PNW: Anacortes to Desolation Sound

[jackdale]

Friday Harbor.

Roche Harbor - book a window seat at the restaurant so that you can watch the sunset ceremony.

Sucia is a must - get there early and check out the rock formations in Shallow Bay on the west side.

If going into Matia, avoid the outer most mooring ball in Rolfe Cove - lots of current.

Mud Bay on Lopez is a good anchorage before heading back to Anacortes.

In Canada - Beaumont Marine Park in Bedwell Harbour - mooring balls

Port Browning - renovations are making this a good spot.

[Livia]

Portland Island
Wallace Island
Sucia

[SkiprJohn]

Thanks for all the input!
kind regards,

[wguterbock]

Don't overlook Cypress Island. It is very close to Anacortes and is a good stop at the end of a charter when you have to back at the base by a certain time. There are three areas with mooring balls. Eagle Harbor is the most sheltered and has room to anchor, also. The others are somewhat exposed but are OK under calm conditions. Lots of good hiking trails on the island, but no services.

Walt Guterbock
Gozzard 36
Sophie

[webejammin]

Your going to really enjoy the warm water you find in Desolation Sound ( warmest salt water north of the Baha ). On Courtez Island you will find an outpost for the Seattle Yacht Club and nice anchorage with a narrow inlet, very wind protected. The small bays get really warm for about the first 10 ft deep, great swimming so take your mask and flippers, all public parks are clothing optional no worries. There's a lot of osysters to be had if you have a permit. Last time I was there it was the second weekend of Sept to do some sea kayaking and the weather was great.

When you get to the broken islands you can get into some very strong currents especially near Cambell River when the tides are running, so be carefull. Cambell River is a good place to get proviosions if needed.

Check the Canadian safety gear you will need to carry, the requirements changed this year.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Walt.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by webejammin

Check the Canadian safety gear you will need to carry, the requirements changed this year.

That only applies to Canadian registered or licensed vessels. US vessels need to follow US regulations.

[dinosaur]

I see that your location is Hawaii so I'm guessing you don't live in Anacortes. My recommendation for you is that you goto this brewery called Rockfish Grill. It is on the corner of Commercial Ave & 4th st. If you like fish, they make one of the best fish sandwiches I have had. And I spent 10 years living in the PNW.

[cwyckham]

Didn't realize you were chartering. If you'd rather go to Desolation, you can just charter out of Campbell River (Coopers as boats there, I think, as well as others) and spend your whole time in Desolation Sound. San Juans and Gulf Islands are fantastic, too. You'll have a great time no matter what you decide.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by cwyckham

Didn't realize you were chartering. If you'd rather go to Desolation, you can just charter out of Campbell River (Coopers as boats there, I think, as well as others) and spend your whole time in Desolation Sound. San Juans and Gulf Islands are fantastic, too. You'll have a great time no matter what you decide.

Cooper's is in Powell River. Desolation Sound Charters and Island Cruising are in Comox.

[s/v Beth]

You know, you guys really should be putting this all in the cruisers wiki... Its golden.

[nylajo]

My personal favorites are Pendrell Sound, Von Donop inlet, Melanie Cove and Grace Harbour in that order and of course Refuge Cove for supplies

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by nylajo

My personal favorites are Pendrell Sound, Von Donop inlet, Melanie Cove and Grace Harbour in that order and of course Refuge Cove for supplies

Recently, I have found the store at Squirrel Cove a little better stocked.

[davefromoregon]

I am chartering in this neighbourhood in a few weeks. Sucia will be the first stop out of Bellingham and then I am trying to figure out where to go next. Either Stuart to Roche Harbor or Pender Island and then Telegraph Harbor.

Any thoughts? Stuart sounds nice for hiking but it seems a pretty short sail. Does anyone know anything about the Canadian route?

[jackdale]

Stuart is nice.

The next stop for customs clearance is Bedwell Harbour. Check that it is open. (CBSA Office - Detailed Information). Otherwise go to either Port Sidney or Tsehum Harbour (Van Isle fuel dock)

What else do you need to know about the Canadian route.

Jack