Anyone Getting Out Much, Yet?

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Foswick

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Apr 25, 2024
532
Fuji 32 Bellingham
Our new boat has a heating stove, which is something I have wanted to extend the comfortable sailing season. And, we finally got our transfer slip from Blaine down to Bellingham, putting the boat within 15 minutes of our door step. So, we are just about out of excuses not to sail in the "off" season.

We've been out a bit, over the past couple of weeks and there is just about no one else out there. Sailed from Blaine to Bellingham and never saw a single pleasure boat.

The only time I've ever really sailed this early is when racing, so I don't really know what others are up to until about mid-May. Is it still too chilly and unpredictable?
 
M

MFD

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Jun 23, 2016
204
Hunter 41DS Pacific NW USA
Yeah, I think around this time of year and the months after Labor Day are some of the best for sailing around the Salish Sea.
The parks, anchorages, marinas and towns are pretty empty of tourists and such.
Plus the wind is somewhat reliable - unlike midsummer ;)

For sure, it's a little chilly so having a heater on the boat is a real game changer if anchoring.
And yes, the weather is a bit more unpredictable. Just keep an eye on the forecasts and all is good. It's not like we are ever far from a snug anchorage or marina around here if absolutely needed?

It is all about what people want out of sailing, and to a certain degree their comfort level.
A lot of folks just want 15kn wind, flat sea, and warm sunshine - which is also great.
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,143
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Reluctantly no sailing, yet.
I have been to the boat about every 2-3 weeks for a couple days to work the projects. Currently in Everett for another two days working the table support lift replacement. The docks are quiet. Only a few people around when the sun comes out. I suspect most are working jobs to support their boating addition.

The 40ish degree temps are beaten back by the on board heater allowing one to work in a shirt and jeans. While my deck looks like the poster child for winter grunge, the interior looks almost as bad, with stuff moved onto other stuff opening space in the area of reconstruction.

All work and no play makes for dull times. With the excuse that the engine needs to have some run-in time, I fire her auxiliary up and make a run out into the harbor. The chill of wind and rain melts away as my Hadley takes to the swell. Soon the projects will be compleat and we will again set her sails for exploration and adventure.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Was out last month for a few days and got my sailing tank filled. Eagle Harbor (14 mooring balls) was empty, but enjoyed the quiet time reading, music, movies and puttering around the boat. Furnace kept the interior comfortable. Plan to be out the second week of April for more sail time. Anyone, anyone? Rendezvous, Hadley?
 
F

Foswick

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Apr 25, 2024
532
Fuji 32 Bellingham
We're also planning on the second week in April - likely just to Eagle Harbor, but no set plans yet.
 
M

MFD

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Jun 23, 2016
204
Hunter 41DS Pacific NW USA
I didn't realize there were mooring buoys in Eagle Harbor.
I have only been there a few times and usually we have just rafted off another boat at a dock for a few hours doing some crew changes or minor errands. From memory, it always seemed too crowded a place to consider anchoring anywhere.

I can see the buoys on Google maps - are these private or something?
What is the process to be able use them.

Thanks!
 
F

Foswick

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Apr 25, 2024
532
Fuji 32 Bellingham
I think you might be thinking of a different Eagle Harbor. There is no dock there. Eagle Harbor is on the (north) east side of Cypress. The buoys are maintained (I believe) by DNR. They are free and first-come-first-serve. Just watch tides on some of the shallower buoys.

You might be thinking of Bainbridge?
 
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M

MFD

.
Jun 23, 2016
204
Hunter 41DS Pacific NW USA
Foswick said:
I think you might be looking in the wrong place. There is no dock there. Eagle Harbor is on the (north) east side of Cypress. The buoys are maintained (I believe) by DNR. They are free and first-come-first-serve. Just watch tides on some of the shallower buoys.
Click to expand
Ahh - okay, I am mostly in Poulsbo nowadays vs. Bellingham.
Yes, I was thinking Eagle Harbor as in Bainbridge, not Cypress.
Yeah, for sure, I have grabbed a buoy there many times before.
 
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jssailem

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
23,143
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
Good fish and chips at the Pub in Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge. Was my first cruise back in 2015. We had to navigate through Ballard Locks to get from Fisherman’s harbor to the sound. A great trip.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Foswick said:
There is no dock there. Eagle Harbor is on the (north) east side of Cypress. The buoys are maintained (I believe) by DNR.
Click to expand
Yes. The east side of Cypress Island has three mooring fields from south to north about a mile apart; Cypress Head (4), Eagle Harbor (14), Pelican Beach (6). All maintained by DNR and no fee. We draft five feet and even on a small minus tide will not touch bottom on any of them. Besides, just mud. All three have Bach access with trails (old logging roads) that lead around the island, fire pits and pit toilets.
 
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