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San Juans Cruising Guides??

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2007 : 13:55:01

The Admiral and I are in! We definitely want to cruise with SJ veterans. We may even tie our 250 to your stern rail.

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 01/16/2007 : 19:36:34

I saw this thread and though I'd jump in. Someone (Mashed Cat?) mentioned me earlier in the thread. Yes, I have been trailering sailboats or sailing up the Washington coast to the SJs since about 1976 (since 1983 on my Cat 25).

I, like a few others, do NOT like to go in big groups, usually, but I have gone with other boats a few times. I much prefer going BEFORE July 5 or so, or after Labor Day (but I teach, so that is tough).

It gets MUCH more crowded up there after July 4 or so, and that adds to my angst about "room in the inn". Although, we usually anchor out or seek a smaller marina, I rather go to AVOID much noice and crowds. We can't afford, nor we like, the pretentious resorts (Rosario and Roche, esp.) although an afternoon stop for a shower, fuel or a drink can be fun.

BTW: I think I have been to ALL of the places on the "Don't Visit" list published earlier, with NO problems at any of them, but then, I do keep an eye on depth and I follow the charts. Fisherman's Bay can be a bit tricky, but I keep my "curb feeler" swing keel down and just crank 'er up if I touch bottom (going slowly).

Mosquito Pass is THE way from Roche down to whale-watching along the W. side of SJ Island, so it's a must, and it's the way into favorite anchorages like Griffin Bay (English Camp).

So...my advice: go early or late in the season, but in June take a boom tent. (2 years ago we put ours up ONE evening in a 2 week June cruise). Take lots of fuel...wind can be hard to find sometimes, ESPECIALLY in late July or August.

Look for a book called "Anchorages"...by....? and or "The SJs, Afoot and Afloat" for some great island exploring, and even "Border Boating" beyond those mentioned. We always use the tide books and current tables when planning each day's travel, as the currents can really help or REALLY hurt a 6 knot boat!

Feel free to contact me directly about my advice, specifically......

I have a wealth of info and I will give it away for free.....

Gary Bruner

360 687 2058 in Battle Ground, Washington

(Clark Island (near Sucia and Matia) is a treasure, but there is a BIG nasty rock to avoid that is not well marked on most charts. Rolf Cove on Matia is a favorite spot in good weather.

And for those who trailer???? I am a huge fan of Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes; they have always treated me so well....and they are VERY inexpensive, comparatively and my trailer doesn't hit the salt.

And take your PASSPORT and papers so you can cross the border and visit the beautiful Canadian Gulf Islands when you go. It may not seem like it on paper, but the SJs are not huge, and one can see a lot of it in 1 week or so.....you might want new cruising grounds real soon!