Our Boat – the Ocean Light II
Many of our guests feel that our floating “base camp” and primary mode of transportation – the beautiful Ocean Light II sailboat – is one of the main highlights of the time they spend with us. Here’s a little about the history and description of her.
History
The Ocean Light II was built in 1971 at Southern Ocean Shipyards in Poole, England to the highest standards of Lloyd’s Register of Shipping. She has chartered in the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe and has 13 Atlantic crossings to her credit. Ocean Light II Adventures bought the boat in 1997 in the Caribbean and sailed her to Vancouver via the Panama Canal. Since arriving in Vancouver she has been completely rebuilt both inside and out. Each year we upgrade both the inside and outside. The Ocean Light II was completely repainted in 2019, so she is now has a protective, shiny coat and looks great.
A Magnificent Charter Boat
The Ocean Light II is a beautifully appointed 71’ ketch-rigged sailboat. She is simply-made, fast and extremely seaworthy. She is a very heavy, stable boat that handles well in all conditions. Her generous deck space and large centre cockpit make it comfortable when outside. On our trips on the BC Coast we sail whenever conditions are favourable, however our focus is more on the places we visit than on sailing. The boat is used as the vehicle to get us to those places and as base camp once we arrive. There is no prerequisite for any sailing experience on our trips.
Because of her comfortable and spacious interior, the Ocean Light II is a wonderful coastal charter vessel. The five guest cabins accommodate up to 10 people and are separate from the rest of the yacht. There are 2 heads (toilets), a shower, and a roomy galley where tasty, nutritious meals are prepared. The large main cabin becomes the common area where all meals are eaten and where everyone can sit comfortably and feel part of the group. The boat is equipped with a diesel furnace which moves warm, dry air into all the cabins. The engine room doubles as a drying room where any wet gear may be dried.
In addition to her comfort and performance, the Ocean Light II has all the extras expected of a top-notch BC Coast charter boat: a 19-foot hard-bottom inflatable with 50 HP 4-stroke engine, spare 15 hp 4-stroke engine, nine kayaks, 120-volt power, video monitor, diesel furnace, reverse-osmosis salt water desalination system, and an extensive library. She is equipped with up-to-date safety and navigation equipment including GPS, radar, electronic charts, AIS, autopilot, satellite phone, VHF radios and depth sounders. The Ocean Light II exceeds all safety requirements of the Canadian Coast Guard and Transport Canada and she is carefully maintained and continually updated.
On the Ocean Light II you will experience all the comforts of home as you explore the wilderness of the BC Coast.
