Sailing in the Puget Sound
- Thread starter Bill Roosa
- Start date
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
Still in the install stage. Anticipating accomplishing it this month. Have all the parts. Just have not been able to set aside the time. This week I’m having the house painted. Been reducing the Honey Dos so I can get some boat and sailing time.
This week looks to bring wet weather to the Salish sea. Will help to keep the region green.
This week looks to bring wet weather to the Salish sea. Will help to keep the region green.
The way it's raining right now at Echo Bay it may all be washed away by the time you finish your list!
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
Too funny. Check out the app ‘Windy’. It gives a great insight into the Pacific storms and weather development.
Only sailed in there twice. It was like one of those ball mazes on how to leave without picking up a crab trap. Everett is just as bad. Why people set traps on the entrance to the marina is beyond me. At least the river is free of the damn things.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
The river is free because boats with line cutters run the river. Clearing the channel. I came back fro Langley one evening last year. It was getting dark and we had the glasses out trying to spot the floats. Then I saw this 40 plus cabin cruiser coming up behind us doing 10 knots and heading for the entrance buoys. The way he was churning the water no pot floats could survive. I just got in his wake and no problem getting in.
And here I thought it was because they were following Col. Regs. 50 metre rule! Duh.
COLor REGister what. I don’t speak metric. It’s a Democratic plot to discredit things.
Actually I think the average person throwing out pots has never heard or cares obout the Col Regs
Les
Bill, with 15' tidal swings you will need to completely rethink what you consider proper anchor depths. I never anchor I less than 15 foot charted depths and 35' to 40' is not uncommon.
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
Bill. Here is an atypical anchorage off the south coast of Lopez Island. Depths are in fathoms.
And a tidal report for a nearby location.
It is said sailing in the waters of the Puget Sound makes sailors. You’ll get to exercise all your navigational skills.
And a tidal report for a nearby location.
It is said sailing in the waters of the Puget Sound makes sailors. You’ll get to exercise all your navigational skills.
On a more serious note, there is more wind the further north you travel, especially in the summer. I have also seen more whales lately around the Tacoma area in the summer. Seattle is 5hrs from Tacoma (at 6 knts) so very doable in a day. Blake Island another nice destination. You will not need a shoal keel here as you might in the Chesapeake. Slips may be difficult to find this time of year but many people do pull their boats in the winter. Water is quite salty although the Puyallup River mixes with bay water close to the waterways. Wednesday evening sailboat races occur through the summer. If you leave the boat in the water barnacles start to become a problem after 6 months or so which is about the interval for a diver . Bridges not a issue here in Tacoma with 62 ft clearance that can be opened if needed. Happy sailing!
The trick to anchoring in the Sound is the assumption that you will swing 180 degrees overnight. Holding is usually good; lots of mud/clay, but you definitely want an anchor that resets easily. I used a Bruce successfully but there are certainly better options available now.
This is a great thread. I'm slipped at the Breakwater with a new to me 78 H30. I grew up on Puget Sound with power boats, fishing and boat camping with TOA. This is my first "big boy" sailboat. I've lake sailed my Laser for years and dingy said since I was a kid. We are looking to venture further out outside of the point and I'm learning alot from all of you. If your at the Breakwater swing by and say Hi!
jssailem
SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
- Oct 22, 2014
- 24,453
Glad to here from you Mike. The New to you H30 may bring out more communication about your boat and your sailing interests. All most welcome. 
As has been shared before... Be careful what you wish for.
I second the suggestion to use DeepZoom.com It's very helpful for planning, and now I also get current info on my new Garmin 742xs chartplotter. It's makes for easy passage planning. Then, you'll get to know some local knowledge such as 'the current always runs north in Colvos passage' which will be part of your sailing grounds. Welcome to the area......we love hearing new boaters are coming our way!
I like Johns strategy to keeping the anchorages empty.
With this crowd, is there beer?Glad to here from you Mike. The New to you H30 may bring out more communication about your boat and your sailing interests. All most welcome.
As has been shared before... Be careful what you wish for.