Your Sailing CBI (Cape Breton Island) Inc. catamaran charter includes all necessary navigational, safety, and housekeeping supplies. Provisions are replenished for every charter.

Onboard the Cape Bretoner 1 you will also find:

• Two full bathrooms with showers
• Cleaning supplies for head and galley
• Fresh Linens / towels
• Fully equipped galley with refrigerators/freezer/stove/storage
• Potable fresh water
• BBQ (available on request)
• Transom shower & ladder
• Local charts (paper) and navigation kit
• VHF & autopilot
• Binoculars
• First aid kit
• Life jackets/PFDs
• Tool kit
• Electric windlass & all-chain anchor rode
• Dinghy with oars
• Cooler on deck (re-filled with ice at the start of each charter)
• Stereo system with mobile/iPhone adapter

The Cape Bretoner 1 catamaran charter will have a full tank of fuel on departure. For bareboat charters, we require the tank be topped up on return – this will be added to the final bill.

Yes. A limited number if snorkelling sets will be available onboard the Cape Bretoner 1.

Yes. The Cape Bretoner 1 has a dinghy.

There is cell / internet service throughout most parts of the Bras d’Or lake, however some of the more remote, secluded areas have limited (or no) connectivity.

Of course! We want people of all ages to experience the joy of sailing. The Bras d’Or lake is generally regarded as calm and safe sailing environment – ideal for family vacations. However – as on vessel or watercraft – children must be supervised and care must be taken to ensure their safety. It is recommended that children wear a life jacket when on the foredeck of the Cape Bretoner 1.

For health and safety reasons we cannot allow pets aboard the Cape Bretoner 1.

Catering is available – options should be discussed at time of booking (or at least one week prior to sailing).

If you wish to prepare your own meals we can help with sourcing the freshest of food from around the Island.

Please inform us of any food allergies when making arrangements for catering and/or meal provisions.

If catering is booked, there will be a cook onboard.

For all charters – except bareboat – a Sailing CBI captain will be onboard.

Depending on your level of experience we may recommended (or require) that you hire a skipper for bareboat charters. Only capable boaters may captain the Cape Bretoner 1.

A Sailing CBI crew member will remain onboard for the first day to provide a safety and operational overview, and to insure you are comfortable with sailing the boat.

A valid Nova Scotia Fishing License is required to fish in the Bras d’Or Lake. Please indicate at the time of booking if you or any of your charter guests will require a license.

All travellers from outside of Canada will require a passport to enter the country.

For non-Canadian visitors, travel insurance is recommended.

Sailing CBI Inc. will require proof of collateral insurance for all bareboat charters (unless the boat is captained by Sailing CBI crew).

Smoking is restricted to the back steps of the Cape Bretoner 1, and is prohibited in all other other areas of the vessel.

If you are prone to sea-sickness, or for first-time sailors, medication (Gravol) can be purchased from any pharmacy.

The Cape Bretoner 1 sails only during Nova Scotia’s warmest months of the year. Average temperatures on the Bras d’Or Lake during sailing season range from 15°C to 25°C (60°F to 77°F) but can range from 17°C to 30°C (63°F to 86°F) in July and August.

The summer months are typically hot and sunny, but cooler, rainy days are not unusual.

You will want to bring swimming gear, sun screen, a hat, and light summer clothes.

The evenings can cool off quickly, so be sure to also pack warmer clothing (pants and long sleeves).

The Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) is a four-hour drive to the Cape Bretoner 1 – docked in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. There are many options for car rentals or shuttles – and there is much to see and do along the way.

There are countless options for accommodations near both Sydney and Halifax. We recommend:

• Halifax:
  • Hilton Garden Inn (1-888-667-6005)
  • Holiday Inn Express (1-877-919-2244)
  • Alt Hotel (1-855-258-5775)
• Sydney:
  • Cambridge Suites (1-800-565-9466 )
  • Holiday Inn (1-877-660-8550)
  • Spanish Bay Inn (1-866-259-6673)