On May 15, 2006, sixteen Grand Banks yachts departed the Canadian Gulf Islands on a three-week journey to Wrangell, Alaska. With burgees and banners and streamers all snapping crisply in the morning breeze, a lucky group of owners from around the country and across the world skippered their boats - expertly aligned in perfect formation for a Sail-Past salute - out of beautiful Poets Cove and into the Inside Passage.
As we set a northwest course up Swanson Channel, the sun cracked though an early morning cloudbank, and within minutes we were cruising below a clear blue sky. Airplanes and helicopters buzzed the fleet to snap photos, and radios began to crackle. We knew the route ahead. Knew our ports and passages. Had our charts and tide tables, our fleece and foul weather gear.
But no one knew just what this experience would be like. No one before had brought so many fine boats, from brand new models to beautifully maintained "woodies," along with such a diverse group of owners - from different places and backgrounds, with different experiences and outlooks - together as one group for a cruise like this. Up one of the most beautiful and inspiring waterways in the world. With so many events and unique opportunities along the way.
On that bright and brilliant day in May, did anyone really know what magic was in store?
Welcome to Grand Tour 2006: Inside Passage!
> Learn more about the Grand Tour by clicking at the links above at right.
