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Sailing in the San Juan Islands |
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While I have titled this sailing in the San Juans the more appropriate title would be motoring in the San Juans. In September 2005, I had the opportunity to spend a week with my younger son James and his wife Lida and with James, spend five days cruising in the San Juans. This was my first time sailing in this area. James and I had a brief sail previously to Whidbey Island but due to engine problems had not pressed further. Now two years later and a new Yanmar engine in place, We were going to try again . James wanted to use the cruise to also move his boat from Everett to a new home port in Anacortes. The trip was going to provide several challenges. NeitherJames or I was very familiar with the area although we both read as many guidebooks as we could. The area has significant tides and tidal currents and so in addition to weather we had to take tidal conditions into account. Our plan was to leave on Sunday after provisioning the boat Saturday and a nice dinner out. The first day we would push for Deception Pass and the clear the pass during slack water on Monday. Deception Pass has currents that can exceed 8 knots and is safely transited by sailboats only at slack water.
We characteristically got off to a late start on Sunday but luck was with us. There was a light Southwesterly breeze and we were able to motor sail with the main set up the Saratoga Passage. on a rising tide. The tidal flow splits in half along Whidbey Island with the rising tide flowing south along the north portion of the island and north along the south portion. This allowed us to ride the rising and falling tide with speeds up to 8 knots over ground. This allowed us to get to Hope Island just before Deception Pass by 4 pm and pick up one of the park buoys.Washington State maintains a number of marine parks with moorings and some docks and floats. They are available on a first come first serve basis. After securing the gear we took the dingy ashore and explored the island followed by cocktails and dinner aboard. |
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Everett Washington James' home port for the past two years |
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Anchorage North Cove Hope Island |
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The next morning we had a leisurely breakfast as waited for slack water at 11:20. We got underway at 10:30 and slowly motored to the pass and joined a line of boats waiting to run through that included a tug-and-tow. We passed under the highway bridge just after slack water without problem. I have to admit that this was the most intimidating part of the trip but also one of the most beautiful as well. |
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Entering Deception Pass. As can be seen in this picture this is a very narrow passage through which the water in Skagit Bay must pass with each tide. |
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On to page 2 |
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