Sail buddy, Sidney, BC

[PaulinVictoria]

So, my wife isn't too keen on getting out there when the weather is anything less than perfect, she's frankly scared of going fast (6knots lol), and heeling, two things that happen when the wind picks up a touch.
Anyway, I'm looking for someone with some experience who is perhaps "between boats" and still wants to get out on the water on a fairly regular basis. Not looking for any monetary exchange (although a hand cleaning and helping with maintenance jobs is appreciated), just someone who wants to be out sailing.
Due to the nature of the weather, and work, it's probably fairly short notice before we go out so someone fairly local would be ideal.
So there you go, an opportunity to be out on the water at zero cost to you (well, perhaps a beer afterwards), in one of the finest sailing areas in the world.

[jackdale]

Hey Paul

While Sidney is my usual base, the trip from Calgary is a bit much.

Have you thought about joining a yacht club? Sidney North Saanich is a reasonable price and the food at the clubhouse is OK. That would also get you some reciprocal dock rights.

[PaulinVictoria]

Thought about it, then figured that several hundred bucks a year for basically nothing didn't seem a good deal

[Faster]

Paul if it's only a few hundred bucks a year, once you start cruising in the summer you'll get most of that back in moorage charges you'll save due to the reciprocal moorage rights that Jack referred to. Most BC yacht clubs have an extensive list of reciprocal arrangements with other clubs up and down the coast. Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Silva Bay (Pages), Esquimalt, Schooner Cove, Maple Bay, are a number that come to mind that aren't too far from you. At an average of $1.50/ft/night and up, these charges can add up.

Other benefits would include arrangements such as the one you are currently seeking, possibly eventually much more economical moorage if the club has that.

Another alternative is one of the various 'virtual' yacht clubs.. We belong to the Gulf YC - cost $100/yr - no facilities, monthly meetings in rented space and monthly cruise/rendezvous March to November. Good camaraderie, support, socializing without the politics that inevitably arises when real money is involved.

[PaulinVictoria]

Well at some point we may go down that route, but in the meantime, just seeing if anyone wants to go out for a sail

[willdadd]

Hey Paul,

I live up in Nanaimo, and am currently between boats (picking up a Grampian 30 in the spring)
My sailing experience is pretty limited, but I have single handed my old 29ft on a few trips. As well as having fished offshore, and worked on tugs.

Am very comfortable, safe and confident on boats, and would love to get out a few times this winter.

Drop me a line if your interested.

Cheers