Anacortes to Barkley Sound - Navigation Tips

[RFunk]

First post here

We are taking our 38ft LOA power boat (3587) from Anacortes to the Broken Islands in August and are looking for suggestions. We have spent years between Seattle and the Broughtons but are wanting a new area to explore.

We usually travel at 7knts but can pick it up to 20 if needed.

We have lots of time so looking for a good weather window will be a priority. What would you consider "acceptable" for wind/waves before leaving from Sooke ? Which buoy reports would you watch ? suggestions of tides or current's to catch/avoid ?

Cruising guide suggestion. Only have the Waggoneer so far and looking for some more info.

Any fishing/crabbing reading suggestions ?

Thanks for your input !

Ryan

[Lepke]

In the US there is detailed sailing information in the Coast Pilots. In non US waters there are the equivalent Sailing Directions. Generally they describe in great detail almost all navigation issues for the area they cover. The point of these pubs is to allow a captain to safely sail through waters that are new to them.
You can download, free, BC Sailing Directions here: Sailing Directions
Coast Pilots can be downloaded, free here:United States Coast Pilot®
Lepke

[PaulSommers]

Get the Douglass cruising guide for the West Coast of Vancouver Island:
FineEdge.comguides.html
Do not head out the Strait against an incoming tide - go with the ebb, in the morning if possible, before the winds build up.

[michaelmrc]

the dreamspeaker cruising guides are great. lots of well done graphics photos and information. Home
as a local and one whos spent a great deal of time in the broken group might i suggest trying to come a little earlier. august is typically known as fogust in this area. would suggest perhaps last week of july to first week of august.

[RFunk]

Thanks for the links and the guides, that's exactly what I was looking for ! I will try to adjust my holidays to go a wee bit earlier. I would like to avoid the fog if possible.

Thanks again

[michaelmrc]

not sure how much time you have to explore but the broken group islands are amazing. i spent an entire summer there in 06 paddling was incredible. some great places to anchor ive heard of are Joe's Bay between Turtle Island &Walsh island, Nettle Island, Effingham Bay, ive even seen boats anchored in front of gilbraltor and in the bay on turret.

[westsail42]

What they said.

A radar is highly recommended, no matter what time of year. We got socked in at Neah Bay and would have otherwise had to wait days to make the crossing without our radar. Unless you are not on a schedule and have all the time to wait of course ;-).

Watch out for sport fisherman on the wait out the straight, and approaching Bamfield, depending on the time of year.

Weather forecasts for Cape Beale is one to pay attention to. Ivan VE7IVN used to be stationed there and would give weather reports on the morning northern boaters nets. Not sure if he is still there.

[RFunk]

Yes, we have Radar so the fog shouldn't keep us from going.

I"m more worried about wind and swell. Since I've never been on the outside of Vancouver island not sure how the boat will handle the large swells.

We have extra time to wait for decent weather or we will cancel and just stay around the San Juan's if it's prolonged poor weather.

[westsail42]

Originally Posted by RFunk

Yes, we have Radar so the fog shouldn't keep us from going.

I"m more worried about wind and swell. Since I've never been on the outside of Vancouver island not sure how the boat will handle the large swells.

We have extra time to wait for decent weather or we will cancel and just stay around the San Juan's if it's prolonged poor weather.

If you are following the Van Isle side of the strait (sounds like you are if you intend to leave Sooke) you can expect some swells on the nose as you round up the island, especially if there is any weather in the Gulf of AK.

Should be a great trip. I hope to do it again sometime.

[RFunk]

What would the preferred route be ?

A - Victoria to clear customs and provision, Sooke - Bamfield ?
or
B - Port Angeles - Neah Bay - Ucluelet to clear customs and provision

We prefer to run into any type of swell rather than take it on the beam.

[michaelmrc]

personally i think i would do the victoria customs provisions then sooke and bamfield.

[jackdale]

Clear customs at Victoria.

There are three forecast areas

Juan de Fuca East, Central and West

For local conditions

Race Rocks

Sheringham Point

Carmanah

Pachena

Cape Beale

The Environment Canada web site is very good

Pacific - South Coast - Marine Weather - Environment Canada

[westsail42]

Originally Posted by michaelmrc

personally i think i would do the victoria customs provisions then sooke and bamfield.

Yes, especially if you have some speed (sounds like you do).

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by RFunk

What would the preferred route be ?

A - Victoria to clear customs and provision, Sooke - Bamfield ?
or
B - Port Angeles - Neah Bay - Ucluelet to clear customs and provision

We prefer to run into any type of swell rather than take it on the beam.

There is no CSBA office in Ucluelet - clear in Victoria.

Victoria is OK to provision, but a bit of a walk.

Not sure about Sooke for provisioning.

The store in Bamfield is pretty small.

The Coop store in Ucluelet is a good place to provision.

[FlyingCloud1937]

A good read, from a very experienced skipper.

Lloyd

Originally Posted by RFunk

What would the preferred route be ?

A - Victoria to clear customs and provision, Sooke - Bamfield ?
or
B - Port Angeles - Neah Bay - Ucluelet to clear customs and provision

We prefer to run into any type of swell rather than take it on the beam.