I plan to sail the San Juan islands this July. I would like to hear from any one who has sailed them. I'm especially interested in the winds and whether a 20' can handle them. thanks John jbalber2000@yahoo.com
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SF Bay Pelican
Our family has sailed the islands in our 12' Pelican. It was a lot like car camping with four in our old Subaru. We thought we had died and gone to heaven when we bought our 23.5 and sailed it in the islands. We now sail a Hunter 31and still enjoy seeing the Pelican fleet
Our family has sailed the islands in our 12' Pelican. It was a lot like car camping with four in our old Subaru. We thought we had died and gone to heaven when we bought our 23.5 and sailed it in the islands. We now sail a Hunter 31and still enjoy seeing the Pelican fleet
Sailing in the San Juans
We've sailed the San Juans for the past 11 years on an O'Day 22! There are a great number of places we can go that bigger boats can't! However, we like to anchor away from folks rather than be in the middle of them. July here is usually fairly quiet for winds. It can also make me a liar as we've had a few seasons where July is very wet and miserable. For the most part, the winds are variable 5-30 knots. Usually, you can count on rain for the 4th of July and then after that, we have good weather. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to write and ask. Also, if you're interested, we're selling our O'day as we just purchased a larger boat. We've had Barney for 16 years and she's been wonderful! Enjoy your time in the Islands. I don't think your boat will have any trouble as these islands have a lot to offer! There are numerous places to gunkhole if you need to escape from the higher winds should they come up. Best regards, Becky Eastwood
We've sailed the San Juans for the past 11 years on an O'Day 22! There are a great number of places we can go that bigger boats can't! However, we like to anchor away from folks rather than be in the middle of them. July here is usually fairly quiet for winds. It can also make me a liar as we've had a few seasons where July is very wet and miserable. For the most part, the winds are variable 5-30 knots. Usually, you can count on rain for the 4th of July and then after that, we have good weather. If you have any specific questions, please don't hesitate to write and ask. Also, if you're interested, we're selling our O'day as we just purchased a larger boat. We've had Barney for 16 years and she's been wonderful! Enjoy your time in the Islands. I don't think your boat will have any trouble as these islands have a lot to offer! There are numerous places to gunkhole if you need to escape from the higher winds should they come up. Best regards, Becky Eastwood
San Juan Is. Cruising
Smaller boats do fine. I cruised my first boat, an 18 foot centerboarder in and around the central islands without problem. The wind is usually light to moderate. The larger open bodies of water around the islands can sometime get a little choppy, especially against the currents which can be strong in certain locations, but it's easy to stay near a protected area. I recommend you get the "Current Atlas: Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia- published 1999, CAN007 Canadian Hydrographic Service Publication". It's invaluable to making headway against the currents. Best used in conjunction with the "Washbnurn Tables" which makes finding the proper page for the hour very simple. I don't make a move without referring to this book, as it often means a doubling or halving of my speed over ground. There's nothing as frustrating as making 3-4 knots through the water while watching yourself slip backwards against the nearest landmass. Last summer I crossed paths with the San Juan 21 fleet summer cruise. See their cruising page at the link below for a trip report. The year before, I saw 4 Lightnings sailing together above Orcas Island. Have a good trip, maybe I'll see you.
Smaller boats do fine. I cruised my first boat, an 18 foot centerboarder in and around the central islands without problem. The wind is usually light to moderate. The larger open bodies of water around the islands can sometime get a little choppy, especially against the currents which can be strong in certain locations, but it's easy to stay near a protected area. I recommend you get the "Current Atlas: Juan de Fuca Strait to Strait of Georgia- published 1999, CAN007 Canadian Hydrographic Service Publication". It's invaluable to making headway against the currents. Best used in conjunction with the "Washbnurn Tables" which makes finding the proper page for the hour very simple. I don't make a move without referring to this book, as it often means a doubling or halving of my speed over ground. There's nothing as frustrating as making 3-4 knots through the water while watching yourself slip backwards against the nearest landmass. Last summer I crossed paths with the San Juan 21 fleet summer cruise. See their cruising page at the link below for a trip report. The year before, I saw 4 Lightnings sailing together above Orcas Island. Have a good trip, maybe I'll see you.
San Juans Great Idea
Several summers back I met up with two Ranger 20's on one of the Islands. They both had their wifes and kids with them, 4 persons per boat (no they weren't Mormons) and had finished three weeks in the Canadian Gulf Islands. Now that was brave, but from my close proxesimity I could tell they had no shower facilities aboard. On the serious side, go out and pick up Gunkholing the San Juans, e-mail gunkholing@earthlink.net.. This guide will give you the ABC's of San Juan crusing, also remember to bring your own water with you many Islands have none. Have no fears about the Islands I regularly see Kayackers everywhere in the Islands. The only real problem you may have is lack of winds, hope you have an outboard or lots of time. Got to run now time for SpongeBob.
