Hi to all ! Two weeks today you will all hopefully be crossing the tranquil waters of Georgia Strait making your way to Gibsons.
The marina in Gibsons is in need of confirmation from all who require a slip for Aug 21. As of today I have confirmation from the following:
Karma, Nellie Too, That's It, Laxey, Harbor Ranger and Sea Sweeper. Those of you who are in need of a slip need to let me know ASAP to ensure a spot since the Gibsons Marina is packed during the summer.
A navagation note or 2 for all. The Saturday morning you are departing Poets is perfect for transiting the Pender Canal since there is a high tide at approx. 9:00 am. Weather will determine which pass you will want to take into Georgia Strait. Your 3 options in order of proximity to Poet's are; Active Pass;Porlier Pass;Gabriola Pass-all require a "current table" check and a read thru your Wagoner/Dreamspeaker. Karma and I will be in touch reagarding the sea conditions in Georgia Strait and your best "pass" option into the big water as we get closer to the day.Once you enter into Georgia Strait you want to set your auto-pilot/GPS for just West of Home Island, which is due South of Keats Island. To get into Gibsons Marina you want to go thru Shoal Channel whci is between Home Island and the mainland. Your auto-pilot in the "guide to" mode will want to take you around the back side of Keats Island to get into Gibsons. This is the LONG route and not required.While Shaol Channel is shallow, if you stay CENTRE CHANNEL, you will have a min. of 10 feet of water under you, based on the 7 foot tide you have that afternoon. Upon entering the breakwater in Gibsons, you will want to head to the left ( port ! ) for the Gibsons Marina docks. Inside the breakwater to the right are the Goverment docks.
Regarding provisioning, your stop in Gibsons will be your best place and cheapest for fuel, groceries, and liquor. Once you head North from here your options will be limited and MUCH more expensive.While our fuel dock and supermarkets are open on Sundays, our Government operated liquor stores are not. Just in case there is a Tugger who wishes to enjoy the odd beverage along the way ( once done for the day of course ! ), you will want to "re-load" the wine/beer cooler on Saturday once you get tied up in Gibsons.Kim and I are planning to offer "shuttle" service both days for those who wish to provision as well as transport to our home for dinner that evening.We are planning a casual dinner of fresh crab (hopefully), ass't BBQ, salads, etc. Please drop us a PM if you have an food alergies we need to be aware of.You are asked only to bring your adventure stories of surviving Admiralty Inlet etc.and your bocci ball skills....everything else will be provided.If the the forward vessel gives us a phone call once you are an hour out of Shoal Channel we will arrange to meet you in the marina 604-989-2424.