nanaimo yacht charters & sailing school reviews

Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School

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1690 Stewart Ave

Nanaimo, BC V9S 4E1

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We just returned from our 4th year of chartering with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. As usual, the boat was well-prepared (we've used a different boat each time), Ian was as generous with his time as he needed to be, and the equipment was all present and worked (we didn't ever use the anchor windlass, though). We sail early in the season, when the wind is best, but also know that wind usually is a bit variable in this area, and very light as summer whams up. We've always found Ian, Sherry and Lorraine to have plenty of suggestions and advice about where to sail and stop, different activities, and they want to see us have fun (without breaking the boat, preferably). When we've had problems, Ian has been quick to answer the phone and offer suggestions. And it's worth the price of admission to watch them bring the boat back into the slip at the return. Nanaimo is also a great location for going to Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound, or the Gulf Islands, better than Vancouver or Sidney if you're interested in those destinations. Dodd Narrows is a great introduction to navigating BC waters.

I left a sail boat with this company 2 weeks ago and I am still so disappointed I needed to write to ensure no one else is ripped off so badly. The trip started off with our guide Tony commenting "umm you didn't bring me coffee?". We should have known that right away this was more about his vacation (although he is paid) than having us enjoy our vacation. Basically we paid over $3500 plus the extra costs the office doesn't tell you about to be a servant on this boat. A boat that broke down twice driven by a very unprofessional guide. Tony hurt himself doing an unsafe procedure on board (pulling a rope with his full weight, rope slipped and he hit his back) Well not only did he never stop complaining about it, he used it as an excuse to do nothing for the rest of the week. We had no door, not even a curtain on our room and Tony would snore loudly all night so we could not sleep while he enjoyed his sleep. And the one day I was napping he woke us up to ask when we were going to buy him dinner, yeah you can't make this stuff up. Also after cooking him a meal he once even said "this needs more salt". Further when we asked to sail he would make excuses like "the wind is bad" so all we did was run the motor for 5 days. This was a waste of almost $4000 plus travel from Calgary and a week of my vacation. This was truly one of the worst vacation experiences me and my girlfriend have ever had, please use a charter out of Vancouver or Victoria, this place is simply awful.

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Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Reviews of Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School (School)

1690 stewart ave, nanaimo, bc v9s 4e1, canada.

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We have all the feddbacks of real people who are consuming the services and products of Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School (School) in Nanaimo (Canada). Nowadays this firm receives a rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 and this rating has been based on 94 reviews. You may have noticed that it reaches an opinions average is almost the top, and it is based on a very high number of reviews, so we can think that the assessment is quite reliable . If many people have bothered to value when they are satisfied, it works. As you know, we don't usually bother to set reviews when these are positive and we usually do it only if we've had a problem or issue... This School belongs to the category of Boat rental service .

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REVIEWS OF Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School IN Nanaimo

I left a sail boat with this company 2 weeks ago and I am still so disappointed I needed to write to ensure no one else is ripped off so badly. The trip started off with our guide Tony commenting "umm you didn't bring me coffee?". We should have known that right away this was more about his vacation (although he is paid) than having us enjoy our vacation. Basically we paid over $3500 plus the extra costs the office doesn't tell you about to be a servant on this boat. A boat that broke down twice driven by a very unprofessional guide. Tony hurt himself doing an unsafe procedure on board (pulling a rope with his full weight, rope slipped and he hit his back) Well not only did he never stop complaining about it, he used it as an excuse to do nothing for the rest of the week. We had no door, not even a curtain on our room and Tony would snore loudly all night so we could not sleep while he enjoyed his sleep. And the one day I was napping he woke us up to ask when we were going to buy him dinner, yeah you can't make this stuff up. Also after cooking him a meal he once even said "this needs more salt". Further when we asked to sail he would make excuses like "the wind is bad" so all we did was run the motor for 5 days. This was a waste of almost $4000 plus travel from Calgary and a week of my vacation. This was truly one of the worst vacation experiences me and my girlfriend have ever had, please use a charter out of Vancouver or Victoria, this place is awful.

Michelle Wijesinghe

I did the introductory 5 day women’s only sail and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Nanaimo Yacht Charters was so professional from the registration all the way to the end when I received my International Yacht Training certificates. Our skipper Tracey was soooooooo incredible and probably the best teacher I have ever had. She was so knowledgeable, skilled and provided us information in easily digestible chunks. 11 out of 10 stars! The boat (38 foot white hull named Sante) was BEAUTIFUL. Great cabins, good amenities, spacious. We went from Nanaimo to Salt Spring Island with several stops along the way. I’ve also never seen so many stars in the sky as I did at night. We got lots of practice anchoring a boat, using a mooring ball and of course raising and lowering the sail, handling the line, driving, etc. I can’t wait to take the 2nd level course! My love for sailing grew exponentially after this course and it was all about the company staff, skipper, beauty of the boat and of course being on open ocean hearing nothing but the waves hitting the boat and the wind hitting the sails! Truly magical. If you are thinking of taking a sailing course, pick Nanaimo Yacht Charters. It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget and one you won’t regret.

