Bareboating Desolation Sound

[rfrye1]

Im thinking about a bareboat trip up into Desolation Sound. I've spent time in the San Juans and Gulf Islands, but never gotten up into Desolaton. Looking for suggestions of where to start, who to charter from ect so I can get up into Desolation without spending alot of extra time getting up there. Are there any good charter bases close by?

Thanks. Bob F.

 

[tcoldren]

re: desolation sound charters

Cooper Boating has a base in Powell River and Desolation Sound Yacht Charters operates out of Comox. I have no direct experience with either company, but both have been around for a while, and either one would save you a day or two each way over a boat out of Vancouver.

Hope you find something that works for you. It's a spectacular area.

Tricia
Freedom 25 "Muse"
Vancouver

 

[Neil McDonald]

Cooper Yachts and Desolation Sound Charters are the two main options for bareboat charter near Desolation Sound. Desolation SC have their HQ at Comox, across the water on Vancouver Island, whereas Cooper are at Powell River on the same side of the Straits of Georgia. In terms of relative location there is not much to choose between the two. However the Cooper facility at Powell River is an outstation from their main base, at least a days sail away, at Granville Island in Vancouver - so I suspect that local support from Desolation SC might be stronger. Desolation SC also have been doing charters in this immediate area for much longer. Both companies are very well established and have good reputations.

I have chartered twice from Desolation SC and their pre-departure chart briefing was excellent. You can fly via scheduled flights into to both Comox and Powell River.

Desolation Sound is simply magnificent. Anchoring is sometimes a little challenging because the water often gets deep quite quickly near the shore. Be prepared to put a stern line ashore in many locations. Enjoy!

 

[Ken Prichard]

Island Cruising

has a base at Pacific Playgrounds located at Saratoga Beach which is about 15 miles north of Comox. I've chartered with both Cooper and Island Cruising and in my opinion Island Cruising has better boats. No experience with Desolation Sound Charters but their website has some really good info on sailing the area.

 

[Stevep]

I chartered from Desolation Sound Yacht Charters last year. We had a Beneteau 393. The boat was in excellent condition and the D.S. staff were very helpful and accomodating. Comox is a great place from which to start a charter -- very adequate grocery and liquor stores that are close to the marina, and some very nice restaurants within walking distance from the marina. We had very warm and clear weather in early September but very light to no wind. If we go again, I would probably charter a power boat because we were able to sail so little. It is a spectacular area.
Steve