We set sail from Tula’s home port at North Saanich Marina in Sidney, British Columbia, Canada.
Peter and Michelle are members of:
- Bluewater Cruising Association
- Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club
- Canadian Forces Sailing Association
Get to know Tula's Peter & Michelle
Peter Simpson and his wife, Michelle Forest, are the proud owners of SV Tula, a beautifully appointed 39′ Beneteau sailboat. Both experienced sailors, they now offer the opportunity for guests and students to join them on short ‘cruise & learn’ adventures in the Gulf Islands.
Peter purchased Tula in 2004, and has refitted her as an instructional vessel. It is his goal to bring his knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for sailing to others.
About Tula
After many years of sailing with others and dreaming of escaping on his own perfect sailboat, Peter bought the SV Tula, a 39′ Beneteau, in 2004. And she continues to inspire him!
The main salon is beautifully appointed with a large table for gathering around. There is a fully equipped galley for preparing all those great meals as well as three comfortable cabins, and a v-berth and two aft cabins, plus forward and aft heads.
Dimensions:
LOA: 39'
Beam: 12' 9"
Maximum Draft: 5' 6"
Bridge Clearance: 51' 9"
Displacement: 14,500
Ballast: 5,170
About Peter Simpson
Peter is the skipper and head instructor for TULA Sailing. He was born in New Zealand, the home country of some of the world’s top sailors, and became an accomplished dinghy sailor at a very young age.
Since moving to Canada in 1975, Peter has sailed extensively around the Pacific West Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Island. An experienced sailor, he acquired Tula in 2004 with the intention refitting her for instructional purposes.
Since the summer of 2009, Peter has skippered 6-10 week spring-summer cruises around Vancouver Island and up the Central Coast of BC. Recently he skippered a 47 foot Leopard catamaran on charter in the Caribbean.
Peter is a skilled and patient educator possessing a sound ability to communicate all aspects of the sailing and cruising life. He believes that safety is critical…and that fun is essential.
Peter is a qualified Sail Canada instructor.
About Michelle Forest
Our Logistics Coordinator, Michelle regularly accompanies her husband Peter on Tula’s voyages. Our guests find that her warm and friendly personality makes everyone feel at home on board.
Michelle began her sailing career in various boats with her family on Lake Wabamun in Alberta. Sailing this typical Alberta lake with it’s fondness for sudden squalls gave Michelle a healthy respect for the power of nature.
Michelle has her Canadian Power Squadron qualification. She is comfortable at the helm in all kinds of conditions and does not flinch when the wind begins to blow.
A competent and careful voyage planner, Michelle ensures the comfort and well-being of all crew. It is her provisioning skills that result in the many delicious gourmet meals enjoyed on Tula.