Taking on the Lake Ontario 300 with Gone Sailing Adventures

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As a sailor, there are moments that define your time on the water—battling the elements, navigating through the dark, pushing past exhaustion, and feeling that indescribable rush when everything clicks. For me, one of those moments is the Lake Ontario 300 (LO300) offshore race, and this year, I’m thrilled to be leading the charge once again with Gone Sailing Adventures.

 

Join the Crew

The LO300 is not just another regatta—it’s the longest freshwater sailing race in the world and a true test of seamanship. For 300 nautical miles, we’ll be tackling shifting winds, unpredictable weather, and the relentless challenge of sailing through the night. It’s a race that demands teamwork, skill, and endurance, and I can tell you from experience—it’s one hell of an adventure.

The Yachts We’re Racing

This year, we’re bringing some serious fun to the course:

  • Aimant pour les Femmes: 2017 Dufour 382
    Grand Large – A sleek, performance-driven cruiser
    that balances speed with comfort, perfect for
    handling offshore conditions.
  • UnPlugged: 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 38 – A
    versatile, high-performing yacht built for both
    cruising and serious racing.

 

 

Having spent countless hours at the helm of these boats, I can tell you, they’re built for the challenge. They’re responsive, fast, and comfortable enough to keep the crew going strong throughout the race.

Learn to Sail and Race in the LO300

For those looking to learn to sail in a high-performance setting or experienced sailors wanting to push their limits, we’re offering exclusive crew opportunities for the LO300 race. This is a unique chance to experience offshore racing while sailing Toronto’s and Lake Ontario iconic waters. Only 4 crew positions available for beginner sailors.

Crew positions are now available for $899*, which includes:

  • A practice sail to sharpen skills and prep for the big event
  • LO300 race entry fees
  • Onboard meals
  • Exclusive Gone Sailing Adventures swag—because “you’ve been there, done that and deserve more
    than just the T-shirt”

*excludes Crew Service Fee & HST

Join the Crew

Sailing Toronto – Beyond the Race

While the Lake Ontario 300 is an incredible event, Gone Sailing Adventures offers year-round ways to get on the water. From Yacht Charter Experiences in Toronto, Fractional Memberships and Sailing Lessons for Beginners to Experienced Sailors, our goal is to bring the thrill of sailing to everyone. Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing day on the water or take on a competitive racing challenge, we have an experience waiting for you.

Ready to Set Sail?

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure, this is your chance. The LO300 is a race that pushes sailors beyond their comfort zones, and that’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re new to offshore racing or looking for a yacht charter adventure that takes things to the next level, we’ve got you covered. Spots are limited, so grab your place on the crew and let’s make some waves.

 

 

Join the Crew

Let the journey begin, a world of adventures, relaxation, and memories awaits!

YOUR SAFETY IS AT RISK

When considering chartering a yacht in Canada, we know you have many options. Some of these options look super exciting and at ridiculously great prices. Recent trends in the industry have opened the door for many unqualified individuals to purchase boats and offer charter services to the unsuspecting public. It’s easy to create a website and even easier to just list a boat on sites such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Getmyboat, Boat Setter and many others.

Unfortunately, many of these operators are NOT licensed, insured or qualified to accept your trust on the water.

In order to be licensed and insured a number of items MUST be in place. Listed are just a few.

  • The operator must be licensed by Transport Canada with a commercial license known as either:
    – Limited Master under 60tonne.
    – Small Vessel Operators Permit (SVOP).
  • The name of the vessel must be visible on the stern (back) or the registration number beginning with the letter “C” must be visible on the side of the vessel near the front. Boats with a registration number beginning with “ON” are not licensed for passengers.
  • If the vessel is under 12m (40’) it should participate in the Transport Canada Small Vessel Compliance Program and display a “Blue Decal” and have corresponding certificate.
  • If the vessel is over 12m (40’) or carries more than 12 passengers, it MUST BE INSPECTED by Transport Canada and have an inspection certificate on board.
  • All vessels must have commercial liability insurance and coverage specifically for the number of passengers approved to be carried on board.
  • The vessel must comply with commercial safety requirements beyond recreational standards. Many of these illegal operators do not have the proper training, carry proper safety equipment, nor do their recreational boats meet the design/construction requirements of a commercial, passenger carrying vessel. These illegal operators try to stay under the radar of Police/OPP/RCMP/Transport Canada by:
  • hiding the name of their vessel by hanging items over the stern
  • not letting you know where they will have you board until just before the start of your charter.
  • pick you up at a public park (where docking is not permitted).
  • suggest to you that you are friends of the owner/operator out for a ride and not a paying customer.
  • allow you to drink alcohol while the boat is underway (illegal-same as a car) but tell you to hide your bottles etc.
  • insist on a cash transaction or part of it as a way of defrauding the internet listing company.
  • Make you sign a “Charter Agreement” just before you board without giving you details of the document beforehand.

    Over the last few years there have been a number of deaths and even more accidents resulting from these types of operators. Be safe and know who you are getting on a boat with. All licensed operators should willingly display their credentials, and most are members of the Passenger & Commercial Vessel Association (PCVA).

    Link to Global News Report on Charter Accidents

Check before you book
&
Know before you Go!