I plan to charter a sailboat next summer, probably out of Comox, to cruise the Desolation Sound area for the first time. I would appreciate any and all advice about places to visit, issues that might be of concern, tides, and weather. We are tentatively planning on an early September charter but can change that if weather then could be a concern. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
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Steve
Early September is a perfect time to visit Desolation Sound. Things get VERY crowded there in July and August. In early September the weather is still warm and stable for the most part but the worst of the crowds are gone as soon as Labor Day hits. There are a couple of cruising guides that I think Phil and Bly carry in the chandlery. Waggoners is a good one. So is the Don Douglas book on cruising the South Coast of British Columbia. I don't know what your experience level is. Desolation Sound has large tidal fluctuations of ten feet and more and associated tidal currents which you need to be conscious of. You also need to have the proper charts and know how to read them. Crossing the Strait of Georgia from Comox to Desolation Sound can be very challenging in the wrong weather. You need to be prepared for that or have patience and time in your schedule for the right weather window. If you have specific questions, I'll be glad to try to help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Early September is a perfect time to visit Desolation Sound. Things get VERY crowded there in July and August. In early September the weather is still warm and stable for the most part but the worst of the crowds are gone as soon as Labor Day hits. There are a couple of cruising guides that I think Phil and Bly carry in the chandlery. Waggoners is a good one. So is the Don Douglas book on cruising the South Coast of British Columbia. I don't know what your experience level is. Desolation Sound has large tidal fluctuations of ten feet and more and associated tidal currents which you need to be conscious of. You also need to have the proper charts and know how to read them. Crossing the Strait of Georgia from Comox to Desolation Sound can be very challenging in the wrong weather. You need to be prepared for that or have patience and time in your schedule for the right weather window. If you have specific questions, I'll be glad to try to help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
Again, you don't mention your experience level.
If you are a Virgin Islands sailor or a lake sailor, weather is only part of the problem. Those tides will 'do' you. But take heart. I've never chartered there, only spent months at a time there (and often), but I can't imagine a charter company not having the needed charts and tide books aboard your boat. And another important rule to follow is to make sure you have at least 20 feet of water under your boat when anchored. And there's many dangerous reefs and rocks. You must know exactly where you are when underway. That's the biggest difference from the Virgins. And stay out of those currents over by Campbell River. But the whole area is a park. And later in the summer means the water is warm. Almost like the Virgins. And hope you have time for Princess Louisa and Chatterbox Falls. (My Avatar is our boat in front of the falls) That's another caution zone though. The entrance at Malibu Rapids can see 9 knots of current. Most experienced cruisers take the rapids at slack water. Have fun! Look for me too.
If you are a Virgin Islands sailor or a lake sailor, weather is only part of the problem. Those tides will 'do' you. But take heart. I've never chartered there, only spent months at a time there (and often), but I can't imagine a charter company not having the needed charts and tide books aboard your boat. And another important rule to follow is to make sure you have at least 20 feet of water under your boat when anchored. And there's many dangerous reefs and rocks. You must know exactly where you are when underway. That's the biggest difference from the Virgins. And stay out of those currents over by Campbell River. But the whole area is a park. And later in the summer means the water is warm. Almost like the Virgins. And hope you have time for Princess Louisa and Chatterbox Falls. (My Avatar is our boat in front of the falls) That's another caution zone though. The entrance at Malibu Rapids can see 9 knots of current. Most experienced cruisers take the rapids at slack water. Have fun! Look for me too.
