Race through the Canadian Gulf Islands with Marine Biologist Ken Clifton

SOLD OUT as of 10/08/22

Waitlist Only.
Send message to mcpheete@lclark.edu


July 12 - 19, 2023 

  • 7 nights / 8 days

Trip Overview
Lewis & Clark has been invited to crew the historic Schooner Zodiac when it participates in the Captain Raynaud International Schooner Race in the Gulf Islands, Canada. The race is all about the fun of seeing the historic schooners racing one another; it’s not highly competitive or cutthroat. The prize is bragging rights.

Feel the wind in your hair on a Two-Masted Gaff Topsail Schooner, when the first mate yells “sailing stations!” You’ll help hoist 7000 square feet of sails while exploring the magnificent waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands aboard the historic Schooner Zodiac! You’ll have a chance to try out the Zodiac’s kayaks or grab the binoculars to see a passing orca. Share stories from your time at Lewis & Clark or compare notes from the day’s adventures while enjoying a delicious meal as the sun sets over the Olympic Mountains.

Accommodations

The Schooner Zodiac, a 160 foot long, two-masted gaff topsail schooner, originally launched in 1924. While aboard, passengers stay in berths (48 inch bunks) or private staterooms and socialize in common areas for meals and other gatherings. The luggage you bring must be stored in your berth area or stateroom. The Zodiac is heated and well ventilated.

Being a vintage craft, guests share close quarters on the lower deck. On the top deck guests enjoy the fresh air, starry skies and more open spaces. The guests, plus the crew share three restrooms. Please take the virtual tour here.

Standard berths are 48 inch bunks in the ship’s salon and feature a heavy curtain. There are two person staterooms on the Zodiac. The ship’s staterooms  contain multiple bunks, a sink, a mirror and a door for privacy. 

One must be able to negotiate stairs and narrow walkways in order to navigate the living areas on the Schooner Zodiac. See the virtual tour here

See the Schooner Zodiac photo gallery hereSee pictures from the 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 Lewis & Clark voyages on the Zodiac. See a video about the Schooner Zodiac here

Group Size

  • 24 participants.

Tentative Itinerary 

Subject to change

  • Day 1: July 12 - Bellingham to Ganges via Bedwell Harbour, learning about sailing stations and the workings of the ship
  • Day 2: July 13 -Time ashore at Ganges, Salt Spring Island, as well as more instructions in knots and sailing the Zodiac
  • Day 3: July 14 - Race Leg 1, Bedwell Harbour to Otter Cove, North Pender Island
  • Day 4: July 15 - Race Leg 2, Otter Cove to Montague Harbour, Galiano Island. The Schooner Zodiac will host an all-crews barbecue among all the ships racing.
  • Day 5: July 16 - Race Leg 3, Montague Harbour to Ruxton Passage (between DeCourcy and Ruxton Islands)
  • Day 6: July 17 - Ruxton Passage to James Bay or Narvaez Bay
  • Day 7: July 18 - James Bay or Narvaez Bay to Friday Harbor
  • Day 8: July 19 - Return to Bellingham

Pricing Information

  • Standard Single Berth: $2,980 per person. 
  • Waitlist for Double Staterooms and berths. Email Andrew McPheeters at mcpheete@lclark.edu.

Registration

CLOSED

1) Put in the cost of the room you are purchasing. See prices above.

2) Indicate “Schooner Race”, as your trip of interest.

3) List names of all passengers sharing a room to be purchased.

4) Provide Credit Card Information.

Included Services

  • Seven nights/ and eight days aboard the Schooner Zodiac.
  • While aboard the Schooner Zodiac, all meals and snacks are prepared by the ship’s professional chef using the freshest Northwest ingredients.
  • Use of kayaks and sailing dinghy.
  • Shore excursions to state parks and quaint island towns. 
  • Participation in Race activities.

 Not Included

  • Roundtrip flights and transportation from home city to Bellingham, WA
  • Hotel accommodations and dinner on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 (optional)
  • Tip for the Zodiac crew
  • Insurance
  • Any items of a personal nature

Questions?

Andrew McPheeters, Associate Vice President for Community Education & Travel Programs mcpheete@lclark.edu