There are few cruising adventures as rewarding as a full circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. It’s a route that blends wild Pacific swell with quiet forested anchorages, tight tidal rapids, welcoming coastal towns, and the humbling sense that you’re traveling through one of North America’s most iconic coastlines.

Over 21 days, our small group of boats will explore both sides of the island, beginning and ending in Bellingham. Canadian participants may opt to join in Canada. Together we’ll coordinate our expedition up the Inside Passage, round the rugged capes of the west coast, and settle into anchorages where sea otters drift past the stern and cliffs tower above the treeline. Evenings often bring shared gatherings, stories, ample solitude, and a chance to compare notes on the day’s highlights. Join us for the whole journey, or strike out on your own once you've built your confidence cruising with us.

This flotilla welcomes both sail and power vessels. You’ll have freedom to explore side destinations and rejoin the group at planned rendezvous points if desired.

What’s Included

We'll provide you with a library of resources for your trip, including:

• 2026 Waggoner Cruising Guide

• Salish Sea Pilot Cruising Guide

• Paper chart of Vancouver Island for big-picture planning and to memorialize your adventure

• Electronic itinerary maps showing route options, anchorages, fuel stops, and tidal gates

• Pelagic Blue x Backstay Inc. Maintenance and Cruising Logbooks, printed on Write-In-the-Rain

• Region-specific fishing information and tackle recommendations

Pre-Departure Preparation

• A series of training webinars covering hazards, route planning, tides, weather windows, provisioning, and customs

• Vessel Readiness Checklist to review with your technician before departure

Leadership & Technical Support

• Expedition led by Gio and Julie Cappelli, veteran VI circumnavigators, expedition leaders, and ABYC- and NMEA-certified marine technicians

• Real-time assistance with mechanical, electrical, and electronics issues

• Daily decision support for weather routing, anchorage strategy, and coastal passage timing

• 24/7 monitoring of a dedicated flotilla VHF channel

• Help arranging expedited repairs or parts shipments if needed

• Daily in-person and written briefings: route plan, weather, tides, currents, and local history

• Group events and meetups

What’s Not Included

• Moorage fees, fuel

• Meals ashore and gratuities (each vessel covers its own)

Flotilla Particulars

Dates: July 4–24, 2026

Duration: 21 days

Fee: $6,500 per boat

Deposit: 50 percent upon acceptance. Balance due April 1, 2026, or within 15 days if accepted after that date. Prudent seamanship mandates allowing ample time to prepare your boat and crew for this voyage. Therefore, we strongly recommend planning on submitting an initial deposit no later than May 1, 2026.

Apply using the form below. We’ll follow up to review your experience, discuss vessel readiness, and confirm participation.

Disclaimer: Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Vessel suitability and skipper experience are considered to ensure the safety and cohesion of the group. 

This short form will help us get to know you. Please complete one form per boat.

We’ll review your form and get back to you within 48 hours to confirm availability. Then we’ll send you a detailed expedition itinerary, waiver and release form, and outline the next steps. 

If you have any questions or would like to inquire about the waitlist for a flotilla don't hesitate to contact us