Jürg Gotsch

(Translated) We chartered the Hartaro, a Jeanneau 45. The boat was in excellent condition and well equipped. The delivery and return of the boat was warm, uncomplicated and professional. We got the district declaration in the training room from the boss - with lots of tips. Perfect. Many thanks and regards Jürg & Crew (Original) Wir charterten die Hartaro, eine Jeanneau 45. Das Boot war in ausgezeichnetem Zustand und top ausgerüstet. Die Übergabe und Rücknahme des Bootes war herzlich, unkompliziert und professionell. Die Reviererklärung bekamen wir im Schulungsraum durch den Chef - mit vielen Tips. Perfekt. Herzlichen Dank und Grüsse Jürg&Crew

David Larwood

After taking lessons through NYC I was eligible to charter on my own for the first time. I brought three totally novice friends. After one day with a fantastic instructor (Barry) we were off on our own for 6 more days. Perfect boat, very well equipped. Many extras provided.. charts, compass, binoculars..great service from pickup to drop off. Really appreciate the van to get supplies.

Muriel Southern

A company that seems to care about offering courses and offering solutions when problems arise.

Angus Morrison

We had the trip to define Summer 2021 aboard Cool Runnings, a Hunter 33. Just wrapped up today, everything was thought of, whenever you thought “Would be nice to have a…” you found it in a locker. Boat was extremely clean and well organized, and the staff very supportive when we encountered a tough situation. We’ll be back.

Pros: Tony was an amazing skipper. Probably the best we ever had. Cons: 1. The powerboat we have chartered had many issues which we had to fix by ourselves, 2. Poor instructions on the boat equipment, 3. Not enough beddings and towel supplies for our trip. 4. Huge hidden costs that were not communicated to our group before the trip - almost 20% more than the original quote.

Fedor Steer

Very happy with our experience. The boat was in great shape, the orientation was thorough, and we got aboard and on our way quickly. Bad luck, we got our anchor wrapped around some debris one night, but just a quick phone call, and they arranged for a diver to come out that afternoon. (We got the chain caught on an old, abandoned 8ft anchor, believe it or not, on the eastern side of Genoa Bay across from Cowichan, so avoid that area when anchoring. Apparently an old booming site.) We highly recommend Nanaimo Yacht Charters, and we'll hope to bareboat with them again soon.

Daren Forster

I just completed a 14 days Yacht Master course with NYCSS. This was an exceptional experience with an outstanding instructor and crew. Circumnavigating Vancouver Island is the best training ground you could ask for! NYCSS is the best of the best in there field. A huge thank you to Ian and Beth MacPherson for this outstanding experience!

Colleen Westeinde

Look no further if you’re looking for a great sailing holiday! The boat is in great shape, the customer service before & during has been outstanding, our instructor (Darren) was fantastic and the available destinations are amazing!!!

Graham Scott

Kala Kala 33' sailboat charter with Nanaimo Yacht Charters was great again!! 4 of us chartered Kala Kala in May-June 2016 and the staff made every step pleasant and hassle free. Starting with the reservation of the yacht through a couple of emails, there were no last minute or hidden fees. Arrival at Nanaimo airport from Calgary was even better as the owner Lorraine picked us up and brought us to the marina. We were briefed on the area and then a thorough orientation of the yacht systems from Paul. Paul offered a wide selection of navigation aids and charts for the area. We were loaned a courtesy car to get supplies and stock up for our departure the next morning. The bathrooms and free showers at the marina are clean and well kept, and we were loaned an extra set of keys to make getting through the dock gates easier with four people. The marina has a couple of pubs with great food, a liquor store and Nanaimo Charters supplies a few wheeled carts for convenience when loading supplies. The yacht we chartered sailed great, and the systems were all functional. A new motor had been installed this year and was optimal. I have chartered in Sidney, BC and British Virgin Islands several times, and no where have I encountered an organization more dedicated to customer service.This is my 4th charter with this company I will continue to charter with Nanaimo Yacht Charters when I want a friendly, professional experience. Gray

Edith Eaton

Had a great experience teaching two fellas from Alberta on the Catalina 36. Thank you NYC for setting this up. I was so relieved to know my students were vaxxed. Looking forward to the next course. Edith Eaton CRYA Yachtmaster NYCSS Instructor

Laurent Pelissier

Had an amazing time on the water with Marla as skipper and instructor. The staff at Nanaimo Yacht Charters is very helpful and friendly. Highly recommend! Great experience, thank you!

Laurel Wilson

I won a weeks boat rental at this years boat show and last week myself and 3 good friends took the Sun Dancer power boat for a week up to and around Desolation Sound. The boat is an older boat in and in terrific condition and was spotlessly clean. We had a wonderful trip, the folks at Nanaimo Yacht Charters were excellent to deal with, courteous and professional. I wouldn't hesitate to rent a boat from them again and as a matter of fact that was the topic of conversation for much of the trip. How to do it again as soon as we could!

Andy den Otter

Rented Stargazer for a 2 week boat trip across the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound. This is the 5th time I've rented various sailboats from Nanaimo Yacht Charters and like the other times, the boat was clean and well maintained. Stargazer is an amazing boat to sail or power.