Dreamspeaker
Here is a link to one good cruising guide very popular in the North West and coastal BC for Desolation Sound. If there are any difficulties in the Desoaltion Sound area, it will be noted in this guide and solutions offered. Another in the series is good for Princess Lousa Inlet which houses the above mentioned water fall as illustrated in another post above: http://www.fineedge.com/NAUTICAL%20BOOKS/dreamspeaker3.html
Here is a link to one good cruising guide very popular in the North West and coastal BC for Desolation Sound. If there are any difficulties in the Desoaltion Sound area, it will be noted in this guide and solutions offered. Another in the series is good for Princess Lousa Inlet which houses the above mentioned water fall as illustrated in another post above: http://www.fineedge.com/NAUTICAL%20BOOKS/dreamspeaker3.html
Desolation Sound
Hi all -- thanks very much for the responses. I have already purchased the Dreamspeaker guides for Desolation Sound and the Sunshine Coast, and the Waggoner guide. All have been very informative. I am particularly interested in whether most visitors tend to anchor out (or even if that is feasible) or tie up for the night. Also, is there any concern about accessing a slip, supplies, water, and fuel, or are there frequent supply points? Tentatively, we are planning for a 6 day charter, but that could be extended if you believe that is warranted. I have been sailing for a good number of years, including on the deep blue sea, so I have some degree of confidence to deal with tides and possibly unfavorable weather, but I would like to hear about how dramatic the tides in that area are. Thanks,again Steve
Hi all -- thanks very much for the responses. I have already purchased the Dreamspeaker guides for Desolation Sound and the Sunshine Coast, and the Waggoner guide. All have been very informative. I am particularly interested in whether most visitors tend to anchor out (or even if that is feasible) or tie up for the night. Also, is there any concern about accessing a slip, supplies, water, and fuel, or are there frequent supply points? Tentatively, we are planning for a 6 day charter, but that could be extended if you believe that is warranted. I have been sailing for a good number of years, including on the deep blue sea, so I have some degree of confidence to deal with tides and possibly unfavorable weather, but I would like to hear about how dramatic the tides in that area are. Thanks,again Steve
Need more time
A good company out of Comox is Desolation Sound Yacht Charters - Comox is also good as they have direct Air service (Westjet from Calgary) I don't think 6 days is nearly enough. It is a good day over from Comox and a full day back, which leaves little time to explore the many anchorages. If you get delayed by a storm going or returning you are also hooped. As for the tides and currents years ago (when I had much less fear or experience) I had a 26 foot sailboat doing 16.5 knots through the Dent rapids. Definintely not recommended. My recommendation would be a minimum 10 days and a couple of weeks if you could spare the time.
A good company out of Comox is Desolation Sound Yacht Charters - Comox is also good as they have direct Air service (Westjet from Calgary) I don't think 6 days is nearly enough. It is a good day over from Comox and a full day back, which leaves little time to explore the many anchorages. If you get delayed by a storm going or returning you are also hooped. As for the tides and currents years ago (when I had much less fear or experience) I had a 26 foot sailboat doing 16.5 knots through the Dent rapids. Definintely not recommended. My recommendation would be a minimum 10 days and a couple of weeks if you could spare the time.
Hi Steve, Tenedos Bay and Prideaux Haven...
are two very nice anchorages in the heart of Desolation Sound. A bit busy during the prime of the season, but September should be quiet. Waggoners Cruising Guide has a good write up on both. I would stay at least a day at Lund to enjoy the local Lund Hotel pub, then head up to one or both of the very good anchorages. Lund is too deep to anchor so plan on staying at the marina and be sure to stop by Nancy's Place for some delicious baked goods. It is an easy sail (ten to twelve miles) from Lund to the anchorages mentioned above. There are hiking trails that make for wonderful day hikes through the wilderness so bring hiking shoes. If you can spend at least two or more days at each location in order to soak up the solitude and breathtaking alpine sights. Bring swimming attire for the water is wonderful. Hopefully, the charter includes an inflatable dingy so that you can explore the nooks and coves. We've never had a problem with tide range, but currents can get tricky in places. Lots of submerged rocks that are well charted. Good luck. Terry
are two very nice anchorages in the heart of Desolation Sound. A bit busy during the prime of the season, but September should be quiet. Waggoners Cruising Guide has a good write up on both. I would stay at least a day at Lund to enjoy the local Lund Hotel pub, then head up to one or both of the very good anchorages. Lund is too deep to anchor so plan on staying at the marina and be sure to stop by Nancy's Place for some delicious baked goods. It is an easy sail (ten to twelve miles) from Lund to the anchorages mentioned above. There are hiking trails that make for wonderful day hikes through the wilderness so bring hiking shoes. If you can spend at least two or more days at each location in order to soak up the solitude and breathtaking alpine sights. Bring swimming attire for the water is wonderful. Hopefully, the charter includes an inflatable dingy so that you can explore the nooks and coves. We've never had a problem with tide range, but currents can get tricky in places. Lots of submerged rocks that are well charted. Good luck. Terry
Me too
We are also planning a trip to Desolation Sound after visiting Princess Louisa Inlet. Due to calendar problems we will have to go in July--we have the whole month, and will be leaving from Seattle. We have experience sailing and kayaking in the San Juans and the Gulf Islands, but crossing the Strait of Georgia and heading north will be new to us. We will have our small dog with us and I would like any advice on good places to take him ashore in Desolation, and yes we do pick up after him. Any advice on St. of Georgia and Malaspina etc. appreciated. Thanks,
We are also planning a trip to Desolation Sound after visiting Princess Louisa Inlet. Due to calendar problems we will have to go in July--we have the whole month, and will be leaving from Seattle. We have experience sailing and kayaking in the San Juans and the Gulf Islands, but crossing the Strait of Georgia and heading north will be new to us. We will have our small dog with us and I would like any advice on good places to take him ashore in Desolation, and yes we do pick up after him. Any advice on St. of Georgia and Malaspina etc. appreciated. Thanks,
web site
Check the web site for Desolation Sound Yacht charters ,com and they have some suggested cruising plans. For the record I am not connected with them and do not know them personally - I do know people who had boats in their charter and were satisfied. They have been around quite a while and have a good reputation.
