ICOYC Cruise - Summer 2011 Skipper Handbook

Transcription

1 05-14 September 2011 ICOYC Cruise - Summer 2011 Skipper Handbook Sponsored by Seattle Yacht Club ICOYC Royal Vancouver Yacht Club

2 Cruise Leaders Cruise Co-Chair (SYC) Pam Lowry, Seattle YC, Summation Cruise Co-Chair (SYC) Bob Miller, Seattle YC, Loon Song Cruise Co-Chair (RVYC) P/C Bob Andrew, Royal Vancouver YC, Phaedra Cruise Co-Chair (RVYC) P/C John Dew, Royal Vancouver YC, Jess ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

3 Table of Contents Cruise Leaders 2 Table of Contents 3 Messages 5 From ICOYC 5 From the Cruise Committee 5 From SYC and RVYC 6 Cruise Overview, Itinerary, Time Table of Events 7 Route Overview 7 Cruise Itinerary 8 Cruise Timetable of Events 10 Menu Planning 13 Charts, Routes, Marinas, and Victoria Harbour 14 Paper and Digital Charts 14 Routes 14 Cruise Route Overview 15 Anacortes SYC Henry Island (Roche Harbor, San Juan Island), 36 nm 16 SYC Henry Island - Victoria, 28 nm 20 Victoria Sidney, 23 nm. 25 Sidney- SYC Ganges (Saltspring Island),16 nm 29 SYC Ganges SYC Ovens Island (Ladysmith Harbour), 24 nm 32 SYC Ovens Island RVYC Tugboat Island (Silva Bay, Gabriola Island). 14 nm 35 RVYC Tugboat Island RVYC Scott Point (Long Bay, Saltspring Island), 25 nm 38 Marinas and Outstations 43 Anacortes - Cap Sante Boat Haven 43 Henry Island (Roche Harbor, San Juan Island) - SYC Outstation 44 Victoria Inner Harbour, Causeway Floats 46 Victoria Harbour 47 Sidney Port of Sidney Marina 48 Saltspring Island, Ganges, Saltspring Marina - SYC Outstation 49 Ladysmith Harbour, Ovens Island SYC Outstation 53 Gabriola Island, Silva Bay, Tugboat Island RVYC Outstation 55 Saltspring Island, Long Harbour, Scott Point RVYC Outstation 57 Reference Material 59 Web Sites for more information 59 Cruising Guides 59 Marina Guides 60 Weather 61 What to Wear and Bring 61 Fees and Payments 63 General Process for Payments 63 Per Boat Fee -- $ Per Person Fee -- $ Bus Transportation from Seattle to Anacortes -- $ Payments 63 Immigration and Customs Information 64 Passports and Visas 64 Arrival Reporting 64 ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

4 Entering Canada - Customs Dock Clearance 65 Entering USA - With I-68 or Nexus 65 Entering USA - Normal Entry 65 Restrictions on Goods- Canada 66 Restrictions on Goods- USA 66 Communications Aids and Hints 67 Captain's Briefing 67 Cellular Phone 67 High Speed Wireless and WiFi Internet Access 67 VHF Hailing Channel 67 Water, Holding Tank, Fuel, and Garbage 67 Cruise Participants 69 By Name 69 ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

5 Messages From ICOYC John Stork President, International Council of Yacht Clubs Royal Thames Yacht Club Welcome to the 2011 ICOYC Cruise. All the members of the leading yacht clubs that form the Council are privileged to join in these Cruises, giving a unique opportunity to enjoy some of the best cruising areas in the world. The leaders of the Cruises are those in the top local clubs who know the locations best. They know the secret harbours, how to beat the tides and the weather, and how to have fun. This year we are lucky to be back in the Pacific Northwest under the guidance of both Seattle YC and Royal Vancouver YC. Each club has opened their prized outstations to the cruise fleet and have organized special treats for us. Delphine and I are looking forward to meeting everyone on the Cruise. As you can see I will be taking suitable clothing to protect against the elements, but I am sure it won t be needed From the Cruise Committee Welcome to the ICOYC Cruise 2011! One year ago, my husband, Chuck, and I participated in the International Cruise sponsored by Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. It was during that wonderful cruise that Bob Andrew, John Dew, Chuck and I decided to organize a cruise in 2011 following the ICOYC Forum held at Seattle Yacht Club. Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and the Canadian Gulf Islands are a part of what is now known as the Salish Sea. The Salish Sea provides literally thousands of unique cruising destinations. So, our task in organizing this cruise was to choose locations that we felt exemplified our pristine waterways and unique moorage facilities, while showcasing the fabulous outstations that each club owns. With this in mind, we are visiting three outstations of Seattle Yacht Club and two of Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. We hope you enjoy them as much as our members do. The 2011 ICOYC Cruise would not be possible without the help of many wonderful volunteers. Bob Miller, SYC, was in charge of the registrations, cruise book, communications, and other tasks too numerous to mention. Roger Anderson, SYC, ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