We chartered 3 boats with Nanaimo Yacht Charters this year. Two were cruise and learns and the third was our first solo trip. It was a fantastic experience. Each time the staff were wonderful from the moment they picked us up at the airport, through all the paperwork and up to moment we said a sad goodbye. Each boat was well equipped (including bedding!) and our instructor Tim was simply the best. I loved that the prices were reasonable, the boats clean and well maintained, that they provided all the extras like a free car for shopping, and I really appreciated the way Lorraine put up with my many questions and accommodated all my special requests. Nanaimo is a great city to charter from and NYC a great company to deal with. We will be back next spring for sure!

Andy Thomas

I took a 5-day intermediate sailing course in June. Barry, our instructor, was very experience and knowledgable (in fact, he is on the board of the ISPA). He was also a patient and courteous teacher. We had a full week, and saw quite a bit of the area. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I have heard that the boats are very well maintained. I am looking forward to going back to charter.

Robert Freimanis

This was my first charter with NYC. I thought it was first class service. Ian was knowledgeable and gave a good orientation with the 34' power boat we chartered for a week to the Gulf Islands. We came over on the ferry from Vancouver, they picked us up and loaned us one company vehicle to pick up our supplies. Charts were current, boat was clean and in top condition. We will use them again.

Mali kullsi

Justin Pambrun

Our family had an amazing time chartering from Nanaimo Yacht Charters. Both Ian and Beth were professional, courteous, timely, throughout, kind and amazing to deal with. This was our first bareboat charter and our power boat "Scorpio" was meticulously clean, well documented and had more than everything we needed to enjoy the Gulf Islands. They made us feel at ease and were just a phone call away if we needed anything. I would highly recommend!

This was our first charter with Nanaimo Yacht Charter, and it was by far the best experience we've had on a sailboat. The company is focused on the details, which when added together makes for a fabulous experience from luxurious towels and linens to a nicely stocked galley (with foil, plastic wrap, high-quality coffee, creamer/sugar, variety of pots, dishes, cooking utensils, and more). Before we left, they provided a stack of charts and books, and when we returned, they'd moved our car in front of the dock so it was easy to unload. We appreciated their personal touch, ensuring we had everything we needed for a memorable week, sailing on the Sunshine Coast. At one marina, we meet another sailor who'd chartered from Nanaimo Yacht Charter for ten years. They also shared how the company provides first-class service and ensure their vessels are in top-shape for sailing or motoring.

Cedric Zala

Three of us chartered Serenity, a 30-foot Catalina, in September 2015, taking advantage of NYCSS's offer of ten days sailing for the price of seven. We were very happy with both the boat itself and the excellent service provided by NYCSS and would recommend them highly.

Christophe hancart

We rented a 33 ft sailboat in July for 2 weeks. Amazing ! The boat was in perfect condition and ready to sail. Beth and Ian have been giving us a lot of information before starting our trip and many guides and chart. The area is absolutely amazing for sailing ! My only regret...it was only 2 weeks !

Jonathon Watson

We chartered their Catalina 27 - Barakette. The boat was in great condition and ran very smoothly. The Staff of Nanaimo Yacht Charters made the whole chartering experience very easy and simple.

Duane Woolsey

This is a great company. We were kept informed at every step of the way. We were treated like family and all of our needs were met in a timely friendly manner. The boat "Skookum Chuck" was just what we expected and in great working order. We are chartering with them again in August and would recommend Naniamo Yacht Charters to anyone that is looking to discover British Columbia by boat.

michael keane

Ask for Andy… My wife and I just finished our IYT day skipper certification and were onboard with Andy Deotter for 4 days. The material is normally covered in 5 days but due to COVID and some constraining timelines Andy was able to certify us in 4 days… he kept a great pace of material and is hands down a great teacher and navigator. He explains the material well, is very calm and uses fun ways to help us understand the lesson. On top of that we also needed to bring our kids (5 & 9) and Andy was great with them too. We am hoping to move on to the Yachtmaster course next and will ask for Andy.

We absolutely loved our experience with Nanaimo Yacht Charters! A professional and caring staff who really went out of their way to ensure we had a wonderful trip. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting a great experience chartering a boat on the west coast of Canada.

Bernard Kowalski

While initial communication was very difficult, the rest of the experience was fantastic and smooth. As this was my first charter, I really appreciated all the preparatory material being offered online. The boat was very clean and tidy and all systems worked as expected. We did have a minor issue with the engine but this was the result of poor design rather than anything to do with the charter company. It was easily sorted and didn't cost us any time. Ian was very reasonable and a pleasure to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate at all to charter with this company again.

My wife and I chartered a Hunter 38, Never for Ever, from the NYC and sailed her at Sunshine Coast up to Princess Louisa inlet in September of 2018. Great experience from every perspective! The company is very well organized and all processes are thought-through. Attention to details and outstanding business ethics is what makes this company to stand out. Initial communication with Beth was clear and responses were quick and to the point. Ian met us at the ferry terminal. Orientation in Ian’s super-organized classroom was in-depth yet very friendly and without a hint of condensation from a very experienced sailor towards less experienced sailors. We were going to pass through Malibu Rapids on our way to Princess Louisa inlet, so Ian made sure that we understand how to calculate tide slack times. He also pointed out major hazards along the way and provided some recommendations to make our experience more enjoyable. All charts, guides, navigational tools were supplied in a special easy to carry bag. We were given an opportunity to use the company car to do our provisioning run. The boat was in great shape and well-maintained. Ian conducted a boat systems briefing. Docks team helped us to get out and helped us to dock on our way back. Beth scheduled an inspection by divers on the morning of our departure, so we knew that NYC has no outstanding issues with us. We were also asked to provide a very detailed feedback about our experience pertaining to all aspects of our charter. We would highly recommend the NYC to everyone.

