Okanagan Bliss

[Alan Manzer]

We are located just south of Portland Oregon and are planning a trip to The Beautiful Okanagan Country in June '06. For those sailors who have not been there, this is truly a trailer-boaters paradise--the lake is well over 100 miles long and surrounded by Beautiful fruit orchards and Vinyards. There are many coves and marina's that dot the 215 mile shoreline with quaint little townships as well as major cities. The campsites are many along the shore, both private and Provincial B.C. Facilities. As our boat, the "Mer'y'sol" is a bit small (20')we intend on mostly day sailing and overnighting in motels and campsites that are located along the shore...Our plans call for us to be in that area for 8 full and wonderfull days and peacefull nights cruising into the sunsets. I should also mention there are several launch ramps to launch from which of course will increase your cruising areaStrange as it may seem when I retired I had to give up my larger boat in the marina and now,... I really love the advantages of this new experience called "Trailer Boating" are'nt these pocket cruisers just great...

 

[mpaxman]

Sailing in the Okanagan

Living on vancouver island but with family in Alberta, I find myself passing through the Okanagan every year or so. The lakes are indeed beautiful with many facilities. I have often wondered what the sailing is like on these lakes, especially Shushwap. Is the wind consistent in the summertime? There is a huge houseboat industry on Shushwap, but I've never been able to find any sailboat rentals. Might be fun to charter a houseboat and tow a hobie along

 

[rsn48]

You forgot to mention...

You forgot to mention the wineries. You must plan a visit to some of the wineries in the area. Minimally you'd want to go to Mission Hill and Quail's Gate, two of the better wineries around in Kelowna. If you're travelling without kids, take a day off of sailing and hit many of the wineries, stop in at Quail's Gate for lunch or supper.

 

[Rick A]

Shuswap

I used to drag my boat from Alberta to the Shuswap and spend a week or so each year, sailing and drifting around with the family. Somedays there was great wind but when a big high pressure system builds in, the lake flattens out and glasses over each afternoon. It can be cold water, even during the summer as the lake is over 600' deep. On the really hot days when the lake glassed over, we'd bag up the sails and just drift in the middle of the lake. Our kids were little then so I used to fill the inflatable dinghy with water, let the sun warm it up and the kids would play in it all afternoon. (with life jackets on of course).Scotch Creek Marina on the NW arm of the lake had a lot of sailboats in it. You might be able to find a rental or private rental there.There are lots of houseboats, some of which were a little bothersome but we found places to anchor that they did not bother with. Lots of privacy, some great beaches as well.

 

[Rob 1981 Cat 3019642]

I'm jealous

I had a Mac 26 trailer sailer for 13 years and never did get to the Okanagan. I'm envious. Have fun!Pacific Yachting had an issue about boating around there, the best places to anchor and stay, etc. I can't remember which issue, but you might be able to find it at their website.