Our 2014 Desolation Sound Cruise is less than 2 weeks away!
All reservations are made, events have been planned, our group of 15 Cutwaters have all confirmed there attendance, and now it’s just about time to get out on the water and have some fun!! I have listed the itinerary below along with dates and events. Please pay close attention to these itinerary notes as there are specifics for each stop that you’ll need to know.
Our first stop on the cruise is Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. Arriving on Friday July 25th and departing on Sunday July 27th. Reservations have been made for these dates. You DO NOT need to contact Roche unless you are arriving prior to July 25th. If you are arriving prior to July 25th then please contact Roche Harbor marina at (800) 451-8910 for reservations. Boat will be arriving throughout the day on the 25th. When you pull into Roche please hail the harbor master on channel 78A and tell them you are with the Cutwater Cruise. They will need your boat name, and boat length and dates that you plan to stay.
FRIDAY 7/25- We will gather at the tented float at 5pm for a little happy hour and Meet/great. We ask that you bring a small appetizer to share along with whatever you’d like to drink. Everyone is on their own for dinner this evening after happy hour. There will be 2 BBQ’s available on the float for your convenience. Also, if you feel like dining out, there are two restaurants above the marina open until 10pm every evening.
SATURDAY 7/26- This is a full day for you to enjoy everything San Juan Island has to offer whether it be on your boat or on land. There is a fantastic farmers market in Friday Harbor and wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards for anyone interested. Transportation (a cab, or shuttle) can be arranged if you let me know ahead of time. If you’d like to stay on the water, this is a great place for Kayaking, Crabbing or Whale watching throughout the day. We will gather at 6pm for a nice BBQ dinner hosted by Bellingham Yacht Sales. Please bring a small side to share along with whatever you’d like to drink. Also please be sure to bring a deck chair, a plate, utensils, and your own cup to each location.
Our second stop on the cruise is Nanaimo Boat Basin in the Port of Nanaimo. Arriving Sunday July 27th and departing Monday July 28th. Reservations have been made.
SUNDAY 7/27- We will leave Roche Harbor early so we have ample time to clear customs at Bedwell and safely navigate thru Dodd narrows. Nanaimo will be the best place to re provision once entering Canada as there is a long list of food items your are restricted from bring thru customs. A BBQ spread will be provided by our fellow Cutwater Dealer in BC, Port Boat House. Please bring a side dish to share. Also, don’t’ forget your deck chair, plate and utensils!
Our third and final stop as a group is Gorge Harbour Marina on beautiful Cortes Island!
http://www.gorgeharbour.com/ . We have reserved two nights at Gorge Harbour but some boats will choose to head out on Tuesday to start exploring Desolation Sound. If you would like to stay at Gorge Harbour beyond July 30th then please contact Gorge Harbour directly at (250) 935-6433. Gorge Harbour is the gateway to Desolation Sound. If you prefer to stay at a dock rather than anchoring out this is a great place to return to each night after a day of exploring Desolation Sound and the surrounding area.
MONDAY 7/28- We will head out of Nanaimo mid-morning and start our final leg of the journey together up to Gorge Harbour Marina. Monday will conclude the cruise as a group but you may decide form small groups with fellow Cutwater owners who you’d like to continue cruising with. Monday night, we will cap off the trip with a final BBQ up in the picnic area above Gorge Harbour Marina. This dinner will be hosted by Volvo and we ask that you bring a small side to share. Jeff and crew, John and crew, and Andrew from the factory will also be joining us at Gorge Harbour Marina to Welcome us into Desolation Sound!
We will have a captains briefing each evening after we all settle in at port. During the captains briefing we will cover our plans for the following morning including route, tides/currents, departure time, and departure and arrival procedures.
Cruise Recap
Roche Harbor- Arriving July 25th and departing July 27th
Nanaimo Boat Basis- Arriving July 27th and departing July 28th
Gorge Harbour Marina- Arriving July 28th and departing either July 29th or 30th based on your personal preference
See you on the water next week!