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 our clients, and were shot locally, with the exception of reports from our graduates abroad (see Gallery section). We make every effort to time our actual practical theory sessions for the best possible weather, and although we are equipped with heavy weather gear for our students, we have rarely used it. The scenery 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 to continue feeling great about yourself 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 can be somewhat lighter and traffic excessive on weekends. A good compromise in summer is weekday and/or evening courses, which have less or even non-existent vessel traffic in our sailing areas.  

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

Many people take the phrase 'cruise and learn' to mean the same thing as being on a cruise ship (i.e. vacations on very large vessels). Sailing yachts under 50 feet, however, have very limited space, and doing a 'cruise and learn' in Pacific Northwest weather with tight sleeping quarters and unfamiliar company (i.e. your instructor) can be a bit like sharing a tent or RV with a stranger for four days, but with no opportunity to leave. Although required for Intermediate Cruising Standard and above, the Basic Cruising Standard is best taught in a four separate days. This allows for more intensive training, as students get home study time and a good nights sleep. It also allows for avoiding poor weather, but most importantly you will only be sailing on the water, as opposed to motoring to and from arbitrary destinations agreed to in a cruise and learn package (most often the case). 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 25 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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