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

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

"Are those 'stock' photographs on your website?"

Photos appearing on this website are by TikiTours Sailing School and were shot locally, with the exception of occasional self-portraits from our graduates sent from abroad in the Gallery section. We make every effort to time our class sessions for the best possible weather, and although we are equipped with heavy weather gear for our students, we rarely require it. Much of the scenery shown here is what you will actually see every day when you sail with us. We suggest you bring a camera so we can get some shots of you, so you can continue feeling great about your accomplishment long after the training is over.

What time of the year is best for sailing in British Columbia?"

Most knowledgeable sailors rate winter as the 'best' time of the year for sailing in BC due to stronger winds. Correspondingly, the 'Snowflake' and 'Hot Rum' racing series see more boats and crew than any other racing done through the year. There is also less recreational vessel traffic in the off-peak seasons. Summer makes for better pictures and longer days, however winds are somewhat lighter and traffic busier on weekends. A good compromise in summer is weekday and/or evening courses, which have less or even non-existent vessel traffic in sailing areas.  

How do I choose a sailing school?

There is a now a new proliferation of sailing schools on the web. Check to see how long a particular school has been in business, if the customer comments are legitimate, and find out if the proprietor actually owns a vessel (redundant sounding, however some schools don't). The vessel(s) should also be properly insured and approved for passenger use, and be of a similar size and similarly equipped to what you plan to sail later. The next issue is sailing area. Pick a school close to you, but make sure they have immediate access to coastal waters, as any motoring to and from the sailing area will come out of your course time. All LTC schools teach the Basic Cruising Standard, and many schools teach numerous CYA courses beyond the basic. If you are planning to take multiple levels of certification, we generally recommend trying different schools to get access to different vessels and sailing areas, however taking all the courses with one school and instructor you are comfortable with is also fine.

"Is the 'cruise and learn' the way to go?"

Many people interpret the concept of a 'cruise and learn' as being synonimous with being on a cruise ship (i.e. vacations on very large vessels). Sailing yachts under 50 feet, however, have very limited space. Doing a 'cruise and learn' in the Pacific Northwest's weather, with tight sleeping quarters and unfamiliar company (i.e. other students and your instructor), can be a bit like sharing a tent or RV with a stranger for four days with no opportunity to leave. Although required for the Intermediate Cruising Standard and above, the Basic Cruising Standard is best taught in a four separate day course. This allows for more intensive training, as students get home-study time as well as a good nights sleep. It also allows for avoiding poor weather, but most importantly you will only be sailing, as opposed to motoring to and from your 'cruise and learn' agreed destinations. Our customers have shown us that the variety and flexibility of four separate sailing days keeps their interest better, and they are fresher for their next days destination, which is often richer in scenery than typical cruise and learn anchorages.  

"Will I be skilled enough to learn to sail?"

It has been said that anyone can learn to sail, and indeed all age groups and aptitudes have successfully completed our courses. Most of our students have all been able to complete all required practical objectives single-handed, including the most difficult 'COB' or 'Triangle Maneuver', which fails a substantial number of instructor candidates. This is a testament to our teaching methods. We teach more intensively than other schools, and also maintain one of the highest pass rates. We want you to continue learning long after you leave us. We structure our training with this in mind, and will give you as much knowledge as you can absorb. If you have health considerations, our sailing can be done in moderate waters very close to the departure area.

"What are the different types of sailing lessons?"

We teach big boat 'yacht' sailing, as opposed to 'dinghy' or 'day sailing'. It has also been described as 'cruising' and is based around the CYA Learn To Cruise Programs. A 'cruising' sailboat is defined to have living arrangements aboard, and may be used for actual cruising or racing or a combination of both. The CYA Basic Cruising Standard course is the primary skipper course, with the CYA Basic Crew Standard a slightly lower certification reserved for those uncomfortable with skippering. The CYA Intermediate Cruising Standard teaches further daytime sailing techniques and may be required for bareboat chartering. The CYA Advanced Cruising Standard extends into multi-day all-weather sailing. 

"Where do the sailing trips depart?"

We depart from West Vancouver. An online map link can be found here. Our sailing areas are combined Howe Sound and open Strait of Georgia waters. We do not sail into English Bay waters, or have False Creek departures, as the winds there are not as favorable, and there is also considerable shipping traffic. 

"Do we have to sign a waiver?"

Waivers are required, however we have 28 trouble free years of experience in these areas with 'zero' injuries. All our students wear safety harnesses during deck work, and our equipment has been tested and proven under difficult race conditions. 

"Who teaches your courses?"

Only full-time professional instructors teach our courses. We do not employ part time instructors seeking time on the water, nor do we rotate instructors during a course. As a result, the courses are easier to customize as they are not taught in awkward 'blocks' often used to facilitate said instructor rotations. 

"What about charters?"

Due to the cooler climate in British Columbia, 'bare boat' chartering is less financially viable than in tropical areas. Many sail charter companies compensate for this by using various boats loaned to them by private owners in exchange for free moorage and other services (and some fees). We recommend internationally established charter companies with a dedicated one-design company-owned fleet (generally, these will be larger 40'+ yachts proven in charter conditions). You are then assured of a professional attitude, tested and well-maintained vessels, and no surprises. TikiTours Sailing does not do bare-boat charters.  

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