Cruising from Seattle to Victoria

[markm]

My wife does NOT like to camp out on the Ranger 21. To her roughing it, consists of a **** hotel. So, if I were to cruise from Seattle and head north, would there be enough places to pull in for a hotel stay. At eight miles an hour it would be slow going. Another consideration (I was in the Coast Guard as was a rescue coxswain), my wife does not want a rough ride. I own the Waggoner guide, but I would like to hear some suggestions for a smooth and enjoybale cruise.

Thanks

Mark

 

[Lobo]

Not a problem! Two options -- first is via Port Townsend, but you have a 25 mile crossing to Victoria. Lots of accomodation in Port Townsend, even close to the marinas.

The better is via LaConner, Anacortes, Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, and then only less than 10 miles to Vancouver Island -- a bit more to down town Victoria. You can get accomodation in any of the US ports. I'm moored in Cadboro Bay, an hour out of the Victoria inner harbor, and it's an hour and a half to Roche Harbor; less than 3 to Friday Harbor -- at 8 knots on my R25.

If you need any information on Victoria (my home) you can email me: davidtrace@shaw.ca.

Dave

 

[j&lgray]

Dave's advice about going to LaConnor and through the San Juan Islands is dead-on. Watch your weather window and plan your cruise by being with the currents and you will save time, use less fuel and likely have a smoother ride.

Once you leave Seattle, you can find lodging via a short walk in Edmonds, Everett, and Langley. If I was doing it, after Friday Harbor, I would go to Sidney and check in to customs and stay the night there before going on to Victoria.

 

[Auklet]

Mark --- Good advice from Dave and John. If the weather kicks up, the "inside" is the choice. No guarantee on smooth water there, but the bad sections will be shorter.

To help start your planning:
La Conner - Check out the Hotel Planter (800-488-5409). The marina has two guest piers. Try to get on the south pier. It's closest walk to town. Quaint town with really good shopping.
Anacortes - The Cap Sante Inn (800-852-0846) is only a block from the marina.

I'm sure there are other places in these towns but this will give you a start. I don't know much about accomodations in the islands but your choices are Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, and Deer Harbor. I'm sure they all have web sites.

I agree with Dave, Sidney is the best port of entry. If you have any specific questions just come back on this thread and we will be happy find an answer for you. --- Cary

 

[Lobo]

Another comment. I recommend coming via the north end of San Juan Island, which includes Roche Harbor.

You have two main choices, sea conditions usually being the determining factor.

If it's crappy and you want to cross Haro Straight, I recommend Sidney. It's only 10 miles and most of the trip is in protected water. In Sidney you can clear Canadian Customs at Port Sidney or Van Isle Marina. Van Isle also has fuel, including coal oil which I burn in my Wallas stove. Overnight moorage is available at both places, but Port Sidney is in town; Van-Isle in a 5 mile trip to town. Hotels close to Port Sidney, none near Van Isle.

If the day is nice, consider a straight shot to Victoria's inner harbor. The total distance is around 20 miles. First hop is 8 miles across Haro and, if necessary, you can go into Oak Bay Marina to get out of weather, clear customs and fuel up. I suggest you clear customs here rather than in the inner harbour -- less traffic, less chance of a personal visit by an enquiring mind (if you get my drift). Overnight moorage available at Oak Bay Marina (no close hotels) as well as in the inner harbour (Coast Hotel, docks in front of Empress Hotel (best place for tourists) and the "Foot of Fort Street Docks" -- to the north of the seaplane docks. Fuel also available in the inner harbour.

Water conditions often change from Haro Straight to Juan de Fuca about 1 mile south of the Oak Bay Marina.

One good website to check (if you have an electronically with-it boat -- I don't!) is "bigwavedave.ca". For this area check Island View Beach (close to Sidney); Willows Beach (close to Oak Bay Marina) and Cook Street (half-way between Oak Bay and the Victoria inner harbour). He gives wind speeds and direction. Remember -- wind with current = nice seas; wind against current = bumpy seas. Currents in Haro and Juan de Fuca top out around 4 knots. You want to know which way they are going. That information somewhere on the web but I don't know where -- I use Ports and Passes Current Table book to clue me in (but you need the Canadian Currents book to sort that out).

And make sure you have charts!! We have lots of rocks. All us Canadian boaters have met US boaters driving around our area with road maps! They do wonders for our marine salvage business.

If this causes you concern -- let me know. If I have nothing to do (a lot of my time is that) I'll come and be a pilot boat for you. I went to Roche Harbor for lunch last Saturday!

Dave
"Lobo"

All Canadian marinas on VHF 66A.