Happiness II Arrives in the Pacific Northwest

Happiness II, a 2003 Grand Harbor 80, is now based in Victoria, Canada, enabling efficient 14-knot transits to the San Juan Islands, the Salish Sea and remote British Columbia anchorages; with a crew of three and provisioning systems sized for week-long charters, operational planning and tender logistics are simplified for itineraries that prioritize exploration over long repositioning legs.

Vessel Overview and Onboard Capabilities

The 80-foot platform offers a balance of comfort and reach. Designed for relaxed luxury, Happiness II carries six guests in three staterooms with separate crew quarters and systems configured for extended coastal cruising. The yacht’s cruising profile—steady at 14 knots—reduces transit time between anchorages, increasing time at destination sites where wildlife and sheltered coves are the focus.

Accommodations and Guest Experience

Happiness II presents a guest layout engineered for privacy and social life: three well-appointed staterooms, salon and alfresco deck spaces. A professional crew of three handles navigation, provisioning and guest services, enabling customized shore excursions and table-side experiences.

Onboard Gear and Active Options

• 13’ Zodiac RIB tender for shore landings, wildlife viewing and easy boarding at undeveloped coves.
• Kayaks for quiet paddling through inlets and glassy fjords.
• Fishing and crabbing gear to incorporate local cuisine straight from sea to table.
• Expansive deck spaces ideal for photography, birdwatching and alfresco dining underway.

Key Technical and Comfort Specs

Why the Pacific Northwest Works for Yacht Charters

The region’s logistical strengths make it an ideal short-haul yacht destination: protected channels, frequent marinas and anchorages, and relatively short distances between points of interest reduce fuel load complexity and simplify provisioning plans. Natural assets—towering evergreen forests, rugged coastline and abundant marine life—combine with approachable navigation for captains experienced in coastal cruising.

• Prime wildlife viewing: orcas, humpback whales, seals and bald eagles are commonly sighted.
• Access to unique shorelines: secluded bays and fjords reachable only by small to mid-size yachts.
• Cultural stops: seaside towns, Indigenous cultural sites and local fisheries enhance itineraries.
• Fresh provisioning: seafood and local produce are often sourced en route for immediate onboard dining.

Suggested Itineraries

• Short loop (3–4 days): Victoria → Southern San Juans → Sidney/Return. Great for weekend sailing and wildlife viewing.
• Classic cruise (7 days): Victoria → San Juan Islands → Desolation Sound → remote BC coves. Optimal for kayaking and fishing.
• Extended exploration (10+ days): Add Galiano, Pender and Gulf Islands plus bespoke cultural visits and longer offshore legs.

Operational Notes and Cross-Border Logistics

Cruises based in Victoria, Canada must account for customs and immigration procedures when crossing into U.S. waters (San Juan Islands) and vice versa. Advance notice and documented passenger manifests are standard; the onboard crew typically manages all clearances and permits. Fuel consumption planning at a steady 14 knots permits predictable bunkering stops at major marinas, while provisioning can be coordinated with local suppliers in Victoria to support fresh menus and sustainable seafood choices.

Practical Checklist for Charterers

• Confirm passport and customs requirements for all passengers.
• Coordinate dietary needs and special provisioning before departure.
• Discuss preferred activities (kayaking, fishing, photography) with the captain in advance.
• Plan for variable weather—even in summer—and pack appropriate foul-weather gear.

Market Context and Guest Appeal

Smaller, exploration-focused yachts like Happiness II fill a niche for travelers seeking intimate, experience-led charters rather than large-party events. These vessels can access narrower inlets and quieter anchorages that larger superyacht charters cannot, making them attractive for couples, families and small groups prioritizing discovery over show. The model aligns with broader trends toward personalized, active coastal vacations where marine activities complement shore-based culture and cuisine.

GetBoat and the Charter Landscape

The GetBoat service always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as the platform understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. GetBoat values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course—placing no limits on a good life and helping clients find vessels that match their preferences, budget and taste. Transparency—detailed make and model information, ratings and clear itineraries—helps charterers compare options for couples, families or groups.

Highlights of this vessel’s appeal include its capability to reach secluded bays, a tender and kayaks for hands-on exploration, and a crew focused on tailored guest experiences. While experiencing a new location is always a multifaceted process—one where travelers learn about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service—these elements are precisely what make PNW charters memorable. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Forecasting impact: this addition to 26 North’s fleet is regionally significant—it strengthens the availability of mid-size, exploration-focused charters in the Pacific Northwest but does not by itself reshape the global tourism map. However, for travelers intent on coastal discovery, the trend toward purpose-built charter offerings matters. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

In summary, the introduction of Happiness II to the 26 North Charter fleet adds a versatile Grand Harbor 80 to the PNW roster—well-suited to intimate cruising, wildlife viewing and active marine activities. Operationally straightforward from its base in Victoria, Canada, the yacht’s tender, kayaks and fishing gear expand excursion options and local culinary experiences. For anyone looking to charter a yacht, rent a boat or explore marinas, bays and clearwater anchorages, platforms that offer transparency and easy comparison—like GetBoat—help turn plans into unforgettable trips. The combination of yacht, charter logistics and local destinations ensures a rewarding blend of yachting, boating, fishing and seaside culture across the sea and gulf of the Pacific Northwest.