Schooner trip makes waves to San Juan Islands
Being in British Columbia is good news for people who enjoy ocean travel, and while the big news right now is the start of the 2018 Alaska cruise season, it’s time to revisit one of my favourite sailing experiences south of the border.
The Schooner Zodiac is a classic, 1924-built windjammer that has been lovingly preserved and restored. It’s a cosy vessel that offers day cruises and multi-night sailings out of Bellingham, Washington to the San Juan Islands, the latter of which offer accommodations in small, nautically themed staterooms or in berths (actual berths!) in the ship’s main salon.
It’s a tremendously fun experience, whether you’re on board for just the afternoon or evening, or for one of the Zodiac’s multi-day sails. While I’ve done both over the past six years, I enjoy the multi-day cruises the most, simply for their wonderful ability to showcase the San Juan Islands, and for their exciting themes.
My favourite — and it’s hard to choose — is the San Juan Islands Brewery Expedition that features tasting flights at some of the best breweries and pubs on the island, along with plenty of samples to bring back aboard the Zodiac to enjoy later, while the ship is at anchor. That one departs on July 7 and lasts for two nights.
Then, there’s the Pacific Northwest Seafood and Winery Tour that leaves on July 12. The San Juan Islands are home to some great wineries, and this quick three-night cruise showcases them and pairs them with some of the best seafood in the region.
Other cruises include a special Secrets of the San Juan Islands voyage departing on Aug. 4, and the Schooner Zodiac’s annual women-only, Nauti-Gals Women’s Sailing Adventure cruise that departs on July 21.
The crown jewel in the lineup, though, is the spectacular voyage from Bellingham to British Columbia’s Desolation Sound. Lasting for 10 days, this great cruise travels up through the Gulf Islands, through the Strait of Georgia, and into Desolation Sound, a picturesque area situated at the north end of the Sunshine Coast. Known as the Boater’s Paradise, exploring it onboard the classically-styled Schooner Zodiac is an experience you can’t get on a big cruise ship.
The Schooner Zodiac’s sailing season runs from now until October. A full schedule of the ship’s day and multi-evening cruises can be found on their website.
Visit fromthedeckchair.com for cruise news and voyage reports.