Gone Sailing Adventures is ready to grow, and I want to share its future success with you.  With your support, we can upgrade the fleet with a new yacht to improve customer experience.

Here's how we got here....

I started sailing at Camp Northland, near Halliburton, Ontario, when I was 11. I loved the water, the wind, and the science and art of combining the two. I continued sailing during my teens, taught sailing each summer through high school, and eventually moved up to larger boats, obtaining my Sail Canada, Keel Boat Cruising instructor’s certification.  In 2008, I lost my job during the financial crisis and spent the summer teaching sailing. It was then when I saw an amazing opportunity for a sailing tour business in Toronto. The only problem was that I didn't have a boat.

Two years later, I was given an opportunity: a friend rented me his boat (BetteK) for 20 days to "test the waters." The concept was a success, and over the next four years the business grew to the point where I am now committed to it full time. From its start in 2010, running introductory sails, Gone Sailing Adventures now offers a full complement of sailing experiences, including group sails, special event sails, wine sails to Niagara Vineyards (coming 2015), private charters, lessons, winter Caribbean cruising and a Yacht Time membership base who utilize luxury Beneteau Yachts all summer long.

There would have been no business without the generosity of a friend, and I’ve never forgotten being given that start.

I have been teaching at Blind Sailing Association of Canada (BSAC) for the last 4 years; they provide sailing experiences to visually impaired persons, giving them the freedom to choose and control their own course on the water. Last summer we held a special sailing event for BSAC on Father’s Day weekend, offering discounted 1hr sails to the public and donating all proceeds to this great organization. We also support charities across Toronto through donations of gift certificates. Our sailing experiences on Lake Ontario are a unique experience that generate great returns in charity auctions and raffles. In appreciation for your contributions we’ll be giving away 2 midweek 3hr sailing experiences, to a maximum of 50 gift certificates (valued at $12,500).

I’m proud of what we’ve built, and what we contribute back to Toronto, but it’s time for us to grow, and we want you to get involved! I invite you to jump on board and be a part of the success of this exciting venture.

The original boat I started with is ready to be retired. To help raise capital for a new yacht, I decided to reach out and offer others an opportunity like I was provided back in 2010.

Why get involved?

The first 50 contributors before December 15, 2014 will receive **BONUS PERKS**.

- First, for your own experience and enjoyment: Your contribution will entitle you to perks that will allow you, your family, your friends, your company or your clients to enjoy your investment first-hand; these include our launch party, crew jerseys, jackets, Toronto Boat Show tickets, sailing tours, lessons and discounts. (An extra bonus is given to our first 50 contributors)

- Second, you’ll help grow and improve a successful business that does a lot of public outreach and charity work.

- Finally, you’ll become part of a team that will be here and ready to serve YOU whenever YOU are in town or just want an escape on Lake Ontario!

We are trying to raise $295,000 to purchase a new 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 41 for Gone Sailing Adventures. Details of this new boat may be found  here.  In appreciation for your financial support, we’re offering over $570,000 in perks, which include:

• Invitations to our 2015 Launch Party (Valued at $50.00-$100.00)

• Gone Sailing Adventures Crew Jerseys (Valued at $35.00)

• Gone Sailing Adventures Crew Jackets (Valued at $95.00)

• Free Tickets to the Toronto International Boat Show January 10-18, 2015 ( Valued at $36.00)

• Free Platinum Tickets to the Toronto International Boat Show Special Preview Night Jan 9, 2015 (Valued at $200.00)

• Free and/or Discounted 3hr Sailing Experiences (Valued at $65.00-$150.00)

• Free and/or Discounted 4hr Special Event Sails (Valued at $25.00-$2,500.00)

• Free and/or Discounted Private Charters (Valued at $100.00-$1,200.00)

• Free Sail Away in a Day Courses (Valued at $350.00)

• Free and Discounted Learn to Cruise Courses (Valued at $360.00-$2,500.00)

• Discounts on our Caribbean Destination Sails (From $250.00-$500.00)

• Free Time Share Memberships (Valued at $5,400.00-$11.000.00)

• Advertising/Promotional Opportunities (Valued at $600.00-$1,800.00)

  Perk Details are available are shown on the right. Each of the perks provide a higher cash value than your contribution, and makes you part of a fantastic venture with a great team, growing eco-friendly tourism on the Toronto waterfront!

   

  **BONUS**

  The first 50 contributors before December 31, 2014 will receive upgraded perks. Contributions between $60 and $3600 will receive the perks available to the next level of contribution (ie. A $60 contribution will receive $80 perks, etc…)

  Remember: Every contribution is important and brings us closer to our goal. Here’s your chance to grow a company and get out on the water yourself! Contribute today, and please share this with ALL of your friends, family and business associates.

• Every share entitles you to an extra opportunity to win our 2 Free Special Sails Give Away