Residents along Sidney’s waterfront were treated to an impressive sight this week when a gleaming white superyacht dropped anchor just offshore.
This vessel, named Nova Spirit, belongs to BC billionaire and business mogul Jim Pattison.
The 150-foot yacht, valued at an estimated $25 million, was seen moving through the southern Gulf Islands before heading back to Vancouver.
AIS tracking shows Nova Spirit left Coal Harbour on Friday, August 29th, then anchored near North Pender Island early on September 1st.
By late that morning, the yacht had returned to Vancouver, where it has stayed moored since.
Built in 1999 by Trinity Yachts in the United States, Nova Spirit is one of the largest private yachts often seen in BC waters. Measuring 45.7 metres long with a beam over nine metres, this aluminium-hulled vessel blends sleek design with strong power.
It is powered by twin Caterpillar diesel engines that can reach speeds of up to 20 knots and has a range of about 6,000 nautical miles.
The yacht can host around a dozen guests, supported by a crew of nine. Its interior, designed by Dee Robinson Interiors, has all the amenities expected of a luxury vessel.
While large yachts occasionally appear in the Strait of Georgia and Gulf Islands during the summer, Nova Spirit stands out for both its size and its high-profile owner.
Pattison, whose business interests include grocery chains, billboards, and entertainment companies, has ranked among Canada’s wealthiest individuals for decades.
Sidney residents say the yacht’s presence attracted many curious onlookers and sparked speculation about who might be aboard.
For now, Nova Spirit is back at its Vancouver berth, but sightings in BC’s coastal waters will likely continue to generate interest each time the vessel heads out.
