What's New
New for 2025!
Free Spirit Sailing launches its Silva Bay Program
With two boats based in Silva Bay Marina, Free Spirit Sailing excursions depart from and return to historic Silva Bay, a port protected by the naturally stunning Flat Top islands at the south end of Gabriola Island. Sailing destinations are set by the winds and your sailing comfort.
½ Day Experience Sailing
Sail the local waters with wind on your face and sail lines in your hands on a 29’ or 32’ cruising sailboat. Learn to sail while viewing the stunning snow-capped West Coast mountains and amongst curious seals, otters, sea lions, whales and seabirds! $400 for up to 3 persons.
1-Day / 2-Day Introduction to Coastal Sailing
Prepare to sail, prepare to learn! Practice tacking, gybing, points of sail, heaving-to, crew recovery, docking and sailor knots! Add a second day of boat and study time to attain CRYA Introduction to Coastal Cruising certification. 1 Day: $795 for up to 2 persons; 2 Days with CRYA certification: $1775 for up to 2 persons.
New Instructor: Maureen Connelly
Maureen is joining Free Spirit Sailing in developing the Silva Bay program focusing on the breathtaking opportunities to sail from her home port of Silva Bay. Gabriola Island offers a base to explore the Salish Sea, the waters and island parks of Pylades and Trincomali Channels.
Maureen retired early after a 25 year professional career as a registered architect and then research faculty in acoustics and living architecture. She has kayaked, sailed dinghy and keel boats for a majority of her adult life. As a Canadian Recreational Yachting Association certified instructor, Maureen’s focus is on introducing sailing through gentle experiences around the Flat Tops and gradually working up your skills on her Beneteau First 285 performance cruiser. Maureen is certified to teach CRYA courses; Introduction to Coastal Sailing, Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Coastal Navigation Theory. With Sea Jester moored at the Silva Bay Marina for the past 5 years, Maureen has averaged about 750 NM annually on the West coast from the southern tip of the Gulf Islands through to the Broughton Archipelago.
