FAQ
We invite your questions by
email. We
will post them and the answers on this page for the benefit of everyone.
Where is Sidney,
B.C.? Sidney is located on Vancouver Island approximately 45 minutes
north of Victoria which is the capital city of B.C.
How do I arrive at Sidney,
B.C.? The Victoria International Airport as well as the BC Ferry and Anacortes Ferry Terminals are within fifteen minutes
drive.
I’m a total newbie – where do I
start? You may take a Basic course,
either Sail or Power and the Coastal Navigation
course.
I just purchased my first boat,
can you help me? Certainly, I specialize in assisting new
boat owners. If you need assistance in handling your vessel, learning your vessel's systems and navigational
equipment, pre-departure checks and basic maintenance I can help.
Do I need a license to operate a
boat? As of 2002, any person operating any powered
recreational boat less than 4 metres (including personal watercraft) must provide proof of
competency. As of
September 15, 2009 any
person operating any powered recreational boat must have proof of competency.
What qualifications do I need to charter a
boat? Previous experience on tidal waters in a similar sized boat
and/or the CYA Intermediate
Cruising or Intermediate
Powerboat,
plus Coastal
Navigation and/or CPS Boating course or equivalent.
Can you answer "YES" to the following
questions?
- Am I confident handling a boat of this size
in tidal waters?
- Have I the navigational skills to safely
pilot a boat?
- Do I have copies of any certification
showing my qualifications?
I have chartered a boat.
Do you have any suggestions for an itinerary?
First day - the quaint settlement of Fulford Harbour on Saltspring Island or anchor
at Portland Island.
Second day - Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island. If you are lucky the
Dall Porpoises may play around the bow of the boat as you cross Boundary Pass. Either stay at Beaumont Marine
Park on a mooring or at anchor or docked at Poets Cove Resort. Time for a shower and a swim in the outdoor
pool.
Third day - cruise to Montague Harbour Marine Park on Galiano Island. If
the winds are light or you want a short day, you could stay the night at Otter Bay Marina on North Pender
Island.
Fourth day - Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island. Ganges is the largest
town in the Gulf Islands. Be sure to check out the Craft Fair and all the shops. If you have a sweet
tooth stop at "Glad's Candy & Ice Cream Shop”.
Fifth day - anchor in Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island.
Sixth day - dock at Fulford Harbour on Saltspring Island or anchor in Royal Cove on
Portland Island, whichever one you missed on the first day.
Seventh day - return to the Marina.
What are some other destinations in the Gulf
Islands? See The Boating Forum - Destinations
How many people am I allowed to have on board
a boat? Usually the number of persons should not exceed the number of
berths.
What months do you
operate? We operate year round. The most popular months are
April to September.
Is fishing
available? Certainly! See our fishing page.
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