6 organized the welcoming dinner at our Henry Island Outstation on the first night of the cruise. Tyler Ellison, SYC, organized the moorage at both Victoria and Sidney and also the dinner in Sidney on Thursday evening. Gwen Ellison, SYC, has been a great support in many ways. Bob Andrew and John Dew, both of RVYC, have been a marvelous resource to me because they have organized previous cruises. They have coordinated all of the moorage and events taking place at the RVYC Tugboat Island and Scott Point outstations. Of course, my husband Chuck was always there to offer great advice. Many other SYC and RVYC members have stepped in to help in various ways. I REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE SUPPORT AND THANK YOU ALL!!! I truly wish that you all enjoy the cruise immensely. We ll make new friends and get to do what we like best -- having fun on the water! Pam Lowry From SYC and RVYC Kim Lorenz Commodore, Seattle Yacht Club Our ICOYC Forum cruise is a great way to complete our Forum in another part of the yachting world. Our Pacific Northwest cruising grounds (US and Canada) are some of the finest anywhere and we are very proud to share them with our ICOYC Forum participants. The Seattle Yacht Club and the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club are pleased to guide you through just a small part of these cruising grounds as well as share just a few of our outstations. Our two Clubs have a long history of friendship, camaraderie, competition, and joint celebrations of both our Club and Country related events, as this ICOYC cruise shows. We welcome you on this cruise; we are all here to help you enjoy every part of it. Our joint committees have worked very hard to take care of every detail. Make sure to watch your charts, ask questions if in doubt. As in any cruising area, we DO have hazards for those who do not pay attention! Russell B. Fraser Commodore, Royal Vancouver Yacht Club ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

7 Cruise Overview, Itinerary, Time Table of Events Route Overview We have planned a 10 day cruise through the US San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf Islands, covering about 230 nautical miles or 425 kilometers. Pick up your charter boat on Sunday, 04 September. The official cruise will end on Wednesday, 14 September at Saltspring Island, BC. Participants are welcome to extend their cruise individually or with other cruise participants. We will take you through the American San Juan Islands and Canadian Gulf Islands, including stops in Roche Harbor, Victoria, Sidney, Ganges, Ladysmith Harbour, Silva Bay and Saltspring Island with stops at outstations of Seattle Yacht Club and Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

8 On Day 0, Sunday, 04 Sept, you will be transported from the hotel in Seattle to the charter company in Anacortes, WA, where you can check out your boat and purchase provisions. Days 1-9 are part of the cruise and the final official event is a closing banquet at the Royal Vancouver YC Scott Point Outstation on Saltspring Island on Tuesday, 13 September. Beginning Wednesday, 14 September, the fleet is on its own to eventually return to the United States, clear customs, and return the charter boats. Cruise Itinerary Day Date Start Destination N. Miles 0 4-Sept, Sunday 1 5-Sept, Monday 2 6-Sept, Tuesday 3 7-Sept, Wednesday 4 8-Sept, Thursday Seattle, hotel Anacortes, Cap Sante Harbor Henry Island Anacortes, WA, charter company SYC Henry Island Outstation, Roche Harbor, San Juan Island Public Moorage on Causeway Floats, Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC Moorage paid by each boat Elap. Miles Notes Drive from Seattle to Anacortes (90 minutes) and check out charter boats, provision for cruise. Dinner on own Scenic cruise through San Juan Islands, little sailing opportunity. Sailing route is north of Orcas Island, 45+ miles. Hosted barbeque dinner and beverages at outstation. SYC P/C Jack Sullivan will lead a dinghy trip to historic English Camp and nearby Wescott Bay Longer route provides for chance to see Orca Whales near Lime Kiln Pt. Can be shortened to 20 miles. Good sailing in Haro Strait and near Victoria. Hosted dinner. Victoria, BC Victoria, BC 0 64 Free day in Victoria. visit the museums, Butchart Gardens, Victoria Harbour. Dinner on own. Victoria, BC Public Moorage, Port Coastal cruise, sailing of Sidney, Sidney, BC possible near Victoria and Moorage paid by up Haro Strait to Sidney. each boat Hosted dinner, bring own beverage. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

9 5 9-Sept, Friday 6 10-Sept, Saturday 7 11-Sept, Sunday 8 12-Sept, Monday 9 13-Sept, Tuesday Sidney, BC Ganges, BC SYC Ganges Outstation, Saltspring Marina, Saltspring Island, BC SYC Ovens Island Outstation, Ladysmith Harbour, Vancouver Island, BC Ovens Island, BC RVYC Tugboat Island Outstation, Silva Bay, Gabriola Is RVYC Tugboat Island Outstation, Silva Bay Silva Bay, Gabriola Island, BC RVYC Tugboat Island Outstation, Silva Bay RVYC Scott Point Outstation, Saltspring Island, BC Easy run to the artists' town of Ganges. Some sailing possible before heading North. Greenbox on dock, dinner on own Enjoy the Saltspring Island Farmers Market in the morning, then head to Ovens Island. Primitive, no services, very quiet. Greenbox competition and Potluck Dinner Check current in Gabriola Pass. Careful navigation in channels near Gabriola Is. Hosted wine and cheese tasting, dinner on own Bocce Ball during the day. Hosted Italian dinner and beverages Open water route, sailing along Valdes Is., check tidal current in Portier Pass. Last day of cruise. Hosted wrap-up dinner and beverages. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

10 Cruise Timetable of Events Skipper s meeting each morning at 08:00 on the docks to discuss the day s activities and cruise. Date Location Times Event Monday, Sept. 5 Henry Island, Seattle Yacht Club Outstation 1730 Hosted dinner and beverages Tuesday, Sept. 6 Victoria, BC The hosted dinner this evening is at Royal Victoria Yacht Club. Beverages may be purchased with cash or credit card. Wednesday, Sept. 7 Victoria, BC All Day On your own. Buses will transport the group to RVYC. Board the buses in front of the Empress Hotel (directly across the street from the marina). The first bus leaves at 1645 and at least 25 people need to take the first bus. The last bus will leave at Buses will return at Thursday, Sept. 8 Sidney, BC 1730 Meet under the tent on the dock for dinner. Water provided. Bring any other beverages. Friday, Sept. 9 Ganges, BC Saltspring Marina Seattle Yacht Club Outstation 1730 Greenbox party on outer dock. Greenbox = bring an appetizer and beverages. Dinner on your own. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

