There is nothing more enjoyable and exhilarating than cruising a coastline on your own chartered luxury yacht. You decide when to sail, swim, collect shellfish, or just relax on deck.
The Spirit of Two Thousand & Ten is at your service, and our captain, crew and support staff would be delighted to help you plan your dream itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a night on Vancouver’s spectacular waterfront, a business retreat away from the bustle of the city, or a week long charter to explore the West Coast, up to Alaska or down to Cabo San Lucas, we’d be happy to set you on your way.
SAMPLE 8-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1
You and your companions will be met by one of our crew at the Vancouver airport. From there you will be taken by limousine into Vancouver's beautiful downtown core where you will embark the Spirit Yacht. You will spend the evening dining on exquisitely-prepared West Coast seafood delights. Enjoy your favourite drinks and admire the incredible Vancouver skyline as you anticipate your voyage into some of British Columbia's most magical places.
Day 2
At dawn, the crew will start your voyage towards Desolation Sound. You will cruise the Strait of Georgia, having plenty of opportunity to admire the Coastal Mountains and the Gulf Islands, scattered throughout these coastal waterways. There will be endless chances to count the seals you may see along the way. If you're lucky, you might even spot a pod of Orca whales. In the afternoon, the yacht will dock in Lund, the last town accessible by road on the Sunshine Coast.
Day 3
Spend the day marveling in the breathtaking wilderness haven of Desolation Sound. This is a place naturally abundant with sea life. You can fish for salmon, red snapper, prawns and crab, or pick oysters right off the shoreline. Waters sports such as jet skiing or kayaking can also be enjoyed here. Take a hike in the luscious rain forest, or simply sit back and enjoy watching it all from the deck of your yacht. You will overnight in Desolation Sound on anchor in a beautifully serene cove and have the chance to catch a spectacular sunset over the snow-covered mountain peaks.
Day 4
In the morning, cruise to an Aboriginal First Nations community where you can explore the totem poles and other local native art and crafts unique to British Columbia. The afternoon takes you down the Jervis Inlet where you will visit the amazing Princess Louisa National Park. This inlet is almost completely enclosed by spectacular snow-capped mountains that rise sharply from the water's edge to elevations of 7,000 feet and more.
Day 5
The yacht will anchor off Chatterbox Falls at the end of the inlet where wisps of fog often shroud the sheer granite walls of this secluded fjord-like waterway. Here you may choose to kayak, fish, or hike in the forest up to a trapper's cabin and explore the falls from up above. Or you may simply have a leisurely day, sit back and revel in the beauty of it all from onboard the yacht.
Day 6
Leaving Princess Louisa Inlet behind we will cruise to Pender Harbour where the yacht will anchor for the evening. Here you can enjoy some great salmon fishing and catch prawns in traps set overnight.
The small and unique villages of Madiera Park, Kliendale, Garden Bay and Irvine’s Landing are collectively known as Pender Harbour. A temperate climate, spectacular scenery, variety of habitats and abundant wild life make Pender Harbour ideal for experiencing and enjoying nature. There are numerous galleries, shops and restaurants if you are in the mood for shopping.
The small and unique villages of Madiera Park, Kliendale, Garden Bay and Irvine’s Landing are collectively known as Pender Harbour. A temperate climate, spectacular scenery, variety of habitats and abundant wild life make Pender Harbour ideal for experiencing and enjoying nature. There are numerous galleries, shops and restaurants if you are in the mood for shopping.
Day 7
In the afternoon of day 7 we will begin our return to Vancouver. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of reading or chatting and just appreciating the breath taking coastlines. After a sumptuous gourmet dinner we will arrive as the sun sets. Spend some time star-gazing before you head to your luxurious cabin. You will be rocked to sleep in no time in your comfy cabin aboard the Spirit of Two Thousand & Ten.
Day 8
In the morning, you will return to Vancouver, say your goodbyes, and be taken to the airport — or to your hotel should your plans include a longer stay in our beautiful city.
CRUISING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
The challenge of cruising the West Coast’s Pacific Northwest region is not figuring out what do to, but how to do it all. By sea and onshore there are unparalleled opportunities.
There are five principle cruising grounds in the Pacific Northwest, each distinct and a world-class yachting experience.
Many experienced yachtsmen regard the Desolation Sound area as not only the most beautiful and varied cruising area in British Columbia, but equal to, if not better than, any area in the world.
Desolation Sound is a top favourite for boaters on the West Coast, located about 70 nautical miles northwest of Vancouver, up the Georgia Straight and past the Sunshine Coast. This coastal haven features rugged coastline, scattered islands, majestic fiords, towering 7,000-foot peaks, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and countless well protected anchorages. The almost complete absence of development or settlement provides a true wilderness atmosphere. This quality, which led Captain Vancouver to name the area “Desolation Sound”, is the quality many people today wish to experience when visiting it today.
