Venturing into the distant landscapes of British Columbia aboard a colossal 210ft yacht
In a three-month journey spanning 1,400 miles, the world's largest privately-owned two-masted schooner, Athos, cruised from Victoria on Vancouver Island to Juneau, Alaska. The voyage, filled with breathtaking scenery and unique challenges, showcased the vessel's ability to navigate the region's deep fjords and narrow inlets.
The addition of a second tender garage during Athos's recent refit proved invaluable, allowing the launch of two onboard RIBs (a 7.2m and a 5.8m). This enabled guests and crew to explore deep into the region's fjords and wildlife hotspots, making the most of the expedition.
Seaplanes played a pivotal role in logistics, flying in fresh produce and managing guest changes from Vancouver. They also provided a crucial backup for evacuation in case of an emergency.
The constantly changing conditions made Riley's work as demanding as the sailing itself. Whale encounters and floating hazards required on-the-fly decisions, while navigating through fog and dealing with substantial tidal variations required advanced navigation systems.
With a maximum draught of 8m, the 64m (210ft) Athos is well-suited to exploring the region's deep fjords but still required careful anchoring strategies. Chatting to local cruisers refined anchorage choices and avoided hazards.
The crew's preparation ensured that Athos could continue her expedition without incident. The vessel was fully self-reliant, carrying a well-equipped medical kit and conducting regular drills for emergencies.
Photographer Oli Riley joined the expedition to capture Athos's journey through British Columbia's wild, ever-shifting landscape. On board, provisioning involved living off the land and sea as much as possible, with the crew catching fresh fish daily.
PassageWeather.com was invaluable, but nothing replaced local knowledge. Deadheads - submerged logs drifting unpredictably - were a constant concern, with Athos never moving at night and a constant lookout watch scanning for hazards.
For those considering a similar trip, Captain Tony Brookes, with over 40 years' of superyacht experience and six circumnavigations behind him, advises taking your time and exploring the less crowded areas, such as the stretch between Desolation Sound and Prince Rupert.
Athos's route took her from Victoria through Puget Sound, Desolation Sound, Malcolm Island, Bella Bella, Rivers Inlet, Fjordland, Prince Rupert, clearing into Alaska at Ketchikan before continuing to Juneau and Glacier Bay. Wildlife encounters were a highlight of the journey, including humpback whales and a mother grizzly bear with cubs.
The Inside Passage, one of North America's great cruising grounds, stretching from Vancouver Island to Alaska, presented its own unique tests for Athos and her crew. The expedition was a testament to the vessel's resilience and the crew's expertise, providing a unique and enriching experience for all on board.
Traveling through British Columbia's wild landscape on Athos, the guests embarked on an adventure-travel voyage of a lifetime, exploring deep fjords and witnessing wildlife encounters such as humpback whales and a mother grizzly bear with cubs. With RIBs launched from the tender garages, they ventured further into the region's wildlife hotspots, embodying a lifestyle of exploration and discovery.
