The May Cruise is Sold Out! You can fill out the registration form to be added to the wait list, though.
The 2017 annual Viking May Cruise is set to take place May 19 to 22. This year there we will be four boats, including our lovely Tyra, with room for 20 people. We will be departing from Sidney and heading first to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island, then on to Ganges on Saltspring Island, and finally back to Sidney. This gives us a beautiful anchorage, provincial park & beach area to explore for the first night and the second night in the town of Ganges.
Itinerary
Friday, May 19
Make your way to Cooper Boating – Port Sidney Marina which is a few minutes’ drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal. Since it is a holiday weekend there are extra sailing options out of Tsawwassen.
Port Sidney Marina
The orange Sidney Taxis are the best option for the short drive into Sidney. Avoid taking the yellow taxi’s as they primarily go to Victoria and may charge more. Public transit departs approx every 30 min from Swartz Bay and the stop in Sidney is at Fifth & Beacon (approx. 6 blocks walk from the marina.) At the Marina there is paid parking available at a cost of $11 per day. Parking passes are available through the Marina Office and must be displayed on the dashboard of the registered vehicle.
Our Boats will be available to board between 1600 and 1800 . Once your gear is stowed join your fellow Vikings at one of the port restaurants – Rumrunner Pub or The Surly Mermaid are Viking favourites. Supplies are available a short walk into town and there are several options. Fairway Market is located about a two minute walk up the street. Feel free to use your shopping cart to bring your groceries back to your boat, then return it to the pick-up area at the top of the dock ramp. Thrifty Foods offers grocery delivery within the area. There is a BC liquor store in town and Beacon Landing Pub near the marina sells beer & wine.
Montague Harbour
Saturday, May 20
We will depart first thing in the morning and head north east to Galiano Island where we will anchor for the night. Montague Harbour has a lovely provincial park well known for its white shell beaches. Depending on your sail, you may have time for some hiking, swimming, photography or just lazing on the beach.
Sunday, May 21
It is a short distance from Montague to Ganges on Saltspring Island which give everyone a wonderful opportunity to sail and explore the area. We will have reservations at Ganges Marina which is a few minutes’ walk from town. The marina has clean bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Ganges pretty much has it all including a yummy taco bar, winery within walking distance, artisan shops, grocery & hardware stores, BC liquor store, and a number of excellent restaurants.
Ganges Harbour
Monday, May 22
It’s time to head back to Sidney – hopefully with the wind at our backs. We will aim to be back between 3pm and 4pm, to allow for the 17:00 or 19:00 return ferry to Tsawwassen.
What You Need to Know
The cost is $340 for members and $365 for non-members. We are putting fewer than the maximum per boat to make life aboard more comfortable.
The fee covers the cost of the charter. Provisioning is organized by your Skipper and the cost is shared by everyone on your boat (three days’ groceries plus moorage, which will be around $50-75 for the boat). Other costs, including eating out or any alcohol you want to bring, are your own. Each boat is equipped with refrigeration and cooking facilities.
May Cruise Planning Meeting
The May Cruise Planning Meeting will be held at Jericho (Northwest room) on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 1900.
Taking the Helm
We are a teaching club and in the past everyone who wanted got a chance to take the helm. However things have changed. In 2009 the Federal Government introduced new licensing requirements which require anyone in control of a boat with a motor (whether it is on or not) to have their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you do not have one, there are plenty of opportunities to take the exam in the spring. Please consider getting yours before the cruise.
Boat Provisioning
The charter company does not outfit boats with bedding for charters of less than a week. This means you need to bring your own pillows, bedding, and towels.
How Do I Sign Up?
You can reserve your spot by filling out the form below. I will send you the link to do credit card payment. Reservations are on a first-paid, first-reserved basis with a total of 20 spots available. Act early to avoid disappointment – the May Cruise always fills up. New members are especially welcome. No previous sailing experience is required, and you do not need to know anyone – just sign up!
If you don’t see a form, you need to log in first!