Boating in the Gulf Islands

One of the world's finest cruising areas

Gulf Islands Tourism: Annual Round Salt Spring Race

Boats in the annual Round Salt Spring race leaving Ganges Harbour

"We rest here while we can, but we hear the ocean calling in our dreams/ And we know by the morning, the wind will fill our sails to test the seams."

— Tom Kimmel and Michael Lille

For those who can't resist the call of the sea, there is no place better to explore their passions than the waters of the Gulf Islands. Recognized as one of the finest cruising areas in the world, the islands and surrounding Salish Sea present nautical challenges, interesting geographic features and all the necessary amenities.

Roger Kibble, the skipper of a 33-foot Danish racing boat who has sailed local waters for over 35 years, says year-round accessibility is one of the many attractions delighting sailors and other boaters from across the globe.

"The weather conditions are always interesting, various and challenging with the wind coming from all directions, but the conditions are benign and the waves are fairly flat," Kibble notes.

Nautical challenges that make the experience exciting include rocks, currents, fogs, traffic and puzzling navigation. But the rewards go beyond a mere sharpening of skills, as Kibble points out.

"This is an area of the most spectacular scenery — and there's lots of room for boats," Kibble says.

"There are endless islands, trips and locations to go to. You could spend your whole life here sailing almost constantly and never be unsatisfied."

Pleasure boaters of all kinds revel in the possibilities that unfold, and are enviably equipped to discover the many areas of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve that are marine access only.

Small craft are the ideal — and only — means of transport to places such as Russell Island. Located just off Salt Spring's southern shores, the popular picnic spot is home to a historic homestead farmed by Hawaiian and Fist Nations settlers during the 19th century.

Portland Island is another boat-accessed park area, offering two anchorages, three campsites and 10 kilometres of walking trails that run all along the circumference of the island.

The waters around the Gulf Islands are often using as training grounds for sailors, and are home to select regattas and racing events hosted by the Salt Spring Island Sailing Club. The annual Round Salt Spring Race, held on the May long weekend, regularly attracts participants from all over the Pacific coast.

The sailing club offers courses and a social hub for island sailors of every age group and skill level, including an active junior program. Even people who have yet to test their mettle against the wind will find that friendly advice is easily given, and training opportunities can be found on local boats.

"Many people are knowledgeable and ready to help," Kibble says, adding that it's not uncommon for local club members to set out from the Gulf Islands on their way to circumnavigating the world.

And for those who want to challenge the waves from a solid base on land, the sailing club is home to another possibility with radio-controlled model yachts, which follow the same rules as full-sized ones and can sail into gale force winds.

The club hosts the sport's western Canadian championships from June 4 to 6 this year and the national championships from Sept. 9 to 11.

— Elizabeth Nolan