Our Ship

Whale Channel, Great Bear Rainforest

The Schooner

Passing cloud

Passing Cloud is a 70-foot (21-metre) classic wooden schooner designed by William James Roué, famous for designing the legendary Canadian racing fishing schooner Bluenose.

Overview

Launched in Victoria, BC, in 1974 renowned for her elegant design, exceptional accommodation, robust construction, and remarkable sailing abilities, Passing Cloud has a rich history on the BC coast.

Designed to sail around the world, the ship is an ideal vessel for wildlife and cultural expeditions throughout the BC coast. Passing Cloud is a Transport Canada-certified passenger vessel and meets the highest standards of safety and construction. She is fully equipped with modern safety and navigation equipment, including radar, GPS, VHF radio, EPIRB, digital chart plotter, AIS, and satellite-based calling, text, and email.

Among Passing Cloud’s many appealing features are her three private staterooms, gorgeous main salon, traditional wheelhouse, generous deck space, and exceptional sailing abilities.

Photo (right): Passing Cloud, Owen Perry

History

The schooner Passing Cloud was designed in Halifax, Nova Scotia, by the famous Canadian naval architect William James Roué, and built in Victoria, British Columbia, by renowned local shipwright Brian Walker.

She was built to the highest standards using the best materials by Brian Walker, and her luxurious accommodations mid-ship were completed by her second owner, Greg Sager. She was established as an expedition sailing vessel in 2012 by her current owner, Russell Markel.

Since her launching in 1974, Passing Cloud has cruised the South Pacific, weathered hurricanes, won many races, worked as a sail training vessel, and explored the far reaches of the BC coast. “The Cloud” has a rich history that we are proud to share with you. Enjoy!

Photo (left): Passing Cloud, Owen Perry

Accomodations

Among Passing Cloud’s many appealing features are her three private staterooms, gorgeous main salon, and classic West Coast-style wheelhouse.

Passing Cloud’s interior exudes warmth, character, and maritime heritage. Her classic West Coast-style wheelhouse is one of her finest features. At the helm, polished brass and brightwork abound, and her traditional galley and settee provide the perfect combination of comfort and visibility for luxury wildlife viewing.

Guest accommodation is in three private staterooms. Each stateroom has two spacious single berths complete with fluffy duvets; a private vanity with sink, mirror, and hot and cold running water; a skylight or deck prism; brass reading lamps; and drawers and a hanging locker for personal effects. The spacious head and shower are accessed from the main salon.

Passing Cloud’s main salon is her centrepiece below deck. Robust yellow-cedar deck beams support a massive skylight that suffuses natural light into the ship’s salon and illuminates her varnished old-growth Douglas fir cabin sole. Two large settees provide spacious seating for reading or socializing around her luxurious dining table. The surrounding shelves are home to an extensive cultural, natural history, marine science, and maritime library. Finally, a cast-iron, oil-burning heater radiates an embracing warmth throughout the entire vessel.

Photos (right): Passing Cloud, Owen Perry + James Thompson