Stefaan Pauwels

Best sailing trip ever, thanks to the professionalisme of Nanaimo Yacht Charters.

Shawn McGregor

Laurene Coleman

Enjoyed a week + sailing the southern Gulf Islands on Spirit of the Winds. A good boat for two people to handle. Went to some favorite spots and discovered some new ones. Great service from Nanaimo Yacht Charters, as always.

This summer we had a 9-day bareboat charter with Nanaimo Charters and it was a great experience. The staff was top notch and very helpful, and the sailboat was well-equipped and in great shape. We are planning to do it again either next your or the next, and they are our first choice.

Jas Menzies

We chartered Barakette (a Catalina 27) which was a perfect size for two people. Right from our first contact, with us in Australia, we found the experience positive. Communication and customer service was great. Barakette was in great condition, clean and made up as requested (and new sails). She's a great yacht to sail. On board accommodation and features make the experience a pleasure. The modern stereo enabled us to stream music from our phones while sitting back after a big day on the water with a glass of local(ish) wine. Nanaimo Yacht Charters is all about helping it's customers have a great experience. When we struck some trouble, they were supportive and provided an alternative solution to save us costs. This demonstrated a genuine commitment to it's customers, not just making money. We're already considering how we might come back again for the next charter!

Paul Ramsey

We bare-boat chartered a Beneteau 321 mid-summer and toured the southern Gulf Islands. The staff were all great, and boat was provided wonderfully clean and ready to sail. Check-out was very efficient, we could have easily left on our check-out day, but opted to early board this time. Glad there's still a company providing a few slightly older boats at reasonable rates, well kept and from a great mid-Island location.

Kim Armstrong

If you're looking for a great charter company near the Gulf Islands, Nanaimo Yacht Charters is the one. Great well-cared for sailboats. Responsive, superior service. Perfect location near the entrance to the islands but also near stores for provisioning. We chartered at the end of the summer when you expect the team to be a little jaded and tired. Not so here. We were really impressed with the experience from start to finish.

Stephanie Mathyssek

Thank you NYC for helping to make our dreams come true! We ticked a huge item off our Bucket List in July 2019. Stargazer, a beautiful Bavaria 43' was our home for 10 days. These are just a few of the squillions of photos! She was comfortable, clean, and very well appointed and maintained. A big thank you to Ian and his team. This was our first charter and we could not have been happier with the kind and courteous service. After a warm welcome we were briefed on the sailing area, received charts/books and plenty of tips to help us on our adventure. We were given a very thorough brief aboard Stargazer and our questions were answered professionally and respectfully. We have two teenage boys and this was the perfect family holiday. We will definitely be chartering again with Nanaimo Yacht Charters as we really felt that they wanted us to have the best experience possible. Thanks again! Stephanie, Marcus, Noah and Nicholas

Kevin Minkhorst

We charted Hartaro, a Beneteau Oceanis 45, for a week in late August. The boat was in excellent condition, well equipped and very clean. Ian and Shari from Nanaimo Yacht Charters were helpful, friendly and made sure everything was right for our trip. Our first experience chartering out west was great. We will be back.

Sheldon Brunt

6 of us took out Baraka last summer during a long weekend (2 nights on the boat) and had a fantastic time! The gulf islands are amazing, and the weather was great. Staff and owners seem to have been working with boats all over the world, and they were pleased to go above and beyond to make sure we knew where to go, and how to make the best of our time on their boat.

Peter Hennig

We have been with the Nanaimo Charter & Sailing School for all of our qualifications and charters. The team is fantastic, the instructors extremely competent and the fleet in excellent condition. Anyone who is looking for a charter or want's to get into sailing - go book with them!

Horrible customer service skills over the phone. Maybe the woman was having a bad morning but no reason to scare off a potential customer.

Gatsby Failliot

What a wonderful experience it has been! The class and the teacher were both amazing! Thank you very much for your service!

If you get the opportunity to sail with Ian, go for it. He is incredibly experienced and has many a sailing story to tell. The best adventure I had was going Around Vancouver Island with him which is 2 weeks of sailing. Learned a lot and he tested my skills... thank you Ian. Bill Boyce ISPA and ASA sailing Instructor

Colin Tougas

Great staff, accommodations were better than expected. The cleaning girls were also really cute ;)

Kathryn Grell

We chartered a bareboat in July and sailed it around the gulf islands. Great experience, well kept boat, clean and neat, plus highly professional and friendly charter service (thanks Lorraine and Ian). I have done lots of boating in the Baltic and Mediterranean and in comparison this experience was high end. Regards, Thomas

Eric Sinclair

In Aug of 2021 I booked my 3rd bareboat charter with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. They are great people to work with. They made every step of the charter easy. The only complaint on this trip was the boat itself which I was told was damaged by the previous charterer. A missing handrail at the companion way and an overflowing windlass. The boat performed beautifully though and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip. I would book with these folks yet again.

