Sailing Log

Great Bear Charters prepares delicious meals on their Schwenker, a German swinging barbecue.  Here sailing charter guests enjoy an onshore dining experience with breathtaking views of Desolation Sound.

Charter guests enjoy a delicious meal cooked on the Schwenker in Desolation Sound with Great Bear Charters.

Sailing and cruising with Great Bear Charters is a fine way to unwind.  When you are ready to climb out of that hammock, there are many exciting activities to keep you busy, both in the water and on land.  Kayak to hot springs in Alaska or at sunset in the San Juan Islands.  Swing across the warm waters of Desolation Sound on a rope, or dive into the Pacific Ocean off Vancouver Island.  The options are many and the results are invigorating.  If it is difficult to imagine this, here are some moments captured to help you along.

Take in the stunning landscape while kayaking in Fossil Bay, San Juan Islands, off Sucia Island.

Witness a rushing waterfall while hiking in Prince of Wales, Alaska.

Kayak to Hot Spring Trail in Warm Spring Bay, Baranof Island, Alaska.

Take a dive off the schooner, Singawing, into Hot Spring Cove, just outside Vancouver Island.

Kayak the Cordero Channel with Great Bear Charters, in route from Desolation Sound to Broughton Archipelago.

Rope Swing into the 78 degree waters of Prideaux Haven, Desolation Sound.

Enjoy a bath in Teakerne Arm, Cassel Falls, Desolation Sound.

Kayak during sunset in the San Juan Islands off Sucia Island with Great Bear Charters.

Great Bear Charters brings you to unique harbors and inlets that allow you the experience of beauty and natural wonder in pristine Pacific Northwest locations.  Here is the schooner, Singawing, shore tied in Desolation Sound.

Singawing shore tied in Desolation Sound during a private yacht vacation with Great Bear Charters.

A family chartered vacation aboard Singawing is a child’s paradise.  Great Bear Charters provides a unique adventure within a comfortable cozy sailing schooner.  Magical moments such as discovering a purple starfish, smelling Andrea Knutson‘s homemade cookies, reaching out to a seal, or curling up under a blanket to watch the sunset brings joy to children of all ages.  Catching a fish for the first time, waking to the sights and sounds of nature in the Pacific Northwest, and exploring untouched islands are parts of the journey that a child remembers.  Parents onboard appreciate the living and moving classroom that this unrivaled vacation offers for families.  These rich experiences sailing with Great Bear Charters will be cherished for a lifetime.

Relaxing in Desolation Sound

Provincial Park, Desolation Sound

Hiking in Desolation Sound

Bed Time in the Gulf Islands

Swimming and Kayaking in Desolation Sound

This little boy caught a Ling Cod that was later grilled for a delicious dinner in the Broughton Archipelago.

It's time for a movie, after a rigorous day in the San Juan Islands.

Dixon entrance leaving Ketchikan, Alaska

Mud bath in Princess Louisa Inlet

A little girl feeds Popeye the Seal in Friday Harbor. This animal is famous in the San Juan Islands for eating fish out of people's hands.

Here is a stunning photograph of Desolation Sound by Bettina Christine Antle.  The sound is known for having the longest drop from mountain top to sea bed in all of North America.  Well protected from development, it remains untouched with sculptural mountainscapes and wildlife abound.  A vacation aboard Great Bear Charters is a phenominal way to witness such beauty.

Desolation Sound

“Tina Christine” was the original name for Great Bear Charters‘ 57 foot schooner Singawing.  The sail boat was named for Bettina Christine Antle, one of the original owners.  Bettina generously provided many wonderful photographs from the first launching.   This beautiful vessel took 3 years and 1.3 million dollars to build.  It was constructed in British Columbia by Naumann & Dunbar.  In 1983, surrounded by friends and family, with a blessing by Reverend Ron Sands, the schooner was lowered into the water.  Tina smashed the ceremonial bottle of champagne against the bow of the boat for its proper christening.  Bettina Antle would later charter to Desolation Sound, which is still one of Great Bear Charters’ fabulous destinations.

A walk down memory lane for one of our favorite fans!!!!!

Desolation Sound, B.C.
www.greatbearcharters.com