To help us plan for your cruise with us we would require some information on the following topics: You do not have to fax it to us --- it is sent directly when you click on the "submit" button.  Please submit this information 2-3 weeks prior to your departure.

Name
E-mail 
Cruise & date

Medical history:

1.Do you have any medical conditions that we should be aware of?

2. Emergency contact person and phone #

Please note we are not able to provide ANY pharmaceuticals/medications.  You MUST supply your own necessities including Epipens.

Meals:

1. Allergies:
Please indicate if you have any food allergies and if so, the specific foods and reaction.

2. Food::
Are there any foods that you cannot eat? 
Please list- red meat, fish, chicken, dairy

3. Do you require a special diet?  If so, please describe.

3. Do prefer coffee or tea? 

Typical meals:

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Toast & Jam, muffins, pancakes, Juice, Coffee or Tea

Lunch: Sandwiches, cup of noodles, Fruit, Juice

Dinner: Salmon, Steak, Pork Chops, Chicken, - Burgers - Beef Chicken - Veg. + Rice, Pasta, Vegetables, Potatoes, Salads. 

Meals are generally quite simple, with a minimum of preparation time and crew members taking turns as ship's cook. Most months, and in most weather, barbecuing is the preferred method of cooking for the evening meal. Dessert will often be fruit, or something sweeter once in a while. On an Intermediate course, preparing hot meals is a course requirement.

We also have a selection of Power/Fruit bars and other snack items.

Space is limited onboard -- bringing a bunch of food or snacks is not necessary. If you are bringing something, it will be helpful to let us know -- we often simply have to throw food away as there is no way of keeping it fresh.
We provision the boat for the full trip in Vancouver, we don't plan on shopping part way in the trip - usually there is no place to shop.

It would be very helpful if you would let us know how you found out about Sailcraft: 

If you have any additional questions or comments.

 

Please use our verification code to send your request -- it is case sensitive.

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.

Vessel - Will be TURICUM a C&C 44 cruiser/racer 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.

Course/cruise costs are all inclusive. Boat, instructor, food, fuel, moorage, bedding and towels are included. 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.

Booking Policy - $300 deposit per person - cheque, VISA, or MASTERCARD - on booking with balance 30 days prior to departure.    The deposit is non-refundable -- it is the cost of the course materials, postage/shipping and administrative costs.  You are not expected to return your books if you cancel your trip.

Cancellation Policy - Full refund less $300 administration/course materials fee 30 days prior to departure. Within the 30 days, there is no refund unless we are able to find a client to take your booking.  In that event, a full refund less administration fee will be made.  
It is VERY STRONGLY advised to make arrangements for travel insurance - particularly for longer trips that may be affected by adverse weather conditions and may delay arrival times resulting in missed flights.  In addition, we have had several cases where illness, injury, or family issues have prevented clients from taking their trips and, as we were unable to find another client to take their space, we were unable to provide a refund.
Sailcraft will make every reasonable effort to meet our schedule but we are not responsible for delays due to weather/safety related issues.  The safety of our crew is paramount.
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.

Rebooking Policy - $500.00 rebooking fee within 30 days of departure.

Discounts: 
Groups -- Put together a group and we will provide special pricing and a private cruise.
Prices are on a per person basis, tax extra.  Unless otherwise indicated, the pricing for these cruises is all inclusive - Boat, Skipper/Instructor, provisions, bedding, and towels.

To make a deposit or payment click here

Additional lists

Copyright © 1996 Richmond Sailcraft ltd. All rights reserved.
Revised: January 27, 2010.