SAILCRAFT
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The following is very important information and may be different from the last time you sailed with us.
Please print this information and bring it with you for reference.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Prior to your flight, please check what restrictions may exist on Rigging knifes, Marlin
spikes, and inflatable PFDs.
1. WARM CLOTHES - layer - you can add if cold or remove if too hot. You will be surprised
how much temperature will change when you are sailing with or against the wind. Be prepared for
anything. Inside Passage and Around Vancouver Island cruises temp. ranges from
8c to 30c+ (40F- 90F) may be experienced. A polyester fleece sweat suit is a
good basic item to have. It makes a warm layer and can also double as P.J's. In the off-season a headband / neckband is
great. Recently, our weather has become much drier and warmer but the wind can still be cool
giving the impression of a much lower temp.
Cotton should be avoided as it gets damp and stays damp you freeze on anything but the
warmest summer day. Jeans are great for the evening but probably the worst thing to wear when sailing,
they get damp and stay damp not providing much warmth. They also restrict movement.
Click here to find local area WEATHER
2. DECK SHOES / BOOTS - soft soled, non-marking + extra socks. Be prepared for rain with something waterproof. In the off-season sea boots or some non-marking boots are a must. Test the sole on sidewalk or other hard surface for marking -- some dark coloured soles are fine. Sneakers with plastic bags inside will do in most rain storms. If you can find Seal Socks or Gortex socks they are GREAT. Please note -- closed toe shoes must be worn on deck and below --- sandals are fine when you are off the boat. In the cooler season heavy wool or polyester wool blend are a MUST --- cotton socks are fatal.
3. WET WEATHER GEAR - it may rain! Light nylon rain jacket and pants will cover most trips -- Skiing jackets & pants work very well. On the Van Isle or cooler season cruises, good wet weather gear is a must. We can advise on reasonably priced gear; a small towel for your neck is also handy. Typically the weather in our cruising area is reasonably dry from May to October. Sailcraft does NOT supply wet weather gear.
4. SAILING GLOVES - they really save the hands - helps keep them warm too. - leather palm is a must. In the wet season rubber work gloves are the only thing that will keep your hands dry.
5. HAT - A hat is a must -- You should have a toque in the off-season or trips going to the North end of Vancouver Island.
6. SUNGLASSES - you will only need them if you don't bring them. Good even for overcast days -- having side shields is also a plus.
7. SUNSCREEN - a must from April to Oct.- SPF 30 or higher. If you can find a "dry sport" it is nice.
8. MOTION SICKNESS - if you think that you may have an allergy to the motion of the ocean, bring an appropriate medication - This is critical on the longer trips as when we are in the open ocean the motion is quite different -- take it before you need it. - Ginger pills may help or ask a pharmacist.
9. ADDITIONAL - We provide a sleeping bag, pillow & case, towel and face cloth. There is little opportunity to do laundry so you need to bring clothes for the number of days of the trip --- plan on changing T shirts etc. every second day. Some extra are good to have in case you get wet. We will have a laundry day on our longer cruises.
10. MUSIC - please feel free to bring along CDs or tapes. It is always nice to have a variety aboard.
11. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES - Unless we are at a marine pub, there is little or no opportunity to purchase alcoholic beverages. You are welcome to consume an alcoholic beverage after the vessel is secured for the evening, but you should plan to do your shopping prior to boarding.
12. ADVANCED / OFFSHORE cruises - you should have some of your own safety gear: a personal flashlight with RED lens, knife with lanyard, and GOOD wet weather gear.
13. For those taking a certification programme, Please bring ALL of your study materials.
We will be referring to it often. A note book and pen/pencil is also needed. For those doing ISPA
certification, your workbooks must be completed prior to boarding the boat. There will be a
considerable delay in marking workbooks as well as a $25.00 shipping and handling
charge for books that are not available for marking during
the course as your instructor
will be working with his next group of students.
CYA students will be writing their exams during
the cruise.
Please bring your CYA or ISPA Log Book as we will refer to it every day.
Please make sure you have a photo for your logbook as well as any required
additional documents --- VHF radio, CPR
Everything should be packed in soft luggage (duffel bag, back pack).
Space is a consideration so try to bring as little as possible -- we will be at a dock every 2nd or 3rd night for showers you will need loonies ($1cdn coin).
Boat location
-- Turicum:
Courses/trips will depart from Vancouver Rowing Club in Stanley Park
in downtown Vancouver.
VRC is immediately on your right hand side as you enter the
park at the Georgia Street entrance.
As Rowing Club is a private club there is no access to the docks unless you are accompanied by a
member. There are NO public washroom facilities at Vancouver Rowing
Club. Public washrooms are located in the park Information kiosk
approximately 200 yards north of the Club.
Please meet at the gate at 8:45 am -- we will watch for you and bring you to
the boat which will be at the guest dock.
We return to VRC around 4:00pm and are usually finished cleanup and snugging
down by 4:30 - 5:00. These times should be considered when arranging
flights. Travel time from VRC to the airport is approximately 1 hour
PARKING: Vancouver Rowing Club.
There is no parking available at the Club.
Some options are:
Arrange to leave your car at your hotel and take a cab to Rowing Club.
There is pay parking available in the Park -- security is minimal -- leave
a ticket on your dash for each day you will be away.