Check the web site for Desolation Sound Yacht charters ,com and they have some suggested cruising plans. For the record I am not connected with them and do not know them personally - I do know people who had boats in their charter and were satisfied. They have been around quite a while and have a good reputation.
Hi Tom, I've been up, down and across...
Georgia Strait many times in all kinds of weather. She should be pretty tame in July, but keep an eye on your forecast, because a blow can make her quite turbulent. Most all of the published Desolation Sound anchorages have places where you can take a pet ashore or pitch a tent. The two I mentioned earlier are quite nice, but busy in July. Lots of nice anchorages around Malaspina Inlet. Further down it turns into Okeover Inlet. If you decide to go there be sure to stop at the Laughing Oyster restaurant. You can pay to tie up to the government dock or anchor out. It is worth the stop. Grace Harbour and Theodosia Inlet (outside of the marine park) both offer nice places to hang on the hook for several days. Terry
Georgia Strait many times in all kinds of weather. She should be pretty tame in July, but keep an eye on your forecast, because a blow can make her quite turbulent. Most all of the published Desolation Sound anchorages have places where you can take a pet ashore or pitch a tent. The two I mentioned earlier are quite nice, but busy in July. Lots of nice anchorages around Malaspina Inlet. Further down it turns into Okeover Inlet. If you decide to go there be sure to stop at the Laughing Oyster restaurant. You can pay to tie up to the government dock or anchor out. It is worth the stop. Grace Harbour and Theodosia Inlet (outside of the marine park) both offer nice places to hang on the hook for several days. Terry
Charter into Desolation Sound
Steve, Desolation Sound Charters are Comox based and very experienced. They give an excellent chart briefing session prior to departure from Comox. We chartered from them several times before buying our boat. If you only have six days you should probably skip Lund and head straight into Desolation Sound in order to make the most of it. Tides in the waters to the immediate north of Desolation can be quite challenging - "Hole in The Wall" and around Stuart Island is not for novices - but Desolation itself is fine. Stern tying is required in many places but not all. Rumour has it that floating bakery has recently returned to Squirrel Cove - which is a very protected anchorage which should be doable in one longish leg from Comox. While we can debate whether or not Refuge Cove is technically within Desolation Sound, it does have the largest store, burger bar, fuel dock and water supply facility in the immediate area and is a funky place to overnight alongside if the weather is not good or just spend a couple of hours provisioning. Look for the floating garbage service as you leave. If your first mate stumbles out of the dinghy and splits open her chin on oyster shells near the north end of amazing Pendrell Sound - the warmest water for swimming in the area - it will take you around 5 hours to get her to Powell River Hospital for stitches! Wonder how I know? The Dreamspeaker guides are excellent and the sketches are almost worth hanging as art. Have fun, maybe we will see you there. Neil H35 Serenity Now
