Port Townsend to Lopez Crossing

[Hydraulicjump]

Seeking some advice from veteran PNW Ranger Tug cruisers. Barbara and I are planning to visit friends this weekend on Lopez Island. Our plan is to fly up and pick up Tugnacious, our R-27, in Des Moines Friday morning early (thank you Andrew for putting the boat in the water for us) and heading straight up to Port Townsend for the evening, including provisioning. Unfortunately it looks like we will fight the tides most of the way. We plan to cross the Strait to Lopez Island on Saturday, taking advantage of the tides to head up the west side.

Although we will run Tugnacious at around 13 kts, making it a roughly 2 hour crossing, I am concerned about how rough this might be. Do you veterans simply plot a straight line course past Smith Island or do you stay closer to the shore of Whidbey Island? Also, looking at the long range forecast, it's hard to tell how high wind and waves are going to be, but I'd like to know what conditions you think of as "uncomfortable".

Thanks. Looking forward to meeting many of you PNW cruisers in person in September.

Jeff and Barbara
Tugnacious

 

[Auklet]

Jeff and Barbara --- Welcome to the Salish Sea. You have asked some very good questions and I will try to answer them as best that I can. The peak current in Admiralty is a two knot flood about noon. The wind called for on Friday is up to 25 knots. (The predictions for Saturday are not out yet) This could be a problem depending on how much you can take. Your boat can handle it. This could change, so keep an eye on it. I doubt that you will notice the current in the rest of Puget Sound. The route I take to Pt Townsend is from Seattle to Pt. No Point then to Pt. Townsend Canal. The current in the canal will be strong but your boat can handle it. The best marina is Pt. Hudson, call ahead to reserve a slip.
Crossing the Strait: Do NOT draw a line from Pt Wilson to Cattle Pass. This would put you directly on top of Partridge Bank and the shoals west of Smith Island. A lot of water is coming in the strait and when it hits these shoals it has nowhere to go but up, even on a nice day. Best to go around either side of Smith. From Wilson bouy (red 6) go 320T to about mid strait then turn north to Cattle Pass. The alternate is to go up the west side of Whidbey, then go in Lopez or Thatcher.
As to what is "uncomfortable" that's up to you. I have crossed the straits from glassy smooth to waves 14 feet high. But then I was a lot younger and fearless back then. Have fun.

 

[Stella Maris]

We made the crossing yesterday morning at 6:00 am. The straits were like a mill pond. We chose a route that took us east of Smith island to take advantage of a current that gave us a 1.5 knot lift. We normally try to cross as early as possible to avoid afternoon winds. A morning crossing though can mean fog. Be sure that you give Point Wilson a wide berth as it can be quite nasty. Also try to avoid getting to close to Partidge Point if there is any west wind. The shallow (30 feet) water combine with a west wind can make for some nasty chop.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Thanks all. This is great advice. The Saturday forecast for the eastern entrance Straight of Juan de Fuca is out:

SAT...W WIND 15 TO 25 KT. WIND WAVES 2 TO 4 FT.

I guess it matters most what time of day these conditions occur. If this builds in the afternoon and we can get away in the morning early enough, this shouldn't be a problem. Of course, the forecast will change by this weekend.

So given this forecast, would you veterans go west or east of Smith Island on your way to Lopez? Avoiding the shoals and shallows, as you each advise?

And by the way, when, exactly, is summer in the PNW? What a miserable forecast!

Jeff in California

p.s., I am using this website for my info. Should I be using something else?

http://www.atmos.washington.edu/data/marine_report.html

 

[JamesTXSD]

I am working out of Friday Harbor this season. I have been told that summer should be August 7th... 1:17 to 3:38 pm. :mrgreen:

Kidding, of course. You know that old saying, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices." Yeah, don't believe it. 😉 It seems that no matter where we travel, we hear, "It isn't usually like this," from the locals regarding the weather. Expect nights in the upper 40s to low 50s, daytime highs in the 60s right now; a chance of rain at any moment. So far, we haven't been surprised. Bring rain gear for use when you're off the boat. Consider sunshine a bonus. Maybe it is just here, but the forecast for several days out has generally been worse than the actual weather. Hourly forecast the day of has been pretty accurate.

Current and wind play a big part in boat comfort... well, the ride, not your comfort inside the cabin. Wind against current is generally a lumpy ride.

We often run into Juan de Fuca, and time of day frequently makes a difference.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

 

[Auklet]

Useful websites: "www.dairiki.org/tides" for both tides and currents. Tides: Pt. Townsend and Friday Harbor. Currents: Admiralty, Rosario, and San Juan Channel. For winds, google "ferry weather". This one gives current wind reported by ferries and weather buoys.
As to which way to go, it depends on where you are going on Lopez. Best thing is to stick your nose out in the strait and then make your decision.
Us locals say "A good Summer is one that comes on a weekend."

 

[RProffer]

Here is a NOAA website that will give you marine forecasts for up to a week in advance http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/marine/zone/usamz.htm. Remember though that forecasts are just predictions. I find it is pretty accurate for 24 to 48 hour forecasts. Things can change a lot beyond that. The forecasts include everything including wave height and wave period, and they are localized to your specific area.

I recommend bookmarking this link on your computer and your mobile device (it works on my android). You can check conditions before you leave, and also check conditions while underway on your mobile device. Don't leave home without it.