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  • Privateer93

    • 26ft Privateer
    • United States
    • Checked in 2 months ago

Sailing Around Vancouver Island

No sailing experience required. I’m happy to teach someone how to sail. An individual is preferred due to limited space, but couples could definitely be considered for a shorter period. It’s important to me that the crew has a positive attitude and communicates compassionately. Also looking for individuals who are open minded, easy going, low maintenance, and eager to learn & work.

I‘m cruising very slow, meandering from place to place, instead of racing directly to my destination. Sometimes I stay at scenic anchorages for a couple days to hike and explore the islands. While sailing around these waters, I’ve seen hundreds of whales and dozens of bears. Typically, I anchor every night instead of being underway or staying at a dock. I like the wild remoteness of being at anchor. I feel extremely satisfied when I’m able to sail on and off anchor, and sail through narrow passages without using the noisy motor. I’ll be looking for surfing spots everywhere I go on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Feel free to read the elaborated info about the boat and me.

Crew would be asked to help with basics, such as holding the helm, trimming and flaking sails, taking turns cooking and cleaning. I’d expect crew to contribute with keeping the boat shipshape in shared spaces belowdecks. I’ll pay all dock and fuel fees and would prefer to split food costs.

My cat, Nemo, has been sailing with me for 3 years. He grew up on the boat and enjoys snuggles and running around on deck.

Feel free to message me with questions! Can’t wait to connect :)

show hide Position

Position

  • Crew positionFriendship

  • Availability 1 May 2026 until 1 Oct 2026

  • Expenses to/from vesselPaid by crew

  • Expenses onboardContribution on a shared basis

  • Team / SoloNot important

show hide Vessel

Vessel

  • TypeSailing Yacht

  • Make/modelPrivateer

  • Length26 feet

  • Berth3

  • Sailing from United States , Port Townsend, WA

  • Sailing to Canada , Vancouver Island, BC

  • Language spoke aboardEnglish

  • Boat descriptionSmall but sturdy sailboat built in 1967. Very spacious in the cockpit and comfortable in the cabin. The boat is relatively quaint, being 26 feet on deck with a substantial 6 foot bowsprit. The beam is 8 feet and she has a 4 foot draft. Displacement is around 3.5 tons. Rigged as a masthead sloop. No furling sails, various hank on jibs. Belowdecks, there’s two quarterberths in the main saloon and one spacious double berth in the forecastle. The main cabin has 6’1“ standing head room. The galley has a large wood burning stove, used for cooking, heat, and drying out. I also have a single burner propane stove. There‘s no refrigerator. Lots of space to stow gear for crew. I have extra lifejackets, harnesses, distress signals, personal locator beacon, satellite phone (no starlink), & first aid kit. There’s over 100 paper charts onboard to complement the electronic charts. There's no self steering autopilot, no roller furling sails, and no anchor windlass. I rely on solar power for all the electronics. My dinghy does not have a motor. I either row or sail the dinghy. I often sail alone but I prefer to have crew. The sails are easy and quick to raise or lower. I try to sail if there's any wind at all instead of using the motor. My average speed underway is 3 to 4 knots.

show hide Skipper

Skipper

  • NationalityUSA

  • Age32

  • GenderMale

  • Fluent languages English
    German

  • Qualifications USCG Captains License

  • Sea Miles 2,500 - 10,000

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Feedback

2

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Beyond five stars

5

Colin is a quietly fascinating and genuinely good-natured human being. He’s the kind of person you feel lucky to cross paths with. It’s immediately obvious how deeply passionate he is about sailing. He has endless knowledge about boats and rigging and happily shares tidbits with warmth and enthusiasm. His passion is so genuine and endearing that you can’t help but feel inspired. His boat is tidy, welcoming, and full of character. Nemo, his delightful little cat, is a charming companion to have on board. Colin is a thoughtful, easygoing, and endlessly considerate host. He is an exceptional cook who brings impressive creativity and care to every meal. He is also a patient and attentive teacher, always happy to share his knowledge freely and kindly, whether it be sailing techniques or cooking tips. And for anyone needing a ride to shore, I would happily give him a 5-star Uber rowing rating. Colin’s combination of expertise, and calm steady presence makes him a truly special skipper to sail with. If you have the chance to crew with him, take it.

17th Sep 2025

flowdog

3 weeks in the Pacific Northwest

5

I began sailing with Colin as a complete novice and I could never have imagined the joys of cruising. Each day was packed with brand new experiences and sights. I wrote hundreds of words each day in a journal to record all that happened. I felt I was living in a Jules Verne novel and I didn’t miss the internet at all. Colin is a great teacher. He patiently explains the reasons behind everything and he points out all there is to notice (the wind, the currents, the tides, the color of the water, the direction of the waves on the surface, the kelp that signified shallow water, the clouds, even the phases of the moon.) He loves being in tune with nature and he helped me become more so as well. He is happy to let you take over important roles knowing that you need practice and that you won’t be perfect. It felt ok to make mistakes and learn. He is also responsible enough to take over when stakes are higher. Each day he let me know that he appreciated my help and he always pointed it out when he noticed i was improving. He has many books on sailing for you to learn from, but the best way to learn is to do it. It’s also surprisingly easy to share the space of the 26ft boat with him. He is kind, funny, caring, a great cook, and an animated storyteller. He can go on and on about sailing adventures of his or others. He loves the history of sailing too. His lesson on paper navigation was especially humbling as I imagined sailors of old times relying solely on analog devices. Most pertinently, he was great at anticipating our needs (showers, laundry, groceries etc.) I felt well cared for during my entire trip. I could not have spent 3 weeks better!

4th Jul 2025

charmander99

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