Enjoy a sojourn on the sea
Seasuites retreats let people experience pleasures of the ocean without leaving the pier
As a member of a boatbuilding family, life on the water is second nature to Mark Philbrook of Sidney, B.C., on the southeastern edge of Vancouver Island.
He once spent 16 years living on a 39-foot sailboat and would often weigh anchor to take visitors out for tour. The reaction from landlubbers who had never experienced the vastness of the ocean made a deep impression on him.
“I took people out onto the water who had never been on a boat before and it was amazing to see the look on their faces — the wonderment and the joy. That stayed with me,” says Philbrook, who is 60.
He began to realize there was a niche market for those folks who wanted to feel the rapture of the sea by holidaying on their own private boat.
Because navigating a boat on the ocean is not like driving watercraft on a lake, with more rules and challenges, there had to be a way of being on the water without leaving the harbour.
In 2019, he and his business partner founded Seasuites.
“Seasuites is fixed-base boat charter. In essence, people charter a boat, but it never leaves the dock,” Philbrook says. “They stay a couple of days or a week or whatever they like.”
Seasuites launched with one vessel anchored at the end of Port Sidney Marina with a beautiful view of the Gulf and San Juan Islands. Philbrook says there are often herons fishing on the rocks nearby or seals that come to visit and the marina is within walking distance of restaurants, distilleries and attractions in downtown Sidney.
“I had a couple from the Midwest
in the States who were overwhelmed by the experience. They just broke down in tears,” he says.
The 26-foot aluminum craft is a houseboat, although it’s a term that undermines the design of the craft and one that makes Philbrook cringe — but it is descriptive. Inside, the galley is equipped with dishes and all linen is provided. There’s seven feet of headroom and walk around queen-size bed.
The table folds down to create a second sleeping area, but the boat is really built for two.
“It’s a couple’s retreat. It’s not a party boat,” he says.
There’s a three-foot by threefoot shower, a waterless toilet, LED lighting, 520-watt solar panels and low-emission outboards to support the green values of Canada’s West Coast, he says.
There are lounge chairs on the upper deck and if they want to paddle around, the Seasuite has kayaks guests can use to explore the shoreline.
Reservations can be made on Airbnb, the only provider that ensures short term rentals on boats. Nightly rates are $225 during the week and $275 on weekends plus applicable fees and taxes. Long term rentals are available during the winter months, in an area of the country where the temperature rarely falls below freezing.
Philbrook expects to be busy with snowbirds who are unable to cross the U.S. border due to the pandemic choosing the temperate West Coast.
“We’re the tropical alternative. The warmest place in Canada,” he says.
Sidney is four kilometres from the Victoria International Airport or a 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland and a 27-minute ride by car.
If Seasuites customers develop a taste for salt water and maritime life, a quick $238,500 will buy a similar boat, custom designed by Seasuites and built to order in three-months by Pronautics.
An owner would need to learn how to operate the craft, pass all necessary licensing requirements and pay for moorage.
Information is available at seasuites.ca.