C ANADA Desolation Sound
“Perhaps only the hardiest would consider a sailing holiday in Canada, but spare it a second thought. Vancouver is actually further south than our UK base on the Solent and enjoys an extraordinary microclimate - the mildest in Canada, thanks to the protection of Vancouver Island and the warm North Pacific Current. Most of all, though, it is the stunning scenery that makes a sailing holiday in Canada such a memorable experience.� Matthew, MD of Escape Yachting
The Pacific North-West coastline of British Columbia is one of the most beautiful and varied sailing areas, equal to, if not better than, any other area in the world. We invite you to join us for the voyage of a lifetime: welcome to Desolation Sound!
Wend your way through Desolation Sound as we give you a genuine flavour of wilderness cruising and you enjoy the mildest climate, richest sea life and warmest water on the British Columbia coast Use every sense to take in the solitude and grandeur of this remarkable place Relish the memorable meals on deck and in delightful restaurants ashore Unwind in spectacular surroundings and slip into relaxation from the moment you arrive until long after you return home Sail away with Escape Yachting and find your own piece of paradise where fun times and unforgettable moments with family and friends endure
Unparalleled Service Unmatched Value Your holiday is led by a skipper and crew who know this destination well and are there to take care of your every need, in an atmosphere of complete relaxation, comfort and style. Your holiday includes a fantastic luxury yacht, with great meals on board and ashore, and the opportunity to explore the local area and immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere. Sail as an individual, a couple, a family or a group of friends. Reserve a whole yacht to yourselves to enjoy a uniquely rewarding experience together - or book your own cabin on board for a holiday where you meet new people, whilst still enjoying your own privacy.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
When We Say All Inclusive We Mean It Luxury yacht with plenty of space to relax Spacious, private double cabin Experienced skipper and crew with local knowledge All meals included and freshly prepared on board We include several dinners in a restaurant ashore We cater for special dietary requirements All drinks on board Return transfers between the airport and the marina All cruising taxes and fees Yacht fuel, moorings, bedding, towels, water and ice Fully insured yacht and crew No credit card fees - even for American Express
Your Private Oasis Your comfortable private cabin, with a double bed, has plenty of natural light and ventilation, along with a bathroom with toilet and shower. In the guest lounge and on the sun deck, enjoy great views and open space, perfect for al fresco living.
EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER. YOUR VOYAGE INTO NATURE
Join us in British Columbia, with direct flights to Vancouver from the UK. We meet you at the airport and bring you to the yacht for a refreshing cocktail, as you begin to kick back and relax.
“I felt like I got a superyacht experience for the price of a cruise. Every detail was considered; the itinerary had the perfect balance of action and relaxation. For an incredible (and unique) holiday I would definitely recommend Escape Yachting.� Adam
With more marine parks than anywhere else on the coast, you’ll never be short of a gorgeous anchorage. Desolation Sound offers lovely walks, all within easy access from your anchorage. Take a hike to a freshwater lake or waterfall for a dip. If you’d prefer to cool off closer to your yacht, dive overboard into the warmest water north of Mexico. Desolation Sound is a stunning yacht charter location. Nature lovers will simply adore it!
“Our group spent 2 weeks sailing with Escape Yachting . The food , service and on - going humour was THE best . Thank you Escape for creating memories that will last forever� Alison
There are no words to describe the emotion as you sail into Princess Louisa Inlet. Your eagle eye catches an elongated white scratch mark rising about 2000 feet on a sheer cliff face. It slices across and disappears into the dark-green at the top. Suddenly your attention is diverted as another splash of white that beams across your face. As you cruise closer you can see movement and you hear the power of water. The whitewater tumbles down, as steep rapids, disappearing behind rocks and reappearing closer to the water and then finally, in one magnificent leap, it plunges off the cliff and into the tranquil inlet water, a hundred feet below. As you sail closer to the falls, a mist comes out to greet you and finally you reach a beach, adjacent to what is known as Chatterbox Falls.
At the head of the inlet is a 900ft long dock, from which an easy 5 minute stroll through the woods brings you to the foot of Chatterbox Falls. For the more energetic, a hike up to the Trapper’s Cabin, a 2-hour climb up a trail, will give you a magnificent view and a very good reason to sleep exceptionally well that evening when you get back to the boat. For the less energetic, relax on the boat and soak up the ambience and enjoy the very reason National Geographic magazine stated that this is one of the top 10 sailing destinations in the world!
Sail past an unflappable bald eagle, hear the chorus of wolves and see trees stripped of their bark by bears marking their territory.
Sailing here is like going back in time. Among vertiginous, impenetrable forests and unfathomable depths there are seals lounging, salmon running and deer sipping at the water’s edge.
Lund is a small yet thriving hub of coastal activity, home to a fleet of commercial prawn boats. The small community is a base for nature enthusiasts. Nancy’s Bakery is famous for delicious breads and incredible sticky buns.The deck of the historic Lund Hotel at the heart of this community hosts our dinner and has become a favourite for our guests.
Desolation Sound, dotted with islands, small coves and passageways, is a marvelous place to explore. Pristine waters are surrounded by steep evergreen mountains, teeming with the wildest of wildlife. One of the prime attractions of these waters is their warmth in summer months, which makes them ideal for swimming. The scenery is majestic: the snow capped peaks of the Coast Mountains soar from the waterline to heights of 2400 metres.
After sitting round a log fire on an island in the middle of the Bay, dine under glittering stars, paddle silently back to the boat, dazzled by phosphorescence and sit in the cockpit transfixed by immense silence and epic loneliness.
