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San Juan Sailing

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Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/08/2006 : 20:07:40

I would like to plan a trip to the San Juan Islands. I spent about a week in Roche Harbor with some friends and now I would like to see more of the area. I know the currents can be strong and without some local knowledge, one can get into trouble quick.

I'd like to get some info on boat rentals and points of intrest. The wives don't want to go so it will be a guys trip of 5. We would like to sail but this will limit our range/speed (which is fine) and I'll need to get current info.

So if you live/sail in the area please let me know. I'd love to pick your brain for some ideas and info.

Thanks,
Mark

Mark-
'Impulse...�
1978 C25 #533 SR/DIN/FIN ~_/)~
Bakersfield, CA.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 12/08/2006 : 22:24:52

Mark, there are many more guys on the forum more knowledgeable than I about the San Juans. I sailed there many years ago, and have done so for the last 3 years. These are the references I use. Washburnes Guide to currents in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Waggoners Guide for the current year. A current set of charts for the area I'm going to. As for chartering, I cant say. I chartered there some 30 years ago and not since. You might start here or use google.
http://www.sanjuanweb.com/
As for points of interest, you will be going to a beautiful area. I have my favorites, but they might not be what you're looking for. Start with what attracted you in the first place and go from there. If that was Roche Harbor, then that might be where you will want to start.

Edited by - mashedcat on 12/08/2006 22:30:34

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2006 : 12:08:04

Here is a charter link for you:
http://www.tuckerhouse.com/activities_sailing_boating.html
Friday Harbor is the closest ferry stop to Roche Harbor. There are many good anchorages within one days easy sail of either Roche Harbor or Friday Harbor.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 12/10/2006 : 19:14:25

Some thoughts.........
How big of sailboat are you talking about....are you certified.
Where you rent the sailboat will usually will be your home port.
Do you plan on gunkholing.
How long of a stay.
Are you staying in USA waters.
If you are a cruiser (and have an iron genoa) tides and current are not a problem.

paulj

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 12/11/2006 : 16:41:51

Am getting ready to plan cruise for this next summer. Away from home right now so don't have all my notes but will put them on the Forum later. Use the guides all ready mentioned and look for the places on the internet. It might be time yet to secure a boat for 5 but you have to get on it. Power boat is ok for quick cruise but know your charts and intraments, compass, depth sounder etc.. There are very good guides for currents which are a guide as you will have to compromise each leg of the cruise and use your facilty guides. Look for the local events and you can plan to enjoy the fresh seafood of the area. Good planning can increase your fun and enjoyment and give you ability to make changes if weather makes a change. I go everyother year since chartering a 25 Cal some years ago with my Cat 25.

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2006 : 07:21:48

The window of best weather for the San Juan and Gulf Islands is July and August. June and September are almost as good but more chance of rain. On the other hand, you could save a considerable amount of $$$ on your charter rate by going outside of the peak season. Be careful anytime you are underway close to a shoreline as there are lots of roacks and shoals. You will need a set of current charts of the areas you plan to be in and you need to familiarize yourself with the hazards. You can download the raster charts for all USA waters at: http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/Raster/download.htm. This is a free service. If you plan on crossing the border and cruising on the Canadian side, in the Gulf Islands, you will need to buy Canadian Chart book #3313. Unfortunately, NOAA's free raster charts only cover the San Juans on the US side, there are no free charts that I could find for the Canadian side, and the lowest price electronic chart package that covers the Gulf Islands is horribly expensise at $350. You will also need chartplotter software to view the raster charts: SEACLEAR is the best free chartplotter I know of, download this at: http://www.sping.com/seaclear/.
Have a great time up there, I might go myself, either in 2007 or 2008.

Edited by - on

Mark Maxwell
Captain

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USA
329 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2006 : 17:54:29

Thanks for the input, I hope to have my ASA classes done by then so I'll be certified to bareboat. Of the many Islands are there any that I should not miss? I want to see as much as possible but still be close enough to shore support when needed. Any favorite marinas? Plan is for sometime in Sept. of '07. Thanks

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2006 : 23:29:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Mark Maxwell
 Of the many Islands are there any that I should not miss? I want to see as much as possible but still be close enough to shore support when needed. Any favorite marinas?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

My Favorites in the San Juans:
*Fossil Bay (Anchor out, Sucia Island)
Roche Harbor and Friday Harbor (Marina or anchor out, San Juan Island)
*Reid Harbor (Anchor out, Stuart Island)

In the Gulf Islands:
Sidney Marina (Vancouver Island)
NOTE: City bus service available to Victoria and Butchart Gardens from a bus stop a few blocks from the marina

Montague Harbour (Marina or anchor out, Galiano Island)
Telegraph Harbor (Marina or anchor out, Thetis Island)
*Conover Cove (Anchor out, Wallace Island)
Ganges Harbor (Marina or anchor out, Saltspring island)
Otter Bay Marina (North Pender Island)

*Indicates Washington State Park or British Columbia Provincial Park - undeveloped island but typical park facilities available near the boat landings, like pit toilets, but no groceries or fuel.

Most of the San Juan and Gulf Islands are populated, and you will not usually have to travel more than 15 miles to find a marina with a fuel dock. If you have a 4-stroke gas outboard, or an inboard diesel, a 6-gallon fuel tank is sufficient. If you have a 2-stroke outboard, you might want to carry two 6-gallon tanks if you can find room for them.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2006 : 18:43:22

Ditto Larry's, and add:
San Juans:
Fisherman's Bay, Lopez Is (marina or anchor)
Griffin Bay, San Juan Is. (anchor)
Prevost Harbor, Stuart Is. (anchor)
James Is. (anchor)

Gulf Islands:
Fulford Harbour, Salt Springs Is. (anchor or marina)
Sidney Spit, Sidney Is. (anchor)
Princess Bay, Portland Is. (anchor)
Maple Bay, Vancouver Is. (anchor or marina)
Pirates Cove, DeCourcey Is. (anchor)
Nanaimo, Vancouver Is. (anchor or marina)
Port Browning, N. Pender Is. (anchor)
Poets Cove, S. Pender Is. (anchor or marina)

Poets Cove gave us a free ride from our boat to their courtesy van which took our son to the Dr. on N. Pender. We were anchored. They were very accommodating and they have a very nice staff. It's also where you clear customs entering Canada from the U.S. Our experience in Canada has been exceptional.

I think September, October would be a great time to be in the Islands. It's my fondest wish to do it at that time of year. Have a great trip

I have only run out of gas with a six gallon tank and a 2 stroke once. Had a backup gascan in the dumpster so no sweat.

Port of Sidney Marina did not have gas or pumpout when I was there. But it looks nice and is near to the main street of town. On the other hand, Van Isle Marina had all services and they were very nice both times I have used their services.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 20:48:18

I was down at Cap Sante this morning watching the progress of the new dock...talked to this guy who said he chartered at this place.
Good price if in Canadian money.

http://www.cooperboating.com/charter.php

paulj C250 WK #719

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 21:17:18

Forgot to add:
Griffin bay: Hike the path to the top of the hill. View is spectacular.
Stuart Is: Hike the paths. You can see many views from this island.

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mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2006 : 21:20:48

Paul, what will Cap Sante look like to me if I go back next year? Should I go to Bellingham if I put in in Washington? This year i talked to several people who were going to use Bellingham next year.
I love Anacortes, and have always been treated well there. I would hate to see that change.

Edited by - mashedcat on 12/15/2006 21:29:55

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2006 : 00:04:03

Would also like to be kept up for the up coming cruise. Appreciate any news that is at the Cap Sante Marina new developments that would effect our plans.

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