The May Cruise is ready for on boarding!
Please fill out the registration form below to be added to the 2019 crew list.
The 2019 Annual Viking May Cruise is set to take place May 17 to 20. This year there we will be four boats, including our lovely Tyra, with room for 27 people. We will be departing Saturday morning from Sidney and heading to Wallace Island Marine Park, where we will raft for the night or and plan on walking across the island to see the magic that was once resort in 1950’s.
Sunday we sail back to Browning Harbour on North Pender Island. Sunday night we have confirmed berths on the dock at Port Browning. Dinner is either on the dock or at your pub of choice.
Finally back to reality and Port Sidney Marina on Monday, with a good possibility of an exploratory lunch hook at Sidney Spit on the way.
What you need to know
Friday, May 17 meet at Port Sidney Marina @ 1600 hrs
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.
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.
We will aim to be back between 3pm and 4pm on Monday, to allow for the 17:00 or 19:00 return ferry to Tsawwassen on Monday.
If you know you are taking the ferry make a reservation now to confirm you get the sailing you want.
The cost is $325 for members and $350 for non-members. 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.
Other Important Details
Come to the Planning Meeting
The May Cruise Planning Meeting will be held at Jericho (Northwest room) on Thursday, May 9th, 2019 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 27 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!
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