INFORMATION LINKS

• NOAA WEATHERFAX

• LOCAL WEATHER

• LOCAL LIVE WINDS

• LOCAL TIDES

• LOCAL OCEAN CAM

• LOCAL MAP

• LOCAL AERIAL

• LOCAL CHART

• LOCAL ROADS

• STRAIT OF GEORGIA

• HOWE SOUND

• SPEED RATINGS

• BC FERRIES

• TRANSIT

• YACHTWORLD

• WEST MARINE

SAILING INSTRUCTION AREA  

Why sail with us? Our sailing areas are in the pristine waters off West Vancouver British Columbia, Canada (a pleasant 20 to 30 minute freeway drive from central Vancouver). You can visually see the difference in the ocean water near West Vancouver and beyond. It is a clear blue on most days, as opposed to the sometimes muddy waters closer to downtown and the Fraser River.

Whereas sailing tours leaving out of other areas have to depart crowded and smoggy port areas and sometimes cross shipping lanes, we have only seconds of travel time before we can raise sail and explore as close to the steep Howe Sound shoreline as we please. You get maximum sailing time with us, and none of the typical hours of noisy motoring each way. Exploring the shoreline is an obvious advantage in poor weather or on winter days, as staying close gives a feeling of security to beginner crews. It also gives variety and helps judge speed and direction on days of lighter wind, when being out in the middle of nowhere can be taxing.  

If you are ready for the open waters, and the wind is strong, our departures are close to the Straight of Georgia. Technically just inside Howe Sound, we are about twenty minutes away from the start of the normal Straight of Georgia crossing leg. This compares favorably to some schools which will not be able to finish beating out of English Harbor against winds and currents within the allotted sailing time.

Lots of free street parking is available, as well as Paid parking. You will find this a wonderful break from the horrors of downtown parking (especially the Granville Island tow-away). Many fine restaurants with outdoor patios are a close by, for meeting friends as well as celebrating after a fine outing. West Vancouver Blue Bus transit departs downtown and arrives right at the marina.

Lastly, we have beautiful, safe,  sunset and evening sailing on weekday nights, which can leave your weekends free for other activities. Our trips don't have to be back by 5:00!