We saw the video for the HYSUCAT and it reminds us of our most impressive boat test drive EVER. A few Cooper crew members took off (literally) in Annapolis, MD and flew around the Chesapeake with Ian Stopforth and Dave Beavis from Voyage Charters of Annapolis and BVI's and we were stunned by the stability and performance of this flying catamaran. Ian also manages STEALTH YACHTS, builders of these amazing craft.
Riding on some carefully engineered foils sitting between two hyper-efficient hulls, the cat rises up and allows the surface piercing propellers to work their magic. Here we were driving around in this beautiful condominium, passing some very sleek boats that just aren't used to being passed. This boat/plane... whatever you would call it... is the most amazing ride and it corners 'like it is on rails'. Wake jumping... not really, the boat blew through some boat wake from some large boats and it was barely noticeable.
Amazing technology and it is now available to be licensed for construction right here in BC. Contact Colin to learn more! Oh, and don't forget that Cooper is happy to help you arrange all details of your BVI experience as well. Contact Marla for more information - she just got back from checking out all the favourite sites down there!
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Details of the Easter Flotilla are now available and we thought it a great chance to let you know a few different ways to have fun on the water in flotillas here in BC.
7 WAYS TO JOIN A FLOTILLA:
CHARTER – Charter a boat from Cooper Boating and join the flotilla with your own family and friends. Contact Dawn to pick your boat.
COURSE – Some of Cooper Boating’s on the water courses hook up with the flotillas. Amber can hook you up.
JIB SET – JIB SET is everyone’s sailing club and while the membership’s normal sailboats are under 30 feet, many JIBSETTERS get together on the flotillas.
CRUISING CLUB – Cruising Club members at Cooper Boating are the frequent flyers in the charter game and many hook up on flotillas.
ADVENTURE SAILING CLUB – The ADVENTURE SAILING CLUB OF BC is a not-for-profit association that helps assemble crews. Check out the club’s web site or some of its adventures so far on You Tube!
FIND A FRIEND WITH A BOAT - Maybe you know someone that doesn't get out often enough. Maybe a flotilla is the answer. If you don't have friends, see the above options!
BUY A BOAT – Okay, maybe you already have a boat. Flotillas are open to anyone that wants to join. If you don’t own a boat yet, BRUCE FELGATE happens to be a flotilla skipper who is also a yacht broker.
Here's a shot of folks heading off to the abandoned quarry at Newcastle Island on a previous Easter flotilla:
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Well, it's certainly heating up here - a bunch of people seem really excited with this torch running by the office. Check out the video bottom left side of our web site
Not sure if it is more exciting than the America's Cup on now in Valencia - but certainly exciting for some.
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The Smiles of Success - Congratulations to all the hard working candidates who have successfully completed January’s CYA Basic Cruising Instructor’s Course. At times the work was grueling and quite intense but all would agree that the results where well worth the effort. I would like to thank all the candidates for this hard work and wish them all the best in their teaching careers. Also the course would not have been the success it was if not for the able assistance of Bob Davis and Nigel Clarke.
Submitted by David West - CYA Instructor Evaluator and Cooper Boating Head Instructor
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The first of two Dufour 425's arrived very, very early this morning at Granville Island. Arista is destined for the Vancouver charter fleet and features some of the coolest items we've yet offered in the charter fleet. In addition to a propellor that looks more like of a work of art than a working piece of equipment, Arista is the first boat we've ever offered with a retractable bow thruster - that's right, a bow thruster that sucks itself back up into the hull to make an incredibly easy boat to dock with no sacrifice to sailing performance.
Being that Granville Island is not always the easiest place to dock, we're sure this feature will be a hit! Book today to avoid disappointment.
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David West will be easing into the cruising lifestyle effective February 17th, 2010.
David’s areas of expertise will not disappear completely as he will continue to work with Cooper Boating on a project basis as an instructor and consulting mechanic.
It is anticipated that his unique presence in the boat yard and the classroom will be welcomed for years to come.
Thank you David for your dedicated service as Operations Manager.
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Subject: Oh what a difference a year makes!(Posted on Jan 3, 2010 at 05:58PM)
Tags: sailing charter, 2010
As 2009 drew to a close, a lot of folks here could not help but notice the dramatic difference between the end of 2008 and 2009. A year ago, we wondered if the docks could continue to float under massive snow loads.
Some of us were housebound - others of us planned to move back to the prairies where less shovelling is required and snowblowers are readily available and cool to own.
