Cruising To Vendovi Island

Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
To all my shy PNW cruisers, have any of you been into the small bay on the NW corner of the Island? The monthly rag 48 Degrees North did an article about the island a few months ago and our little flotilla has talked about a visit, but has as of yet cruised there.

It is about two hours away for us. There is a small dock, but the caretakers of the island say no overnight moorage allowed. I would think that dropping a hook in the small bay for an overnight stay would be acceptable.

Your thoughts and comments appreciated.

http://sjpt.org/places-projects/preserves-easement/sjpt-preserves/vendovi-island-preserve/
 
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Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

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Jan 25, 2011
2,437
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
The San Juan Preservation Fund now controls this Is. They closed the dock and anchorage for overnight due to ecological preservation. The bay is not nearly big enough to accomodate boats and the bottom is all eelgrass which is in a preservation state. It is also pretty shallow. Im not sure I'd go in on a minus tide. Eagle Hbr is only couple miles away for overnight. You can email them and they are very responsive.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

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Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Thanks Mark for your input. Been to Eagle Harbor, Pelican Beach and Cypress Head many times. All three receive my top ratings. Just considering a change in venue.
 
Mark Maulden

Mark Maulden

.
Jan 25, 2011
2,437
S2 11.0A Anacortes, WA
Figured you had. Just do NOT drop a hook. You will be very UN popular real quick. (Not from experience). Havent seen John around for awhile. If you talk to him, tell him his port bowline missed the chock on the boat...we can fix if needed. Stop by if youre in the area. D-55
 
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wristwister

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Jan 28, 2015
46
Tartan 30 Anacortes, WA
I've been there several times. Well worth a visit if you can get a spot on the small dock. It's got some great picnic areas, pretty trails, and the caretakers are very friendly. As mentioned, no anchoring, no overnighting, and it's only open during the summer months.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
wristwister said:
I've been there several times. Well worth a visit if you can get a spot on the small dock. It's got some great picnic areas, pretty trails, and the caretakers are very friendly. As mentioned, no anchoring, no overnighting, and it's only open during the summer months.
Click to expand
Do they remove the dock this time of the year? What happens if I were to drop by for a visit this week? Do the caretakers live on the island year around? Just wondering.
 
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wristwister

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Jan 28, 2015
46
Tartan 30 Anacortes, WA
Dock is still there, the caretakers keep their Westsail 32 on it (they've been around the world on that westsail). I've been to the dock during the winter. The gate at the end of the ramp is locked so you can't go on the island. The caretaker came down to inform us the island was closed, but she was fine with us chilling (literally) on the boat for an hour for lunch.
 
Terry Cox

Terry Cox

.
Dec 25, 2000
5,932
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Do you remember how much water there was at the dock? So they live in some sort of cabin on the island year around?
 
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wristwister

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Jan 28, 2015
46
Tartan 30 Anacortes, WA
Not sure I've been there at dead low tide, but I've never been concerned with my 5.5' draft, and they don't seem concerned with their Westsail. If you were to touch bottom, I believe it's just mud and eel grass down there.

They live year round in a nice little house overlooking the cove. There's also some outbuildings there, including a public restroom in the shop.

Man, how do I get a job as an island caretaker?
 
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