Source
r/sailing•
RaygunWizzle

Sailing the San Juans: Looking for Advice

Hey yall, I posted a couple months ago about planning our sailing trip in the San Juans this July. Got some great feedback, and am working on a new sail plan based on that.

So far what I have is leave morning of the 3rd and sail up to Orcas Island and anchor west of Madronas Point. Spend about 2 days here, letting the fam explore the island, do some tourist stuff.

Sail to Friday Harbor, going the direct route through 'Upright Channel', but I admit, that passage on the northern side of Shaw Island looks more fun (marked as high current and gets a little narrow). Will try to get a transient slip at one of the marinas there for say, 2 days again. With shore power and water this will be a good time for showers, resupply, etc.

Now here is where I am running out of ideas. Its a 7 day charter, and I've roughly got 4 planned here. So I was thinking to head back toward Anacortes (where the charter is out of) by going south and then east over to Mackaye Harbor/Barlow Bay for a night at anchor, explore the small town, hike Iceberg point maybe.

Then maybe loop under Lopez Island and cut east to Flounder bay and get a transient slip at the marina there again? This would put us about day 6, I could refuel the ship and then we are an easy jaunt back to Anacortes.

I know tides and currents are strong, so the first few days leaving in the morning I should have them on my side going west. The eastern moves tho will be trickier. The tide charts show the tides starting to come in around 1pm, so my theory would be to depart then.

Any advice? Questions? Comments? Concerns? Tell me to adjust the traveler because of too much weather helm?

Posted May 23, 2022, 9:24 PM UTC

27
SantorKrag•

I don't know what size your boat is or what engine you have or what prep you have done but... I used to have a water current chart of the San Juan's that correlated with a tide table-esque kind of almanac thing that allowed you to predict currents in all the passages between islands at a given time. Sorry, I don't recall the correct terminology. I got it at a kayak shop in Portland. As I recall the currents could be in the 3-5 knot range during extreme tides and were typically a huge convoluted unpredictable mess. You have probably considered this and are prepared so just ignore this if you are, but if not, check it out as the currents out there are very complicated due to the hundreds of rocks and islands and the shape of the sound.

3
videochopper•

The currents can be very strong. Keep an eye on your tide tables/times. I would recommend adding Sucia Island to your itinerary. The sunsets can be breathtaking and the views to the East with Mount Baker stunning.

3
3deltapapa•

Would recommend getting up north to Sucia, Patos, or Stuart Island. It's really special up there. Also do heed other's warning about current. We went through Cattle Pass (s of Friday harbor) against a 5 knot current doing 5.5-6 knots waterspeed at full throttle. Barely 1 knot forward progress, pretty brutal. So keep an eye on your fuel level!

Edit to add: Mackay harbor/Barlow bay is a super nice anchorage, gorgeous on a good sunset. Also, current charts from Navionics boating app were not exactly accuracte, I think it's just super complicated and hyper-specific to each small area. Try not to get sucked out to Canada while fishing in your dinghy (not that I would know anything about how that happens ;)

3
seattle_cobbler•

Seconding Stuart Island. It's so cool. Feels like you went back in time. Also Jones Island just west of Orcas is a really good spot for kids since the entire island is a state park. And yes, those currents are ripping. I thought I had a fouled prop but nope, just 6+ knot currents on the open side of San Juan island.

2
weezthejooce•

Watmough Bay on SE Lopez, and the east side of Cypress are both worthwhile stops if you find them to be on your way. I also like the loop trail on James Island. Will you have a dinghy to get you to shore without a dock? Your options for good shoreside exploring away from people increase if so. If it were me, I would take sponge baths in beautiful places over shower facilities in developed ports, but the San Juans let you pick your own style. Every time we've gone with an itinerary in mind, we end up adapting to conditions and desires. Do you have a good cruising guide?

2
concerned_cad•

Deepzoom and navionics for current/tide planning. Roche harbor for an evening of ‘old money yacht club’ aesthetic. Stuart Island and Turn Point lighthouse museum for some quiet nature time, a great museum and (hopefully) some orca spotting

1
roger_cw•

For the currents use the site deepzoom.com. As for Friday Harbour, attempt to reserve a slip now by calling them today. If not get there as early as possible, you're going on a very busy week.

Be aware of what time of the day your charter needs to be returned. Some are as early as 2:00 PM. If that's the case your best bet is to grab mooring buoy on the South East of Orcas Island. There's little cove just South of Obstruction State Park.

Not to dump on your plans but for a 7 day trip I wouldn't bother going all the way into Madronas Point. Compared to the rest of the San Juans it's just not that interesting. It's a long way up and down the East channel (center of the island) with little reward. Friday Harbor is significantly more interesting. It's one of my favorite towns in Washington State. If you must step foot on Orcas Island then Deer Harbor is a good alternative.

You've also left off two of the more essential destination: Stuart Island and Sucia Island. Both are fantastic islands to explore. Matia Island is also nice. It is just South East of Sucia Island, it's a less crowded but has a beautiful cove and hike.

I don't want to overstate this but don't get to hung up on currents expect where it's ripping around points. Try to keep with them you but if there's something you really want to see then having to power thru a 3-4 knot current for an hour or two isn't the end of the world. This is assuming your chartering a 35' plus sailboat.

Good luck, have a great trip.

1