Our 2 boats are located at the AYLMER MARINA (CVGR), Deschênes Lake and the Ottawa River:

As of summer 2007, NIKA and NAMASTAR are the two boats we will be using to offer our programs from the Aylmer marina. We've also included pictures of boats we charter in Georgian Bay during our live aboard programs. Finally, you'll find pictures of the fleet the GBSC purchased and chartered throughout the years and used mainly in Georgian Bay.

Caution: Some pictures depicting our boats and the different sceneries that are part of the sailing experiences we offer, may give you the idea of registering for at least one of the programs we offer.

Note: For more information on the history of our Centre, please click on Origins of the Centre.

NIKA, a Catalina 250

This new 25-foot long keel boat is ideal to teach beginners as well as more advanced sailors. Its simplicity allows the student to learn how to trim the the sails, control the outboard engine, and the tiller. Thanks to its dimension, the boat's response to sail trim or tiller movements is much more measurable than on a bigger boat.

It helps students appreciate the consequences of their actions. It's cockpit can accomodate up to 8 people at the same time. The size of the cabin will allow at least 5 members to sleep aboard comfortably and experience overnight sailing.

Nika replaces Iniship we had since 1982, which was sold in July 2007.

This Catalina was named NIKA, following a contest that was held during the summer of 2006 among all our members. The origin of its name is Ojibwa or Algonkin and means Canadian goose.

Picture of NIKA:

• Nika at the Aylmer marina, summer 2006. It just arrived directly from Pickering, Ontario.
• Nika under sail. The sun is reflecting on her sails.
• Nika under sail. In the background we can see sailboats with their spinnakers.
• Nika sailing away.
• Nika enjoying a good run with her crew.

NAMASTAR, a Tanzer 29

This lovely sloop features a furling jib, an in-board diesel engine, two berts (bedroom), a head (bathroom), a full galey (kitchen) including a refrigerator. In other words, this boat features all the systems found on larger cruising boats. Namastar offers the sailor in training, the opportunity to learn the essentials of bareboating (renting a boat and skipper it yourself).

The Tanzer was named NAMASTAR also following a contest among the GBSC members. It means: with open arms; welcome. The version Namaste is also a word used in Yoga and has the same meanning.

Pictures of NAMASTAR:

• Namastar knewly purchased, fall 1999
• Namastar sailing away during sunset
• Namastar also has a DRS
• Some of our members (Ladies) enjoying Namastar at the marina
• Namastar under sail on the river
• Namastar under sail.
  In the background, the Gatineau Hills.

We charter comfortable and well equiped sailboats as needed for leasure/training live aboard cruising programs in Georgian Bay (Lake Huron). The selected sail boats are usually 30 to 40 foot long and rented from charter companies out of Little Current, Gore Bay or other areas.

Pictures of some of the boats we have chartered during the past few years:

• A CC44, named Alegria docked in Tobermory
• A Jeanneau 43, named Tango docked in Killarney
• A PDQ 42 (a catamaran), named Stray Kitty anchored in the North Channel

OUR ORIGINAL FLEET
In 1982, we purchased 3 Edels, had them modified to suit our needs as boats made for a sailing school: Iniship, Shieship and Mank. All names mean birds (Loon, Malard duck, Wild duck) in Ojibwa. The next boat we purchased was a Gib'Sea 38 named Etoc in 1985. We sailed it from Guadeloupe to Parry Sound.

INISHIP is the last of three Edels we purchased in 1982. Eventualy we moved it to the Aylmer marina in the 90's until 2006. It was sold in July 2007. It's new owner will be using it in Georgian Bay. Iniship is going back full circle!

Pictures of INISHIP in Aylmer:

• Iniship under sail
• Iniship under sail, Aylmer Island is in the background
• Iniship anchored with the crew enjoying a swim during the sunset

Pictures of our original fleet used in GEORGIAN BAY:

• At Quarry Bay, all 3 Edels are anchored near the shore. Etoc is in the background
• Here's a better view of Etoc as it is anchored close to the 3 Edels
• Etoc under sail
• Iniship at dock
• Iniship anchored close to shore

Pictures of some of boats we chartered before purchasing Etoc and used during the ealier summers:

• This is a wooden ketch named Brandytyme.
  We used it one summer sailing in Georgian and lake Huron
• Brandytyme as it sails by one of the Edels.
• Oviri is a steel Junk rigged schooner we used one summer.
  We sailed it from Kingston to Parry Sound and back, crossing several of the Great lakes.