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Haiti Relief Announcement for the 2010 Charter Season

2010-01-29T00:08:00Z

Help us Sponsor a Haitian Family

Due to the recent events in Haiti, Andrea and I have felt over-privileged and helpless in our life style. Too many aid organizations, though with good intentions, operate through a myriad of bureaucracies and complications. This makes us feel detached just giving a check and wondering where it may end up. We do, however, have the unique opportunity to help through Andrea’s winter work place. For several years now a colleague and dear friend, Gary Novak, has traveled to Haiti to help by teaching and volunteering on humanitarian causes.Through his travels Gary has developed an enduring relationship with a 32 year-old man named Nixon and his young family. Because we have this direct link to a family in need we will be donating 10% of each non-discounted charter booked through Great Bear Charters for the 2010 season. These funds will be given to Gary to apportion to his friend Nixon. Below you will find a brief introduction into the life of Nixon and his family before the earthquake and after its devastating effects on their already troubled living environment. Now in the words of Gary Novak:

“Nixon is 32 years old with a wife and two small children. Until the earthquake he was attending nursing school and teaching English in Port au Prince.

During the earthquake his four story nursing school collapsed.The students only had one exit because of building security. Most died in the stairwell trying to get outside. He was spared. The college where he taught also collapsed with a loss of many.

He rushed home to find his family alive. His house, built of cement blocks and a poured cement roof, was dangerously damaged. The family moved to the courtyard.

Haitians shop daily because it is difficult to store food away from rats and vermin, so they didn’t have much food on hand. The banks,gas stations and shops were closed. The prison walls fell down and 3,000 hard cases roamed the city. The neighbors got together to share what they had and provide security. Nixon used his nursing skills to assist the wounded.

Nixon managed to contact me and tell us he was alive but not safe. The neighbors were leaving the area because of depleted resources and the smell of the dead. Haitians are especially uneasy around the dead. His job, school and future were gone. He was afraid for his children. Nixon sent out a plea for help.

Our plan is to assist this family to evacuate Port au Prince and set up their life somewhere safe. We are attempting to get Nixon a student visa so that the family can come to Port Townsend and Nixon can continue on with nursing school. After completing school Nixon and his family will return to Haiti to repair their home and help to rebuild their country.”

Merci,
Gary Novak

Last summer Andrea and I received a Haitian sculpture for a wedding gift. Gary’s Haitian friend, Nixon, had sent us a romantic work of art without ever even meeting us. He went out of his way to be generous to us based on the word of his friend Gary. Now we feel compelled to do the same. Check out the sculpture when you visit the boat. We’ll keep you updated as things progress.

If you want to be part of this project you can. Contact us at via e-mail or call us at 360-344-4234, book a trip and 10% will go to help Nixon's family restart their lives.

Thank you,
Matt and Andrea

Big Texas Hugs!!!!! Extended sailing charter- Desolation Sound, B.C., Sunshine Coast and Princess Louisa

2009-11-03T16:28:00Z

Lance and Kathy booked a trip with Great Bear Charters to get away from the blazing Texas heat. Little did they know we would have record breaking temperatures during their stay. Being the good sports that they are they were able to enjoy themselves despite the hotspell and entertained us with amusing stories about past travels. We hope to have these boisterous globe trotters back again. This time we will order up some cooler weather!!!!

Rope Swinging in Desolation Sound, Sailing Charters in Desolation Sound, Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands

2009-11-03T15:52:00Z

Fun Fun and more fun!! The enjoyable and witty Czopek family celebrated a birthday while on board. Here is the birthday boy himself bravely swinging into the warm waters of Desolation Sound. Mom and dad passed on the swing but they sure were adventurous and a kick to have on board!!!!

Extended sailing charter through Desolation Sound, B.C., Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands
Rope swinging in Desolation Sound

Extended sailing charter through Desolation Sound, B.C., Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands
Rope swinging in Desolation Sound

Extended sailing charter through Desolation Sound, B.C., Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands
Rope swinging in Desolation Sound

Summer fun in the San Juan Islands and Desolation Sound

2009-11-03T14:31:00Z

We had a blast with the Brignoli crew. What a pleasure to have them aboard. They chose the extended cruise option. San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound and north. Look how happy and relaxed that family is!!!! This is following a warm water lake swim at one of our absolute favorite spots!

Partners of Great Bear Charters tie the knot!!!

2009-11-02T15:01:00Z

It's been a while since our last journal entry. We have had a wonderful, eventful and fun-filled summer. We had many great guests aboard this year and will be posting pictures and stories soon about some of the brave folks who don't mind being photographed and displayed on the internet. We also squeezed a marriage into our busy summertime schedule. We tied the knot September 4th, 2009- under a beautiful full moon. Check out our wedding blog for the fun details from that day at www.greenepointwedding.com.

Here's an itinerary from a sailing charter with Great Bear Charters in Desolation Sound, British Columbia

2009-06-27T02:55:00Z

*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

Summer sailing charters with Great Bear Charters

2009-05-26T01:56:00Z

Calls are flooding in for summer sailing requests. Don't miss all of the fun!! Book before the schedule fills up. August is already a thing of the past.