David Thomas

Over the past 5 years I’ve attended the sailing school twice and chartered boats three times. Each experience with NYC has been professional, organized, and enjoyable. Beth and Ian are wonderful to work with. They are warm, knowledgable, courteous, and encouraging. I particularly enjoyed living on a sailboat and receiving instruction for a week while attending the intermediate cruising course. Living on a boat for a week develops a strong appreciation for the maintenance that a boat requires. I greatly admire how NYC services and maintains their fleet. The systems and equipment of each vessel in the expansive fleet is continuously monitored and attended to. The sailing courses helped familiarize me with the Gulf Islands and made me comfortable eventually chartering for myself. NYC offers wonderful itinerary planning for boaters not familiar with Gulf Island, Sunshine Coast, and Desolation Sound areas. My recent charter into Princess Louisa Inlet on the Sunshine Coast will be a life’s highlight. I look forward to many years enjoying and exploring western Canada’s costal waters with Nanaimo Yacht Charters.

We hired a yacht for 9 days with Nanaimo Yacht Charters last week. The service they offer is excellent. The boats are well equipped and maintained to a higher standard than what I have seen on previous charters in the Mediterranean. The sailing instructor, John, was very helpful and provided us with lots of information, charts and cruising guides for the areas we planned on cruising. We had a great time and hope to make it back one day to check out Desolation Sound.

We had a great trip with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. The team were great, from initial inquiry to us returning the boat, and special thanks must go to Tracy and Bruno for helping make our trip run smoothly. The boat was really well maintained and the check in and out was nice and straightforward. We would have no hesitation recommending this charter base to all. Hopefully we are lucky enough to return!

Gordon Williamson

I recently chartered "Sommelier" and had a wonderful experience. Everything went very smoothly. I found the boat in excellent condition and the staff very helpful. I have chartered from several companies over the last few years in both the United States and Canada and found the staff at Nanaimo Yacht Charters to be the most professial that I have encountered. The orientation and checkout of the boat was very through. Having use of a vehicle while trying to provision was very useful and made the entire trip easier. I would definitely recommend the company and hope to charter from them again.

Scott Finley

beamreachingmarla

Great access to many sweet anchorages, islands, marine parks.

Sally Baydala

Chartered the 2014 - 45' Benneteau. It is a beautiful boat, sails very well and accommodated 6 of us comfortably. Nanaimo Yacht Charters is just superb, from picking us up at the airport, providing the boat orientation to delivering a new dingy engine when the old one had a problem. We would recommend this company to you!!

Flug Lehrer

Throughout August 2017 we did charter the sailing yacht "Kerkyra", an eleven years old Hanse 400. On the Mediterranean this boat would be a heap of floating hazardous waste. But Kerkyra is a marvelous boat in an immaculate shape, perfectly maintained and equipped with an owners manual that has never been seen. Kerkyra's equipment is high standard and she sails pretty good. The charter handling was friendly and uncomplicated. The sail briefing was perfectly customized and done by a friendly knowing person. I definitely do recommend Nanaimo Yacht Charters, its staff and "Kerkyra" Peter Schäuble, Switzerland

We were traveling along Sunshine Coast this year, and this was magnificent trip. Very nice and friendly stuff, we got lot of help both with trip planning and once we arrived. We already booked the boat for next year, coming for Desolation sound.

We just returned from our second charter with Nanaimo yacht charters. This was a last minute booking and they opened up a booking for our dates. Beth was on top of all our needs including having the charts already selected for our sailing agenda. "Sante" was a beautiful vessel and performed both under sail and power, Absolutely worry free and made our time away a true adventure with smiles all around Thank you again and look forward to our next adventure Ken and Wendy

Scott Dickson

Nanaimo Yacht Charters is an excellent, friendly and knowledgably charter agency. Boats are in good shape and well maintained. Conveniently located near the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound, two of the premier sailing areas anywhere. We have rented from boats from them 7 times spanning 10 years and will happily rent from them again.

Elizabeth Shannon

We had Desiderata for 10 days. Motored to False Creek from Nanaimo, anchored there for two nights, enjoying children & grandchild that live there. Sailed up into Howe Sound, back to False Creek, back to Gulf Islands & Nanaimo. The boat was amazingly easy to handle, was well taken care of & very comfortable for our three small families. Thank you for a wonderful adventure! Bunny Shannon & R. Clark Munro, Union Bay, BC

Marcy Cuthill

We chartered a Beneteau 33 in September from this great group of people. Everyone was knowledgeable, professional and very helpful! Very thankful for businesses like this one!

Rodney Wilts

Amazing experience - chartered a boat. Beth and Ian were first class. The boat was clean and in good repair. We had an amazing two week family vacation and can't wait to go back.

