Weather North of Nanaimo

[gswearin]

Hi All
We're headed to Desolation Sound next week. Long term predictions are 10-12 knots from the NW. I'll check forecast and buoys when we are actually in Nanaimo, but under those conditions, is there a somewhat conformable path north by hugging Vancouver Island? Or better to stay put and enjoy the sights in Nanaimo?
Thank you!

 

[scross]

Hi All
We're headed to Desolation Sound next week. Long term predictions are 10-12 knots from the NW. I'll check forecast and buoys when we are actually in Nanaimo, but under those conditions, is there a somewhat conformable path north by hugging Vancouver Island? Or better to stay put and enjoy the sights in Nanaimo?
Thank you!

We always exit through Departure Bay and head straight for Comox. Unfortunately, only a few options on where to hide if the weather gets worse than forecast on that route. Ten to twelve knots in and of itself isn’t too bad. For me it’s wave heights and frequency using the buoys and Windy. If forecast over 0.5 meters and under 5 seconds I stay put. Newcastle Marine Park and the Dinghy Dock Pub are great places to be while in a weather hold.

 

[Maggie Anne]

The forecast looks decent for the first few days of next week at least until Friday (according to Windy and Predict Wind). So I'd say you'll have a pretty good trip if you leave early in the week. Looking at Tuesday, for example, the wind is stronger near Nanaimo and from the SE. If that's the situation when you leave then head north along the west side of the Strait of Georgia with the wind and flood current behind you and wait to cross over to Desolation Sound until you get closer to Campbell River and lower winds. Keep an eye out for whales near Mitlenatch Island as they're frequently seen there. As you watch the weather remember that wind against tide produces the larger waves.

 

[gswearin]

Thanks!!