*The following itinerary contains suggestions only.  You control the agenda based on your spontaneity.    It is always your option to stay a while or continue on to the next adventure.  We recommend setting aside at least seven days for this trip to leave plenty of time for sailing, exploring and relaxing.    

Day One- Arrive in Campbell River on August 3^rd.  Singawing will depart at 2pm for the enchanting protection and charming community of Gorge Harbor.  Aboriginal rock paintings adorn the Western wall of the narrow, steep –sided entrance to this Harbor along with First Nations’ burial caves on the Eastern cliffs.  Dinghy or kayak exploration is very pleasant as there are many nooks, crannies and small islands inside the harbor.

Day Two-  We squeeze out of Gorge Harbor and round Sutil Point as we head into the heart of Desolation Sound.  Tonight we will spend securely tied between islands in the Merry island group.  The panoramic views of the Coastal Range are stunning, setting the perfect backdrop for a sunset fire cooked dinner ashore.  Tonight we will start with our fresh oyster catch as appetizers and end our feast with s’mores under an awesome star scape.  At times we’ve viewed the Northern Lights from this spot.  One may be enticed to a night swim in the natural pool formed by the boat and the surrounding islands-  swimming in seventy-five degree bioluminescent waters in truly remarkable. 

Day Three-  After rounding up our shore ties we will set sail for Pendrell Sound.  This island inlet cuts deep into East Redonda Island, where mountains rise higher in a given footprint than any islet in the world.  This channel is less than a mile wide, however the walls on either side stretch up to fifty two hundred feet.  The farther we forge into the island the warmer the water gets.   Water temperatures here reach an average of high seventies and a record temperature of eight two degrees on some days.  This is the warmest saltwater north of the Sea of Cortez.  Many beautiful anchorages can be found or alternatively it is so deep we can put fenders down and tie sideways to a rock wall in two hundred feet of water. 

Day Four-  Today we raise the sails and set a course for the hill clinging village of Refuge Cove whose grocery store, burger stand and small cottages overlook the bay.  Here you will find local artwork  and a community book trading station.  We can stop for lunch ashore before sailing on to the the coveted anchorage under Castle Falls in the back of Teakerne Arm.  From here we can hike up to pristine Castle Lake and take a warm, fresh water dip.  Later on that night the crashing sound of Castle Falls, sixty feet away from your stateroom window, will lull you to sleep. 

Day Five-  We wake early and point the bow south for bustling Pender Harbor. Multiple traditional and contemporary architectural styles surround this populated harbor which, however, remains laid-back and welcoming in common with the entire Sunshine Coast.  Meals in fun local pubs are optional as well as kayaking, local fishing and dinghy sailing.  

Day Six- The crew rises early as you sleep to the hum of our engines.  We leave the harbor on our way to grab the prevailing winds as Singawing stretches her legs reaching south down the Strait of Georgia.  This will be the trips best sailing and whale searching opportunity.  To the east we will pass the large city of Vancouver and to the west the Coastal Mountain Range of Vancouver Island.  Mount Baker will lead the way to Tumbo Island, the farthest south of the Gulf Islands also proves to be the most remote and private, as few boaters dare the treacherous entrance between Cabbage and Tumbo reefs.  Once tucked safely inside guests will enjoy a plethora of wildlife and panoramic scenes.  More than one passenger has remarked that the sheer volume of noises produced by the resident wildlife rivals that of the Costa Rican jungle.

Day Seven-  After breakfast we will begin a broad reach east sixteen nautical miles across the southern portion of the Strait of Georgia into Bellingham Bay where we will check into customs.  Bellingham is known for its spunky college town atmosphere and you will find local boutique shopping and funky pubs and restaurants after your departure from Singawing.  

  

One of our favorite spots in Desolation Sound, British Columbia
Great Bear Charters- Sailing Charters in Desolation Sound, British Columbia