Location
British Columbia, Canada

Newly built in 2018, this spacious, well-appointed yacht was designed by a team of British Columbia boatbuilders headed by legendary Forbes Cooper, who has completed some 8,500 yachts. At 83 feet long, S/V Island Solitude is 30% larger than the previous sailboat we used for this trip, with a faster hull speed and greener, more efficient operations—yet the passenger capacity is still capped at just 12, meaning lots more room for guests. A host of upgrades ensures exceptional comfort aboard the Island Solitude: All six cabins have en suite bathrooms and are double the size of the previous cabins. All beds are floor-level (no upper berths) with a standard single mattress. A second stairway aft leads up to the deck, in addition to a stairway up to the wheelhouse area, which provides an open, well-lit dining space with seating for the entire group, featuring 360° views. An additional stairway leads down to the stern boarding platform with aft-facing seats for those waiting to disembark for shore excursions. Headroom everywhere has been increased. The vessel is equipped with motorized Zodiac rafts for shore access and eye-level marine life viewing, plus two double and four single sea kayaks for close-up exploration of the coastline and intimate coves.

Owned and operated by a company that has set the standard for marine ecotourism along the BC coast for 40 years, Island Solitude provides sets a new standard for environmentally conscious operation. The engines exceed EPA emission standards, while the yacht’s new hull design allows for more efficient travel under sail. Sewage is treated organically with a combination of electricity and salt.