25 Years of Experience
At The Gallivanders, our story is one of transformation and adventure, driven by a love for the sea and the unique experiences it offers. Born from a passion for restoring and flipping sailboats, we've evolved into a premier maritime service provider, specializing in crewed charters, logistics, and boat handling & navigation coaching lessons.
Sylvain Dumais
Captain & Sailing Instructor
Sylvain Dumais
Captain & Sailing Instructor, Co-Founder
With over 26 years of maritime experience, Sylvain embodies the very essence of nautical passion. His impressive journey spans from the majestic waters of the St. Lawrence River to the distant horizons of the North Atlantic, extending through the Caribbean, Pacific, and Mediterranean seas.
As an officer and harbor master at CVSYC and a member of SLVYRA, Sylvain combines technical expertise with natural leadership. A graduate of the Quebec Maritime Institute and holder of the CYA skipper's license, he is also a certified instructor with Voile Quebec.
His exceptional versatility shines through in every aspect of navigation: from competitive regattas to offshore deliveries, from diesel mechanics to rigging intricacies. Whether on sailboats or motor vessels, his technical expertise and educational approach make him an invaluable mentor for sailors of all levels.
Gabrielle Arpin
Administrator & First-Mate, Co-Founder
Gabrielle brings a fresh perspective and vibrant energy to the maritime industry, combining her natural hospitality talent with an adventurous spirit. What began as an unexpected pandemic pivot in 2020 has blossomed into a passionate journey on the waters.
Her maritime journey started dramatically with an ambitious 10-day sailing expedition from New York to Lake Champlain – a testament to her 'dive right in' approach to life. Today, her expertise spans the St. Lawrence River, Hudson River, Florida's intricate waterways, and the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas.
With over eight years in hospitality and event planning, Gabrielle excels at transforming boat charters into unforgettable experiences. Her approach is distinctively personal – treating each client like a friend while ensuring every detail is meticulously handled. As the driving force behind The Gallivanders' operations, she masterfully orchestrates everything from business development to charter operations, adding her signature polish to every aspect of the service.
Gabrielle Arpin
Administrator & First-Mate
How It Began
Our journey began during the pandemic, when our founders joined up and discovered the joy and satisfaction of breathing new life into old sailboats. This hobby soon turned into a business, as we expertly restored and sold these vessels. But as the world began to open up, we saw an opportunity to share our maritime expertise in a new way: by offering top-notch crew services for charters and expanding into logistics and education.
Today, The Gallivanders is proud to connect clients with unforgettable sailing experiences. As hired crew, we bring our deep knowledge and passion for sailing to each charter, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey for boat owners and guests alike. Our logistics services provide comprehensive support, from asset management and transport to maintenance and expedition planning. Additionally, our boat handling & navigation coaching lessons are designed to cater to all skill levels, empowering individuals to master the art of cruising.
What sets us apart is our commitment to personalized service and our intimate understanding of the vessels we work on. We tailor each experience to meet the unique needs and desires of our clients, from seasoned sailors to first-time adventurers. Our partnership with magnificent vessels allows us to offer a range of experiences, all delivered with the same care and attention to detail that defined our boat restoration days.