11 Saturday, Sept. 10 Ganges, BC Attend the Farmers Market in downtown Ganges and select a delicious appetizer for Greenbox this evening. Saturday, Sept. 10 Ovens Island, Ladysmith Harbour Seattle Yacht Club Outstation 1730 Greenbox competition bring your best appetizer for judging! Dinner on your own, most likely on your boat or potluck on the dock. Sunday, Sept. 11 Ovens Island 0800 Breakfast provided on the dock. Sunday, Sept. 11 Tugboat Island, Silva Bay Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Outstation Arrival at Tugboat Island contact Wharfinger on VHF Channel 72. Skipper s Meeting in Clubhouse Wine and Cheese Tasting 1830 No host dinner in Clubhouse BBQ s will be available Monday, Sept. 12 Tugboat Island, Silva Bay Bocce Tutorial for beginners Bocce Tournament begins 1700 Skipper s Meeting and Bocce prizes 1730 Happy hour (Greenbox party) everyone is encouraged to bring an Italian appetizer 1830 Hosted Italian dinner and wine. Bring plates, cutlery, and glasses ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

12 Tuesday, Sept. 13 Scott Point, Saltspring Island Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Outstation 1500 to Arrive at Scott Point contact Wharfingers on VHF Channel 72 Champagne Reception Prizegiving 1830 Hosted dinner and wine 2000 Toasts Wednesday, Sept. 14 Scott Point Cruise ends - safe travels home! ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

13 Menu Planning The following table will aid provisioning the boat by showing which meals are provided by the organizers and which meals need to be provisioned by the cruisers. Date Location Breakfast Lunch Greenbox Dinner Monday, Sept. 5 Henry Island OYO OYO none Hosted dinner and drinks Tuesday, Sept. 6 Victoria, BC OYO OYO none Hosted dinner/purchase drinks Wed, Sept. 7 Victoria, BC OYO OYO on dock OYO Thursday, Sept. 8 Sidney, BC OYO OYO none Hosted dinner/bring drinks Friday, Sept. 9 Ganges, BC OYO OYO on dock OYO Saturday, Sept. 10 Ovens, BC OYO OYO Greenbox Competition Potluck on the dock Sunday, Sept. 11 Ovens, BC Pancakes & Sausages Sunday, Sept. 11 Tugboat Island at Ovens (see above) OYO Hosted wine & cheese OYO - Barbecues available on the deck Monday, Sept. 12 Tugboat Island OYO OYO Bring Italian appetizers Hosted Italian dinner and drinks Tuesday, Sept. 13 Scott Point OYO OYO none Hosted dinner and drinks OYO - On Your Own Greenbox - snacks and finger food to share with 6-8, own drinks ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

14 Charts, Routes, Marinas, and Victoria Harbour This section contains a list of paper charts needed for the cruise and a suggested set of routes. Also, chartlets of the principal marinas used during the cruise are provided. Paper and Digital Charts Charts are a critical item for safe boating, particularly in the rock-infested waters of the Pacific Northwest. While most charter boats have paper charts on-board, it is a good idea to check on the quality and coverage of the charts. Most boats in the Pacific Northwest cruise with some form of GPS-enabled chart plotter or PC-based navigation systems. If your boat has such equipment, make sure that the charts are current and cover the US San Juan Islands and the British Columbia Gulf Islands and Victoria. USGS Chart San Juan Islands - A planning chart for the San Juan Islands, covering the waters from Bellingham to Victoria, BC. USGS Chart Puget Sound - A planning chart for Puget Sound, covering the waters from Olympia to Admiralty Inlet & Port Townsend. CHS Chart Southern British Columbia - A planning chart from the Canadian Hydrographic Service, covering the waters from the Gulf Islands to the North end of Vancouver Island including the West Coast of Vancouver Island and the mainland BC coast. Maptech Chart Kits - Region 15 Pacific Northwest to Northern California, 5 th Editon - Coastal and offshore coverage. Full-color charts, GPS waypoints, courses and distances, Yeoman points, and color aerial photos. 22 X 17", 90 chart pages. Recommended. CHS Marine Atlas Gulf Islands - Covers East Coast of Vancouver Island from Victoria to Nanaimo and the Canadian Gulf Islands, as well as some of the San Juan Islands. Recommended. Routes These suggested routes are just that, suggestions. You take them at your own risk. Since the screen image charts are scaled to about 8-9 miles per screen, the routes take more than one screen image. Each of the marinas and outstations have chartlets and descriptions of their facilities in the section titled Marinas and Outstations. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

