Sailing Oak Bay

It is no coincidence that such a large number of sailboats call Oak Bay waters home. Sailors consider Oak Bay and surrounding waters to be one of finest places to sail in British Columbia. A year-round sailing destination, Oak Bay offers spectacular scenery, plentiful marine wildlife and sailing conditions ranging from relaxing to challenging, set against a spectacular panorama of snow-capped mountains. The many islands in Oak Bay offer sheltered sailing as well as interesting places to stop and explore. In Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits, sailors will find a greater choice of wind and wave conditions.

If you have a half day to spend, try sailing around Discovery and Chatham islands. These uninhabited islands are among the loveliest of the Gulf Islands – solitary, wild and natural. A full day is recommended, though, to allow time to anchor in one of the many sheltered coves and hike Discovery Island Marine Park. Check out the view from atop Pandora Hill - on a clear day you can see Mount Rainier in Washington State, nearly 400 kilometres to the south-east. Camping is permitted on parts of the island.

Blackfish Sailing Adventures offers a range of skippered sailing charters of Oak Bay and the Gulf Islands. Al, your Skipper, is a CYA sailing instructor and naturalist with nearly 15 years experience exploring these waters. His “Introduction to Sailing” aboard his new Beneteau 351 sloop, will appeal to first time boaters as well as those wanting to improve their sailing skills. Excursions may be booked for a half day, full day or overnight. Or book a combination experience combining sailing with kayaking or whale watching. Al’s sailboat departs from Oak Bay Marina.

Not sure if sailing is for you? Oak Bay Sailing School offers a four hour introduction to sailing on one of the school’s Cal 20s. Cap’n Jim has been sailing, racing and instructing since 1961. Tours can be booked directly with the school or as part of a sailing package with Oak Bay Guest House. Oak Bay Sailing School is located at the Oak Bay Marina. Royal Victoria Yacht Club also offers sailing courses through the summer months and a schedule is posted at http://www.rvyc.bc.ca/

The Royal Victoria Yacht Club offers moorage on a reciprocal privileges basis from April to October. Check their website for a list of reciprocal clubs or contact RVYC for details. Space is allocated on a “first come, first served” basis. This club, together with the Turkey Head Sailing Association organizes a wide variety of races for various class boats throughout the year. Good vantage points for watching the racing include Willows Beach and Cattle Point.

For those on a sailing holiday, Oak Bay Marina, located only a short walk from Oak Bay Village, offers transient moorage for vessels up to 70 feet. Amenities including fuel, ice, showers and laundry are available, as well as power and water. The marina is a Canadian port of entry and Customs information is posted at the fuel dock. Other facilities include a coffee shop and the Marina Restaurant, a local favourite for fine dining and sushi – with a view. Oak Bay Marina is a popular place for walking the docks, viewing boats and seals.