Bellingham to la Roche advice

[stwendl]

I am sure I can mostly figure that out. However, the prudent mariner always checks local knowledge.

Are there any local pitfalls to watch out for or even should be avoided around early September

Bellingham Marina told me that they usually are busy around labor day unless there is a wind of more than 10kts when people usually stay home. Now, 10'kts don't seem much, as I am used to 20-30 kts. So I am curious about that statement too


Tia

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Done this many times as have many others that haunt this site. This is, by all measures, a pretty easy transit.

Bellingham Bay can get notoriously rough with lots of wind driven chop. But it really doesn't get nasty until above 15 kt breezes in our experience. The nice thing about your boat is that it will perform better in this slop if you go faster.

Once you round Lummi Island (you can take Eliza Island to port or starboard....we prefer to keep it to port, just watch your nav charts due to shallow water) you head out onto Rosario Strait. This is really the only place where you are likely to run into some nasty beam seas, depending on the wind direction. And it can be a confused sloppy mess if the tide is running against the wind. Still, unless winds are well above 15 kts and against an opposing tide, your little tug can take the beating.

Once you get to Obstruction Pass it is pretty sheltered all the way to Roche Harbor. Pay close attention to your charts on the Garmin, particularly when you go through Pole Pass where it is really skinny and boats coming the other direction can make for entertainment. Better at slack high tide if you can do it, but in your boat it is perfectly runnable at any condition.

From Pole to North Pass and then to Spieden Island you will find some interesting rips, depending on the tides. And if the wind is out of the northwest, this can get a bit rough. When you get to Spieden, cruise along the exposed south side to look for the odd flocks of exotic mammals that are on the island. Then turn left into Roche Harbor.

The only drama we have had on the last leg of this trip has been intense fog and lots of ferry/boat traffic. That would be your biggest challenge. When conditions are good and you are willing to cruise at 3400 rpm, you can do this trip in less than 3 hours, no problem.

 

[Red Raven]

If the weather is good (<10kts wind predicted) you can also stay north of Lummi and Orcas an save off a bit of time and eliminate the narrow passages. (But not as scenic!) Sucia is also nice stop if you have time and haven't been there.

 

[stwendl]

That's just the answer I was looking for. Much appreciated

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Curt of Red Raven had a fantastic suggestion. Especially because it will be after Labor Day and less crowded. We often will go anchor or pick up a mooring in Echo Bay of Sucia Island for the night either on the way to Roche or on the way back. Can be crowded, especially on weekends, but we just love hiking the island. Then it is a quick trip to Roche the next morning. Matia Island just to the south is another good bet if you can get on the state park dock there.

Enjoy!