15 Cruise Route Overview ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

16 Anacortes SYC Henry Island (Roche Harbor, San Juan Island), 36 nm From Cap Sante, the scenic route heads north out of Padillia Bay, up around the top of Guemes and Cypress Islands, across Rosario Strait (3.5 nm), through Obstruction Pass between Blakely and Orcas Islands, into Harney Channel between Shaw and Orcas Islands, down Wasp Passage between Crane and Shaw Islands, then into San Juan Channel to Spieden Channel, then into Roche Harbor. The Wasp Passage is somewhat tricky, but the medium-sized ferries follow the route. A shorter and more easily navigated passage following the main ferry route between Anacortes and Roche Harbor is 29 nautical miles. It runs mostly westerly and traverses Guemes Channel, crosses the Rosario Strait into Thatcher Pass between Decatur and Blakely Islands, and rounds Upright Head on Lopes Island (careful of the ferries here), and down Upright Passage towards Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Then head up San Juan Channel northwesterly towards Spieden Island, and then turn south into Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. This route is traveled by large Washington State ferries and they move fast (18-20 knots) and don t have the ability to move around recreational traffic. Stay clear of ferries by 200 yards or more. Enter Roche Harbor by the passage on the west side of Pearl Island, not the eastern passage. The latter requires local knowledge and has some very thin water at low tide. Once in Roche Harbor, head due south towards the SYC outstation on Henry Island, to the west of the Roche Harbor docks. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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20 SYC Henry Island - Victoria, 28 nm The route to Victoria crosses Haro Strait between San Juan Island into Canadian waters to the southeast coast of Vancouver Island. The strait has strong currents, reaching 4-5 knots and can be windy. Also, it is the main shipping route to the Port of Vancouver and you may encounter several ocean-going vessels. They are running in a restricted channel and do have right-of-way. Don t try to assert your right-of-way against a 600 foot long steel vessel running at 15 to 20 knots. Good sailing may happen in Haro Strait and the waters on the way to Victoria. From the SYC outstation, retrace your path north out of Roche Harbor and head west around Battleship Island. From here you can head southwest down Haro Strait towards the Discovery Islands and Baynes Channel. This isn t very interesting, but the sailors will love it. Many power boaters hug the west side of San Juan Island down towards False Bay and Lime Kiln Point in the hopes of seeing the resident oraca whale pod, then make a shorter crossing of Haro Strait towards Discovery Island. The easiest passage is to the south of Discovery Island and then to the south end of Trial Islands. Experience boaters can take a run through the rocky channels closer to the south shore, but you need good maps and watch the tide flow. At the SE corner of Vancouver Island, tun into Baynes Channel between the Chatham Islands and Cadboro Point. There is lots of boat traffic and some tidal rip here. Pass north of the Chain Islands and head down Mayor Channel to Mouat Channel. There are quite a few rocks in this area, but the channel is well marked on good charts. If you don't feel comfortable with this passage, you can pass to the east of the Chatham and Discovery Islands and round to the south of them. Upon reaching Mouat Channel, turn west into Enterprise Channel and into the narrow channel between the Trial Islands into McNeil Bay. Once again, this channel is a narrow busy one and has tidal rips. If you are uncomfortable with Enterprise Channel, stay to the south of the Trail Islands while heading west. Once past the Trail Islands, follow the southern coast of Vancouver Island for about five miles, staying offshore several hundred feet to avoid the reefs. Pass between the land and Brotchie Light and round the breakwater into Victoria Outer Harbour and reduce speed to seven knots. Hug the starboard shore to avoid the seaplane traffic and fall into the Victoria Harbour Traffic Scheme (see Marinas). You are now in a no-wake and no sailing zone. Stay in the inbound traffic lane by putting the yellow markers close to your port side, round Laurel Point and the Causeway Floats and the Customs Dock are directly in front. Be careful, there is lots of water traffic -- the Victoria Clipper fast ferry to Seattle, the very big (500+feet) Coho car ferry to Port Angeles, lots of sea planes, and a dozen small foot ferries crisscrossing the water. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