Captain Matt and recent guest, Miss Sarah, sailing in Port Townsend Bay during a sailing charter with Great Bear Charters.

San Juan Islands Sailing Great Bear Charters

2009-05-20T17:44:00Z

When you join Great Bear Charters for a San Juan Islands sailing adventure you will experience many feelings, stress however, will not be one of them. Relax with a cold glass of Chardonnay while listening to Norah Jones and lounging on Singawing's sixty-five feet of deck. Watch as the sun sets below the coastal mountain range of Vancouver Island.

The next day will bring sailing with Dahl's porpoises dancing in our bow wave. Participate or lay back while we set all five of our schooner rigged sails. This evening we will have lovely caught crab hor d'oeuvres as we watch your children kayak upon the mirror-like waters of Shallow Bay, Sucia Island. In the morning we will set sail for Stuart Island where we can journey back in time to a one room school house representative of early American education. As we stroll down the islands single dirt road past the school we will end up at Turn Point light house in time to see boisterous Orcas playing in the outgoing tide. For now it is back to the boat for roasted red pepper and prosciutto paninis.

By this time in our escapades your only worry will be that your days aboard are numbered had you only booked a couple of extra nights! Later on after the sun sets everyone will gather on the decks and watch in amazement as the bio luminescence lights up the black waters to a mesmerizing glow. Gaze up as the millions of stars and constellations light up the summer nights sky. The adventure is nearing an end and your are thinking about booking with Great Bear Charters for another San Juan Island sailing charter next season.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Matt, Andrea and the entire Great Bear Charters' crew
info@greatbearcharters.com

Visit our Great Bear Sailing Charters Facebook Page!

Fun, freaky or fabulous design ideas? Win the design/logo contest for Great Bear Charters

2009-05-12T23:07:00Z

Great Bear Charters is having a contest to come up with a company design/logo for sweatshirts,hats,t-shirts and such. The chosen one will receive a grand prize. The contest will run through September 26th, 2009 at which point the winner will be announced. Please mail your ideas to Great Bear Charters, p.o. Box 638, Port Hadlock WA 98339.

Guests enjoying a brisk spring cruise aboard the Singawing in the San Juan Islands.

Relaxing in Desolation Sound

2009-03-05T02:59:00Z

Summer is right around the corner and it's time to start thinking about your vacation plans. How about joining us for a sailing trip aboard Singawing for a truly relaxing time away? Spend some real time with your friends or family free of the stressors of everyday life.

Guests relaxing at a favorite spot in Desolation Sound, British Columbia

Happy Holidays from Great Bear Charters

2008-12-23T17:05:00Z

Happy Holidays from Great Bear Charters. We hope the New Year brings you happiness and adventure.

Check out some of our crazy friends who braved the elements to celebrate at the annual Great Bear Charters Christmas party.

Boat Show Countdown

2008-11-13T14:25:00Z

The boat show in Seattle is coming up sooner than you think. Come meet the crew of Great Bear Charters at the Qwest Field Event Center January 23rd to February 1st. Book a trip anytime before the show ends and receive an extra 20% off a trip of six or more days. What a deal!!!

Here we are sailing in Jervis Inlet on our way to Princess Louisa Inlet. This is a great sailing charter destination as it is home of the world famous Chatterbox Falls.

Gale sail with the Knutson family on board in Port Townsend Bay

2008-10-26T15:30:00Z

Sailing in a surprise gale with hail!!! We had some landlubbers on board that did quite well!! A local photographer named Steve Schremp kindly took our photo.

San Juan Island sailing trip in the San Juan Islands October 3rd, 4th and 5th

2008-10-26T03:15:00Z

Relaxing on the Singawing

San Juan Island sailing trip with Kody Kidd and Kristen- October 3rd,4th and 5th

2008-10-26T03:00:00Z

This is Kody and Kristen on Stuart Island in the San Juans. Can you tell why they are so smiley? They just stuffed their faces with buttered crab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seattle Boat Show January 23rd to February 1st 2009

2008-10-15T00:42:00Z

Hi everyone!! We are gearing up for charter season 2009 and excited to let you know that we will be set up at the upcoming Seattle Boat Show. Come find our booth at the Qwest Field Event Center and meet Captain Matt and Captainista Andrea in person!!! We'll have pictures and stories of past travels to share. Hope to see you there!

August 22 to September 14, 2008 Sailing the West Coast of Vancouver Island

2008-09-24T04:00:00Z

Cooling off in the Pacific!!! This is a sailing charter option for the adventurous!!!!

August 22 to September 14, 2008 Sailing the West Coast of Vancouver Island

2008-09-23T03:51:00Z

Captainista Andrea sailing in the Pacific Ocean

August 22 to September 14, 2008 Sailing the West Coast of Vancouver Island

2008-09-22T03:57:00Z

Look at our crew hard at work as usual

August 22 to September 14, 2008 Sailing the West Coast of Vancouver Island

2008-09-22T03:48:00Z

Sailing in Dingaling- not to be confused with Singawing!! Hot Springs Cove, B.C.