island cruising yacht charters & sailing school sidney reviews

Island Cruising

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101-9776 Fourth Street

Sidney, BC V8L 2Z1

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Yacht charter Sailing school Leopard catamarans Jeanneau charter yachts Yacht maintenance …

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By far the worst experience chartering a boat in my life. The boat failed in the first 15 minutes and Larry blames my wife and I. We tried to wait to get it fixed and that did not happen. We lost $, time and a expected holiday. Larry should be sent home to South Africa with his business ethics, or be in jail. I could spend hours writing about how horrible our experience was, how belittling and hateful he was, but i have moved on as it was a VERY stressful experience. Do yourself a favor, Never Ever EVER EVEEEEER booth with Larry or work with him in any business dealings.

This was my second time chartering "Melissa Ruth". Larry is meticulous about boat maintenance and client safety. I hear some people see him as rather salty but you must respect the ocean. So far, I have found him reasonable. Gerald

Best to not take any of their courses. I signed up for a 5 day 4 night course with others at the same skill level. I really looked forward to the training and the opportunity to learn with my peers. Island Cruising had to cancel and I was not able to get my money back. My only option was go sailing for 3 days and 3 nights with one fellow who had never sailed before. The training was very limited and I felt that I did not learn anything new. Very disappointed. If you do plan to take a course hold back as much money as you can. Lynda K

Island Cruising Yacht Charter is a charter / rental company to stay away from. We just chartered a boat for a week and were sadly disappointed in their business practices & lack of quality. You can do MUCH better elsewhere.

office staff were really nice. owner was incredibly abusive, angry and nasty. checkout by Larry the owner was abbreviated and incomplete. Features on the boat were not as advertised. Boat broke down on the second day and we had to repeatedly beg for help despite their "chase boat guarantee". Did most of the trip with no alternator as they couldn't fix the problem. I eventually disassembled and fixed the wiring myself. We got home only to discover that Larry put a $2300 charge on our credit card for "chase boat services"!! I've been chartering boats for 30 years and this is only the second time that I have ever had a problem. Would not recommend these guys to anyone.

Really poor customer service, will never come back. I actually applied for a job here and found it completely disorganized. I waited for 40 minutes to meet with a woman named Cyndie, who could not spell my name even though it was on my resume, signed at the end of the reply for the ad I sent in, and is also in my email address. There was no one around and the doors were all locked well after my appointment time. I gave up, went home, and sent a complaint via email after I called and no one answered. I got a reply back claiming that she had come back ten minutes before I left (which wasn't true) and that I must not have been fit for the job because I didn't understand customer service. I got no phone call, or even a sticky note on the door as to explain that she would be late, or any kind of courtesy. I doubt I even would have gotten an explanation had I not complained, but it wasn't much of an explanation that I did receive. After such a mess, I would not trust this business with my money, and I will be making sure my friends do not either. With such disorganization and the just plain rudeness I received here, I cannot suggest wasting your time here since the treatment of employees (and applicants) is a pretty clear reflection on how the business runs. Do not apply here or do business here! They are disrespectful and do not care. I was told not to bother with Island Cruising, but didn't listen and had a terrible experience.

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• Sidney to Desolation Sound 10 Days

Whether you are looking for fun and excitement, peace and relaxation, or some world-class sightseeing, you've come to the right place.

Reserve your vacation NOW!

Sidney offers a grand selection of friendly restaurants, outdoor cafes’ and pubs where you can enjoy the sunshine and fresh seafood or discover the shopping destination of the Peninsula. The Town of Sidney has over 100 shops, boutiques and art galleries.

Please note we are out of the public dock in Comox .

Review our DSYC website for more info

Along the Sunshine Coast lies a virtually unlimited cruising area and a multitude of fascinating destinations. Distances are longer and sailing is more dependent on weather variations. Also there are fewer marina amenities and more wilderness anchorages.

Day 1 Sidney to Silva Bay We recommend a pre-board to allow for early departure the following day . You will depart from Sidney and enjoy an approximate 6 hour cruise to Gabriola Island where you can anchorage at the very popular Silva Bay.  Just north of the island you'll find anchorages at Newcastle Island and everything you might need in the nearby City of Nanaimo. Tidal currents through the Dodds Narrows will restrict the option to overnight in Nanaimo as an option.

Day 2 Silva Bay  to Secret Cove / Lund A tiny entrance to the area disguises a series of small bays and coves offering perfectly protected anchorage in a number of inlets; however, Most boaters prefer the inside of Turnagain Island. Secret Cove  is a popular summer resort retreat, with the remote feeling of an island and all the convenience of a mainland coastal community.