21 Now it is time to clear Canadian Customs. The customs dock is near the seaplane terminal just south of the Wharf Street Floats. It has two 60 foot sides for boaters to tieup and make the phone call to the customs officer. Read the appropriate section in Immigration and Customs Information. This is a real bottleneck and you need to pay attention to the other boats loitering nearby who arrived before you. Also, keep clear of the seaplanes and the small green and yellow foot ferries. Once you have your customs clearance, quickly clear the dock to allow other boats to tie up and then call on VHF 66A Victoria Harbormaster using low power (one watt) to get your slip assignment. Be sure to mention that you are part of the ICOYC Cruise. The Causeway Floats are a few hundred yards south of the customs dock, past the sea plane terminal. You probably will be assisted by a docking crew from the harbormaster office. They can take your payment for two night s moorage and give you the gate code. If not, contact one of the cruise masters for information on how to pay for moorage. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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25 Victoria Sidney, 23 nm. The trip to Sidney is an easy run in mostly protected waters once you round Discovery Island and head north. Sailors may want to take advantage of the open waters of Puget Sound and Haro Strait to sail their way to Sidney. Whale watchers may want to retry their luck near Lime Kiln Point on San Juan Island by retracing the route from Roche Harbor (Henry Island) to Victoria. Retrace your route into Victoria to the east. Once past Discovery Island, head north up along the southeast coast of Vancouver Island into Cordova Bay and continue north. You can take a couple different passages between the islands until you reach Sidney. Do pay attention to crab pot floats. Canada, unlike the USA, has no closed season for crabbing and the waters here have many crab pot floats. Tangling your running gear with a crab pot is really messy. When you reach Sidney, pause a moment before entering the narrow channel to the manmade harbor and hail the Sidney Harbormaster on VHF channel 66A on low power (one watt) to get your slip assignment. There is very limited space once inside the breakwater for maneuvering. The harbormaster staff will direct you to your slip and will help tie up the boat. Once settled, proceed to the harbormaster office at the ramp to shore and pay your moorage fee and get a gate key. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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29 Sidney- SYC Ganges (Saltspring Island),16 nm Today we have a short cruise north from Sidney to the lovely village of Ganges on Saltspring Island. While Sidney was filled with book shops and bustled, Ganges is far smaller and is filled with artist galleries and is the home of the famed Saturday market. The route is not too challenging and can be sailed if the winds are favorable. After clearing the Port of Sidney Marina (did you remember to turn in your gate key?), head northeast to pass between the Little Group and Forrest Island. The channel is wide, but is bounded by rocks, so do pay attention. Then pass to the west of Coal Island into Prevost Passage and on north into Moresby Passage between Portland Island and Moresby Island. Now you are in Swanson Channel, route of the big BC ferries going to Vancouver and the Gulf Islands. Watch for them, they are big and fast. Nearing the southeast corner of Saltspring Island, turn northwest into Captain Passage and into the long Ganges Harbour. Once you pass the Sister Islands, start looking for crab pots in the passage. Continue into Ganges Harbor, heading towards the head of the harbor and our destination, Saltspring Marina and the SYC Ganges Outstation. At a no-wake speed, wind your way through the anchorage, past downtown Ganges, and past Ganges Marina on the port side. Saltspring Marina is at the end of the harbor and you can easily see Moby s Pub at the marina. Once off the marina breakwater, hail Saltspring Marina on channel 66A, low power, and ask for moorage, saying that you are part of the ICOYC Cruise. Be careful of Moneymaker Rock off the end of the breakwater. See the marina chartlet in the Marinas section. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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32 SYC Ganges SYC Ovens Island (Ladysmith Harbour), 24 nm Before heading north to the SYC Ovens Island and its no-frills outstation, make sure that you visit the Saltspring Island Farmers and Artists Market in the morning. Ovens Island is primitive. It has neither water nor electricity, so make sure that your water tanks are full before leaving Ganges and that your battery bank is charged up. Gen sets cannot be run after 10:00 pm and before 8:00 am. From the marina, wind your way back out of Ganges Harbour past the anchored boats and crab pots. After passing the last of the Sisters Islands, head east and then northerly into Captain Passage between the south east end of Saltspring Island and Prevost Island. Now head northwest in Trincomali Channel staying fairly close to Saltspring Island, then into Houstoun Passage while rounding the top end of Saltspring Island. We jog around the rocks south of Tent Island below the larger Kuper Island into Stuart Channel. If time permits, you may want to make a quick stop at Chemainus and look at the murals in this old lumber mill town. Continue northwest into Ladysmith Harbour. Keep to the northern shore of the peninsula off of Sharpe Point and head to Sibell Bay. The bay is bounded on the southwest by the small Dunsmuir Islands. Ovens Island is the one to the east end of the chain. The outstation dock is on the north side of Ovens Island. Be prepared to raft up, we have 450 feet of dock and 1,100 feet of boats in the fleet. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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35 SYC Ovens Island RVYC Tugboat Island (Silva Bay, Gabriola Island). 14 nm Today we continue heading north towards the upper end of the Gulf Islands, Gabriola Island, and the protected cove of Silva Bay on Gabriola s southeast corner. Most of the fleet will make its way through Gabriola Pass, one of the several passages between the chain of islands marking the eastern edge of the Gulf Islands into the Strait of Georgia. These passes can have some strong tidal currents and boaters should be aware of the current. Gabriola Pass can have currents reaching six knots and cruisers may want to time their passage according to the current chart to the left. See the cruise leaders if you are considering another route and pass if your boat doesn t have a suitable current prediction book or software tool. From Ovens Island, head back around Sharpe and Coffin Points back into Stuart Channel and north to the De Courcy Group. Pass through Ruxton Passage into Pylades Channel and continue north to Gabriola Pass between Valdes and Gabriola Islands. Run the pass to the east, watching your depth sounder. From here on, careful navigation is needed through the rocks and islets of this area. After passing Rogers Reef on your port, turn north in the passage along the west side of Breakwater Island. Continue north up to Commodore Pass and around the narrow channel on the north side of Tugboat Island into Silva Bay. This is a narrow passage and watch the buoys marking the channel (and the rocks). The RVYC Tugboat Island outstation docks are on the east side of Silva Bay. Read the description of how to approach the docks in the Marinas section. A restaurant and a small store (with liquor) are available at the Silva Bay Marina and Resort across the bay from the outstation. This is a good place to splash your dinghy and investigate the nooks and crannies of Silva Bay. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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38 RVYC Tugboat Island RVYC Scott Point (Long Bay, Saltspring Island), 25 nm This is the last full day of the cruise and we turn south and head back to Saltspring Island for the evening s final banquet at Royal Vancouver s Scott Point Outstation. If the winds in the Strait of Georgia are blowing, it could be a good day for sailing down the eastern side of the chain of long, skinny islands forming the east edge of the Gulf Islands (Valdes, Galiano, and Mayne). If Georgia is too rough (and it can be), power boaters may want to retrace yesterday s route back through Gabriola Pass and stay in the protected waters to the west side of the island chain. The chain of islands is broken by three passes, all fairly tidal Gabriola Pass, Portier Pass, and Active Pass (watch out for the BC ferries). All are safe, but require careful navigation and attention to the tidal flows. The route presented on the next pages is a mixture of open water and more protected cruising after passing through Portier Pass. The adventurous may want to pass by Portier Pass and continue to Active Pass before returning to the protected waters near Saltspring Island. From the RVYC outstation on Tugboat Island, we retrace our route to the north and east into Commodore Passage and turn south and around the top end of Breakwater Island. Run along the east side of Valdes Island (kind of boring) to the entrance to Portier Pass to the southwest. The pass is fairly wide, but has shoals and rocks, so watch the chart and the depth sounder. (Canadian charts are in metres). Once back in Trincomali Channel, head southeast along the west side of Galiano Island. The charts on the next page shows passing into Montague Harbour and out to Captain Pass at the southeast corner of Saltspring Island. You can cut across Trincomali Channel on a more direct route to the Athol Peninsula of Saltspring Island and Captain Pass. Round Nose Point into Long Harbour and proceed northwest to the Scott Point outstation of RVYC on your port (Scott Point peninsula). Watch for the BC ferry serving the Long Harbour ferry terminal a bit past the outstation. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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43 Marinas and Outstations Anacortes - Cap Sante Boat Haven 48 o 30.7' North Latitude o 36.2' West Longitude ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

