Tall Ship Sailing Adventure from Victoria

Tall Ship Sailing Adventure from Victoria -- Climb aboard our comforable classic 17m (55ft.) gaff rigged ketch Thane of Victoria. She is a Canadian Steamship inspected annually by the Federal Authorities and is CSI approved Home Trade IV for the coast of Bristish Columbia.

Participate in sailing the vessel - haul up the rigging, climb the ratlines, head out on the bowsprit!

Enjoy whale watching, birding, fishing, or crabbing. In addition, we like to share information on the history, geology and wildlife in the area with a maritime emphasis.

Guests are welcome to bring along a picnic. All ages and abilities are welcome. Alcohol is permitted, although this is not a "booze cruise." We provide coolers, ice, glasses and openers as well as ice water and hot chocolate.

Our captain has his 60 Tonne Ticket and has been operating Thane for 22 years without incident.

"The Gods do not deduct from man's alloted span those hours spent in sailing." -Ancient Phoenician Proverb

SAFETY FIRST AND FOREMOST

Thane complies fully with Ships Safety of the Department of Transport and is licensed as Home Trade III for 18 passengers. The Captain holds a Masters Limited ticket for a maximum of 60 passengers and all Crew are MED (Marine Emergency Duty) certified. Although too extensive to list all of the safety equipment aboard the vessel here is a list of critical equipment:

Covered Self Inflating Life raft for 25 persons
Full compliment of Life jackets
Fire fighting and pumping equipment
DSC VHF Radio
Flares and sounders

In addition to the meeting the requirements set forth by the Department of Transport, Thane has a computerized navigation system, radar, and three cell phones in case of emergency.

Thane is fully insured as a passenger carrying vessel and has operated without incident for over 20 years.

There is no minimum number of passengers required for the sail however, our maximum number for all sailing is 18. Guests are welcome to bring along a picnic. All ages and abilities are welcome. Alcohol is permitted but this is not a booze cruise. We provide coolers, ice, glasses and openers as well as ice water and hot chocolate.

What to bring:

Plenty of place for stowage down below of warm attire, dress in layers, food and drink, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and binoculars. We have everything you may need.

FAQ

How long is the trip?
The tour is three hours long.

Do we actually sail or are we motoring?
We are under sail from the time we leave the inner harbor.

Where do we go?
We sail between Classic Cove and Trial Island in the Strait of Juan De Fuca. We have no set course, every adventure is dependant on the wind and weather.

Do we get to participate in sailing the boat?
We allow guests to participate in sailing the vessel as well as climb the rigging, go out on the bowsprit and take the helm.

Do we have to participate?
No participation is not mandatory. Guests are welcome to kick back and relax.

What will we see?
We are primarily a sailing adventure. We do not chase whales or wildlife of any kind. We set our course depending on the wind and tide and see what comes our way. We make no guarantees of wildlife viewing. Anything over and above the sailing trip is a bonus. We have seen whales, dolphins, elephant seals, harbour seals, a variety of jellyfish, seabirds and eagles. As we are under sail and dependant on the wind we cannot gaurantee any of the above.

Do we get to fish?
We fish when the salmon are around and crab regularly. We provide equipment.

What kind of seating do you have?
We have indoor and outdoor seating. Most guests spend the time on deck, up the rigging, in the bowsprit or lying in the hammock. Occassionally guests go below to warm up on cooler days.

Do you have washrooms aboard?
Yes

Are you wheelchair accessible?
Yes

Is it safe?
YES, the vessel is Transport Canada Certified and the crew meet ship's safety requirements.

Tour does not include hotel pick ups or drop offs. Rates are in US dollars and include tax. Please reserve online, or call us toll-free at 888-848-0742.