Remember the favourite saying for weather in BC - if you don't like the weather, wait an hour. In this case the general trend is great year over year in that we all get to enjoy some very pleasant time on the water. For amusement, take a look at shots of the same boat a year apart:
No wonder we're seeing more folks here... hope to see you soon!
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Well, at least that is what it looked like from the helm position of Stray Cat last night at 2020hrs off Quayside Marina in Yaletown. Calvin Cheung chartered the Lagoon 380 for a private cruise to join the Carol Ships off of Stanley Park and around and through False Creek.
This surprise cruise for Beverly Chan started as we navigated the docks to the boat at Granville Island's Maritime Market where Stray Cat sat warmed up and waiting. We actually got off the dock a little ahead of schedule, allowing some time to get all the way around to near the Lion's Gate Bridge to find other vessels taking place in the parade of Carol Ships. In fact, with the concept of lead, follow or get out of the way, we ended up with the carol ships lining up behind us and had the opportunity to get into False Creek with all the other boats seemingly in tow!
As some of the parade headed under the Cambie Street Bridge, we pulled away - next to the promenade of Yaletown's Quayside Marina. Now, we couldn't get under that bridge if we wanted to, but spinning around and holding station gave a great backdrop of the bridge and the various Carol Ships either continuing under the bridge or turned immediately in front of us.
Now, I felt sort of like a one person cheering section back at the helm as the couple gathered forward and to starboard on the vessel. Thankfully, it is pretty impossible to hear anything from back there, but I can tell you that chivalry is most certainly not dead. Calvin came to his knee at one point and if the bouquet of flowers were any bigger, we would have had to get a cargo manifest to have it aboard! Body language and a happy couple getting off the boat some time later indicated that by all accounts, the trip was a success.
Our own version of the Love Boat - from 1977 to 1986 Captain Steubing took the Pacific Princess to tropical ports of call and, apart from a bit of a chill in the air and an urgent need for a little hot cocoa, those stories had nothing over the warmth of last night as these two enjoyed their own private cruise at the lead of the parade of Carol Ships.
A winter Love Boat story right here in False Creek. It's now permanently recorded in Stray Cat's log and the happy couple can visit the Quayside Marina anytime they like to be right where it occurred. Our whole crew (more of the cheering sections) We love being part of the special times in people's lives!
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It's ready - the 2010 sailing school course lineup is ready - both in print and online. Contact our office and we'll be happy to mail you a copy to browse as you recover from holiday indulgences and plan lots of fun on the water in the happiest of new years.
We have devoted the beginning of this year's publication to providing a new overview of various programs and how they all fit together. For those you meet at this special time of year that have always wanted to start sailing, there is also a section about "Brand New to Sailing." It's great to introduce people to this activity and that's what this new part of the publication is all about.
For those who've started and want to continue with our course lineup, you will also find trusted favourites and some interesting new programs. The power boat courses are on-line and we'll follow up with that material next year in print for those so inclined.
The office is open daily except for the afternoon of the 24th and 31st along with the entire day on December 25, 26 and January 1. As you plan for some great times on the water in 2010, we're here to get you there!
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Subject: Getting out of town - Cooper tropical destination assistance(Posted on Dec 20, 2009 at 04:05PM)
We've got some great tips for dealing with the off season experiences on the water, but for some, the best tip is how to get out of town completely. Our crew has been around the globe experiencing the Whitsundays in Australia, the British Virgin Islands (even have our favourite - Cooper Island!) and we've even had dock staff who've worked in Croatia and instructors who worked in Greece. Looking at the whole world and selecting the best destination circles back to someone that can relate the experience you want to the one's you've already had here in BC waters - and our Cooper crew are here year round and eager to help you book and plan something that fits.
Whether it's Marla comparing the strong winds of Antigua to the protected waters of Croatia or Dawn explaining provisioning tips in Nanny Cay - having worked there one winter - you're sure to get the insider tips you need to have a great time anywhere outside of BC. Contact the crew today!
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Subject: Easy to shop for(Posted on Dec 13, 2009 at 08:32AM)
The gift that's great to share is a gift certificate from Cooper Boating. Available for any program or denomination, Cooper Boating gift certificates can be obtained through our office - open daily through Christmas Eve at noon. If you are unable to come by, we can arrange your certificate by phone and send you a certificate by e-mail to print for your favourite boater. When people ask what you want, don't forget that time on the water is truly priceless! Go to Cooper Boating for great course selection.
