Explore Cape Breton with Sailing CBI yacht charters
If you enjoy sailing the Great Lakes, you will love a visit to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and cruising around the scenic Bras d’Or Lake, experiencing some down-east hospitality that is a specialty of Sailing CBI yacht charters.
The firm, owned and managed by sailor Paul Jamieson and his daughter, Tracy, offer either bareboat or skippered charters aboard Cape Bretoner I, their spacious, three-cabin, 42 ft. Alpha luxury catamaran. The boat has a huge galley and back deck for relaxing.
It’s the only catamaran charter operation in Atlantic Canada. And it’s the only service of its kind on Canada’s largest inland saltwater sea.
For those who want a taste of the area, there are day sail and corporate cruise options, while more seasoned sailors can spend a week or longer onboard, exploring the 790 miles (1,250km) of shoreline on Bras d’Or Lake, an inland sea with warm water and safe sailing in prevailing winds of 15-20 knots from the southwest, with no fog or ocean swells.
There’s lots to see and do on a charter with Sailing CBI. Tuck into one of the many bays and anchor for the night for a barbecue and a swim, or go for a hike and visit a small town to experience world-famous lobster or seafood chowder. Many community bars and restaurants feature live, local entertainment.
For sport fanatics, there is a three-day golf-and-sail package, or those with wanderlust can mix it up a little with time on the water and on land to drive the beautiful Cabot Trail that snakes around the Cape Breton shoreline.
Explore the quaint town of Baddeck with its boutique shopping, seafood eateries and the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Or relax and just walk the shoreline, with the sailboat safely moored in the harbour.
Those with sailboats can visit Cape Breton on their own but it takes about three weeks to arrive by boat. It’s easy — especially for those with a time crunch — to fly directly from Toronto or Montreal and charter with Sailing CBI. The charter boat will be ready when you are.
Jamieson has more than 40 years of boating experience and also sails a 33 ft. C&C sailboat that he keeps at the Bras d’Or Yacht Club in Baddeck. He’s been a board member of the club a few times over the years, has been on the board of Cruise Cape Breton for three years, and is the founding member of Sailing Bras d’Or Lakes Cruising Association. He helped host the Canadian Hobie Catamaran championships in 1987 and again in 1991, attracting upwards of 94 boats from all over North America.
Paul’s daughter, Tracy, grew up on the Bras d’Or Lakes, sailing the family’s Hobie Cat and later crewed on larger boats. She works in the local tourism and hospitality industry.
They are the perfect hosts, and can show you all the beauty that is found on Canada’s eastern coast of Nova Scotia.
“Sailing CBI (Cape Breton Island) provides you with an opportunity to take advantage and enjoy the ultimate sailing vacation on the only catamaran charter in Atlantic Canada,” says Jamieson, on the firm’s website.
“Providing you with the sailing adventure of your dreams is our ultimate goal – we make every effort to help you plan your trip to exceed your expectations.
“Our staff has extensive experience sailing the Bras d’Or Lake and we are happy to share with you the best kept secrets of Canada’s largest inland saltwater sea,” says Jamieson.
“We believe that a true sailing adventure cannot be purchased in a pre-planned package. Our recommended routes are meant to provide a starting point to your own unique experience – one designed for what you and your party value.
“Whether it’s a golf and sailing vacation, a week of pure sailing, or an experience that truly captures Cape Breton’s spirit, culinary flavour, scenery and people – Sailing CBI yacht charters wants to customize the yachting experience of your life.”
For more information, visit www.sailingcbi.com or call 902-567-1494.