I recently chartered a Jeanneau 440 through Island Cruising--a stunning yacht with sleek lines and superb sailing performance. Having owned a similar vessel and chartered more times than I can count, I know what separates a top-tier charter company from a floating headache. Island Cruising, unfortunately, falls squarely into the latter. Let's start with the good: the boat itself was excellent. Well-equipped, comfortable, and ideal for a couple--or two. The twin rudders do have a knack for attracting kelp, but that's a minor quirk in an otherwise delightful sailing experience. Now, the company. Island Cruising's operations are a masterclass in how not to run a charter business. I won't echo the more colorful reviews suggesting Larry, the owner, return to South Africa--but I will say he's one of the most combative individuals I've encountered in the boating world. I understand being protective of an $800,000 yacht, but Larry's approach is less "professional caution" and more "ego on parade." When I submitted a perfectly reasonable sail plan, he pounced on the fact that it crossed ferry lanes--as if I'd never sailed from Sidney to Salt Spring before. Spoiler: you have to cross ferry lanes. His critique felt more like a self-aggrandizing performance than a concern. Ironically, in Larry's own marina, there's a submerged buoy that becomes a stealth hazard at high tide. When I asked why it hadn't been fixed, he shrugged and said he'd get to it "someday." Apparently, safety is negotiable. Our charter began with half a tank of fuel. Larry's solution? "Fill it up and I'll sort it out later." Famous last words. I trusted him and set sail. Things went smoothly until we headed from South Pender to Port Friday in the U.S.--where I discovered the boat's registration was missing. The manual said it should be in the chart table. It wasn't. I called Larry and he insisted I wasn't looking hard enough (I was). Eventually, he sent me the bill of sale, which U.S. Customs obviously deemed useless - Obviously, Larry didn't seem to know the difference between a bill or sale and a boat's registration. I had to pay a fee to enter and exit the country. Larry's response? Indifference. Would I charter from Island Cruising again? Only if I could bypass Larry entirely. His communication style is transactional at best--emails only get answered when money's involved. He charged us for linens that turned out to be torn sleeping bags, and one storage compartment was a science experiment of leaking beer cans and slime. We paid for a 4 p.m. pre-board, but Larry was still pressure-washing the deck at 5. Larry's goal is to sell the company and retire. Based on my experience, he'll need more than a mop and a smile to clean up his reputation. As of today, I've received no compensation for the fuel or customs fees, despite multiple follow-ups. In short: the boat was a dream, but the charter experience was a headache. If you value professionalism, steer clear of Island Cruising--unless you enjoy navigating bureaucracy more than the open sea. read more

Our third charter with Island Cruising was a great experience leading us two up the Broughton's Archipelago with the powerboat "Melisssa Ruth" covering easily 650 nm in 20 days. Though the boat had some unexpected issues Larry was permanently attainable by what's up phone and always found a solution. After a challenging journey passing twice the Seymour Narrows and the Johnstone Strait we returned safe and in time. I'd like to add that the homebase Deep Cove Marina has quite a tricky approach due to some large rocks and can be reached only with a tide over 2m and best with very low or no wind. In doubts fix the boat at a buoy and ask for help. Larry will give his best to assist you. read more

By far the worst experience chartering a boat in my life. The boat failed in the first 15 minutes and Larry blames my wife and I. We tried to wait to get it fixed and that did not happen. We lost $, time and a expected holiday. Larry should be sent home to South Africa with his business ethics, or be in jail. I could spend hours writing about how horrible our experience was, how belittling and hateful he was, but i have moved on as it was a VERY stressful experience. Do yourself a favor, Never Ever EVER EVEEEEER booth with Larry or work with him in any business dealings. read more

Stay away. Chartering from Larry Meyer is a gamble. If any part of your boat breaks down under normal use you will pay dearly. He will also take you to small claims and you will have to pay just to get rid of him. Be warned! read more

This was my second time chartering "Melissa Ruth". Larry is meticulous about boat maintenance and client safety. I hear some people see him as rather salty but you must respect the ocean. So far, I have found him reasonable. Gerald read more

