Beyond Desolation Yacht Charters
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| British Columbia "The Best Place on Earth" |
| For a typical 5 or 7 day charter here is a sample itinerary. We will of course adapt each trip in light of prevailing weather conditions and from having discussed, well prior to your arrival, your expectations and preferences. Arrival Morning Arrive at the boat at Sointula, stow your gear and wander down the dock to see the local fishing boats. Go over our sailing plans and take a boat familiarization tour. Day One You may have the opportunity to stroll the sandy beach behind the Marina in Rough Bay where you can catch a few Dungeness crabs hiding under the sand at low tide. They are unbelievably sweet to eat and we will prepare them for you to perfection for evening appies. Depart Sointula heading east along the protected waters off Malcolm Island. At the tip of Malcolm lies Donegal Head and the entrance to Blackfish Sound. We will hope to see whales (Orcas, Minke and possibly Humpbacks between there and Stubbs Island. Hoist sails and watch as the whales, dolphins and other sealife surround the vessel. In the open waters of Queen Charlotte Strait for the first time we will be in full sailing mode. Expect any type of wind and weather during a 3 to 4 hour sail. Head north for Dusky Cove. This is a little known, incredibly scenic and well protected anchorage into which few venture. The entrance to Dusky is tricky and rock strewn so the approach is made with caution but once inside the safe anchorage amid small islets and beaches opens up for an afternoon of exploring in the dinghy or kayaks. Harvest some clams at low tide off the beaches. Set a crab trap and wander on small islands to see a wide variety of wildflowers. Dinner of Dungeness Crabs - Sockeye salmon followed by huckleberry pie Day Two Head once more into Queen Charlotte Strait for a day of sailing and exploration. Keep a sharp eye out for sea lions, stellar seals and a wide variety of birdlife as we leave the cove. Four to five hours of sailing in open waters en route to Wells Passage. Once inside the lee of Broughton Island several coves offer good anchorage. Turnball Cove at the top of Wells has a moderate 1/2 hour hike to a warm(ish) lake where you can dive off a platform and swim surrounded by the wilderness. Other coves offer wild berries for the picking, clams, crabs and wildlife such as bears and wolves. Dinner: Clam appetizer, Roast Chicken and apple pie with cheese Day Three Make a stop at Sullivan Bay where you can practice docking the boat alongside where the big flying boats would land. Stroll the docks and see the wide variety of floathouses and artifacts. An afternoon sail around Stujel Channel - flat seas and protected waters offer an opportunity the fly the spinnaker. We may head for the Burdwoods and anchor, or Echo Bay where showers and a small store are located. Hike into the rainforest and pick wild mushrooms, visit with Billy Proctor and see his museum. Billy has written two novels, 'Heart of the Rainforest' and 'Full Moon High Tide' and is always more than welcoming to guests of all shapes and sizes. Dinner: Curry with all the trimmings, fresh fruit and cheese for dessert Day Four Leave Echo Bay after a leisurely breakfast and head for Waddington. The crew are challenged to navigate through a series of islets (while the skipper stands ready in case an executive decision is needed!!). Then we head up Knight on our way to Minstrel Island. Moor alongside the prawn fishboats and bargain for dinner appies. Take a long walk in open bush around the East side of the island - and retire to the boat for a long cold drink. Enjoy the tales of other boat owners and perhaps sample some of the best clam chowder this side of anywhere. Dinner: Prawns, Prawns and more Prawns Day Five Beat through Clio Channel on our way to Potts Lagoon. Enter with care as there is only 2 feet under the keel at low tide. All is calm inside. Visit with Hermit Bob and listen to his stories of the coast. Take a kayak and enter the upper lagoon where a profusion of birds make their homes. Breath in the absolute silence. Dinner: Roast Beef with yorkshire pudding, carrots and Paikea gravy. Rice pudding for dessert Day Six Visit the abandoned Indian village of Mamamacula. Meet with Tom Seaweed and listen to his stories and histories of his people. See remains of the BigHouse and fallen totems and keep your eyes peeled for black and grizzly bears. Take a trip over to Beware Passage and discover the remains of an old Buddist wall built who knows when. Dinner: Stuffed vine leaves as a starter with olives to nibble on. Spaghetti with thick meat sauce and garlic bread - tossed salad on the side Day Seven Head back to Sointula. Good chance of seeing whales once more. Unload, have a hot shower and catch the 4.00 pm ferry off Island. - Or if you must, stay awhile longer in one of the wonderful B&B's that dot the Island which is known by its Finnish name "harmony' - you may become bewitched and return before you know it!!! While the above gives a sample of what might be expected we are always delighted to offer alternative trips to (even) more desolate regions such as Miles Inlet with its shangri-la mini waterfalls, lagoons and pure wilderness, often fogbound Skull Cove with its profusion of wild mint, Cape Caution with its booming Pacific rollers and cougars, and Seymour Inlet with its huge currents (up to 18 knots) at the Natwatko Rapids entrance. For experienced sailors only we can also offer the option of rounding the Northern tip of Vancouver Island to discover the Wild West Coast where big Pacific seas, high winds and deserted beaches abound. |
| Sample Itinerary |