Our Story

Hi, I’m Christopher, the captain of our sailboat, “ULUWATU,” a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409. Together with my partner, Adelle, and our rambunctious but friendly pitbull, Bella, we make up the crew behind Sailing BC. This is more than just a journey for us; it’s a lifestyle, a passion, and a way to connect with the incredible coastline of British Columbia and beyond.

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the water. With over 6000nm of sailing experience under my belt, I’ve learned to navigate hidden anchorages, find breathtaking views, and embrace the challenges that come with life at sea. For me, sailing isn’t just about getting from one place to another—it’s about the stories, the lessons, and the chance to share this incredible lifestyle with others. I approach sailing with a mix of careful planning and a love for spontaneous adventure, and I try to share that balance of skill and adventure in everything we do.

Adelle is the heart of our adventures. She has a natural ability to create unforgettable experiences, whether it’s crafting amazing meals in our galley or forming connections with the people we meet along the way. Her enthusiasm for exploring new cultures and her genuine warmth make every journey richer and more meaningful. Sailing with her is not just practical; it’s inspiring.

And then there’s Bella, our lovable pitbull, who brings so much joy to life on board. Bella’s energy is infectious, whether she’s lounging on deck, exploring sandy beaches, or keeping an eye out for seals. She’s become a bit of a celebrity among our followers, and it’s easy to see why—her happiness is as boundless as the open sea.

Together, we’ve turned a dream into reality. Sailing BC is about more than just charting our course; it’s about inspiring others to find their own adventures, whether that’s on the water or in their own backyard. We share practical sailing tips, stories from our travels, and glimpses into the joys and challenges of this life. The beauty of British Columbia’s coastline, the camaraderie of the sailing community, and the endless horizon all remind us that there’s always something new to discover.

Thanks for joining us on this journey. We hope our adventures inspire you to chase your own horizon, wherever it may lead.

   instagram.com/firstname_christopher

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been an adventurer and someone who likes to push the limits. I was a free-range kid in the 70’s and my buddies and I would make forts, go-karts and para-gliders. We surfed, skated and snowboarded at a time when these activities were not really considered sports. I remember when my dad bought a small styrofoam sailboat from Sears called a Snark. This added another level to my outdoor adventures. My love for nature and the way the wind feels on your face was an addiction.

In the late 80’s I toured North America competing in snowboard competitions with legends like Jeff Brushie to Shaun Palmer. I opened a skateboard and snowboard shop in Vancouver in the early 90’s. During this time I met my wife, had a son and learned the ins and outs of business. I’ve never had much money so if I needed something, I just learned how to do it myself. I took a few art classes in college and created logos and marketed my shop using early tech like Corel draw. I needed security bars for the shop, so I bought a welder and a book. I needed signage, so I bought some foam, plywood and some rattle cans. When the internet became a thing, I taught myself HTML and expanded into e-commerce. Unfortunately the store fizzled out and I needed to pivot, so I used what I knew and started a Web design company in the early 2000’s. Most of my clients needed photos taken for their websites but they were often not able to access a commercial photographer, so I expanded my business and started a new company that offered photography services.

Over the past 30 years, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the flexibility and curiosity to enjoy a number of different like hockey and mountain biking. Traveling and surfing have always been priorities. When Covid hit, my wife and I knew we had to change things up a bit. I had gotten into motorbikes a while back and this became another obsession that ticked all the boxes. Unfortunately, my wife Adelle has had a few injuries over the years, and they have limited her mobility and left her managing chronic pain. She liked the bike, but could only commit to short local rides. Harleys are meant for long winding highways, and she wasn’t down for that.

In the summer of 2021, I bumped into a buddy at Granville Island Marina. He was leaving the next day for Desolation Sound on his 40 ft. Beneteau sailboat and asked if I wanted to go with. I knew I had a bit of time so I called Adelle and told her the plan. For years she begged me to take her sailing, and that summer we actually did a little day sail to Bowen Island for her birthday. This seemed like fate.

The trip was amazing and I was hooked. When we arrived back at the marina, I signed up for a course at Cooper’s and got my Basic Cruising Standard and Coastal Navigation certification. I was ready to buy a boat but during Covid, everyone learned a new hobby and boat availability in our neighbourhood was limited. We scoured the internet and found the perfect boat in Gig Harbour, Washington. The rest is history.

   instagram.com/afriesen72

Adelle was a bit of a tom-boy growing up. Her early years were spent chasing chickens and cows on her parents hobby farm outside of Vancouver BC. As she got older she played hockey, softball and all the classic school sports. Being a good Norwegian, she also enjoyed downhill and cross county skiing. Her parents kept her busy in nature as they explored the backroads of British Columbia, the Yukon Territory and eventually Alaska. In 1986 she was chosen to participate in a school program called Exploring Nature. Students learned outdoor survival skills and also got to go sailing for a few days off the shores of Salt Spring Island. These experiences sparked her curiosity for the natural world and travel.

We married in 1993 and she worked part-time at the skateboard shop while helping to raise our son. In 1998 she went back to school and got her teaching certification. Teaching was the perfect job for her. She loved to learn and work with kids. She coached community sports and volunteered for many extra-curricular activities.

Early on in her career she was injured at school. This altered her trajectory and left her with chronic pain. The demands of teaching continued to increase and her ability to manage those demands took a great toll on her energy and focus. Her physical injuries made it difficult for her to participate in the activities she once enjoyed.

When I bought the boat, she was apprehensive about her abilities to endure some of the things like sea sickness and the piercing cold wind of the pacific northwest. There are good days and bad. Uluwatu is easily sailed singlehanded. Her duties as first-mate are few. She enjoys taking pics and helping with light tasks. Time on the water is time well-spent; especially when we are together.

Meet Bella, the spirited and lovable pitbull who’s as much a part of our crew as any human. Bella’s journey began as a rescue—she was found tied to a tree in the woods with only a bag of dog food. Since then, she’s gone from surviving to thriving, becoming the heart of our family and a key member of our sailing adventures.

Despite her tough start, Bella has a sweet and friendly nature. She’s a social butterfly who loves meeting new people and dogs wherever we dock. Onboard, she’s a natural sailor who’s happiest with the wind in her face and the waves beneath her paws. Bella’s keen instincts make her an excellent security officer, and she’s especially good at keeping pesky otters away from the boat.

Due to allergies, Bella is on a strict diet of salmon and salmon kibble, which keeps her healthy and full of energy. Her resilience and joy for life inspire everyone she meets, both on land and at sea. Whether she’s lounging on deck, exploring new shores, or just soaking up the sun, Bella brings boundless love and enthusiasm to our adventures. Follow her journey on Instagram at @bella_the_pitbullx!

   instagram.com/bella_the_pitbullx