44 Henry Island (Roche Harbor, San Juan Island) - SYC Outstation 48 o 36.2' North Latitude o 10.2' West Longitude The SYC outstation in the San Juan Islands is located in Roche Harbor, just west of the point where Mosquito Pass enters the bay. Look for a tall flagpole on shore with a large brick house behind it. At low tide, there are ten feet of water at the outer end of the floats with about six feet at the mid point. Fingers are installed on the west float which provide additional moorage in five to ten feet of water. Thirty ampere electrical service is available on the main floats. Image is for reference only -- not for navigation. Members should be aware that on a flood tide, the current at our floats is negligible; on an ebb tide the current can reach 3 knots from West to East. The upper two floors of the brick house are the residence of the outstation's managers. The lower floor contains showers, heads, and the "Henry Room". The Henry Room features good seating, a fireplace, jigsaw puzzles, and reading material from the lending library. Internet access is available by a broadband cable connection in the Henry Room; wireless internet service is available on the docks. Deer abound on the island. They are often under the apple trees near the residence in evening and early morning. There is an enjoyable half-hour botanical trail. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

45 Located on the beach between the docks is a small brick building containing sports equipment, ice machine, washing machine, and dryer. A fire pit is located on the beach for bonfires and barbecues. Two propane barbecues are available to members. A tennis court is also available. ICOYC Note Power vessels are encouraged to use the slips closer to shore (zero tide depth indicators are on each piling). Sailboats should moor on the outer slips and can raft on the outside float. Note that there will be other boats from SYC on the docks and rafting will be required. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

46 Victoria Inner Harbour, Causeway Floats 48 o 25.3 North Latitude o 22.2' West Longitude Radio Victoria Harbormaster on 66A after clearing Canadian customs to get slip assignment. Tell them you are part of the ICOYC Cruise. Moorage costs to be paid by each boat. Pay the dock attendant and get a gate code for after hours access. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

47 Victoria Harbour Entering Victoria Inner Harbor requires special caution due to the heavy aircraft and commercial boat traffic. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

48 Sidney Port of Sidney Marina 48 o 39.1' North Latitude o 23.5' West Longitude Radio Sidney Harbormaster on VHF channel 66A prior to entering breakwater to get slip assignment Tell them you are part of the ICOYC Cruise. Moorage costs to be paid by each boat. Register at the marina office and get a gate key. Remember to return the gate key before leaving. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

49 Saltspring Island, Ganges, Saltspring Marina - SYC Outstation 48 o 51.30' North Latitude o 31.2' West Longitude 124 Upper Ganges Road, Saltspring Island V8K 252 Marina office: or Ganges is the commercial center of the British Columbia Gulf Islands. The SYC Outstation is located at the northerly head of Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island, in the Saltspring Marina. Image is for reference only -- not for navigation. Saltspring Marina lies just to the North of Ganges Marina. You can see an overview of the harbor area in the following picture, which shows Ganges Marina at the top and Saltspring Marina at the bottom. Note the white bar that marks the location of the SYC Ganges Outstation dock within the Saltspring Marina. Note also that this is an old photo, and our dock has been rebuilt as seen further down the page. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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51 The following picture shows a current overview of the marina, with the dashed line marking the updated B & C docks forming the SYC Ganges Outstation. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

52 Saltspring Marina provides a wide range of services, including fresh water, garbage service, laundry, showers, and wireless internet on the docks. Power will be limited to 30- amp service for this transition period, but will expand to include 50-amp plugs when the new docks are built. The village of Ganges continues to offer some of the best shopping in the Gulf Islands, and to make your trip to the store easier, the club will be offering free Saltspring Marina launch for members and guests. You can now stock up on fresh food at the Saturday market or the well-stocked Thrifty grocery, visit the BC liquor store, or enjoy a meal at one of the many fine restaurants, with the Saltspring Marina launch ensuring you an easy ride back to the docks. Check the marina office for the launch operating schedule. For a special treat, dine at the Hastings House, rated one of the best restaurants in B.C. It is located directly above the Marina, overlooking the harbor. SYC and public wifi is available on the docks ICOYC Notes Med-tying is recommended in the 55' space. Boats can raft on the north (shore) side of the 208' length. Rafting will be required. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

