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Rex Delay · 12-01-2010, 11:26

We are contemplating a trip to Alaska from southern B.C. this summer. Can anyone reccommend what they think are the best resources for planning?

kayakingbear · 12-01-2010, 19:32

Most people use what is often referred to as the Douglas book. I have the book when they covered Vancouver to Skagway but now it appears they have it broken down to three editions.

Example:

Amazon.com: Exploring Southeast Alaska: Dixon Entrance to Skagway, 2nd Ed. (9781932310245): Don Douglass, Reanne Hemingway-Douglass, null: Books
It will tell you where they have anchored and what they may warn you about or know about in each cove or bay or inlet or area. There are some photos but not of every area. The book covers mileage using routes and how many days you may need and all.

Some will read

Marine and Nautical Books - Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings

but this is more of just a good read and not a true resource but very entertaining.

But the Douglas book seems the best. There is another couple that did hand drawing and provided a lot of info of this run and their book is no longer in productions. Hansen or something. Those books used can run up to $400 or better if the book has the original leather bound and all.

But those are what I can think of off hand.

R

delmarrey · 12-01-2010, 20:22

There is also the 2010 Edition of Ports and Passages, which includes tides and formula for tides. The tides get higher and swifter as you go north.

You'll need charts of course.

You'll need good knowledge of anchoring and lots of line. The bottoms very all the way up, from mud to solid rock and steep shorelines. Be weary of submerged rock with a keel boat. Watch your charts and steer clear of any questionable shoals. They are not always marked. Watch out for Stacy's rock in the Desolation Sound.

You'll want a heater on board for the nights/early mornings. Even in July it can get cold at night. Check the weather channels every day.

Take dry goods and canned foods as extras. And count on rain.

That's a start.

Sonrisa · 12-01-2010, 20:40

Hi Rex,

We spent last summer sailing from Vancouver to Glacier Bay and back. We had several guide books, but found the Douglass books to be the best. The deepest spot we had to anchor was 80 feet. Food wasn't a huge issue as we were in 'civilization' of a sort every week or so. If you want to send me a private message I'll dig out the 'dont miss' spots from our log book.

Safe Travels.

GeoPowers · 12-01-2010, 20:53

There is a talk at the Milltown Sailing Association in Everett from some cruisers who routinely make the trip. I think it is January 22, and I think it is free but not sure. Check out the December 2009 48 North for more info.

GeoPowers · 12-01-2010, 22:52

Forgot...also the Seattle Boat Show has a few seminars on this.

jpemb7 · 13-01-2010, 00:16

We cruised S.E Alaska in 2001. What everyone else has said is pretty right. Heater, deep anchorages,lots of places to dock, weather can change really quickly, must work the currents in the passages. We found digital charts very, very accurate. We were able to work our way into some very tight anchorages (42 ft monohull) because of this.
Most importantly, it is the most magical place in the world !
We sailed from Australia and our cruising guides were old and rudimentary. One day we used an old chart book to navigate a long inlet to a galcier in Glacier Bay. When we got there after a days motoring it was gone! Since this book had been published a number of glaciers have retreated and there's only rubble left. Take that, you global warming sceptic.

One other thing, if you see a bear lying on the beach, its probably not dead, just asleep. Best not to go ashore and check it out with your two children.

You'll love it
Jim

NewMoon · 23-01-2010, 05:06

If you'd like to check out a few SE Alaska (and BC) pictures, try our Picasa album:

Picasa Web Albums - Richard - Cruising SE A...

mobilchuckje · 26-01-2010, 10:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewMoon

If you'd like to check out a few SE Alaska (and BC) pictures, try our Picasa album:

Picasa Web Albums - Richard - Cruising SE A...

Loved your photos, Richard. Thanks for sharing.

Livia · 26-01-2010, 11:55

Excellent thread. We are heading N to the Queen Charlottes in late June it looks like. All of the Douglass books and Passage to Juneau were in the Vancouver Island Public Library system so I've requested them to check them out.