Steve, Desolation Sound Charters are Comox based and very experienced. They give an excellent chart briefing session prior to departure from Comox. We chartered from them several times before buying our boat. If you only have six days you should probably skip Lund and head straight into Desolation Sound in order to make the most of it. Tides in the waters to the immediate north of Desolation can be quite challenging - "Hole in The Wall" and around Stuart Island is not for novices - but Desolation itself is fine. Stern tying is required in many places but not all. Rumour has it that floating bakery has recently returned to Squirrel Cove - which is a very protected anchorage which should be doable in one longish leg from Comox. While we can debate whether or not Refuge Cove is technically within Desolation Sound, it does have the largest store, burger bar, fuel dock and water supply facility in the immediate area and is a funky place to overnight alongside if the weather is not good or just spend a couple of hours provisioning. Look for the floating garbage service as you leave. If your first mate stumbles out of the dinghy and splits open her chin on oyster shells near the north end of amazing Pendrell Sound - the warmest water for swimming in the area - it will take you around 5 hours to get her to Powell River Hospital for stitches! Wonder how I know? The Dreamspeaker guides are excellent and the sketches are almost worth hanging as art. Have fun, maybe we will see you there. Neil H35 Serenity Now
No worries mate
I live in Campbell River, basically 3 miles from Desolation and so have spent almost all my cruising life there. It is a very beautiful area of which we are very proud of. September is always(almost) a perfect time for us as the days are mostly warm and sunny and it is much less crowded(almost deserted some may say). It does cool down at night though so be sure to have something warm. An alternate to desolation charters may be http://www.islandcruising.com/. I have never dealt with any of the charter company's but have heard they are good. The above linked company charters out of Pacific playgrounds which is just south of Campbell River and so is quite a bit closer to desolation than Comox. One note to bear in mind is that the winds in Desolation, especially in Sept. are not great and you will probably(unless very lucky) do mainly motor sailing or even straight motoring if you want to get from A to B.The weather forecasts for this area,I believe, are quite poor. Almost everyday you will hear "small craft warning" in the Johnson Strait(north of C.R.)with strong North westerlies, but this almost always never carries down to desolation or the northern end of the Strait of Georgia, and with all the deep inlets of desolation with their outflows it generally makes for fitfull winds rather than steady winds.The Dreamspeaker guides as mentioned by others are the best books for this area. A suggested itinerary for 7 nights(I know everyone will have their own), but here goes....1)Gorge harbour, great anchoring but also has a dock if you prefer with showers, laundry, gas and a great restraunt with a stunning view. Then sail north and around Cortez island stopping at teakerne arm to view the water fall and go swimming(excellent prawning for dinner here).2)Overnight in refuge cove. Again showers, fuel etc. Then on to 3) Roscoe bay or Prideaux haven (check out both as they are close. Watch depth in Roscoe bay. Don't go in low tide) Swim in beautifull Black lake.Anchor using a stern line but both are very well protected. Then into Malaspina inlet and check out Theodosa inlet but come back to 4)Grace harbour to overnight. Again very protected. Then sail down the sunshine coast to 5)Blind bay at the mouth of Jervis Inlet and anchor at Musket Island marine park. Carry on down and then come around the southern tip of Texada Island and up to Jeddediah Island. Anchor in 6)Pauls bay and walk about the island, its a magical place. Then up to 7)Hornby Island anchoring off tribune bay (if you have a strong SE wind go around to ford's cove). Finally go back up the inside of baynes sound to Comox or if you charter out of Pacific playgrounds go up the outside. I am sure whatever you choose will be memorable. The tides are not half as bad as some will make out. As with all things just be aware. In the area's I have mentioned the tidal flows are minimal(about 2knt's max). Have fun....
