Sailing Log

Last week Great Bear Charters took their guests to the San Juan Islands.  There was plenty of sunshine, laughter, old growth trees, sandy beaches, mountain views and wildlife to explore for these curious little ones.

Sailing up to the San Juan Islands aboard Singawing with Great Bear Charters.

Climbing trees on Sucia Island.

Skipping rocks in the San Juan Islands.

Felled old growth tree on Stuart Island.

Holding hands on a hike along the shore.

Observing and discovering in the San Juan Islands with Great Bear Charters.

The crew at Great Bear Charters was sad to learn that Victoria, one of 85 endangered killer whales left in Puget Sound, was found dead in February.  Ken Balcomb, a scientist with the Center for Whale Research on San Juan Island, has followed Victoria since she was 3 weeks old.  Due to the young whale’s good health prior to her death and the extreme injuries, Ken Balcomb is trying to determine the cause of death.  More than half of these incidents in Washington are never determined.  Underwater recordings that may determine the cause of death will be released in August.

If you would like to read more: What Killed Orca Victoria?

Living in the Pacific Northwest, we are lucky to witness many rainbows.  Sailing with Great Bear Charters to destinations such as Alaska or the San Juan Islands, you are bound to catch a rainbow sometime.

A beautiful rainbow is captured during a sailing charter in Lowe Inlet in the Great Bear Rainforest.

A seagull enjoys this beautiful rainbow at a marina in the San Juan Islands.

There are many opportunities for island hopping in the San Juan Islands with Great Bear Charters.  Here is a charter guest exploring Sucia Island in Ewing Cove.

Charter guest explores Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands.

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.

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.

In 2008, all of Singawing‘s sails were replaced by Northwest Sails, except for the fisherman sail.  A friend of Great Bear Charters, Scott Norrie, painted the now oldest sail with a viking skull and crossed winch handles.  The sail has since been nicknamed the Berserker, after the Norse warriers of Old Norse literature.  Here is the sail in the Presidents Channel during a private yacht charter in the northern San Juan Islands.

Great Bear Charters oldest sail, the fisherman sail, during a yacht charter in the San Juan Islands.

Singawing displays the fisherman sail during a yacht charter in the San Juan Islands.

In July we traveled aboard Singawing with Andrea and Matt.  I found myself peeling off the layers of everyday concerns, while melting into the visual beauty of the surroundings.  Each morning began with my one year old son and I sitting quietly in the cockpit watching and listening to the early morning fish leaping.  The smell of rich coffee brewing and then a mug delivered through the porthole at my feet.  It was the first taste of relaxation in years.

During the day, we were exploring islands, kayaking, hiking, sailing, observing wildlife, and watching sunsets.  Both adventurous and high-spirited, Andrea and Matt have an incredible understanding of the seas we traveled.  Matt was raised on these waters and is impressive with his depth of information and passion to impart.  They introduced us to Tamar Griggs, a Photographer from Salt Spring Island, who invited us to tea at her home on Bold Bluff.  Andrea and Matt provided every detail imaginable and beyond.  Here are some highlights from the trip.

My son, Morgan, peeking through the porthole into the galley.

Singawing docked at Bold Bluff on Salt Spring Island

Tamar Griggs, Bold Bluff

One of many delicious meals prepared by Matt and Andrea.

My husband, Leigh, dropping crab pots.

Leigh and Chris taking off in the Zodiak at sunset.

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