|
The world of new and wonderful electronic navigation is not the issue here.
The Northswest coast of the US is rated as one of the most inhospitable sailing areas of the world!
I've never sailed north, only south. All of the harbors of safe refuge are guarded by sandbars as they are the mouth of rivers. Even SF bay has a huge Horseshoe shaped sandbar located eigth miles offshore. Very large swells (30 feet or more) can sweep out of the Gulf of Alaska and travel on the south flowing current, at anytime of the year. When this occurs the entrances to the harbors may be closed by the Coast Guard, even the entrance to the Columbia River can be closed. Plan your trip carefully.
Getting around Cape Mendicino can be next to impossible as I've heard of people waiting for two weeks or more for a weather window to round the Cape. Some turn back.
Some sail for six days out from the Golden Gate on a starboard tack, then go on a port tack for seven days.
Others go via Interstate 5
|