I live in Campbell River, basically 3 miles from Desolation and so have spent almost all my cruising life there. It is a very beautiful area of which we are very proud of. September is always(almost) a perfect time for us as the days are mostly warm and sunny and it is much less crowded(almost deserted some may say). It does cool down at night though so be sure to have something warm. An alternate to desolation charters may be http://www.islandcruising.com/. I have never dealt with any of the charter company's but have heard they are good. The above linked company charters out of Pacific playgrounds which is just south of Campbell River and so is quite a bit closer to desolation than Comox. One note to bear in mind is that the winds in Desolation, especially in Sept. are not great and you will probably(unless very lucky) do mainly motor sailing or even straight motoring if you want to get from A to B.The weather forecasts for this area,I believe, are quite poor. Almost everyday you will hear "small craft warning" in the Johnson Strait(north of C.R.)with strong North westerlies, but this almost always never carries down to desolation or the northern end of the Strait of Georgia, and with all the deep inlets of desolation with their outflows it generally makes for fitfull winds rather than steady winds.The Dreamspeaker guides as mentioned by others are the best books for this area. A suggested itinerary for 7 nights(I know everyone will have their own), but here goes....1)Gorge harbour, great anchoring but also has a dock if you prefer with showers, laundry, gas and a great restraunt with a stunning view. Then sail north and around Cortez island stopping at teakerne arm to view the water fall and go swimming(excellent prawning for dinner here).2)Overnight in refuge cove. Again showers, fuel etc. Then on to 3) Roscoe bay or Prideaux haven (check out both as they are close. Watch depth in Roscoe bay. Don't go in low tide) Swim in beautifull Black lake.Anchor using a stern line but both are very well protected. Then into Malaspina inlet and check out Theodosa inlet but come back to 4)Grace harbour to overnight. Again very protected. Then sail down the sunshine coast to 5)Blind bay at the mouth of Jervis Inlet and anchor at Musket Island marine park. Carry on down and then come around the southern tip of Texada Island and up to Jeddediah Island. Anchor in 6)Pauls bay and walk about the island, its a magical place. Then up to 7)Hornby Island anchoring off tribune bay (if you have a strong SE wind go around to ford's cove). Finally go back up the inside of baynes sound to Comox or if you charter out of Pacific playgrounds go up the outside. I am sure whatever you choose will be memorable. The tides are not half as bad as some will make out. As with all things just be aware. In the area's I have mentioned the tidal flows are minimal(about 2knt's max). Have fun....
Desolation Sound
I just wanted to thank everyone for their great information and advice. We have reserved a Beneteau 39 from Desolation Bay Charters in Comox for a week in early September and are really looking forward to the trip, in large part due to your very helpful responses. One last question -- should we expect a significant daily temperature variation that time of year (do we need both warm and cold weather clothes on the boat)? Thanks again. Steve
I just wanted to thank everyone for their great information and advice. We have reserved a Beneteau 39 from Desolation Bay Charters in Comox for a week in early September and are really looking forward to the trip, in large part due to your very helpful responses. One last question -- should we expect a significant daily temperature variation that time of year (do we need both warm and cold weather clothes on the boat)? Thanks again. Steve
Temperature Range
Here are some data: Mean minum for September is ~10 C mean maximum ~20C (Ok, Ok that's about 50F to 68F) You don't need to bring down gear but it can be cool). I've been there late August and was happy for my Bimini and refresing dips in the water. http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/climhydro/mainContent/climate/normals_climate_e.asp The Desolation Sound Charter people are good. We used them a couple of years ago. For some extra cash they allow you to spend the first night on the boat if available. If you get the check-out out of the way the day of your arrival and get an early start the next day (weather permitting) you can easily make into the most spectacular scenery by afternoon. From there the distances are very short. Heading further north will likely require more time and you'd have to plan very carefully to hit the tides right. Floating Bakery in Squirrle cove was open this summer but shut down for the year in late August. Lund has good cinnemon buns as well! (So does the floating bakery in Montague Harbor further south) One more thing: Bring a couple a mosquito nets to throw over the the hatches and companionway at night or check with DSY if they have sceens for all openings. Compared with other aras its not bad at all but people don't necessarily expect those criters up there. Axel
Here are some data: Mean minum for September is ~10 C mean maximum ~20C (Ok, Ok that's about 50F to 68F) You don't need to bring down gear but it can be cool). I've been there late August and was happy for my Bimini and refresing dips in the water. http://scitech.pyr.ec.gc.ca/climhydro/mainContent/climate/normals_climate_e.asp The Desolation Sound Charter people are good. We used them a couple of years ago. For some extra cash they allow you to spend the first night on the boat if available. If you get the check-out out of the way the day of your arrival and get an early start the next day (weather permitting) you can easily make into the most spectacular scenery by afternoon. From there the distances are very short. Heading further north will likely require more time and you'd have to plan very carefully to hit the tides right. Floating Bakery in Squirrle cove was open this summer but shut down for the year in late August. Lund has good cinnemon buns as well! (So does the floating bakery in Montague Harbor further south) One more thing: Bring a couple a mosquito nets to throw over the the hatches and companionway at night or check with DSY if they have sceens for all openings. Compared with other aras its not bad at all but people don't necessarily expect those criters up there. Axel
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