After 14 expedition seasons of operating our flagship, the schooner Passing Cloud, we are excited to announce that Outer Shores Expeditions is adding a second vessel to our small-ship experiences, the ketch-rigged sailing and passenger vessel, Ocean Wayfinder. Arriving for our 2026 season, the addition of this purpose-built vessel to Outer Shores Expeditions reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainably sharing the wonders of our coast, and opens a new chapter for the nature of Outer Shores more broadly.
Our 70-foot (21-metre) classic wooden schooner, Passing Cloud, was designed by William James Roué, famous for designing the legendary Canadian racing fishing schooner, Bluenose. Renowned for her elegant design and exceptional sailing abilities, Passing Cloud has a rich history on the BC coast and beyond.
Schooner Passing Cloud was built by Victoria-based boatbuilder, Brian Walker, and launched in 1974. She went on to cruise the South Pacific, race extensively in the Pacific Northwest classic boat racing circuit, and was eventually certified by Transport Canada as a passenger and sail training vessel. As an expedition tourism vessel with Outer Shores Expeditions since 2012, Passing Cloud provides an authentic small-ship and small-group experience for providing wildlife and cultural expeditions throughout the BC coast. Among Passing Cloud’s many appealing features are her three private staterooms, gorgeous main salon, traditional west coast wheelhouse, generous deck space, and exceptional sailing abilities.
Ocean Wayfinder was originally commissioned by a private owner who intended to sail her around the world, and ended up spending her early years in the Caribbean and South America. In the early 2000’s she was returned to British Columbia and underwent a major refit to update her cabin configuration and safety systems as a Transport Canada certified passenger vessel. For the past nearly 25 years, Ocean Wayfinder (currently operating under a different name) has worked as a highly respected ecotourism vessel here on the BC coast.
Header image credit: Dean McCurdy British Columbia’s coastline holds an astonishing diversity of marine life, and we’re continually grateful for the chance to witness so
I’m often asked which of our expedition regions is my personal favourite. Or, if I had to choose just one of our expeditions, which would
Russell Markel hosts a virtual sneak peek of Ocean Wayfinder, the new expedition vessel in the Outer Shores Expeditions family. Join Russell as he walks