Chris Branson

We thoroughly researched our choices of charter companies when we were planning a Desolation Sound sailing vacation and we couldn’t be happier with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. We booked the Skookumchuck for a 10 day cruise in early June 2016. Lorraine is wonderful! Not only did she make all the arrangements and paperwork worry free, she even picked us up at the airport and drove us to the marina! How’s that for friendly service? Once at the marina, we were able to provision the boat using the courtesy car provided by the charter service… again, making it so convenient and easy for us. Ian walked us through the boats operational procedures and demonstrated all the systems with detailed, but easy to understand instruction. What struck us immediately was not only Ian’s knowledge but his warm friendliness. While briefing us on the systems, he made sure to answer all of our questions and made us feel very comfortable that we were in good hands. Taking good care of your clients: check. The boat was a dream. She was as clean as a whistle and handled beautifully. Immaculately maintained and cared for, it’s easy to see how quickly we got spoiled living aboard her for 10 days. The sails and rigging were in excellent working condition. Sometimes we sailed, sometimes we motored… but we always had fun getting there. The sights and sounds in between Nanaimo and Toba Inlet (that’s as far north as we went) are too beautiful to describe. There are few things in this world as relaxing as coffee in the morning, and wine in the evening… all from the cockpit of our floating home! Taking good care of your boats: check. Thank you sincerely, Lorraine, Ian, & staff. You all made our vacation one for the books! We will definitely be back next year for another cruise and will continue to recommend your charter service! You all went above and beyond with regards to service and have exceeded our expectations.

Island-dweller

We chartered the 43 Bavaria ( Stargazer ) for a week, Sailed 176 nautical miles through the gulf islands, with a crew of four. Boat is well equipped, in great shape and very clean. We sailed in up to 20 knots and she behaved really well getting close to 8 knots. Both Lorraine and Ian where a joy to deal with. I'm looking forward to chartering with them again!!!

We were in Canada for the very first time and were immediately absorbed by its fantastic scenery and completely taken with the extremely friendly and welcoming people. We definitely felt at ease from the very first minute, in particular also thanks to the staff at Nanaimo who were extremely efficient and welcoming. They clearly did anything in their power to help us settle in (ex. pick up in harbour, car at our disposal for shopping, coffee in the marina etc. etc.) Also the initial briefing about the ship and the area helped us a lot. We really got to love ,our, Skoocumchuck and had a truly memorable trip thanks to the whole Nanaimo Yacht Charterer's team.

We recently chartered Baraka Too a 40 Ft beneteau from NYC . Beth Ian and the team were all great people to deal with and we had a awesome time sailing the gulf islands. The boat was clean, well maintained and trouble free. Thank you Naniamo Yacht Charters

My brother, two sisters and I had a wonderful 7-day trip on a Nanaimo Yacht Charters 50 foot yacht. Although we had no previous sailing experience, we were none-the-less thrilled to be part of this most incredible adventure. Despite inclement weather, we enjoyed the experience, in part by a most comfortable well cared for yacht, and in part by the positive, most professional skipper who skillfully took us through some of the most spectacular scenery I’ve had occasion to see. If you want an amazing holiday, the friendly, knowledgeable “Nanaimo Yacht Charters” staff will ensure that you’ll have an adventure to remember.

Paul Ruffell

Five of us took a bareboat charter with "Enchanted" from Nanaimo Yacht Charters for a week in June 2018. From start to finish, it was a professional and pleasant experience. Ian and Beth were obviously knowledgable and experienced and this gave us the comfort that everything would be taken care of. The crew on the dock also went out of their way to help us get aboard quickly. Like others who have posted on this site, we have chartered in the past from another charter company on the Island and have to say this experience was better.

John St Germain

Had a wonderful week on Ocean Pearl- vessel was clean and functioned perfectly. There were minor glitches due to my lack of familiarity with the vessel and they were quickly resolved by a text or call to Ian. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. Will be renting the vessel again next year. A great company!

Crystal Seatter

Recently we chartered with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. Beth, Ian and the team were beyond helpful in organizing everything from our arrival off the ferry to reviewing the boat and ensuring we had everything we needed for our week on the water. Their fleet is in great condition and the selection of boats to choose from is also wonderful. We look forward to booking our next vacation with them again

Ross Kennedy

From the moment we arrived to pre-board Nuestro Casa , the 33 ft sailboat we chartered, we were taken through the process in a very friendly and supportive manner. The boat is well equipped and a good light wind sailer. We fully intend to charter here again in seasons to come. Ross and Jan K Victoria

Nicholas Croft

Our first charter experience, and Nanaimo Yacht Charters far exceeded our expectations. We Chartered Desiderata the Catalina 36, and right from the beginning our experience was top notch. The staff were all friendly, the briefing was thorough, and the boat was meticulous. Nanaimo Yacht charters praises itself on top quality maintenance, and I can attest the boat was spotless, and she worked like a charm for our week. I would highly recommend the Catalina 36 for a family of 4 in the Southern Gulf Islands, with ample room for storage and stable platform in all wind conditions. I will definitely re-book for next summer as soon as I know my schedule. Thank you Nanaimo Yacht charters for making my vacation one of the best yet.

cameron walker

I have chartered from many of the local yacht charter companies and Nanaimo Yacht Charters was terrific! They were very organized with pre-boarding details and providing the briefing details by video, so lots of time is not wasted before departing. They were very responsive to all issues and helpful in providing guidance and advice on planning etc.

Leonard Legault

Tracy, Ian, and crew and of course our instructor Phil Foster made our Day Skipper Cruise and Learn in August an outstanding experience. From finding an excellent replacement Skipper at the last moment to stocking our galley with wonderful food and even giving us great weather too! We highly recommend Nanaimo Yacht Charters and Sailing School to anyone considering a charter or improving their boating skills.

