Seattle Boat Show Live this evening

[Hydraulicjump]

For PNW cruisers in the age of COVID-19, the Waggoner folks are putting on a seminar tonight from 7-8:15 PDT that highlights places to go other than the San Juan Islands which, I gather, have become decidedly unfriendly to visitors. It is a webinar and registration is here:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist ... 3472230147

 

[Cutwater28GG]

popular puget sound spots are going be busy this year!

 

[Brian98133]

Many thanks to the Waggoner folks for doing this! I have (or should I say "get") to work late and won't be able to log on, so here's hoping it's recorded to Youtube, or some such?

I haven't heard of the SJ's becoming "unfriendly"... Is it possible to elaborate? We finally have a boat that doesn't cost $1000 in fuel JUST to get up there and back, so kinda bummed to hear this!!

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Looks like the Waggoner folks are going to put this up online afterward, so you can watch at your leisure.

As for the "unfriendly" comment, I am only going off the online chatter over this issue, along with some very interesting reporting from the Seattle Times. Since I am in the Bay Area for now, I have no direct knowledge. Locals will have to chime in, but I think folks on the islands are very worried about visitors bringing the pandemic with them. This is an island phenomenon everywhere. Look at Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard for an East Coast example. Pretty much a don't come message, even though local economies rely very heavily on the visitor trade.

Good to have advanced knowledge about where you are welcome and where you are not.

 

[Bruce Moore]

I haven't heard of the SJ's becoming "unfriendly"... Is it possible to elaborate? We finally have a boat that doesn't cost $1000 in fuel JUST to get up there and back, so kinda bummed to hear this!!

Island communities characteristically have older populations, constrained healthcare resources and supply chains. Marinas, in particular, have a high transient population. All of these conditions are stressed by the pandemic.

Some residents argue that folks with vacation homes should stay away, even if they are tax paying property owners. But this is happening all over the country, especially in coastal areas. It's a stressful and confusing time.

Waggoners Guide maintains an up-to-date status report of facilities throughout the Salish Sea. You'll see that most central and south and central sound facilities are open to transients. North sound gets a bit tighter and the San Juan facilities are pretty much closed. Day use of state marine parks is allowed, as is anchoring elsewhere in the islands, although last I heard you can't go ashore if there are residences.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Cutwater28GG]

the commentary on facebook sailing groups for the San Juans is getting pretty heated at times with locals trying to keep everyone away for the reasons Bruce raises.

The situation all started when san juan county closed the parks ahead of the state closures which meant mooring balls were closed. people were still anchoring.
The marinas are basically now closed to visitors - but check the salish sea pilot site and waggoner guides for latest details.

to my uneducated eye, there is some confusion on whether san juan can enforce this policy seeing as its a state park etc. However there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. they have managed to enforce their no jet ski ban for years despite overlapping regulations
2. protecting the island communities who have even more limited healthcare facilities or fast access to healthcare facilities, seems to make some sense.
3. what is the law vs whats practically enforceable vs what do you personally feel comfortable doing are three separate things.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

a bit off topic, but here is the BC phased opening plan. Things are looking grim for crossing the border this summer.

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safe ... TIFICATION

I am thinking this might be a good year to do the Lewiston to Portland run on the Snake/Columbia finally.

 

[vertigo]

Some residents argue that folks with vacation homes should stay away, even if they are tax paying property owners. But this is happening all over the country, especially in coastal areas. It's a stressful and confusing time.

Turns out that xenophobia comes in many varieties. :|

 

[Karll]

I have mostly stayed at home during this pandemic but have to go out shopping every other week for supplies. If we mainly stay on our boats and follow the social distancing rules we should be able to visit some parks around the state. I don’t understand the parks closed for overnight camping. I can see closing the restrooms, picnic areas, etc. But staying on our boats and going for hikes staying a safe distance from others should be allowed.

 

[scross]

Great webinar! Thanks to all involved and Waggoner Guides for their database of the current status of the marinas and parks in WA State and in BC!
If you weren’t one of the 350 people online you can still see the webinar by registering on the link and looking for the Replay button. I went back today to check out some of the favorite anchorages in the PNW that I wasn’t familiar with. Definitely worth the hour to watch the entire presentation.