From Egmont, take the easy hiking trail leading to a prime viewing area of the raging rapids of Skookumchuck Narrows and watch the odd kayaker taking nature head on. There are interpretive markers along the trail with information on First Nation history.
“They managed to strike the perfect balance between relaxation, adventure, sailing and exploration. We cannot recommend this trip highly enough to anyone who wants to sail with such experienced crew and in such style. �
As you arrange your own flights, you could tag on a stay in a hotel in Vancouver before or after your sail! The choice of airline, hotels and schedule is yours!
THE WEATHER
‘Maritime temperate’ is the official description of Desolation Sound’s climate. It enjoys the mildest climate and warmest water in Canada. From June to September, the average daily temperature range is 22-25˚C.
THE YACHT
Escape Yachting sails some of the newest and most innovative sail and power monohull and catamaran yachts in the charter market, all of which are professionally maintained and offer you great comfort and plenty of space. Your private, double cabin stateroom comes with toilet and shower. There is ventilation throughout the yacht to help you sleep at night – open your hatches, enjoy the cool breezes and gaze up at the myriad of stars! During your holiday, you can get involved with sailing the yacht, under the guidance of your professional crew, or just sit back and relax. The choice is yours!
OTHER DESTINATIONS Ask us about our sailing holidays to other stunning worldwide destinations: The Caribbean, including St Lucia, Grenada and the beautiful Grenadines The beautiful coastline, islands and local cuisine of Croatia Wherever you go, you will enjoy a holiday of a lifetime!
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION Space is available on a shared charter yacht on the following dates: 10 days beginning on Saturday 7 September 2019 10 days beginning on Wednesday 18 September 2019 Other dates may become available - please contact us for more information. For private, exclusive groups please contact us with your preferred dates. The price of your sailing holiday depends on your stateroom. We have a large master stateroom priced at £300 per person per day and a double stateroom priced at £250 per person per day. This is great value for money as it includes: • • • • •
Accommodation in a private double cabin. Individual guests are invited to contact us to discuss single supplements and other options. All meals and drinks on board. All-inclusive is breakfast, lunch and dinner with local beer, spirits or house wine, snacks and pre-dinner cocktails. Return transfers from the airport or your local hotel to the yacht. Cruising taxes and fees whilst on the yacht. Yacht fuel, mooring fees, bedding, towels, water and ice.
The price of your sailing holiday does not include: • • • •
Flights Travel insurance Personal expenses – drinks and meals ashore that are not included, laundry, visa and passport charges, vaccinations, activities or excursions (where not included). Gratuities for your skipper and crew
DOCUMENTATION After you have reserved your date, you will be sent our online booking form and payment information. After we have received your booking form and deposit (or full payment if less than 8 weeks before departure) you will be sent your holiday confirmation by email. WEATHER The weather described in this brochure gives you a guide of the conditions to expect. Please bear in mind, however, that conditions can vary.
VISAS AND PASSPORTS Whilst we are able to provide basic advice to our guests regarding passports and visa requirements, you should check with the appropriate Canadian High Commission or Embassy or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk) for the exact requirements and advice for your date of travel. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct passport and visas to gain access to Canada. If you fail to do so, we have no liability to you for any cost, loss or damage which you suffer, nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your holiday. In some cases, countries will refuse entry to people who have criminal records. Should you be concerned about this, please check with your local Canadian High Commission or Embassy. The lead name on the booking is entirely responsible for ensuring that all members of the group have the correct and valid documentation for travel. We cannot accept responsibility for any failure to comply resulting in costs or fines being incurred and we advise to check if you have any queries. HEALTH We are able to advise on mandatory health requirements; however, we are not medical experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements, recommendations for Canada and any costs. Where you do not do so and either are not allowed to enter Canada, or suffer personal injury or death as a result, we have no liability to you for any cost, loss or damage which you suffer nor will we refund you the cost of any unused portion of your travel arrangements. Guests with existing medical problems, pregnant women and anyone who has recently visited other countries should check requirements with their GP. When assessing whether your sailing holiday will go ahead we use information and advice from the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office and other relevant government bodies. It is your responsibility to acquaint yourself with the travel advice provided by these government bodies. At the time of publishing this brochure no compulsory vaccinations were required for British Citizens visiting Canada, however some precautions may be recommended for travel to some of our destinations. We strongly recommend that you refer to the NHS travel health website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/home or consult your GP. All expectant mothers should carry a medical certificate confirming the stage of pregnancy and fitness to travel. Please check your travel insurance policy for any restrictions. DISABLED TRAVELLERS We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. Due to the nature of a sailing holiday and the facilities on a yacht, guests who require support or advice prior to booking, should please contact us by email on reservations@escapeyachting.com or telephone 01202 313607.
MINIMUM AGE There is no minimum age for children on our sailing holidays, but please contact us by email on reservations@escapeyachting.com or telephone 01202 313607 prior to booking as some of our sailing holidays are only for adult guests. LUGGAGE Aside from your airline luggage allowance, you are limited to what you can store in your cabin and we recommend you use a soft, collapsible bag for ease of stowage on board. CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS International credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout the Canada. The local currency is the Canadian Dollar. There are banks and ATMs in the major settlements. SPECIAL REQUESTS Any special request, including special dietary requirements, must be advised by email in advance of departure. We make every reasonable effort to make arrangements for you. CLOTHING On board the yacht and, generally, throughout the Canada, casual attire is acceptable during the daytime and smart casual is usual in the evenings, especially at restaurants ashore. For advice or further information please contact us at reservations@escapeyachting.com or 01202 313607.
JOIN US IN PARADISE BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY TODAY 01202 313607 reservations@escapeyachting.com www.escapeyachting.com