Prepare for a great adventure through Desolation sound by heading over to Lund and exploring what this enterprising community has to offer. Stay for dinner in the historic  Lund Hotel  or just sample one of the many pastries offered at Nancy’s Bakery. For more information visit  Lund Harbour Authority Wharf : (604) 483-4711 VHF Channel 66A

Day 3 Onto Desolation Sound .... to Prideaux Haven Hoist anchor and set sail to the pride of Desolation Sound, Prideaux Haven.  This area is known as one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere. This well protected Harbour has enough arms and interconnecting coves and passageways to safely accommodate hundreds of boats. Entrance to Prideaux Haven is from Homfray Channel to the east of Eveleigh Island. Caution should be exercised when entering the area and the reef in the center of the channel should be kept to the port. From July to August, Prideaux Haven has the reputation of being one for the most crowded anchorages on the BC coast. The warm waters of this area make it a perfect spot for swimming and water skiing.

Day 4 Prideaux Haven to Oyster Cove   Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Pendrell Sound where you can experience some of the warmest waters north of Panama. Scenic anchorages await at Oyster Cove and the head of the inlet. Pendrell Sound is renowned for its Oysters and Hieroglyphics.

Day 5 Oyster Cove to Refuge Cove A reprovisioning opportunity awaits you at  Refuge Cove , a unique coastal co-op with a small store, liquor outlet and some mouth-watering homemade cinnamon buns. Stay here for the night or carry on to the anchorage in Roscoe Bay (check the tides as it shallows out in the entrance). The warm waters of Black Lake await you only a 5 minute walk from the anchorage.

Day 6 Rest Day or Bad Weather Day Sailing is dependent upon the elements, particularly the wind, and, while being essential, the wind can often bring challenges. It is a good idea to allocate a day during your cruise for bad weather or just to stay moored at a favourite spot.

Day 7 Refuge Cove to Teakerne Arm Teakerne Arm is a beautiful 128-hectare area off Lewis Channel on the west side of West Redonda Island in Desolation Sound, BC.  The park features forested uplands and the amazing 30-metre high Cassel Falls.  Follow the hiking trails to Cassel Lake, perfect for a picnic and a swim in one of the best swimming spots in Desolation Sound, BC.  Most charter boats anchor in the bay immediately to the west of the falls, with plenty of anchor rode out in the deep bay and a stern line fastened ashore.   Teakerne Arm Provincial Marine Park  has a dinghy landing dock and is a perfect area to include in your sailboat charter vacation.

Day 8 Teakerne Arm to Von Dunop Inlet Enjoy an easy day en-route to  Von Dunop Inlet Marine Par k. n the Discovery Islands, with its long, narrow sheltered inlet, is a popular anchorage for charter yachts.  Located on the northwestern tip of Cortes Island, the inlet can be entered from northern Sutil Channel. Once secured you can explore the lagoon with your dinghy or follow the trail to  Squirrel Cove .

Day 9 Von Dunop Inlet to Lasqueti Island Head through the "Bull Passage" to the largely undeveloped,  Lasqueti Island  which lies southwest of  Texada Island,  a short distance across the Strait. Aboriginal artifacts have been found on the island, and middens (ancient mounds of discarded shellfish shells) can still be found near many of the island's beaches.

Day 10 Lasqueti Island to Poets Cove Easing back into civilization to  Poets Cove in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island where you will enjoy unparalleled peace, tranquility and elegance in the midst of incredible natural beauty. Fuel up and allow for early rise to be in dock on time.

Day 11 by 10AM Poets Cove to Sidney Early rise and sail through Saanich Inlet past some of the most beautiful homes on the West Coast. Skirt around Coals Island and back into our base where you can explore Sidney and spend your final night aboard your yacht in preparation for departure the next morning.

(Map is in progress)

For our 14 day route out of Sidney

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#101-9776 Fourth Street Sidney, BC Canada V8L 2Z1

Phone : (250) 656-7070    Email : [email protected]

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    +1 (250) 415-2126

on Deep Cove Docks

+1 (250) 656 -7070   101 - 9776 Fourth Street

 Sidney, BC   V8L 2Z1

Gulf Islands   |    San Juan Islands    |  NEW!   Sunshine Coast     |    Desolation Sound   

EXPLORE 2154 of the WORLD'S  BEST ISLANDS

Getting to our Marina from the Airport

Arrive at the Marina office and you will be directed to your charter yacht. Leave your goods and travel to provision in Sidney of the local Market. 

Arrive via the Ferry system at our Marina

Short drive from the ferry terminal to our docks, yes we have parking for you 

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Deep Cove Marina / Island Cruising​​​

10990 Madrona Drive, Sidney BC

Canada • V8L 5R7

Office  :    (250) 656-7070 ​

Mobile :    (250) 415-2126

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    +1 (250) 656 7070

on our docks

+1 (250) 656-7070   10990 Madrona Drive 

 North Saanich, BC V8L 5R7