Launching for the San Juans??

[coolchangewilly]

Of you PNW boaters what is your best launch site for a trip to SJs?
I value a lack of fishermen...they seem so anxious.
I need to park for 7-12 days and value security...or the illusion of it.
Needs to have a dock.
This trip I want to be in Friday Harbor the same day I launch.

Thanks for any input

 

[cscott]

Try Sante Marina. Very nice and you can get to Friday Harbor with your 26X in one day.

Cap Sante Boat Haven (marina@portofanacortes.com)
Port of Anacortes
P.O. Box 297
Anacortes, WA, 98221
Phone: (360) 293-0694
FAX: (360) 299-0998

http://www.portofanacortes.com/marina.shtml

Chuck

 

[Freedom77]

Years ago we launched out of Anacortes Wa. Don't know what the arrangements are these days. You can visit the Bouchard Gardens on Victoria. The have an entrance from the seaside and you can get right off your boat there. Don't miss it. P.S. Bring rain gear. Fair winds and full Sails...

 

[Faris]

Depends on what you have in mind. Are you looking for a place to put in and use as a base of operations for short trips. Or, are you just looking for a place to put in? Anacortes is a good spot for either. Bellingham is OK too. I've got a house in Birch Bay and a place in Seattle where our boat is moored. I think we're also going to get a slip in Blaine for the summer. Then we'll just go wherever we want.

Blaine is a bit far from the SJs, but it's near our house and close to Saturna and a few other great destinations.

You're coming up from Oregon though? If I was making that trip, I'd drive up to Port Townsend and put in there. Then maybe sail to Anacortes or Victoria.

 

[Carolyn1964]

I launched last year at washington park the ramp was easy to use and not too crowded. We parked in the lot for 8.00 a day and found everything just as we left it. Are you looking for a launch ramp ? or a marina? We had a great trip last year

Carolyn

 

[coolchangewilly]

Thanks for the inputs...I have been out of Washington Park and it was probably same as you...except the parking was $5, I like the Port Townsend idea, I have moored there several times never launched (have an inquiry in about parking and waiting to see about that) Slinging in and out of Cap Sante has great appeal to my wife who hates ramps and the drama but $75 for a round trip...Bellingham used to offer free parking and its a nice harbor only 20 miles further north and 2 hours or so more sailing time to Friday Harbor. We'll see if any other suggestions come up and make a choice soon.