There are waters that sailors seek to sail which can one day be peaceful like a lake or the next a wild tempest.
The Strait of Juan de Fuca is one of these waters. Named by Charles W Barkely in 1787 after a Greek Maritime pilot who, while in the service of the Spanish King Phillip II, first entered the waters around 1592 searching for a route from Spain to Asia. The large open sea entrance must have looked inviting. Of course 'this must be an entrance to the route through North America to Spain'. Who wants to sail around South America's - Cape Horn again?
Sadly they learned their search for the Strait of Anián was but a fable.
We enjoy the gifts of this water body. It is the path to riches for many mariners: be it the abundant sea life or the sea route to Asia. For us sailors it is an opportunity to test our seamanship skills: Navigation, Weather planning, Heavy wind reefing or big water storm survival. Yes the Strait of Juan de Fuca can give sailors a glimpse at what ocean sailing is like.
Crossing these waters to the ever tempting fun of the San Juan Islands should be done with a careful eye to weather.
As this link to 2 boat stories attests sailing in the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca should be carefully considered.
https://www.threesheetsnw.com/two-boats-battle-terrifying-storm-on-strait-of-juan-de-fuca/
What do you look for when considering your passage?
The Strait of Juan de Fuca is one of these waters. Named by Charles W Barkely in 1787 after a Greek Maritime pilot who, while in the service of the Spanish King Phillip II, first entered the waters around 1592 searching for a route from Spain to Asia. The large open sea entrance must have looked inviting. Of course 'this must be an entrance to the route through North America to Spain'. Who wants to sail around South America's - Cape Horn again?
Sadly they learned their search for the Strait of Anián was but a fable.
We enjoy the gifts of this water body. It is the path to riches for many mariners: be it the abundant sea life or the sea route to Asia. For us sailors it is an opportunity to test our seamanship skills: Navigation, Weather planning, Heavy wind reefing or big water storm survival. Yes the Strait of Juan de Fuca can give sailors a glimpse at what ocean sailing is like.
Crossing these waters to the ever tempting fun of the San Juan Islands should be done with a careful eye to weather.
As this link to 2 boat stories attests sailing in the waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca should be carefully considered.
https://www.threesheetsnw.com/two-boats-battle-terrifying-storm-on-strait-of-juan-de-fuca/
What do you look for when considering your passage?