Southbound from Broughtons :tips and experience?

[Ernie]

I think I’ll be returning to the states from Sullivan Bay in late June
I will have taken the inside route north, and I’m wanting to consider the straight run down Johnstone for the return on our R31.
Any tips, insights and highlights on that route will be appreciated. Considering trying to make Nanaimo in 3 or 4 days.
Any suggestions for overnight stops in that stretch?

 

[Red Raven]

Hi Ernie,

In 2019 in our R27 Classic we ran down Johnstone from Port Harvey (not Port Hardy) to Maude Island (just south of Seymour Narrows) through Johnstone Strait in one day. From there we did Comox and then Nanaimo in two days. Port Harvey (now closed) area is definitely doable from Sullivan Bay in one day (<7 hours at 7 knots) so 4 days from Sullivan Bay to Nanaimo in 4 days is not an issue at all if you time the currents to be with you the whole way. I’m sure that with some planning and long travel days (or running part of the time at faster speeds) could be done in 3 days no problem under the right conditions. It all depends on route, current, weather. We were getting up to 14 knots with the current in Johnstone (at 7 knots speed over water). The current is the key!

Good luck, PM me if you have questions.

Curt

 

[RichBirk]

Currents in Johnstone Strait can be strong and multidirectional. With strong winds and opposing current flow it can be a challenge. Don't let me discourage you but watch the weather carefully. We usually take the inside route both ways and find it more relaxing. We're also a bit bias in that Blind Channel is one of our favorite stop over marinas.

Robson Bight rubbing beach is an interesting area if orcas are in the area. Be aware of the reserve boundery that's on your chart. They watch it closely.

Have fun

 

[kelpline]

Late June has good half moon tides for running Johston Straits; currents are lower close to the half moon. An old fisherman used to tell me to be bucking the tides (flowing north on ebb) at Alert Bay/Telegraph Cove area, then catch the flood all the way to Campbell River. This bypasses Blind Channel, which is also my fav spot for a hike to a massive cedar tree.