Roche Harbor Rendezvous TIPS

[oneeyedjackass]

Hi Guys
Starting to plan our first trip up to the San Juan islands and we're looking for some tips. Driving from socal area.
Where would be the best place to launch from? Any cruising guides I won't be able to live without. 😀 Anything else?
thx,mark

 

[olygirl]

Really depends on how long (or short) of a cruise you want and how much of Puget Sound you want to experience. If you want a longer cruise you could start in south Puget Sound (Olympia) but if you want to get to the islands quickly there are several other options some of which mean crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which can, at times, be ugly. There are a multitude of options, just depends on the experience you want!

 

[Wildcats]

Hi Mark:
See you at the Rendezvous, our first as well. We have boated over the last 10 years in the San Juans. If you want to launch reasonably close to the San Juans I would suggest either Bellingham Squalicum Harbor or Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes. The Bellingham Squalicum Harbor is my first choice, right off I5 and has a trailer launch ramp that is only $7 and open 24/7. Parking for your vehicle and trailer is free. If you leave the truck and trailer for more than a week you need to be in the long term lot but it is nice (right next to the Coast Guard Station). The Cap Sante Marina is a sling launch and the parking is $5 per day. Large dirt lot relatively close to the launch. Overall, I would suggest Squalicum. See here: https://www.portofbellingham.com/204/Public-Boat-Launches

My favorite book for the area is Migael Scherer's "A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands". It rates various marinas and anchoring places by scenic beauty and by quality of anchorage.

Two suggestions since this is your first trip to the San Juans. Don't boat at night. Beware of logs and deadheads in the water!!

 

[baz]

Another spot tp launch is Skyline close to where the Ferry embarks to Friday harbour. This cuts off a long ride from Anacortes Cap Sante Marina to the islands. We've towed to Skyline last year and it was an easy ride over to the islands from there. Skyline will lift/launch you for around $35 round trip. Drive up the I-5 and then head over to Anacortes and then a few miles west to Skyline. Easy ride, and no hills to negotiate. Nellie Too (Bob and Nina ) keep their R-29 at Skyline and maybe you an cruise up to Roche with them.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

Thanks for the tips. Just picked up the cruising guide on amazon. Looks like it's Bellingham or Anacortes for launching for sure. Guess it will depend on how much time we have. Also, this website has loads of info.
http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com
Let the planning continue....

 

[scross]

I really like the folks at Skyline in Anacortes too. North Island Boat (their partner co.) is scheduled to do our 500 hour engine service next month. For our R25 the lift fees were $85 in and out plus $10 a day for truck+trailer parking. We launch from Squalicum Harbor at Bellingham now. $7 to use the ramp, great overnight guest dock rates and free truck+trailer parking! Yes, it is a bit further to Roche from Bellingham than Anacortes but still a fun and scenic trip!