British Columbia Sailboat Expedition in Canada - Haida Gwaii

THE CREW
Your skipper Didier F. , a geographer by training, is a Captain 200 of the Merchant Navy and has numerous certificates such as Mechanic 250 kW or Medical III. He also holds the Sailing Instructor State Certificate. Navigator since 1984, he sailed in all latitudes, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, including 2 trans-Pacific New Zealand - Cape Horn and several transatlantic.
He is assisted by a general-purpose sailor, responsible for the galley for the entire duration of the trip. Your cook & sailor is Dorian , born in Valparaiso and son of your captain. Sailor and traveler, his experiences in the kitchen are multiple, they managed a fish and seafood restaurant as a family. Cooking and sailing are a great match. A good dose of creativity and good humor always enhances his dishes! Varied and fresh cuisine (provision of fruits and vegetables without difficulty). Please note, however, that we cannot provide the service of special menus! Everyone's participation will be appreciated for the dishes.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Depending on the weather conditions, the program can be modified and arranged. The navigation times take place mainly during the day to take advantage of the observations and avoid the fatigue of night crossings. Sailing times vary greatly (from 4 to 8 hours).

How do we move on land?
On the occasion of shore excursions, safety rules must of course be observed, such as going out only in groups, because it is possible that we will come across bears on your way. We bring a rocket stylus and bear repellent on each shore trip. Walks on land are mainly on the shore and along the rivers because the interior of the forests is sometimes impassable.

Physical level and preparation Although no special physical condition is required, we simply ask that you be fit enough to get on and off the boat easily and to walk on sometimes slippery ground such as the rocks on the edge of the sea. It is not necessary to have prior knowledge of sailing, beginners are welcome to maneuver.

EQUIPMENT
We often imagine that a sailing trip in the Far North resembles a dive in the intense cold. An idea that turns out to be wrong when you go along the Pacific coast, thanks to the Kuro-Shivo, a warm sea current. Although the weather is changeable throughout the year, the rains are mostly winter.
Before July, the temperature can vary from 17°C during the day to 4°C at night, take your equipment into account if you are sailing at this time.
From July, navigation is generally very pleasant, with a temperature of 15 to 25°C in Alaska and British Columbia, except in the immediate vicinity of the glaciers, with alternating long sunny periods and overcast weather with sometimes cloudiness. fog in some areas and some rain.
It is therefore necessary to provide equipment of the type that one takes for a hike in the mountains. Note also that it will not be possible to wash your clothes on the way. We therefore advise you to provide enough change, while remembering that you are on board a boat which has non-extendable storage!

Basic equipment:
• 1 large capacity flexible travel bag (90 liters or more), suitcases are prohibited on board + 1 small empty travel bag (placed in the largest during the transatlantic flight), in order to better store your belongings in the cabin
• 1 medium-sized backpack (approximately 30 litres) for your walks on land + on a waterproof bag during transfers in the dinghy
• 1 pair of fairly high boots: no mini-boots (boots that you will find at 10€ in the fishing section of Decathlon stores)
• 1 pair of light hiking shoes
• 1 pair of soft shoes for the deck (without black soles so as not to mark the floor of the sailboat)
• 1 pair of slippers for inside the sailboat
• 1 warm fleece jacket
• 1 windproof and waterproof jacket, with hood (no need to bring a heavy watch jacket except for the Aleutians and Kodiak)
• 1 pair of tights or 1 long underwear, in fleece or technical fabric
• 1 trousers + 1 over-trousers
• 1 warm hat + cap
• 1 pair of fleece gloves
• 1 shorts
• 1 swimsuit
• quick-drying bath and hand towels

Sleeping :
• sleeping bag (comfort temperature 10-15° C)
• sleeping bag sheet

Various
• mini-toilet bag (avoid scented products)
• headlamp
• sunglasses
• pair of binoculars for wildlife observation
• camera
• gourd
• a few plastic bags to protect your belongings

Your individual pharmacy
• analgesic
• anti-inflammatory (tablets and gel)
• if you are prone to seasickness, remember to bring appropriate treatment
• disinfectant, dressings (various sizes)
• sunscreen
• mosquito repellent
• in addition: earplugs, your personal medication.

Be up to date with Covid vaccinations!