Crew Wanted: British Columbia mid-July to mid-August

[Lantau]

I'll be cruising from mid-Vancouver Island northward and back again for a few weeks in a 46-foot motorsailer. The entire time will be at sea either cruising or anchored (no overnights in marinas unless it becomes essential for repairs, etc.).

I'd like to have someone with me, but only if I can find a good person. By "good" I mean someone that's good to be around (that is, friendly and easygoing), happy to share all the work on a boat, not a zealot in any way, etc. If the person has some special skills, such as sailing experience, familiarity with the area or particular abilities that could come in handy, that'd be a plus. An interest in the marine environment would be good. It would be OK to have two (good) people if they are willing to share a v-berth (plenty big for ordinary persons). He/she/they must get to Vancouver Island by 22 July.

If anyone can give advice on how to find such a person (I've never gotten crew before) or if anyone reading this is such a person, please reply. Many thanks.

[deepwaterport]

Hi
This sounds a great cruise. How long are you going for.? I shall post a PM (private message) with my details.
John

[Lantau]

Originally Posted by deepwaterport

Hi
This sounds a great cruise. How long are you going for.? I shall post a PM (private message) with my details.
John

Cruising plans often go awry, but my plan now is to leave from near Comox on 23 July and return on 15 August. That's a bit over three full weeks cruising. I'll be spending a few days before departure preparing the boat (a job that's never done) and a few days after arrival putting the boat back to bed.

As for the route, I'm open to ideas. I want to maximize exposure to nature and wildlife while avoiding busy areas with lots of other boats. I had planned to head for Desolation Sound to begin with, but maybe it's the wrong time of year for that (there may be too many boaters doing the same thing at the height of summer).

If anyone reading this has suggestions for must-see locations within about ten days or so of easy cruising from Comox, Vancouver Island, BC, please let me know. Many thanks.

[seasoul]

Sent Private Message

[Emouchet]

Sound like a nice plan. Too short notice for me. But as a Canadian Citizen, that woul dhave been easy to go there. May be next time...

[roland stockham]

The landward end of Braugton inlet all round the islands is wonderful, lots of remote anchorages, plenty of wales if the fish are running Tides can be 'interesting'. Also the small island group in the centre of the sound (don't remember the name and don't have a chart handy) has some great seal colonies which you can get close enough to photograph if there is not to much swell. Alert Bay, Telegraph Cove and Sointulla are good places for a leg stretch and if you need fresh supplies and some 'tourist time'. Great place for cruising

[desodave]

Desolation Sound will be crowded at that time of year especially the main anchorages like Prideaux Haven - although we've always been able to find room - its a big anchorage. Look at some of the smaller, less popular anchorages and you may find some relative peace and quiet. Going north means using Joihnstone Strait and, at this time of year, that means heavy NW winds, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Only at 15-25 today, but often gale force. Most people cruising north tend to go a bit earlier before the Pacific high settles in, and the constant heavy NW winds start up. Octopus Islands is a great anchorage just N of Desolation. Von Donnop Inlet is a big anchorage - always lots of room - on the N end of Cortes. Use Hole in the Wall ( at slack !) to go between them.

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by roland stockham

Also the small island group in the centre of the sound (don't remember the name and don't have a chart handy)...

This is the 21st century, there is always a chart handy:

https://webapp.navionics.com/#boating@6&key=yqqlHbizvV

[1Sunseeker]

Maybe a short day cruise or two to check out new crew. Personalities come out when in close confines and best to discover any conflicts prior. I will be up there in Aug. and perhaps we could meet for a pint or so. I am now recovering from a repealed and replaced left hip. "La Traviata" and I have spent a lot of time in B.C. and we know a few out of the way niches. My favorites are in the Broughton's. On Mamalilaculla Island look for ancient N. A. burial sites in the trees. Also the Octopus Islands are cool. Be careful going through the "Hole in the Wall" pass to get into them as there is very short periods of time to get through at high and low tides. Lots of Native American villages and sites even some old totems on Village Island. Great country. You will see why Capt. Vancouver called Desolation Sound, Desolation, as it is ringed by snow cap mountains. Don't miss Princes Louisa Inlet and Chatterbox falls. Great people, many good pubs. Find and buy "The curve of time" prior to going a great little book. And then there is Lund and their hotel pub. You will come back full of wonder and wish the hell you never had to leave. JMHO

[rescueguy]

We have interezt to speak with you. Briam and Lisa. Sailers,outdoor folk have sailed that area a few times and love it. Rescueguy_1@hotmail.com. 5417605957 i am a captain,lisa passed her captain test. Thankyou

[SailtheWind]

This sounds like a great trip. I spent a lot of summers 92 to 05 sailing in that area exploring the San Juan and the Gulf Island. In 99 my sons (12 and 14) circumnavigated Vancouver Island. Awesome trip.
I would love to join you however this is too short a notice. Maybe next time.
Hope you find the right crew.
Fair winds and enjoy

[Lantau]

Thanks for all the helpful information!

I'm assuming that it'll be a bit less crowded the farther north I go, so I'll probably not see Princess Louisa Inlet or the falls there.

Which parts of the Broughtons are "must see"?

Thanks again.

[BrandyLee]

My wife and I would be interested but we have our son's wedding to attend to on the July 22. If you happened to be detained and could not start till later, could be good. We had a 34' Beneteau with DSYC out of Courtenay from 2017 till 2015 They kept really good care of it as well.

[Dandanhansen]

I have little or no sailing experience, but I am crazy interested in learning and taking on a full time cruising lifestyle. If you do not mind me having to learn, I am more then willing to get onboard and do whatever you need.

I worked in the casino industry for 20 years, currently write books and pittle around. I am a zealot about nothing.

shoot me an email please.

tombuaizt@gmail.com

[rescueguy]

Hey brian here we would enjoy to say hi and learn more if you are still looking for one or two sailers for your adventure. 5417605957