I'm thinking of doing a charter trip up on the northwest. Can someone tell me what time of year is best? Which months offer the best window so as not to get rained on everyday for a week or two? Thanks for any insights.
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Most years it's August but
I've been driven out of the San Juan's in August because of rain. I rained everyday for 3 weeks. After that long in a 20' sailboat, I gave up the last week of my vacation. (1975) Yes, I had a month off. Cops get more vacation because we have to work on holidays. Anyway, last year (2004) the weather turned bad in mid August and stayed that way into mid September. The point is, you just can't tell. Our weather is controlled by the jet stream. Right now it is far to the north so we have been dry for a week, but foggy. The problem for you is that charter companies don't cut deals at their best rates based upon the location of the jet stream in August. Sorry, don't know how to put a better spin on northwest weather.
I've been driven out of the San Juan's in August because of rain. I rained everyday for 3 weeks. After that long in a 20' sailboat, I gave up the last week of my vacation. (1975) Yes, I had a month off. Cops get more vacation because we have to work on holidays. Anyway, last year (2004) the weather turned bad in mid August and stayed that way into mid September. The point is, you just can't tell. Our weather is controlled by the jet stream. Right now it is far to the north so we have been dry for a week, but foggy. The problem for you is that charter companies don't cut deals at their best rates based upon the location of the jet stream in August. Sorry, don't know how to put a better spin on northwest weather.
Precipitation Statistics
Most people will say Fogust but according to weather records it looks like July would have the least summer rainfall. Link: http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USWA0155_f.html The figures are probably for Friday Harbor because that's where the main airport is. The statistics are just that - numbers. One July at the Bremerton airport there was measureable precipitation every single day of the month! The asphalt in the parking lot was green! Then another July there is very little precip. Note that some of the winter months actually have very little monthly precipitation but don't rely on that totally as months like Feb & Mar precip can be in the form of drizzle where as in Fogust I think it tends to be rain and less drizzle. Personal opinion - I'd tend to go with June over July in spite of the rainfall figures. The last week of July often has good southerlies along with major tide swings which is what I've used for traveling north. Interesting link for other San Juan County information: http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=216207 Check out "Environment" and "Diesel soot in San Juan County". Hmmmmm. Link to San Juan Islands web cams: http://www.islandcam.com/
Most people will say Fogust but according to weather records it looks like July would have the least summer rainfall. Link: http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USWA0155_f.html The figures are probably for Friday Harbor because that's where the main airport is. The statistics are just that - numbers. One July at the Bremerton airport there was measureable precipitation every single day of the month! The asphalt in the parking lot was green! Then another July there is very little precip. Note that some of the winter months actually have very little monthly precipitation but don't rely on that totally as months like Feb & Mar precip can be in the form of drizzle where as in Fogust I think it tends to be rain and less drizzle. Personal opinion - I'd tend to go with June over July in spite of the rainfall figures. The last week of July often has good southerlies along with major tide swings which is what I've used for traveling north. Interesting link for other San Juan County information: http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/genInfo.php?locIndex=216207 Check out "Environment" and "Diesel soot in San Juan County". Hmmmmm. Link to San Juan Islands web cams: http://www.islandcam.com/
Drew
I live on Orcas Island in the San Juans. In my view July and August are the most likely to give you warm sunny weather. They also draw the most tourists and the anchorages are crowded. September is still a very good month, especially early in the month. If I were chartering for a week or two, I'd pick the time immediately after Labor Day. But as has been pointed out, it's all a crap shoot. However the cruising up here is great no matter what the weather. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
I live on Orcas Island in the San Juans. In my view July and August are the most likely to give you warm sunny weather. They also draw the most tourists and the anchorages are crowded. September is still a very good month, especially early in the month. If I were chartering for a week or two, I'd pick the time immediately after Labor Day. But as has been pointed out, it's all a crap shoot. However the cruising up here is great no matter what the weather. Hope this helps. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
OH,OH,OH,
(This is fun.) I forgot to mention one thing. The wettest day of the summer, century average for Puget Sound is,,drum roll,,,, the 4th of July. Think of all those fireworks shows in rain gear. Remember? It's true.
(This is fun.) I forgot to mention one thing. The wettest day of the summer, century average for Puget Sound is,,drum roll,,,, the 4th of July. Think of all those fireworks shows in rain gear. Remember? It's true.
