Notes of Grace | Summer 2018

By: Tony Anderson
Photos: Susanna Larsen and Karina Lidman

Our summer trips this year again provided a delightful combination of warm weather, idyllic swimming holes, old favorite anchorages and new unexplored territory. Trainees on the inside trips were treated to Chatterbox Falls in Princess Louisa Inlet, warm Desolation Sound temperatures, games on the beaches of Savary Island, whale and dolphin shows in the Broughton Archipelago and great fishing on the northern end of Vancouver Island.

Central Coast trainees enjoyed the magical Lake and huge prawn feasts of Codville Lagoon, stunning white sand beaches on Calvert and Campania Islands, intriguing beach clean-up efforts on Princess Royal Island, powerful sails up the coast and enjoyable crossings of Hecate Strait. Haida Gwaii trainees had opportunities to explore new areas in the islands, connect with Watchmen in village sites over fresh Halibut or scallops, Humpback whale shows and visits to some of the most stunning village sites of the Haida Nation. Our trip down the west coast of Vancouver Island was full of the awe-inspiring Triangle Island, tropical-like sandy lagoons on Brooks Peninsula, exciting fishing and Hotsprings Cove where all enjoyed a hot bath while gazing out over the Pacific as the sun set beneath the waves.

All of the above coupled with extraordinary young people who seemed to be up for any activity we offered to them made living on the Grace and exploring our exceptional coast a privilege.


Doing “life” together as a team while cruising the British Columbia coast provides a rare opportunity to develop close knit relationships with those on board. With a good mix of veteran trainees and new trainees, it is always exciting to see the community grow to a place where all are included, cared for and stimulated to grow in exciting ways. Many trainees continue to share the value they put on their experience in this community and how it forms a foundation for their life and community off the boat. Encouraging, for all those who make investing in youth their primary focus.