Scenery takes ona
whole new look from
the water. And there
are plenty of spots,

especially in the South
Gulf Islands, visible
and accessible only by
boat. .

— Gwent ANDERSON PHOTY

_ Saturna Island Vineyards,
- Winery & Lodge

‘s Pacific ‘Northwest Paradise

Paib ADVERTISING

Discover Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands in a new
way — aboard a bareboat charter.

A bareboat charter is the renting of « fully equipped yacht,
usually for overnight use. It is your home away from home
as you explore rhe beauty and tranquility of one of the
worlds finest cruising areas.

You are in command and decide where you want to go.
Cn board you will find the required safety gear, a fully
equipped galley and the charts and publications for the
cruising area. Bring your own personal gear, food, bedding
and towels, and your sense of wonder as you embark ona
holiday you will treasure for years to come.

To ensure your safety, you must satisfy the charter
company of your ability to cperate the yachit in a safe and
responsible manner. Previous boating experience or boating
instruction and certification are required.

The area between Vancouver Island and the mainland
offer some of the finest cruising grounds in the world. There_
are hundreds of anchorages or harbours to explore in the
islands, and you can return over and over to visit new
grounds. Some of the facilities available include nurnercus
marinas, resorts, marine parks, and a variety of marine
related services — yards, mechanics, marine suppliers, fvel,
chart sales and fishing tackle.

Weather conditions one might encounter include warm
days and light breezes in the summer, brisker winds in the
spring and fall. The cruising area is sheitered, making these
waters an ideal place to start your boating experience. Mean
daily maximum temperatures April —September vary from
12.6-19.7 C (55-70 F). The main cruising season is rela-
tively dry, with rainfall from April — September averaging
only 13-33 mm (0.5 — 1.5 inches) a month.

Going by boat gives you a different perspective of the .

islands. Many places are not easily accessible any other way.
Once on board, you are in close contact with the marine
environment and may encounter birds such as eagles,

Take to
the water

charter

herons, and numerous other species. Whales, otters, seals,
porpoises, dolphins may be spotted. While beachcombing,
you will be able to observe shore birds and all the creatures
in tidal pools. At sore marine parks there are interpretive.
programs to help you discover more about the environ-
ment. a
This is a wonderful experience for young and old alike.
Become a child again as you view the world with new eyes. ”

Events

Salt Spring Island

Through Sept. 7

Arctcratt. daily 10 a.m. - S| p.m., works
by the Gulf Islands’ finest artists and
crafters are for sale, Mahon Hall, Ganges.

Through Oct.
Market in the Park. Saturdays in
Centennial Park, Ganges.

july

Salt Spring Festival of the Arts,
Music, Theatre and Dance. Local and
international artists, |-250-537- 4167.

Aug. 5-6
Garlic Festival 2000. Farmers’ Institute,
351 Rainbow Rd.

Sept. 16-17
Salt Spring Falt Fair. Farmers’ Institute.

Other Islands

July!
Canada Day Jamboree. Parade, games,

food & displays. North End Community ;

Hall. Galiano Island.

July 29-31

Summer Festival of the Arts, Gabsiola,
July 30 or 3!

Sand-sculpture Competition, Twin
Beaches, Gabriola Island.

Aug. 5

Galiano Lions’ Fiesta. BC Day Festiva
with parade, barbecue, children’s events.
Lions’ Field, South End, 1-250-539-3 Wh.

Aug..19 -
8th Annual Galiano Wine Festival. ~

Taste 100 imported and domestic wines. © :

1 to 4 p.m., Lion's Hall, Galiane Island,
1-250- 539-2239 ;

; ‘Gabriola «iad Day. | Pancake

breakfast. parade, beer garden, crafts
street dance, soap box derby. Various:
locations; Gabriola_ island. :
Sept. 16-17:

Bike and Kayak Music Festival:
Sports, music by Valdy. Gabriola fy
Campground: . ;

Sept. 29-30

- Oktoberfest. Car rally, ‘duathion, ‘golf ;
*~ dart, bridge’and pool tournaments,

dinner on thi green. Gabriola Island.
Sept. 30

_ Sinking of the Cape Breton of Tinson :

: Gabriola sland. .

Thanksgiving Gallery Tour of artists
and artisans studios. Gabriola Istand