Several summers back I met up with two Ranger 20's on one of the Islands. They both had their wifes and kids with them, 4 persons per boat (no they weren't Mormons) and had finished three weeks in the Canadian Gulf Islands. Now that was brave, but from my close proxesimity I could tell they had no shower facilities aboard. On the serious side, go out and pick up Gunkholing the San Juans, e-mail gunkholing@earthlink.net.. This guide will give you the ABC's of San Juan crusing, also remember to bring your own water with you many Islands have none. Have no fears about the Islands I regularly see Kayackers everywhere in the Islands. The only real problem you may have is lack of winds, hope you have an outboard or lots of time. Got to run now time for SpongeBob.
San Juan Sailing
Hi John, I responded to a similar post a while back so hopefully this will not be redundant. As long as your 20 footer is sound, it should pose no problems for a summertime cruise up here (I live in the San Juans). There are a few things I would do in the way of preparation however. First make sure you have detailed charts of the area and know how to read them. I would also get a couple of good cruising guides and read them before you come. As mentioned in a previous post, the Washbournes Guide to currents is invaluable, as are tide tables, particularly for a small boat and someone not familiar with the waters. Check the chandlery on this site for some of this information. The Armchair Sailor in Seattle (nautical bookstore) will be a good backup. Assuming you are an inland sailor, probably the biggest adjustment you'll need to concern yourself with are the tides. We experience two high and two low tides a day. In the summer the tidal range is 8-10 feet. This means you could anchor in ten feet of water at high tide and be on the bottom at low tide. In setting your anchor, you need to also pay attention to the state of the tide. If you set your scope for low tide depth, your scope could be compromised when the tide comes in. That much water movement sets up strong currents particularly through narrow passes which is why the Washbourne's Guide is important. (A reliable outboard is important for when the wind dies and you are being carried along by a currrent.) The weather is normally pretty settled in the summer but there are exceptions. A typical July day would be sunny and in the 70's during the day and into the 50's at night. However, we can have cloudy rainy windy days where the temperature never gets out of the 50's and it feels COLD. Fleece layers and good foulies are in order. Winds are quite variable though again not normally really strong in the summer. The configuration of the islands is such that you'll be sailing along on a nice breeze and then get into the lee of an island where the wind dies. Thirty minutes later you hit a channel between two islands where the wind is being funneled and you're ripping along again. It's just that kind of place. You probably won't experience winds above 25 knots that time of year. Typically they kick up maybe four foot waves in the open water areas, much less in protected waters. More usual for summer weather would be 10 knots with waves less than two feet. The San Juans are among the best cruising grounds in the world. I hope you enjoy them. Feel free to email me if you have specific questions (gwyngarden@rockisland.com). Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Hi John, I responded to a similar post a while back so hopefully this will not be redundant. As long as your 20 footer is sound, it should pose no problems for a summertime cruise up here (I live in the San Juans). There are a few things I would do in the way of preparation however. First make sure you have detailed charts of the area and know how to read them. I would also get a couple of good cruising guides and read them before you come. As mentioned in a previous post, the Washbournes Guide to currents is invaluable, as are tide tables, particularly for a small boat and someone not familiar with the waters. Check the chandlery on this site for some of this information. The Armchair Sailor in Seattle (nautical bookstore) will be a good backup. Assuming you are an inland sailor, probably the biggest adjustment you'll need to concern yourself with are the tides. We experience two high and two low tides a day. In the summer the tidal range is 8-10 feet. This means you could anchor in ten feet of water at high tide and be on the bottom at low tide. In setting your anchor, you need to also pay attention to the state of the tide. If you set your scope for low tide depth, your scope could be compromised when the tide comes in. That much water movement sets up strong currents particularly through narrow passes which is why the Washbourne's Guide is important. (A reliable outboard is important for when the wind dies and you are being carried along by a currrent.) The weather is normally pretty settled in the summer but there are exceptions. A typical July day would be sunny and in the 70's during the day and into the 50's at night. However, we can have cloudy rainy windy days where the temperature never gets out of the 50's and it feels COLD. Fleece layers and good foulies are in order. Winds are quite variable though again not normally really strong in the summer. The configuration of the islands is such that you'll be sailing along on a nice breeze and then get into the lee of an island where the wind dies. Thirty minutes later you hit a channel between two islands where the wind is being funneled and you're ripping along again. It's just that kind of place. You probably won't experience winds above 25 knots that time of year. Typically they kick up maybe four foot waves in the open water areas, much less in protected waters. More usual for summer weather would be 10 knots with waves less than two feet. The San Juans are among the best cruising grounds in the world. I hope you enjoy them. Feel free to email me if you have specific questions (gwyngarden@rockisland.com). Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
