Ahoy, sailors and adventure seekers! Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey as we unveil the exciting sail plan for our upcoming trip. Our sailing adventure promises to be an exhilarating experience filled with scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and skill-building opportunities.
Day One: June 26th – Squamish to Gambier Island
Our voyage kicks off at 9:00 AM as we set sail from Squamish, headed for the captivating Gambier Island. Along the way, we’ll drop anchor at Defense Islands for a delightful lunch break. Halkett Bay, on the southeast side of Gambier Island, is our destination for the day, boasting a marine park and a handful of campsites.
For those seeking adventure on land, the option to hike to the summit of Mt. Artiban is available. This challenging 3.5 to 4.0-hour trek covers 11 kilometers and reaches an elevation of 370 meters. As evening approaches, our vessel will either anchor in the middle of the bay or stern-tie on the west side.
Please note that the docks at Halkett Bay have seen some winter wear and tear, so we’ll be making a shore approach. On this leg of our journey, we’ll be honing our vessel orientation skills, practicing basic keel boat sailing, and mastering navigation techniques. Conditions will be favorable, with sheltered waters and opportunities for both downwind and upwind sailing.
Day Two: June 27th – Gambier Island to Keats Island
Our second day of adventure begins at 9:00 AM with breakfast and camp disassembly. We’ll sail from Halkett Bay to Plumper Cove, traversing the waters of Georgia Strait. This leg of our journey promises to be thrilling, as it’s our “Great Big Sea” day, offering a taste of sailing in open waters.
Weather permitting, we’ll sail past Gambier Island, Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver, through English Bay, and into the expansive waters of Georgia Strait. Lunch will be served aboard the vessel, providing a chance to enjoy our meal amidst potential choppy seas—so don’t forget your pre-made lunch.
As we sail through these open waters, there’s a good chance we’ll encounter a variety of marine life, including Orcas, migrating Humpback whales, porpoises, dolphins, and more (although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed). Our journey will eventually lead us back to the mouth of Howe Sound, with Gibson’s as a notable landmark along the way, before we reach Plumper Cove on Keats Island.
Plumper Cove offers a serene setting with its marine park, open camping area, docks, and picnic tables. Here, we’ll have time to explore extensive beaches and witness a breathtaking sunset. Skills will include both basic and advanced keel boat sailing, along with a lesson in weather forecasting, as we navigate the open water.
Day Three: June 28th – Keats Island to Squamish
Our final day of sailing begins at 9:00 AM as we chart our course back to Squamish, passing through Thornbrough Channel on the west side of Gambier Island. This channel is known for its rich marine wildlife and offers stunning views of Gambier’s dramatic shorelines.
Lunch will be anchored at McNab Creek, the second-largest estuary in Howe Sound, where participants can take a refreshing swim and explore the estuary’s wonders. The afternoon promises an exhilarating sail, with the strongest winds of the day accompanying our return journey. We anticipate reaching Squamish around 5:00 PM, concluding our unforgettable adventure.
On this final day, we’ll focus on advanced keel boat sailing skills, all within the sheltered waters and high winds of Howe Sound.
Get ready to hoist the sails and embark on this thrilling three-day sailing expedition. Our sail plan promises an incredible blend of adventure, learning, and natural beauty. We can’t wait to share this unforgettable journey with you. See you on board!
Stay tuned for more updates as our adventure unfolds. Safe sailing!