53 Ladysmith Harbour, Ovens Island SYC Outstation 48 o 59.43' North Latitude o 47.1' West Longitude An outstation that has retained it natural setting and original charm is in Sibell Bay, Ladysmith Harbor in Canada's Gulf Islands. In 1965 it was discovered, acquired, and transferred to the Seattle Yacht Club by Past Commodore Wallace Ovens, in whose honor it is named. The most easterly of the Dunsmuir Islands, it is roughly 200 feet by 800 feet. Image is for reference only -- not for navigation. In 1974 the Island was developed with a 150 foot float, paths and picnic tables. There is now a 450 foot float on the Sybill bay side of the island. There is no island fresh water or electricity, but there are clams and oysters. WiFi Service is not available on Ovens Island. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

54 ICOYC Notes Rafting is NOT permitted on the end sections of the float. All middle sections are fine for rafting, which will be necessary. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

55 Gabriola Island, Silva Bay, Tugboat Island RVYC Outstation 49 o 09.1' North Latitude o 41.6' West Longitude Tugboat Island is located in Silva Bay off Gabriola Island and enjoyed its 50th anniversary as a RVYC Club Offshore Station in Since its purchase in 1960, the island has been preserved in its natural state and has many interesting nature trails, tidal pools, and wildlife across 24 acres. Deer, raccoons, otter, mink, owls and a multitude of sea birds frequent this island. Docks provide adequate moorage on the four acre water lot. A pavilion, table tennis room, flush toilets and showers are located ashore. A freezer is provided on the dock for making ice and freezing fish. There is power on the docks and water is available on a limited basis. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while on the island to encourage wild animals to remain on Tugboat. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on Tugboat Island. Cautions: 1- When entering Silva bay through the passage immediately north of Tugboat Island it is essential that boats pass close to but NORTH of the entrance mark because there are dangerous reefs between the mark and Tugboat Island. The reefs continue inside Silva Bay so a sharp turn towards Tugboat Island should be avoided. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

56 2- There are two large shoals between the registration shed and the airplane float. At a zero tide there is 1-1/2 to 2 feet of water. The peaks of the shoal are marked by two red buoys. Please exercise caution throughout this area. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

57 Saltspring Island, Long Harbour, Scott Point RVYC Outstation 48 o 50.8' North Latitude o 26.1' West Longitude Scott Point, located in Long Harbour on Saltspring Island, has been owned by the Club since The outstation has a 150' x 450' water lot, protected by a breakwater, with 2,600' of dock space with 30 amp power and water for filling water tanks. On shore, the outstation has a pavilion with kitchen and clubroom, and a shower, toilet and laundry building. Its recreational features include a horseshoe pitch, table tennis, children s playground and swimming pool that provide diverse attractions for members. There are also four A-frame cottages are rented to members. The cottages are so popular with families that visits are limited to one cottage per stay for a maximum of seven days in any given cruising season. Scott Point is accessible by ferry from the mainland or Vancouver Island with the mainland ferry terminal a short walk from the outstation. Taxi service is available to stores and the farmers market in nearby Ganges. For the more energetic cruisers the outstation has four bicycles that provide an alternative to taxis or a invigorating walk. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

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59 Reference Material Web Sites for more information NWboating - contains good information on the various cruising areas within the Puget Sound, a boating calendar, weather and tide information, and some boating-related articles. NOAA Seattle - National Weather Forecast Office - Seattle, regional weather. Washington State Ferry Weather - contains live wind reports on the WA State Ferry routes. Very useful when considering crossings of the open straits. Canadian Weather for BC - weather reports from Environment Canada. Waggoner Cruising Guide - on-line version of the annually updated cruising guide described below under Marina Guides. Many nautical links. 48 North - 48north.com/, local sailing-oriented magazine, many sailing links. Cruising Guides An assortment of useful printed publications for the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound. (Descriptions courtesy of Armchair Sailor, Seattle, Gunkholing in the San Juan Islands, Jo Bailey and Carl Nyberg, 2nd edition, 304pp, 2000, The most popular cruising guide for the San Juan Islands, completely revised and updated from the original classic. Essential piloting information is clearly defined as the authors guide the cruiser into many ports and anchorages, and describe the not to be missed places to visit, where to go and what to see. In addition, their interesting vignettes of history, folklore, and natural phenomena add delicious interest to your cruise. Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and San Juan Islands, Migael Scherer is a 20-year Seattle resident whose knowledge, love and appreciation for Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands shine through in this beautifully produced cruising guide. Covering the waters from Olympia North to Point Roberts and ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