Sea lions and seals can be found sunning on the rocks, dolphins are often sighted and occasionally Orcas (killer whales) – even great grey whales can be seen en route in the Strait in the early part of the year. On shore, enjoy hiking amid abundant wildlife or swim in one of the many warm freshwater lakes.
Warm summer temperatures and the meeting of the tides jointly provide the region’s mild climate, warm waters, and rich sea life, where oysters grow in abundance. Water temperatures in the Sound often exceed 75ºF (22ºC) from June through September and opportunities for saltwater swimming abound.
Warm, dry weather conditions dominate in the Desolation Sound area and fog is uncommon in the Strait of Georgia in the summer months. The sun shines up to 18 hours a day in late June and warm water temperatures can extend well into September.
Desolation Sound is a top favourite for boaters on the West Coast, located about 70 nautical miles northwest of Vancouver, up the Georgia Straight and past the Sunshine Coast. This coastal haven features rugged coastline, scattered islands, majestic fiords, towering 7,000-foot peaks, cascading waterfalls, pristine lakes, and countless well protected anchorages. The almost complete absence of development or settlement provides a true wilderness atmosphere. This quality, which led Captain Vancouver to name the area “Desolation Sound”, is the quality many people today wish to experience when visiting it today.
Sea lions and seals can be found sunning on the rocks, dolphins are often sighted and occasionally Orcas (killer whales) – even great grey whales can be seen en route in the Strait in the early part of the year. On shore, enjoy hiking amid abundant wildlife or swim in one of the many warm freshwater lakes.
Warm summer temperatures and the meeting of the tides jointly provide the region’s mild climate, warm waters, and rich sea life, where oysters grow in abundance. Water temperatures in the Sound often exceed 75ºF (22ºC) from June through September and opportunities for saltwater swimming abound.
Warm, dry weather conditions dominate in the Desolation Sound area and fog is uncommon in the Strait of Georgia in the summer months. The sun shines up to 18 hours a day in late June and warm water temperatures can extend well into September.
» THE GULF ISLANDS AND VICTORIA
About 40 nautical miles west of Vancouver, across the Straight of Georgia, begins the beautiful passage through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island. Island life on this journey is gorgeously rich in coastal forest and beautiful ocean vistas, with the islands populated by small communities made up of fishermen, craftsman, organic farmers and local artists of all kinds.
At the southern tip of Vancouver Island sits Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, a city of 300,000 with a beautiful inner harbour that is the heart of the city. Victoria is well known for its museums, shops, and excellent restaurants.
From Victoria, it is just 84 nautical miles southeast to Seattle. Cruising instead to the north along Vancouver Island’s west coast reveals rugged coastlines, deep fjords, high mountains, and small communities on protected bays. Whether it’s the surfers’ paradise of Tofino, or enjoying whale watching or natural hot springs that make this part of the island world-famous, magic awaits.
At the southern tip of Vancouver Island sits Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, a city of 300,000 with a beautiful inner harbour that is the heart of the city. Victoria is well known for its museums, shops, and excellent restaurants.
From Victoria, it is just 84 nautical miles southeast to Seattle. Cruising instead to the north along Vancouver Island’s west coast reveals rugged coastlines, deep fjords, high mountains, and small communities on protected bays. Whether it’s the surfers’ paradise of Tofino, or enjoying whale watching or natural hot springs that make this part of the island world-famous, magic awaits.
» THE QUEEN CHARLOTTES/HAIDA GWAII
The Queen Charlotte Islands, known locally as Haida Gwaii, are a collection of 150 islands spread over 300 kilometres. The region is world-renowned for its natural beauty and ability to provide unforgettable, moving experiences for its small number of yearly visitors.
These islands have been home to the Haida for thousands of years. A recent archaeological inventory of the area has documented more than 500 Haida archaeological and historical sites. The village of SGang Gwaay, located at the southern end of Gwaii Haanas, is considered to have the world’s finest display of Haida mortuary poles, all over 100 years old. World-renowned artist Bill Reid lived and worked on Haida Gwaii.
The Charlottes are an archipelago, with two main islands, Graham Island to the north and Moresby Island to the south. About 5,000 people share these islands, most residing on Graham Island in the communities of Queen Charlotte City, Tlell, Port Clements, Masset and the two Haida communities of Skidegate and Old Masset.
While summer temperatures in the Charlottes are similar to those in Northern and Central BC, winter temperatures, moderated by the Japanese current, are much warmer than that of inland BC and the rest of Canada. The Islands have a reputation for rain, especially to the west. In reality, rainfall on the east side of the islands is similar to Vancouver and south coastal BC, as mountains on the west side create a significant rain shadow.
