Hello from Victoria, BC, Canada

[Jd1]

Hi everybody!
I have been lurking for a while now and finally decided to register. I do not have a boat yet but have big dreams
I did some sailing in my past but it has been many moons ago. I recently got a hold of a large cache of old sailing magazines and got reminded about my old dreams that I had carefully hidden in the back of my mind so that they would not interfere with life.
I am trying to make connections in the sailing community in the hopes of scoring a day sail here and there to figure out if my dream is a just a dream or if it something I really want to pursue.
My wife is not too thrilled with anything ocean related but she has promised an open mind and we are starting our adventure with a skippered half day sale this week!
The plan is for me to crew for day sails for a while to make sure this is what I want to do and hopefully follow that up with a boat purchase. I hope that given some time, I can interest the family in day sails, then an occasional weekend getaway(s) and eventually a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. I am also hoping that this would lead to longer cruises in the future but that is way in the future.
At this point it is just a dream .. time will tell where it ends up.

If anyone here is in the greater Victoria or Sidney area and would like crew for day sailing, I would really like to hear from you.

Jens

[jackdale]

Many of the yacht clubs have night nights / days. Sidney North Saanich is one. Often if you show up ready to go you can catch a ride.

[Jd1]

night nights / days ???? Is there a typo in there or is that what they are called ? Where can I find more info on what these are ? Is this something I can explore by just talking to anyone at Sidney North Saanich or is there a specific contact person/position that I need to contact ? Does one normally need to be a club member to participate ?
Thank you very much for making me aware of this possibility, Jackdale !!!

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Jd1

night nights / days ???? Is there a typo in there or is that what they are called ? Where can I find more info on what these are ? Is this something I can explore by just talking to anyone at Sidney North Saanich or is there a specific contact person/position that I need to contact ? Does one normally need to be a club member to participate ?
Thank you very much for making me aware of this possibility, Jackdale !!!

Probably should say evening races. I will PM you some information.

[cwyckham]

I know of four places that race and often need crew. Sidney north saanich, as noted above, Canadian forces sailing association, turkey head, and the royal victoria yacht club. All should be easy to google.

Don't bother to sign up for online lists for crew on their websites as nobody seems to read them. Just go online, figure out when the races are and show up. Come early and ask some folks in the parking lot where to go.

Turkey head have a stated policy of never leaving someone on the dock, but I don't know if they operate in the summer. Most others have a similar attitude. Then if you don't get in the way too bad and you hit it off with the crew, you'll likely get future rides.

[bangkaboat]

Welcome to CF, Jens!
When the opportunity presents itself, take your wife on a slow Gulf Island or Desolation Sound cruise & she'll never turn back!
Best of luck!

[Jd1]

Originally Posted by cwyckham

Then if you don't get in the way too bad and you hit it off with the crew, you'll likely get future rides.

LOL ....

OK, maybe I should state the fact that I am 54 years old and no longer a spring (or summer) chicken. I am actually not much into racing but I am hearing more and more that if one wants to learn about sailing one needs to go racing.

I assumed that any yacht club races are open to the club members only - it never occurred to me that as a complete stranger you could walk in and hitch a ride ....
On the other hand, I am somewhat "rotund" in case rail meat is required

Anyway, my idea of good sailing is a fresh breeze and no place to be but we all need to start someplace.

Thanks !

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by bangkaboat

Welcome to CF, Jens!
When the opportunity presents itself, take your wife on a slow Gulf Island or Desolation Sound cruise & she'll never turn back!
Best of luck!

My recommendation for the cruise for the women-folk.

Roche Harbour - dinner at McMillen's with a window table to observe the sunset ceremony

Friday Harbour - maybe the brew pub

Rosario Resort - visit the spa and a nice meal (I understand it is up and running)

Sucia Island - explore, especially the Shallow Bay. BBQ salmon on board

Poets Cove - another spa and a good meal

[cwyckham]

Originally Posted by Jd1

LOL ....

OK, maybe I should state the fact that I am 54 years old and no longer a spring (or summer) chicken. I am actually not much into racing but I am hearing more and more that if one wants to learn about sailing one needs to go racing.

I assumed that any yacht club races are open to the club members only - it never occurred to me that as a complete stranger you could walk in and hitch a ride ....
On the other hand, I am somewhat "rotund" in case rail meat is required

Anyway, my idea of good sailing is a fresh breeze and no place to be but we all need to start someplace.

Thanks !

Don't need to race to learn, and racers have some terrible habits (like way too much sail up), but it's by far the easiest way to find free rides.

And your size will be an advantage on some boats and a disadvantage on others. Don't stress about it. Oh and most racers are over 55

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you here.
kind regards,