Vancouver Hybrid Club Night – A Shakedown Cruise to Alaska and Haida Gwaii

Darrell and David Farrow purchased their first boat, a C&C 27 Mk 3 named Mystic, in August 2021 and spent the rest of the season learning to sail the local waters around English Bay and Howe Sound. The following summer, their adventures took them farther afield to Desolation Sound, where they experienced both moments of sheer terror and sheer delight.

In February 2023, David decided it was time to retire and pursue his dream of sailing offshore—much to Darrell’s consternation. The search began for a larger, ocean-capable vessel, and by the end of May they had taken possession of Endless Song, a Passport 40 based in Anacortes. After sailing her home to Goldstream on Vancouver Island, they spent the summers of 2023 and 2024 learning the ropes aboard Endless Song in Desolation Sound. Later that year, they relocated to Vancouver Island and began a major refit, replacing the engine, upgrading safety systems, and improving sail-handling gear.

Although their goal had been to head south in 2025, reality—and wisdom—prevailed. They opted instead for a “local” shakedown cruise to test the boat and themselves.

In May 2025, Darrell and David set off on an epic five-month voyage that took them as far north as Glacier Bay, Alaska. Their return journey included stops in Prince Rupert and a two-week exploration of Haida Gwaii before they wrapped up the season with a leisurely late-summer cruise through Desolation Sound, finishing at Westport Marina in Sidney at the end of September.

This engaging joint presentation will reflect on the planning and preparation for the trip, what went right (and wrong), and how they managed the many new systems aboard Endless Song. Expect candid lessons learned, memorable highlights, and perhaps the occasional moment when it sounds like they were on entirely different cruises!