Trevor Pacholok

Tracy was great to work with in arranging a private sailing week for our two couples. Boats all looked to be well maintained and as described; we took advantage to jump on a couple others to look at for our next possible trip. We sailed with Captain Mike, who provided great instruction then allowed each of us to sail the boat. Would highly recommend both Nanaimo Yacht Charters and having Captain Mike to anyone interested in learning how to sail or just taking a week vacation.

Adam Cywinski

Greatest private sailing course experience ever! First, the sailing is incredible. I can't think of more picturesque waters where you get first hand experience with tides, currents, anchoring and avoiding crab traps! The NYCSS staff were amazing to work with and extremely responsive, and committed to meeting our unique objectives. The boat was awesome. Very comfortable, clean, well maintained and a dream to sail. We cannot say enough about our instructor. He was experienced, patient, a great instructor and most importantly wonderful company! He showed us many of his favorite places to sail and experience on land.

Paul Mitchell

This is a quality outfit. Our boat was well maintained, nicely equipped and super clean. They provided tons of information about the cruising area and the boat we chartered. I definitely would recommend them as a top charter outfit.

Craig Bosenberg

Our family chartered “Never for ever” out of NYC. We were very happy with every aspect of the charter. Despite the challenges presented by COVID, everything went very smoothly. The yacht was in great shape with all the necessary equipment for 2 weeks safely sailing and staying in anchorages around desolation sound. Having chartered around the world, we would place Nanaimo Yacht Charters amongst the best charter companies. Thanks for a great vacation.

David Schutte

We chartered a well maintained and clean Jeanneau 38 - sailed up to Desolation Sound and had an amazing experience enjoying the natural beauty of Canada's coastline. Nanaimo Yacht Charters provided excellent service - we highly recommend this charter company!

Overall a very good experience. They handled the covid related rescheduling efficiently and quickly. The videos of the boat equipment are a helpful resource once underway. Ian is very helpful on the dock when there are questions. The boat was overall in good condition but is showing its age a little.

Margot Delport

Nanaimo Yacht Charters did an exceptional job throughout our charter. The communication was consistent leading up to it, they did an excellent job briefing us before we set off, and all in all there were no surprises. We only wish it could have been longer (1 week is not enough!)

It was our first charter outside of Europe and it was a great experience. From the first contact via the home page, the charter and preparation documents, the pick up at the ferry, the briefing session with a lot of helpful hints, the well maintained boat til the checkout procedure an exceptional good service. Many thanks and our compliment to the whole team for the outstanding performance. Not directly to be influenced by Nanaimo Yacht Charters but nevertheless important too: BC and especially the Gulf Islands are a beautiful area for sailing vacations. Therefore we give a 100% recommendation to book your sailing vacation with Nanaimo Yacht Charters.

Victor Karpenko

We chartered a saiboat Kala Kala 33 for trip to PLI. June 16- 26, 2016. This is our 2 nd charter with Nanaimo Yact Charter. Lovely staff, very experienced and professional . The sailboat was clean & well maintained , no issues. We had a great time! Will charter again!

Scott Armstrong

Our 2nd charter trip with Nanaimo Yacht Charters just came to an end. Great experience from start to finish. The briefing was detailed and thorough. Boat was very clean and in great condition. We had a minor issue with the head but that's to be expected. Office staff are very helpful and responsive. Can't say enough positive things about this operation! The Gulf Islands are absolutely lovely. We did Desolation Sound a few years back. It's beautiful too but there is zero wind up there (runs west/east) so limited sailing... and there are not many places to get off the boat. The Gulf Islands have everything - great sailing (runs north/south), wonderful bays with warm water for swimming, resorts with tennis courts, golf courses, Ganges with it's Saturday market and great restaurants (House Picollo is the best). If these things sound interesting, book with Nanaimo Yacht Charters. You won't regret it!

MARK THOMAS

Nanaimo Yacht Charters (Lorraine et al) did an amazing job organizing our first Cruise & Learn experience on Sun Dance, from start to finish a professional, efficient and friendly approach, with excellent staff. Lorraine coordinated the whole process from arranging the charter, setting up the VHF marine certification exam to obtaining the ISPA manuals. Sun Dance is an older, very well maintained and spotlessly clean power yacht that I would love to cruise in again. ISPA Skipper/Instructor Dave was very professional, extremely knowledgeable, courteous and friendly; and an excellent teacher that pushed just enough!

My girlfriend and I chartered the yacht 'Sommelier' from Nanaimo Yacht Charters for a week's sailing in the Gulf Islands and were hugely impressed with them throughout. We had great communication with Beth prior to the charter who always responded promptly and was helpful with information about the boats available and the surrounding sailing area. She also made sure Olivia was there to meet us at the airport and let us use the courtesy car for a supplies run to the supermarket before we left. Nanaimo Yacht Charters also supplied all the charts and navigation equipment needed. The boat itself was in top condition. Although a fairly old boat, it has clearly been well looked after and also updated with top of the range GPS and electronics; Sommelier was a delight to sail and ideal for cruising around the Gulf Islands. There were many highlights but I'd absolutely recommend visiting the Sea Star vineyard on North Pender Island for a wine tasting and spending your last night at the Dinghy Dock Pub on nearby Protection Island if you're in the area. The hand back was also totally painless, with Nanaimo Yacht Charters making sure my girlfriend and I made it to the airport in time for our flight. Overall a great experience; I'd highly recommend Nanaimo Yacht Charters to anyone and will hopefully charter from them myself in the future.

