueling all three yachts we pulled into our slips and proceeded to the hot tub and pool at the resort. I heard some hooting and hollering, and most all enjoyed the amenities. We gathered again for a final dinner and birthday celebration for Chelly at the Syren’s Restaurant at Poets Cove Resort. It was a good meal and a fitting end to our time together.
Saturday July 22: We had a very early start back to Port Sidney Marina before the 10 a.m. boat check out. Good byes all around and a big thank you to all the crew on the Gulf Island Flotilla for being great sports.
We hope you enjoyed the 2017 Gulf Islands flotilla cruise diary. Check our website or give us a call to sign up for 2018 flotilla cruises!
Offshore Sailing School graduate and frequent Colgate Offshore Sailing Adventures® flotilla participant, Diana Dean, paints…
Another exciting and relaxing (yes, it's possible to have both) sailing vacation with adventurous, fun-loving…
Offshore Sailing School graduate Thomas Rankin has transformed from a novice sailor to an expert…
Offshore Sailing School Kicks Off 60th Anniversary Year with New Location, New Courses, Fleet Additions,…
Leopard Catamaran Marketing Coordinator, Zoe Bell, recently completed Offshore Sailing School's Fast Track to Live…
On July 17, 2023, Offshore Sailing School’s current Controller, Dana Matthews, assumed the role and…