These islands have been home to the Haida for thousands of years. A recent archaeological inventory of the area has documented more than 500 Haida archaeological and historical sites. The village of SGang Gwaay, located at the southern end of Gwaii Haanas, is considered to have the world’s finest display of Haida mortuary poles, all over 100 years old. World-renowned artist Bill Reid lived and worked on Haida Gwaii.
The Charlottes are an archipelago, with two main islands, Graham Island to the north and Moresby Island to the south. About 5,000 people share these islands, most residing on Graham Island in the communities of Queen Charlotte City, Tlell, Port Clements, Masset and the two Haida communities of Skidegate and Old Masset.
While summer temperatures in the Charlottes are similar to those in Northern and Central BC, winter temperatures, moderated by the Japanese current, are much warmer than that of inland BC and the rest of Canada. The Islands have a reputation for rain, especially to the west. In reality, rainfall on the east side of the islands is similar to Vancouver and south coastal BC, as mountains on the west side create a significant rain shadow.
» SAN JUAN ISLANDS AND SEATTLE
Say “San Juan Islands” and images of ferry boats slipping between emerald isles beneath a deep blue sky with the white-capped peak of Mount Baker in the distance will likely form in one’s mind. And they should. San Juan County, with more than 408 miles of rocky and sandy waterfront, boasts more shoreline than any other county in the nation.
The San Juan archipelago, which includes the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, comprises more than 700 islands and reefs; about 176 of the islands in San Juan County are large enough to be named.
San Juan County’s geology, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, varies from flat farmland to small mountains. Below the sea’s surface, channels plunge to depths of up to 1,000 feet.
About 15,500 people reside in San Juan County. These residents are as diverse as the land they call home: Islanders are actors, alpaca ranchers, artisans, farmers, fishermen, loggers, movie producers, pilots, shopkeepers and writers. These folks add to the islands’ unique character.
Much of the commercial activity in San Juan County takes place in Lopez Village on Lopez Island, Eastsound on Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Several hamlets and a few resorts also provide goods.
The San Juan archipelago, which includes the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, comprises more than 700 islands and reefs; about 176 of the islands in San Juan County are large enough to be named.
San Juan County’s geology, carved by glaciers thousands of years ago, varies from flat farmland to small mountains. Below the sea’s surface, channels plunge to depths of up to 1,000 feet.
About 15,500 people reside in San Juan County. These residents are as diverse as the land they call home: Islanders are actors, alpaca ranchers, artisans, farmers, fishermen, loggers, movie producers, pilots, shopkeepers and writers. These folks add to the islands’ unique character.
Much of the commercial activity in San Juan County takes place in Lopez Village on Lopez Island, Eastsound on Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Several hamlets and a few resorts also provide goods.
Shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, Alaska’s west coast boasts wildlife-filled fjords and lush island scenery — habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoises and whales. Its mountains are carpeted with majestic forests. The area is home to Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Indians whose history is reflected in towering totem poles. Russian settlers left a legacy of onion-domed churches gleaming with icons.
The Southeast region, the seat of Alaska’s government and timber industry, is a 500-mile-long vacation paradise of forests, wildlife, rock and water long famous as the Inside Passage.
About half of the tourists who come to Alaska arrive or depart on cruise ships that make their way through the islands of the Inside Passage to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and other destinations for exploring museums, art and cultural sites.
The coast’s several protected parks offer outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, glacier watching, hiking and birding.
The Southeast region, the seat of Alaska’s government and timber industry, is a 500-mile-long vacation paradise of forests, wildlife, rock and water long famous as the Inside Passage.
About half of the tourists who come to Alaska arrive or depart on cruise ships that make their way through the islands of the Inside Passage to Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and other destinations for exploring museums, art and cultural sites.
The coast’s several protected parks offer outdoor activities such as wildlife viewing, kayaking, glacier watching, hiking and birding.
THE SEA OF CORTEZ & LOS CABOS
Fall of 2011 will see the Spirit’s maiden voyage down the West Coast to Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.
The jewel of the Baja Peninsula, Los Cabos has something for everyone. From a destination wedding everyone will remember to the perfect honeymoon, Los Cabos offers the ultimate romantic getaway. For gatherings of friends, there are relaxing days, great nights out, and world-class golf and sport-fishing. For family vacations, miles of beaches set the stage for sand castles, parasailing, swimming, surfing, or just relaxing and catching some warm Baja rays. Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do, with scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing and many other ways to work up an appetite before enjoying some of the many gourmet dining options available.
Contact us to find out more about the Spirit’s plans for Los Cabos and the Sea of Cortez. Cruise with us down the West Coast, join us there, or follow the sun back to Vancouver for more Pacific Northwest charters throughout the summer of 2012.
