OVERNIGHT SAILING CRUISE AND LEARN

Unwind and relax with the wind in your face as you cast off on an overnight cruise & learn adventure to one of two landmark Gulf Island destinations: Salt Spring or Pender Island. 

You'll start with a basic introduction to sailing as you learn to navigate, unfurl sails, and maybe even try your hand at the helm! Sail towards your evening destination to savour local cuisine and experience unique island culture.

Stroll back aboard the 'Desiderata' for a comfy night's sleep featuring below deck heating, private staterooms for 4-6 people, and uniquely spacious bathroom. Wake up to a complimentary breakfast aboard and a memorable sail home to Port of Sidney. 

To learn more about our possible destinations and book your overnight cruise and learn please contact your Skipper Darren by clicking the button below.

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SALT SPRING ISLAND OVERNIGHT CRUISE AND LEARN

Leaving Port Sidney at 12pm noon Skipper Darren Tomlin will teach basic sailing skills, including how to use the GPS/chart plotter, knot tying, raising a sail, tacking, rules of the waterways, chart reading, and other basic sailing instructions.

As you journey on the Salish Sea to your destination. Soon you'll be unwinding and become totally relaxed with the wind in your face on a 4 hour sailing cruise to Salt Spring Island. En route, we’ll enjoy an included lunch.

Reaching the Island, we’ll moor at the town of Ganges. Here you can visit the famous Salt Spring farmers’ market (Saturday's only), go shopping and absorb its unique sleepy island culture.

Ganges has great restaurants where you can enjoy your dinner (dinner cost not included) and then you stroll back to Desiderata for a restful sleep in one of the private staterooms.

Below deck, the boat is heated, with a salon mid-ships and the surprisingly spacious, equipped with a bathroom, vanity with sink and a walk-in shower with a seat (hot and cold water).

After your night’s sleep, you’ll enjoy breakfast on board prepared by Darren before sailing home to Port of Sidney by 11am.

RATES: $375/person + GST (Minimum 4 guests)

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PENDER ISLAND OVERNIGHT CRUISE AND LEARN

Embark from Port Sidney Marina on the 40' C+C 'Desiderata' sailboat. A memorable experience for couples or families, this trip combines adventure, relaxation and basic sailing instruction.

You’ll enjoy a wonderful 3 hour sail to Pender Island with marine wildlife viewing and beautiful island views.

The package includes on an overnight stay on-board in a tranquil setting adjacent to the oceanside Poets Cove.

Enjoy dining at the resort pub (dinner cost not included) with stunning views of Poets Cove marina, included is the use of the hot tubs and swimming pools at the resort.

RATES: $375/person + GST (Minimum 4 guests)

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MEET THE SKIPPER

"I have lived most of my life on Vancouver island and boating/sailing has been a major part of my life.

I have been teaching guests the thrill of sailing for over a decade. My experience and qualifications include:

  • Sail Canada certified instructor
  • Member of the BC Sailing School
  • SVOP (Small Vessel Operator Proficiency)
  • 60 Ton Master Skipper
  • ROC (radio operator certification)
  • Marine First Aid
  • Marine Medical

Our school boat 'Desiderata' is a 40' C+C is a very well equipped and is certified by Transport Canada safety standard certified.

Your voyage is a hands on learning experience were I will give you and your guests instruction about our voyage before casting off from the dock. This will include:

  • Safety departure briefing
  • Docking
  • Helmsmanship
  • Navigation and Chart Plotting
  • Sailing terminology
  • Sailing techniques
  • Weather and wind identification

I look forward to letting you relax and creating a memory that will last a lifetime!"

- Skipper Darren Tomlin, Sidney Sailing Owner + Operator