Susie Boissier

The two of us chartered a sailing boat from Nanaimo Yacht Charters in August 2016 and sailed down into the Gulf Islands for 2 weeks - in blazing sunshine. As a cruising ground, this is just fabulous. The scenery is beautiful, with hillsides shrouded in trees, craggy headlands and a backdrop of snow-covered mountains. The water conditions are calm and manageable, even when the wind is blowing outside in the Georgia Strait. The boat was in excellent condition; it was well maintained and equipped, reliable and comfortable. But the thing that makes Nanaimo Yacht Charters stand out from many other companies that we have used is the customer service, which it just outstanding. From the time you book, through to the courtesy car to allow you to shop for provisions, the comprehensive briefing before you set off, the easy return alongside and the help in getting you to the next destination. Every possible assistance, and always with a smile and a willingness to make your holiday special. Thank you all; we had a fabulous, relaxing and unforgettable holiday with you, and we have returned with very special memories of a wonderful place. It was great!

Claire Smith

Shari and Ian really looked after us on our fabulous yacht charter. We really enjoyed visiting Secret Cove and Princess Louisa Inlet. The holiday was a great adventure and we're looking forward to booking with friends again next year.

Nautical Man14

I have chartered and instructed with NYC a number of years now and have also been impressed by the attention to detail and the interest that Shari, Ian, Lorraine and Beth have shown, as well as the rest of the NYC team. The boats, amenities and support is always first rate - no where else that I would go to. Kurt Wege

I recently chartered Kerkyra from Nanaimo Yacht Charters. It was a great decision all around. NYCSS is a great company that really cares for its clients. Everybody from management to staff went out of their way to make sure our trip was a success. I recommend them for anybody that is looking for a quality organization. This was my third experience and I am looking forward to another trip next year!

Grant Dewar

We have been chartering for over 23 years with another Charter Company and 3 years ago we decided to change our Sidney venue and charter company. This will be our third year chartering with Nanaimo Yacht Charters...and, compared to what we were used to, Nanaimo Yacht Charter Service has proven to be above and beyond EXCELLENCE... Our charter boat, Hartaro, offers a formidable sailing platform. At home just gunk-holing, or giving speed freaking performance in 30+Kn winds. Ian and Sherry are fastidious in their approach to their clients and it shows in their well maintained sailing fleet.. Nanaimo Yacht Charters ..the "Best of The Best"

Having chartered in many places around the world, Nanaimo Yacht Charter come top of the list for a thoroughly professional service from start to finish. From the pre-charter administration, to the briefing and the presentation of the yacht, their service was excellent. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone wanting to charter in this stunning sailing area.

Les Falloon

We were two couples that chartered the Meridian 38 ft power boat named Blue Skies for nine days in July-August 2015. We had a very positive experience. Lorraine and Ian were ready for us when we arrived. We got an immediate briefing and boat orientation. The boat was well equipped, from quality bed linen, to wine glasses, to cleaning supplies. The boat was modern and all the equipment worked like new. It's nice to have a fridge and freezer that work properly. I was also very pleased with the modern GPS navigation system with integrated electronic chart. The boat's layout with one stateroom forward and the other stateroom aft, each with its own heads (washroom) was perfect for two couples. When cruising on both engines at 10 knots, the fuel consumption was about $50. per hour. I was able to get down to about $25. per hour when I cruised at 7 kts. The boat was capable of doing 18 kts, but we were on vacation and in no hurry. We cruised the south Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands and anchored every night. A large choice of excellent anchorages are available. We had no Customs difficulty as Canadian citizens taking the Canadian registered boat into U.S. waters. The staff of the charter company are very professional and the boat operated very reliably. I will definitely charter through this company again.

Chris Cheeseman

Six of us chartered a 50' Beneteau for 10 days and had a wonderful experience. The staff are all highly professional and ensure that the vessel has everything you need. Problems are dealt with rapidly and with no fuss. They have a great fleet of boats and are hoping to add more. We would recommend this company to anyone considering chartering in the BC, Gulf Islands and beyond.

John Bledsoe

We had a super experience with the sailboat we chartered from Nanaimo Yacht Charters. Service provided from Beth, Shari and Ian was great and the sailing environment in September from Nanaimo to Desolation Sound was fabulous.

Business Hours of Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School in Nanaimo

8am to 4:30pm, phone & webpage, nanaimo yacht charters & sailing school en nanaimo.

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From the School:

For more than 30 years, Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School has taught sailors and power boaters from around the world. Located at the head of the Gulf Islands, our students begin their practical education from the moment they leave the docks. From Crew to Offshore and Ocean sailing – our students visit the best gunkholes in the Gulf Islands, train to become Advanced Coastal Skippers and circumnavigate Vancouver Island. We specialize in providing mentorship and memories that last a lifetime while teaching our students in some of the world’s most challenging waters.

Whether you are stepping onto a boat for the first time, seeking to buy a boat or charter abroad, or wish to cross oceans, Nanaimo Yacht Charters & Sailing School can get you there.

International sailors are welcome! Contact us today!

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