Sailing the San Juans

[Tbrad]

Can anybody recommend a good publication that gives a graphic depiction of tide and current flows around the San Juans? I've googled it and run across several books and charts but a guy showed me the publication he uses and it was like a chart book that depicted tides and currents as well as expected velocities. I checked at West Marine and they didn't have anything like it. Am hoping to sail up there from Oak Harbor this spring so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

[jackdale]

The Current Atlas published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service is great for currents - it does cover the San Juans.

CHS - Atlas of Tidal Currents

Maps, Globes, Travel Guides for the World, Canada and USA - Map Town Ltd.

It can be used Murray's Tables or Washburne's Tables.

Maps, Globes, Travel Guides for the World, Canada and USA - Map Town Ltd.

Charts & Navigation

[Bash]

That area has one of the best cruising guides in the universe. The Waggoner Cruising Guide puts out an annual edition, so get the 2011 if you're heading there this year.

Chances are good you won't need much else.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by Bash

That area has one of the best cruising guides in the universe. The Waggoner Cruising Guide puts out an annual edition, so get the 2011 if you're heading there this year.

Chances are good you won't need much else.

More money but great

Cruising Guides for the Pacific Northwest | Dreamspeaker Guides

[capnorv]

Waggoners is the best guide for the Northwest, bar none. $22.95 I believe, and I saw at the boatshow, this is the last edition with the current author, he's retiring! I suggest anyone get a 2011 if their's, like ours was, is a little out of date. The San Juan currents are not that intimidating, but should still be respected for an enjoyable trip. Not like those to the north, which can put you in harms way.

[Tbrad]

Okay. Thanx guys. really appreciate it. It's one thing to see something in a catalogue or even on the internet but it's a lot better to hear someone's first hand opinion. Only six more weeks and its back to the PNW for me!! My boat awaits!

[Jack Tar]

There will be a great party at Sucia Island on Aug 10th. PNW Cruisers will be holding there 10 th anniversary party. wwwpnwsailors.com

[jrd22]

Waggoner's is a good cruising guide, but doesn't have much, if any, current info. for the SJ's. I haven't found that any of the current tables are much help inside the islands either. They are OK for Rosario and Haro St. and more or less for Presidents Ch. but for the majority of the area you pretty much have to figure it out for yourself. Lots of counter currents and eddies, especially during Spring tides. The current changes direction in several locations as water is drawn out of both ends of some channels (Wasp, Upright). None of the currents are dangerous, but can really mess up your ETA sometimes. Enjoy your trip!

[IdoraKeeper]

The Canadian current book is the bomb. You can find them used on Amazon. It seems that every time I just head out without consulting it, I end up having to motor due to lack of tide planning. If you use the book you can sail much more effectively. (I love peace and quiet)

Todd

[Jack Tar]

Captain Jacks has a tide guide for the area.

Capt'n Jack's Tide & Current Almanac

[capnorv]

I find Ports and Passages a good tidal/current guide also

[St. Elsewhere]

If a computer is available JTides is worth having. It is available here: http://www.arachnoid.com/JTides/index.html

It is freeware too.

[hummingway]

Originally Posted by St. Elsewhere

If a computer is available JTides is worth having. It is available here: * JTides Home Page

It is freeware too.

Good software from an interesting person. He sailed solo around the world and wrote a book about it. * Confessions Online

[Maggie-K]

Waggoner has nothing about tidal currents of any significance

check here
BIS Home

as was mentioned the Canadian Current Atlas along with one of the many yearly short cut tables

There is a similar guide for Washington State I got at Fisheries that continues down Puget Sound
Fisheries - Product Detail

[Jesse]

The tides & currents feature in Nobeltec VNS has been reliable and handy in my traveling through and around the islands.