The World visits Salt Spring

In the wake of this summer’s surge of large vessels cruising the Gulf Islands — which included sightings of the 119-metre mega-yacht Launchpad, owned by Mark Zuckerberg — the world’s largest “liveaboard” may yet turn a few heads as it returns to Salt Spring this weekend.

The 196-metre vessel The World is owned entirely by its hundreds of residents, who have purchased its 165 condominium-style units; many live aboard the vessel as it travels the globe, getting on or off where they please. The 12-deck vessel — not a “cruise ship,” according to ship’s literature, rather “the largest privately owned residential yacht on earth” — launched in 2002 and first stopped at Salt Spring in 2009, most recently visiting in 2012.

Jessica Hoppe, president and CEO of The World Residences at Sea, said the floating community is delighted about their return, and were eager to again experience the “warmth, creativity and natural beauty” of the island community.

“One of the greatest privileges of life aboard The World is the opportunity for our residents and guests to spend meaningful time in remarkable destinations,” said Hoppe, “connecting with the people, culture and traditions that define them. We look forward to discovering everything Salt Spring Island has to offer and are grateful for the warm welcome from the local community.”

Having officially marked 1,000,000 nautical miles of travel June 27, The World has the size and capability to comfortably accommodate transoceanic crossings and polar exploration, with the ship’s day-to-day built around exploration and personal enrichment, according to the company.

With an average occupancy of between 150 and 200 residents aboard at any given time, it’s uncertain how many will partake in activities organized ashore, which typically include destination-focused experiences and expert-led local programming, it said.