There is a lot at the foot of Denman St. where longer term parking is available but
you need to register your car and make arrangements prior to parking.
The Bayshore has covered parking -- I would check the cost.
There are several parking lots near the Bayshore off Georgia St. again you
should check the cost.
Boat location Moku Lana: Courses/trips will depart from the Great Canadian Marina (8831 River Rd), adjacent to the River Rock Casino & Resort (8811 River Rd) in Richmond.
 |
If flying
in from out-of-town, the marina is a convenient 5-minute taxi ride from the
Vancouver International Airport. If driving down to the marina, access is
available via Oak Street bridge from Vancouver or highway 99 for people
coming from other destinations. Essentially the marina is immediately west of Oak Street Bridge south end. Signage for the River Rock Casino will take you to the marina. PARKING Moku Lana: there is NO on-site parking available. The Canada Line Skytrain has wiped out the main parking lot. Parking is for Hotel guests only. There is accommodation at the Marina at the River Rock Casino |
Course Information
Style of course - This will be a Cruise & Learn type of a course where people cruise to various destinations while they put into practical application their theoretical knowledge learning and demonstrating newly acquired skills.
Rationale - A Cruise & Learn is an immersion course. It provides the best venue to acquaint students with the parts of the boat and sails, the feeling of the vessel under sail and power, the correct trimming and helming techniques, as well as the various mechanical and electrical systems that are found in cruising boats.
Location - The cruise/course location depends upon the length of the programme. The 5-day course will be in and around the Gulf Islands of Southwestern B.C., the 9-day course cruises the area of Desolation Sound, and the 15-day course either circumnavigates Vancouver Island or explores the area north of Queen Charlotte Sound. These areas offer venues where we can anchor, moor to a buoy or dock. As well as locations where we can sail on and off of a mooring buoy, anchor, or dock. These skills are all specific requirements of the various Cruising standards. In addition to sailing in protected areas we traverse either Georgia Strait or Johnstone Strait on our way to and from our various destinations.
Duration - The courses will be from 3 to 21 days and the maximum number of students will be
four on the shorter courses. This number allows for everyone to have enough time to develop
their sailing skills as well as become familiar with the boat and the correct operating procedures
for the various vessel systems. We will leave Vancouver by 9:00am of the first day and return
around 4:00pm of our last day. The theory portion of the course has a written test that will be
done the evening prior to return to Vancouver. The last day will be the practical evaluation of the
course with the students running the vessel.
Our classes run from 9:00am to 5:00pm. We try to have the vessel moored or docked by 4:00
each day and use the last hour for snugging down the boat, reviewing the day's sailing, and
establishing our plans for the next day. This leaves evenings available for exploration ashore, a
visit to a local Marine Pub, time to do homework or an opportunity to spin some yarns.
Vessels - Will be TURICUM a C&C 44 cruiser/racer, Moku Lana a Formosa 43, or boats owned by our associate instructors. The vessels are fully equipped with appropriate sailing gear and electronics as well as emergency and safety equipment well beyond Coast Guard requirements. All vessels are Canadian Coast Guard inspected.
Expectations - All students seeking certification, should have reviewed their text book,
completed the work book where applicable, and generally be familiar with the material prior to
boarding. While little or no time is available to spend on a general review or study of the text
book material, students are encouraged to ask questions if items in the text are not clearly
understood. We will spend whatever time necessary to make all students comfortable with these
specific items. The majority of the day is spent on developing and honing sailing skills and
learning about the vessel systems. It is expected that all students
seeking certification at a higher level than Basic, will be proficient in their
skills at the level they are currently certified.
Sailcraft, and its Instructors, may require students to obtain remedial practice
prior to progressing to the next level of study. This remedial practice will
be undertaken at the student's expense.
Students need only bring appropriate clothing including footwear and wet weather gear. Students will be responsible for the replacement cost of any ship's gear lost.
All crew members are expected to take part in all aspects of the operation of the boat and should understand that from time to time they will be required to partake in vigorous and strenuous exercise. Students should be in good health and may want to consult their physician prior to booking a cruise. Students should also realise that sailing is an inherently dangerous activity and, despite all precautions, accidents can occur.
As part of the live aboard situation, cooking skills, while not a part of the Basic Course (it is part of the Intermediate and Advanced), will be appreciated by your shipmates. Most meals will be either prepared in advance or will be a product of our barbeque. We have no problem accommodating students with different dietary preferences. People who have limited cooking skills will be expected to make a greater contribution to the housekeeping and shipboard cleaning.
We want people to have a great time out on the water in a fun, safe environment.
Cost - The price of the trip is all inclusive -- Instruction, food, accommodation, study materials, course exams, towels, and bedding. Current pricing can be found on the website at www.sailcraft.com/dates.htm and does NOT include GST.
Cancellation - Student - Full refund less $300 administration fee if cancelled 30 days prior to departure.
A cruise/course will be considered cancelled by the student if full payment is not received 15 days prior to departure or suitable arrangements made. There will be no refund. There will be a $300 reinstatement fee.
Richmond Sailcraft will cancel a cruise/course only in the event of a safety or mechanical failure. Every effort will be made to acquire a suitable replacement vessel. In the event Sailcraft is forced to cancel a trip, a full refund will be made. Although we have never cancelled a trip, we strongly recommend travel insurance.
Additional Info: