Sailing Log

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

Ruby, Great Bear Charter’s beloved golden retriever, is healthy and strong after having surgery this fall.  She was very brave and is back to her frisky self, begging for treats in the Port of Port Townsend.  Ruby is almost 15 years old, no longer joins us on charters but still loves to sail and hike.  Here she is sailing aboard Singawing in Admiralty Inlet, enjoying a beautiful sunny fall day.

Paul Nicklen’s photograph of a Kermode Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest made the cover of National Geographic in August.  The opening sentence for the article reads; “In a moss-draped rain forest in British Columbia, towering red cedars live a thousand years, and black bears are born with white fur.”. The cover is a stunning photograph of a black bear with white fur, called a Spirit Bear by native tribes.  Paul’s intention by photographing these mysterious and unique spirit bears is to raise awareness and further protection of these extremely rare animals.  The photographs also demonstrate the majestic beauty of what is often referred to as the “last frontier”, the Great Bear Rainforest.

View Paul Nicklen’s photographs of the Spirit Bear: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/nicklen-photography

Read the complete article: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/barcott-text

Pacific Wild is an organization committed to protecting the Great Bear Rainforest.  If you would like to learn more about the fantastic wildlife and scenery existing there, refer to their website for photographs and videos:

http://www.pacificwild.org/

Their “Great Bear Blog” has regular updates as well.  They posted this month about working with a local elementary school, providing students with motion-centered infra-red cameras and education for further research.  What an amazing opportunity for these children, made possible by World Wildlife Fund.

Learn first hand why so many people are working to educate about and protect the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a Pacific Northwest Charter!

Double yacht cruises are available for groups over six.  We can accommodate up to twelve guests aboard two sailing yachts.  Watch your friends as we race alongside during the day and then raft up together for evening cocktails, dinner and dancing.

Family charter/ Evening raft up at Eagle Cliff, Cypress Island in the San Juan Islands

Fun Fun and more fun!!  The enjoyable and witty Czopek family celebrated a birthday while on board.  Here is the birthday boy himself bravely swinging into the warm waters of  Desolation Sound.  Mom and dad passed on the swing but they sure were adventurous and a kick to have on board!!!!

Extended sailing charter through Desolation Sound, B.C., Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands
Rope swinging in Desolation Sound

We had a blast with the Brignoli crew.  What a pleasure to have them aboard.  They chose the extended cruise option.  San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound and north.  Look how happy and relaxed that family is!!!!  This is following a warm water lake swim at one of our absolute favorite spots!

Calls are flooding in for summer sailing requests.  Don’t miss all of the fun!!  Book before the schedule fills up.  August is already a thing of the past.

Captain Matt and recent guest, Miss Sarah, sailing in Port Townsend Bay during a sailing charter with Great Bear Charters.

When you join Great Bear Charters for a San Juan Islands sailing adventure you will experience many feelings, stress however, will not be one of them. Relax with a cold glass of Chardonnay while listening to Norah Jones and lounging on Singawing’s sixty-five feet of deck. Watch as the sun sets below the coastal mountain range of Vancouver Island.

The next day will bring sailing with Dahl’s porpoises dancing in our bow wave. Participate or lay back while we set all five of our schooner rigged sails. This evening we will have lovely caught crab hor d’oeuvres as we watch your children kayak upon the mirror-like waters of Shallow Bay, Sucia Island. In the morning we will set sail for Stuart Island where we can journey back in time to a one room school house representative of early American education. As we stroll down the islands single dirt road past the school we will end up at Turn Point light house in time to see boisterous Orcas playing in the outgoing tide. For now it is back to the boat for roasted red pepper and prosciutto paninis.

By this time in our escapades your only worry will be that your days aboard are numbered had you only booked a couple of extra nights! Later on after the sun sets everyone will gather on the decks and watch in amazement as the bio luminescence lights up the black waters to a mesmerizing glow. Gaze up as the millions of stars and constellations light up the summer nights sky. The adventure is nearing an end and your are thinking about booking with Great Bear Charters for another San Juan Island sailing charter next season.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Matt, Andrea and the entire Great Bear Charters’ crew
info@greatbearcharters.com

Visit our Great Bear Sailing Charters Facebook Page!

Summer is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about your vacation plans.  How about joining us for a sailing trip aboard Singawing for a truly relaxing time away?  Spend some real time with your friends or family free of the stressors of everyday life.

Guests relaxing at a favorite spot in Desolation Sound, British Columbia