My brother
generally take the first two weeks of Aug as their cruising time. Yes, the wind can be light then, and the anchorages may be more crowded. The alternative is certainly September as Gary and Fred noted. The beginning of the year, May - June, can be nice as well but the weather is iffy. This year we had absolutely amazing weather the last week of July and the first week of Aug. Sun all day, calm at night and breezy when you wanted to sail. As Fred said, its crowds sun light wind or fewer crowds greater chance of rain potentially big wind.
generally take the first two weeks of Aug as their cruising time. Yes, the wind can be light then, and the anchorages may be more crowded. The alternative is certainly September as Gary and Fred noted. The beginning of the year, May - June, can be nice as well but the weather is iffy. This year we had absolutely amazing weather the last week of July and the first week of Aug. Sun all day, calm at night and breezy when you wanted to sail. As Fred said, its crowds sun light wind or fewer crowds greater chance of rain potentially big wind.
Northwest Charter
I would say without kids, right after Labor Day is best. Good possibility of sunny weather and fewer people. If you are taking kids, and need to go before school starts, July and August are also good. I own a Hunter 340 that is with Anacortes Yacht Charters. If you are interested, let me know. (shameless plug)
I would say without kids, right after Labor Day is best. Good possibility of sunny weather and fewer people. If you are taking kids, and need to go before school starts, July and August are also good. I own a Hunter 340 that is with Anacortes Yacht Charters. If you are interested, let me know. (shameless plug)
Northwest Charter
I am new to this forum business and just saw the prohibition against "advertising." Disregard my my post. Sorry.
I am new to this forum business and just saw the prohibition against "advertising." Disregard my my post. Sorry.
Plan "B" Options
Besides the option of chartering your own boat you might consider a Plan "B" - cruising on one of the tall ships. The advantage is you don't have to worry about dragging anchor at night, hitting rocks or reefs (there's lots of those), and you could get a new experience. The tall ship "Zodiac" is home ported out of Bellingham and has several charter periods during the year. Check out their web site at http://www.starsailcruises.com/vessels/zodiac/ There are some other charter companies are listed on the 48° North web site at http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:YCHNbQTR4wYJ:www.48north.com/apr_2005/chtrguide3.htm+zodiac+bellingham&hl=en but these are all more recent vintage boats. The 48° North, a good magazine to check out for info on sailing charters, home page is at http://www.48north.com/index.htm
Besides the option of chartering your own boat you might consider a Plan "B" - cruising on one of the tall ships. The advantage is you don't have to worry about dragging anchor at night, hitting rocks or reefs (there's lots of those), and you could get a new experience. The tall ship "Zodiac" is home ported out of Bellingham and has several charter periods during the year. Check out their web site at http://www.starsailcruises.com/vessels/zodiac/ There are some other charter companies are listed on the 48° North web site at http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:YCHNbQTR4wYJ:www.48north.com/apr_2005/chtrguide3.htm+zodiac+bellingham&hl=en but these are all more recent vintage boats. The 48° North, a good magazine to check out for info on sailing charters, home page is at http://www.48north.com/index.htm
Thanks
...for the input. Crapshoot is what I figured, just wanted to be sure there wasn't a "stay away" time frame either. One more question: when chartering, do you get to pick your boat (really), or is it like a car rental, where you pick your car and when you show up you get whatever happens to be on hand?
...for the input. Crapshoot is what I figured, just wanted to be sure there wasn't a "stay away" time frame either. One more question: when chartering, do you get to pick your boat (really), or is it like a car rental, where you pick your car and when you show up you get whatever happens to be on hand?
Liquid Sunshine!!!!
I grew up in Seattle and have boated there many times. I prefer early/mid sept, only because I have less people to deal with. I hate crowds. But just face the fact that you will probably get wet. So put the rain gear on and enjoy. Bob F.
I grew up in Seattle and have boated there many times. I prefer early/mid sept, only because I have less people to deal with. I hate crowds. But just face the fact that you will probably get wet. So put the rain gear on and enjoy. Bob F.
July 30
is statistically the dryest day of the year. I try to plan major adventures from 2 weeks ahead of that to two weeks following. Having a mix of some nights in an anchorage and some nights in a Marina is a good way to go. During summer best to reserve the marina nights as they can get crowded. Highly recommend the "Waggoner Guide" to help with planning.
is statistically the dryest day of the year. I try to plan major adventures from 2 weeks ahead of that to two weeks following. Having a mix of some nights in an anchorage and some nights in a Marina is a good way to go. During summer best to reserve the marina nights as they can get crowded. Highly recommend the "Waggoner Guide" to help with planning.
