Sailing in Cape Breton
For 15 years I have sailed the inland sea
known as the Bras d'Or Lakes. This expanse of sailing delight rivals any
sailing area in the world. July and August will offer you warm waters for
swimming, countless quiet and safe anchorages, warm sunny days and
guaranteed afternoon winds.
I now make my home port in Sidney British Columbia where I keep my 30' sloop "Wildfire" at the ready to enjoy the year round challenges of the gulf islands.
I will keep these pages filled with memories of my sailing on the lakes live for all to enjoy. Maybe it will encourage some of you to come and see for yourselves the clean unspoiled beauty of this majestic part of the world.
Spend 8 hours sailing from Baddeck to St Peters or Dundee one day or just take small hops between the countless safe harbours described in the Cape Breton Cruising Guide. You will slip by the Alexander Graham Bell Estate and see his summer home and grave site from the water. You will go under the new lift bridge at Iona, then pass the white gypsum cliffs on the way to Marble Mountain. From there, winding through the islands you will make our way to Dundee. If you choose St Peters, you will cross the big lake and wind your way through St Peter's Inlet in the glow of the setting sun. After a full day of sailing adventures you can spend the night at the beautiful Dundee Resort or a hotel in St Peters. Or you can stay on board your yacht in the comfort of the marina.
You will see cormorants and other sea birds and may even be fortunate enough to spot one of the many Bald Eagles nesting along the shores. You may experience changes in weather, calm seas, warm sunshine, pouring rain, strong winds, whitecaps and fiery sunsets. You will see the Island of Cape Breton the way it was meant to be seen... ...from the water.
Bring your bathing suit, sunscreen, windbreaker, rain jacket, and a few layers of clothing that you can peel off if it gets too warm. Remember its always a few degrees cooler on the water. Good quality sneakers or deck shoes are also important. No sandals or bare feet. Sunglasses and a hat are recommended.
Pack a hefty lunch as you will get hungry. You will not be able to
purchase anything until you arrive at a marina or resort. There are lots of fine
restaurants in Baddeck and St. Peters. The Dundee resort also serves excellent meals in their
dining room.
A Golden Adventure
awaits you on the
Island of Cape Breton.