60 Bellingham Bay and West to Pt. Angeles, and including Lake Union and Lake Washington, she shares her hard-earned local knowledge of the approaches, anchorages, and facilities for hundreds of bays, harbors, and inlets, with annotated charts for many of them. Included is a rating system that details every harbor and anchorage, how and where to get ashore (an important feature that most cruising guides ignore), and what facilities to expect. She not only describes where to cruise, but offers insights into history, attractions, weather, and the effects of commercial shipping, logging, and fishing that add considerable interest. Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide: Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island, vol 1, Anne & Laurence Yeadon-Jones, NEW, 3rd Edition, completely updated, October Same format as its companion book for Desolation Sound, covering the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, including the east side of Vancouver Island. The guide of choice for the Canadian Gulf Islands. Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide: The San Juan Islands, vol 4. Anne & Laurence Yeadon-Jones, Just south of Vancouver, B.C., in Washington State, lies a distinctive island triangle known locally as the San Juans. This enchanting cluster of islands offers boaters the pleasure of cruising in safe and protected waters while enjoying the diversity and individual personality of each island. The allure of the San Juans lies in the short distances between destinations, the ease of provisioning, the well-maintained marinas and the friendly charm of the villages and towns, beautiful beaches, lakes, shaded forest walks and intriguing historic sites. This well-known cruising couple provides lots of information for cruising the area, including charming hand-drawn maps of each anchorage. Exploring the South Coast of British Columbia, Don Douglass and Reanne Hemmingway-Douglass, 460, 1999, Newly updated and expanded in These regional experts have provided yet another excellent resource for exploring the waters along BC s coast. Accurate and up-to-date descriptions of routes and anchorages from Victoria to the north end of Vancouver Island, including the mainland coast. Full of local knowledge and 200 detailed anchorage and marina diagrams, over 2000 GPS waypoints, extensive quotes form Canadian Sailing Directions, and photographs, as well as a listing of fuel and provisioning sites. Marina Guides The Burgee, 5th Edition, David Kutz, The most comprehensive marina guidebook, covering Olympia WA to the central B.C. inside passage, including the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound, and Discovery Passage. One page is devoted to each marina and provides a schematic chart of the marina so you can quickly spot crucial points like fuel and guest docks, and a list of all the features offered by the marina. Includes info and illustrations showing how to find Yacht Club reciprocal moorage and marine parks The Waggoner Cruising Guide, Robert Hale, editor, Published, and thoroughly updated, annually. Covering the waters of Puget Sound, the San Juan and Gulf Islands, the full Inside Passage to the Alaska border, and also Vancouver ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

61 Island s West coast, the Waggoner provides piloting information and detailed facilities listings for these waters, including the availability of moorage, fuel, pump-outs, groceries and restaurants, with phone numbers and hours of operation. Separate chapters cover piloting and safety information such as border crossing regulations, VHF radio procedures, anchoring tips, VTS information, differences between U.S. and Canadian charts, Coast Guard rules, and tips for if you are boarded for inspection Weather The weather in the Pacific Northwest is impossible to forecast, so be prepared for several types of weather during the cruise. The late summer time can have warm to hot days with clear sky and temperatures of the high 70's and cooler evenings. It also can be rainy with several days of a slow drizzle and some wind. These wet days have temps ranging from the mid 50's to the low 60's in the days and the low to mid 40's at night. We also can have foggy days, which are wet and damp. In short, be prepared for both sunshine and rain. Sunscreen and face towels may be in equal demand. What to Wear and Bring With the weather described above in mind, you definitely need to layer your clothing. Dress in the San Juan Islands and Victoria is casual. While shorts and sandals are occasionally seen, the most common clothing worn by boaters is cotton pants and short and long-sleeved shirts. Sweaters and light jackets will be needed when the sun goes away. Light rain gear may be needed if you are caught out shopping or in Victoria's Butchart Gardens. Definitely bring an umbrella. The dinner events are casual. You probably will need a light sweater or jacket for the evenings, unless there is a rare hot spell. It would be appropriate to wear your yacht club s shirts, jackets, and caps. Afternoon High Tea at the Empress Hotel in Victoria is a grand tradition and dressing up is part of the process. Ladies wear nice summer dresses and often are seen with hats and gloves. You can accessorize in Victoria before heading over to the hotel. Victoria and Sidney is walking towns and good sturdy walking shoes are a must. Since antiquing and shopping in Victoria are justly famous, you may want to carry one or two sturdy canvas carry bags to lug your loot back to the boat. Definitely have carry bags with you when you visit the Ganges Farmers and Artists Market on Saltspring Island. Swimming is at your own risk. The summer water temps may hit the mid 50's, chilly. However the shallow and protected waters at Ovens Island can warm up to nearly 70 degrees. Join some of the cruise leaders in a swim around the island! Walking, hiking, and biking are great activities on the islands, so bring good shoes and a small daypack for water, etc. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

62 Wildlife viewing is fantastic, from orcas to dolphins to eagles to herons. Birders and wildlife enthusiasts will need a good pair of binoculars and local birding and wildlife guides. These books are readily available at all of the stops. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011

63 Fees and Payments This page is the money page. It contains information on the cost per boat in the cruise and the cost per person. General Process for Payments 1. The skipper of the boat is responsible for making the payment for the boat and all of his crew. 2. Cruisers from Seattle Yacht Club and Royal Vancouver Yacht Club will be billed directly through their club s payment systems. 3. For cruisers attending the Sixth Commodores Forum, August 30 to September 2, payment is accepted at the Reception Desk at Seattle Yacht Club during the Forum. This is the preferred payment time. 4. For cruisers not attending the festivities in Seattle, payment is accepted during the first day of the cruise at the Henry Island Outstation of Seattle Yacht Club. 5. Cruisers are responsible for their own moorage costs at Victoria and Sidney and will be advised by the cruise leaders as to where they make their payments to the harbormasters of the respective marinas. Per Boat Fee -- $ The boat-based fee covers incidental costs incurred by the Cruise Committee. All boats pay the same per boat fee, regardless of length, beam, use of electricity, power or sail. Per Person Fee -- $ Each participant in the cruise will be assessed a per person fee to cover the meals listed in the itinerary. There is no opt-out provision for the set meals or fewer days. Bus Transportation from Seattle to Anacortes -- $30.00 A chartered coach will carry passengers from the conference hotel in Seattle to Anacortes to pick up the chartered boats during a 90 minute drive. The per person transport fee includes the cost of the bus, taxes, fuel surcharge, and a tip to the driver. There is no stop on the way to Anacortes or any organized transportation back to the Seattle airport after the cruise. Payments Payments must be by credit card or by SYC or RVYC member numbers. ICOYC Cruise - Summer August 2011