Totally agree with all negative feedback, experienced all it myself. Larry (the owner) is rude, unprofessional and has no idea about elementary seamanship. I chartered boat from him and only my local knowledge and experience saved it from total disaster. He provided 0 help during preparation (does not reply to emails or do nor answer phone) as well as during departure/return. On top of that he treated me and my crew as a shit, hided from us when we arrived, so we had to sit with kids under open sky without even access to washroom, waiting for him. And he was just on the dock and pretended he doesn't hear when I was asking around for him.. His marina (Deep Cove) very shallow and you can leave/arrive only during high tide (twice a day). And you have also adjust for Larry's schedule, losing your precious vacation time. On top of that - there is nothing around, no food or anything at all. Pretty unconvinced. And expect to see unexpected charges on your CC as well. And to make the picture complete - I personally know some other person who had identical experience. Resume: stay away. We have plenty of good sailing schools and charter companies here. read more

Best to not take any of their courses. I signed up for a 5 day 4 night course with others at the same skill level. I really looked forward to the training and the opportunity to learn with my peers. Island Cruising had to cancel and I was not able to get my money back. My only option was go sailing for 3 days and 3 nights with one fellow who had never sailed before. The training was very limited and I felt that I did not learn anything new. Very disappointed. If you do plan to take a course hold back as much money as you can. Lynda K read more

Island Cruising Yacht Charter is a charter / rental company to stay away from. We just chartered a boat for a week and were sadly disappointed in their business practices & lack of quality. You can do MUCH better elsewhere. read more

We charter with Island Cruising for many years, the best in BC, Canada. The boats are meticulously maintained and have never had our vacation spoilt with a breakdowns. The Captain is expected to present a good navigation plan, be sure these guys have a high standard, prepare and present good seamanship and you will fly through the orientation. The yachts have many features, well worth the cost to chartering great vessels and enjoying the vacation. read more

Just completed a week sailing on Isla, a brand new Jenner's 349. The boat was perfectly set up; the owner/manager helped get us to the dock and get underway. Island's boast are the best-maintained I've ever seen. The Gulf Islands are an amazing place to sail especially early season when you can be the only person in an anchorage. read more

terrible outfit we had mechanical problems on our trip and the owner of the company was very abasive he charged our credit card for an extra $2200 without our authorization. credit card reversed the charge after they investigated. he then sued us in small debts court. not only was unsuccessful but we got a judgement against him!! I've been chartering boats for over 30 years and this only my second bad experience. read more

office staff were really nice. owner was incredibly abusive, angry and nasty. checkout by Larry the owner was abbreviated and incomplete. Features on the boat were not as advertised. Boat broke down on the second day and we had to repeatedly beg for help despite their "chase boat guarantee". Did most of the trip with no alternator as they couldn't fix the problem. I eventually disassembled and fixed the wiring myself. We got home only to discover that Larry put a $2300 charge on our credit card for "chase boat services"!! I've been chartering boats for 30 years and this is only the second time that I have ever had a problem. Would not recommend these guys to anyone. read more

Really poor customer service, will never come back. I actually applied for a job here and found it completely disorganized. I waited for 40 minutes to meet with a woman named Cyndie, who could not spell my name even though it was on my resume, signed at the end of the reply for the ad I sent in, and is also in my email address. There was no one around and the doors were all locked well after my appointment time. I gave up, went home, and sent a complaint via email after I called and no one answered. I got a reply back claiming that she had come back ten minutes before I left (which wasn't true) and that I must not have been fit for the job because I didn't understand customer service. I got no phone call, or even a sticky note on the door as to explain that she would be late, or any kind of courtesy. I doubt I even would have gotten an explanation had I not complained, but it wasn't much of an explanation that I did receive. After such a mess, I would not trust this business with my money, and I will be making sure my friends do not either. With such disorganization and the just plain rudeness I received here, I cannot suggest wasting your time here since the treatment of employees (and applicants) is a pretty clear reflection on how the business runs. Do not apply here or do business here! They are disrespectful and do not care. I was told not to bother with Island Cruising, but didn't listen and had a terrible experience. read more