Cruising the Puget Sound in October/November

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by JDWS

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Any don’t miss winter destinations?

Like any other cuise, it all depends on what YOU want to see and do.


Victoria Harbor would be pretty empty if you've never been there.


OTOH, Wallace Island, both Conover Cove with its small dock and Princess Cove to anchor, would be a more remote choice. Winter Cove on Saturna is gorgeous. Montague, gruesome in summer, would be delightful in winter.



So many places, no favorites, they are all different.


Safe journey for all, watch the weather.


Last year at this exact time was our Indian Summer Cruise. Not so much, this year.

[JDWS]

Thanks all, great stuff, really appreciate the pointers. We are shooting for Thanksgiving on the hook in the San Juans. Anchorage TBD, but within a day or two of Bellingham, weather permitting. All of you invited (yes we have heat), Canadians and OP included

[Capt Phil]

Not certain much has changed since I towed logs, barges and drove seiners in the PNW in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s but what I recall vividly isbashing into a headon buck out the Straits of Juan de Fula in December in a driving snowstorm pulling a black oil barge headed for Tofino... nobody knew about global warming, survival suits or GPS at the time. We had loran but no radar!
Even with inclement weather we still felt good about ourselves and our vessel. We were bringing fuel to an outpost that supplied power and heat to several villages on the west coast of the Island. When we arrived after a two day/ 48 hour trip, we were treated like kings!
Times have changed, I know but sailors who are prudent decision makers and know the waters fairly well can always duck and hide for a short time... it is called seamanship! (Or used to be).

[rsn48]

If in BC, purchase books for Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound and Jarvis Inlet, and the Broughtons. There are some areas that can be brutal in terms of tides, currents, wind, etc but there is lots of help to get you through these areas. Know what you are doing, don't re-invent the wheel, proceed with cruising recommendations, don't ignore the warnings.

I used to sail with a group of hospital administrators out of Vancouver General Hospital. One owned a 37 foot CT, gorgeous boat, we'd take it out in all the winter months, leaving Point Roberts on a Friday evening in the dark and sailing to Friday Harbour arriving in the early morning hours. At one point, I realized I had done more sailing in the dark than in day light. I always find it humourous and surprising so many are afraid to sail in the dark. And back then there was no AIS, mid-1970's. In fact back in the day... lol.... most recreational boaters didn't have marine radios, no gps, etc.

You can enjoy the coast year round, but I second the Bimini idea.