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Subject: Conny Strub moves on to outfitting(Posted on Dec 6, 2009 at 10:15PM)
Tags: Strub, clothing
After quite a few years working closely with our Eurpoean clientele, Conny Strub - our master of many languages and passionate world competitor - has moved on from Cooper Boating. But she has not not moved far. Conny is in the same building - in fact, if you travel from our current Granville Island location back towards our old location, you'll pass Conny's new store. Strub Outdoor and Marine is well suited to keep you warm and dry as you enjoy off season boating.
As one of our sailors puts it: "there's no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing". Conny couldn't put it better herself!
We wish her well with this exciting new pursuit. Drop by Granville Island soon to see both the Strub store and Cooper!
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Subject: New Dufour 425 Halo sails fast and apparently books fast too!(Posted on Nov 24, 2009 at 11:58AM)
Tags: sailing charter, Sidney, Halo
The latest addition to the Cooper sailing charter fleet is Halo, a new Dufour 425 with a 3 cabin layout and sleek up-to-date styling. Since announcing this addition to the fleet, 3 key sailing times have vanished. So, not only is this boat quick to sail, she's quick to book - so act soon to take advantage of some key times still available in 2010.
Visit Halo at our website and contact us today!
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We're delighted to announce the addition of a loaded Bayliner 3388 for the Sidney fleet. This boat is arriving shortly and we would be delighted to book your spectacular summer holiday from the picturesque Port Sidney Marina. Contact Dawn at our Sidney office for more details on this great boat.
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It’s the time of year to treat yourself to the boating course or clinic that you’ve had on your need to do list.  Cooper Boating is the number one, full facility CYA training school in Canada. We offer a complete range of courses that certify our students from Basic Cruising to Offshore Cruising levels in both Power and Sail. With these certifications you can bare boat charter locally in the in the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound, San Juan’s and in warmer seas such as the Caribbean and Mediterranean. While you are booking your spot, why not treat your favorite mate or skipper to a boating course that they really, really want to have under the tree for Christmas. Don’t forget about our one day clinics (VHF, GPS) that make great stocking stuffers. Give us a call for special pricing up to 15% off... before it expires on Christmas Eve! As with all great offers we do have some course exceptions. We are looking forward to hearing from you today!
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2010 Olympic Accommodations on beautiful Granville Island!
We have the accommodations you need right in the heart of the city of Vancouver! From luxury Yachts to smaller multicabin sailboats, we have over 15 yachts to choose from to suit your needs. Our yachts are booking up quickly so call today to avoid disappointment! Since we are located on Granville Island in the heart of Vancouver, you will have easy access to and from the Vancouver International Airport and most of the Olympic venues including Canada Hockey Place (GM Place), Pacific Coliseum, Cypress Mountain, Richmond Oval, Hillcrest/Nat Bailey and the UBC Winter Sports Centre. All of the yachts will have heating, 120 volt electrical supply, full galleys, linens, towels and 24 hour access. Give us a call to book your accommodations today and ensure you have a Spectacular stay during the 2010 Games in Vancouver at 1-888-999-6419 or 604 687 4110 Please note that not all yachts may be available, minimum booking 7 nights, special rates apply.
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We are pleased to announce that Cooper Boating has a new home in Sidney. The beautiful PORT SIDNEY  MARINA is a world class facility at the heart of town with easy access to restaurants,
shops, hotels, a spa and the magic of Sidney by the Sea. Our facilities include
a meet & greet office in the floating marina office as you enter the
facility at 9835 Seaport Place (second floor above the entrance - by the ship's
wheel) and a shop at the far end of the marina. We look forward to serving you
from this spectacular location.
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Subject: Location Based Galleries Track Cooper Locations(Posted on Nov 5, 2009 at 01:56PM)
We've created a Google infused gallery pinpointing our Cooper Boating locations - Vancouver on Granville  Island, Sidney on Vancouver Island and Powell River on the Sunshine Coast.
We are pretty excited about these location based galleries. We will be able to load images real time with descriptions of activities, even links to more details. Interested parties can publish our posts on their own web sites or blogs simply by grabbing our widget code, or they can be notified by email or SMS each time we make an update.
We've also added collaboration tools allowing members to comment and share their own experiences with their peeps.
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Subject: Orca Video(Posted on Nov 4, 2009 at 02:33PM)
We've loaded our video of a pod of Orcas in active pass. Something we take for granted here on the west coast.
Even though the sight is common, we are still always in awe of the power and beauty of nature.
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This boat comes with a warning - get support for your neck. Why? Because she's sure to turn heads.
Following up on the success of Maverick and Sainte Reine II in the fleet, Halo is the latest addition from this French yard and the boat has very aggressive styling and fantastic sailing characteristics. Unlike the other two, Halo is offered in our Sidney location.
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