Bob - a.k.a. Oregon Missed, er, Mist
Besides "liquid sunshine" the stuff is also known as "Oregon Mist" - Missed Oregon and hit Washington. You're right about September. After Labor Day it is generally considered that the majority of the boating crowd has departed, and... there are still some nice days, albeit sometimes a tad on the cool side. The breezes pick up a bit and there seems to be less fog. Picture is from mid September this year going from Semiahmoo Marina in Blaine to Sucia - would have liked to have a bit more wind but hey, set it on autopilot and move along at 4 to 5 knots on a close reach that's okay too. The next day we went from Sucia to Westcott Bay via Roache Harbor. http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=48.603376&lon=-123.15477999999999&scale=24000&zoom=50&type=1&icon=0&width=498&height=498&searchscope=dom&CFID=883595&CFTOKEN=41968917&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS That day the winds were blustery but with one reef in we were generally under control most of the time. The day after that was another light wind day as we sailed over to Sidney on Vancouver Island. Because of the off-season we wound up staying several days at a couple yacht clubs with no problem using our reciprocal where as in August you'd have to fight for dock space.
Besides "liquid sunshine" the stuff is also known as "Oregon Mist" - Missed Oregon and hit Washington. You're right about September. After Labor Day it is generally considered that the majority of the boating crowd has departed, and... there are still some nice days, albeit sometimes a tad on the cool side. The breezes pick up a bit and there seems to be less fog. Picture is from mid September this year going from Semiahmoo Marina in Blaine to Sucia - would have liked to have a bit more wind but hey, set it on autopilot and move along at 4 to 5 knots on a close reach that's okay too. The next day we went from Sucia to Westcott Bay via Roache Harbor. http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm?lat=48.603376&lon=-123.15477999999999&scale=24000&zoom=50&type=1&icon=0&width=498&height=498&searchscope=dom&CFID=883595&CFTOKEN=41968917&scriptfile=http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm&latlontype=DMS That day the winds were blustery but with one reef in we were generally under control most of the time. The day after that was another light wind day as we sailed over to Sidney on Vancouver Island. Because of the off-season we wound up staying several days at a couple yacht clubs with no problem using our reciprocal where as in August you'd have to fight for dock space.
Drew you will get a price break
if you go when school is in. Also, if a toss up on which week to go, check the tides, and go when the range is less. You will end up traveling based in part on the tidal currents, so as a tie breaker, pick the charter for the time when tides/currents are mimimum or average. 8-9 foot range is the norm but there are days with 14 foot range, with 2- 6 knot currents, though the anchorages are usuallyavailable regardless of the low tides. doesn't seem to affect ease of anchoring.
if you go when school is in. Also, if a toss up on which week to go, check the tides, and go when the range is less. You will end up traveling based in part on the tidal currents, so as a tie breaker, pick the charter for the time when tides/currents are mimimum or average. 8-9 foot range is the norm but there are days with 14 foot range, with 2- 6 knot currents, though the anchorages are usuallyavailable regardless of the low tides. doesn't seem to affect ease of anchoring.
David W: Capital City YC
David - we spend the first two nights at Capital City YC and in the last afternoon we decided we were too, well,... it was a very nice September afternoon with warm temperatures and practically no wind.... okay, call it lazy.... we cast off their recip dock and motored about a hundred yards/meters or so over to your clubs recip dock. That has to be a a record for the shortest leg in all the years we've been sailing! Don't know if we stayed there one or two nights but it was really laid back. We really liked the view from your clubhouse of the harbor entrance and to the outside to Haro Strait toward the San Juans. We also liked the stately look of the clubhouse.
David - we spend the first two nights at Capital City YC and in the last afternoon we decided we were too, well,... it was a very nice September afternoon with warm temperatures and practically no wind.... okay, call it lazy.... we cast off their recip dock and motored about a hundred yards/meters or so over to your clubs recip dock. That has to be a a record for the shortest leg in all the years we've been sailing! Don't know if we stayed there one or two nights but it was really laid back. We really liked the view from your clubhouse of the harbor entrance and to the outside to Haro Strait toward the San Juans. We also liked the stately look of the clubhouse.
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