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Vancouver’s version of blue-water sailing on the indigo waters of English Bay, past West End beaches. Pricey real estate isn’t limited to shoreline apartments: yachts vie for space in downtown marinas PHOTO: CHRIS CHEADLE / ALL CANADA PHOTOS Summer Ahoy! Water or mountains, city or nature, action or tranquillity? Sailing is Vancouver’s answer for outdoor enthusiasts who want it all. Charter a bareboat or skippered yacht in the heart of the city at False Creek and wave a cheery “ahoy” to landlubbers as you glide into English Bay. With the City of Glass receding and Stanley Park heaving into view starboard side, let the breeze take you due west, past urban beaches, parks, museums and waterfront residences. Well under way, and you’re sailing into the picture-postcard panorama of Vancouver’s signature mountain skyline, with a full starboard view of elegant Lions Gate bridge. Follow the fair winds towards spectacular Howe Sound or Bowen Island for an extended day sail. Or tack to port across the bay and past the ritzy Royal Vancouver Yacht Club to anchor off Jericho beach for a swim and on-board picnic with your private have-your-cake-andeat-it view: ocean, city, forests, mountains — bliss. E SS E N T I A L VA N CO U V ER 20 16 / 1 7   21