San Juans Cruising
Just had to write in cause I'll be out there this weekend! Navigating with the tidal currents will be a challenge if you haven't had previous experience. Heed the advice already given. One more to give, Reefs are numerous in the San Juans and pop up from great depths without warning. Make sure to read your charts carefully & beware of what the tide can hide or expose. Other that that, you'll be gliding with Bald Eagles, and drifting Orcas. Enjoy! P.S. I added a nice link you might want to wander through
Just had to write in cause I'll be out there this weekend! Navigating with the tidal currents will be a challenge if you haven't had previous experience. Heed the advice already given. One more to give, Reefs are numerous in the San Juans and pop up from great depths without warning. Make sure to read your charts carefully & beware of what the tide can hide or expose. Other that that, you'll be gliding with Bald Eagles, and drifting Orcas. Enjoy! P.S. I added a nice link you might want to wander through
THREE SAN JUAN CRUISES
John, prepare for what was suggested in previous articles. My wife and I have completed three ten day cruises in a H28 footer and enjoyed each one. Prepare for foul weather, and charts are a must. Anacortes on Fidalgo Island would be a good marina to start from with easy and close access to the San Juans. I'm assuming you plan on trailering your boat in. Use a VHF radio to monitor weather forecasts so that you can duck for shelter when needed. Chop, due to tide current and winds, can get dicey. Be prepared for spectacular scenery, bountiful marine life and friendly sailors. Enjoy the trip. Regards, Terry S/V Belle-Vie
John, prepare for what was suggested in previous articles. My wife and I have completed three ten day cruises in a H28 footer and enjoyed each one. Prepare for foul weather, and charts are a must. Anacortes on Fidalgo Island would be a good marina to start from with easy and close access to the San Juans. I'm assuming you plan on trailering your boat in. Use a VHF radio to monitor weather forecasts so that you can duck for shelter when needed. Chop, due to tide current and winds, can get dicey. Be prepared for spectacular scenery, bountiful marine life and friendly sailors. Enjoy the trip. Regards, Terry S/V Belle-Vie
BTW
John, as a follow-up note, be sure to include the following ports of call during your visit. 1. Orcas Island (Deer Harbor & Rosario Resort) 2. San Juan Island (Friday Harbor & Roche Harbor). 3. Suchia Island (Fossil Bay). Pick up a good tide book when you arrive. Also, Waggoners Cruising book provides lots of good information about cruising the San Juans. Pick both up at your local West Marine store when you arrive. A good hand held GPS comes in handy. Program your routes and waypoints in before you set sail each day. Even with charts and compass, it can get a little confusing, especially when the fog roles in. Terry
John, as a follow-up note, be sure to include the following ports of call during your visit. 1. Orcas Island (Deer Harbor & Rosario Resort) 2. San Juan Island (Friday Harbor & Roche Harbor). 3. Suchia Island (Fossil Bay). Pick up a good tide book when you arrive. Also, Waggoners Cruising book provides lots of good information about cruising the San Juans. Pick both up at your local West Marine store when you arrive. A good hand held GPS comes in handy. Program your routes and waypoints in before you set sail each day. Even with charts and compass, it can get a little confusing, especially when the fog roles in. Terry
Bring a Plow Anchor
Also, ground tackle is very important, even for a trailerable boat. Recommend a plow vice a danforth. When anchored and the tide turns the anchor will have to reset itself, and, sometimes the bottom falls off faster than you'd like. You'll find that the kelp grows in the depths just where you'd like to set the hook and a danforth type has difficulty getting set. With some of the deep anchorages it can be hard to lay out the scope you'd like. A plow, say one size larger than "recommended", and some chain (more than 5 feet!!) will allow you to sleep better at night. Friday Harbor advertises on the gas dock T-shirts that they have the highest gas prices - believe it! Fill up before leaving Anacortes.
Also, ground tackle is very important, even for a trailerable boat. Recommend a plow vice a danforth. When anchored and the tide turns the anchor will have to reset itself, and, sometimes the bottom falls off faster than you'd like. You'll find that the kelp grows in the depths just where you'd like to set the hook and a danforth type has difficulty getting set. With some of the deep anchorages it can be hard to lay out the scope you'd like. A plow, say one size larger than "recommended", and some chain (more than 5 feet!!) will allow you to sleep better at night. Friday Harbor advertises on the gas dock T-shirts that they have the highest gas prices - believe it! Fill up before leaving Anacortes.
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