Swinomish Channel Closure

[jssailem]

This just learned.

Swinomish Channel – Temporary Restriction - Waggoner

The BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway) swing span over the Swinomish Channel near Anacortes, Washington will be closed to marine traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on December 7, 2021 for mechanical repairs. The span will open for emergencies with one-half hour notice to the bridge...

waggonerguide.com

The swinging bridge will be closed for maintenance work on 7 December.

This means an opportunity for all you sailors who avoid the Deception Passage route.

Heading To the West - to the San Juan’s get there early in the morning (08:57AM 5 knots to the west) to ride the outgoing tide.

Or cruise through during slack in either direction about 1:20 PM. (1320 for you nautical 24 hr clock sailors)

Coming east bound and home plan your passage for about 3:40 PM (15:40)


Deception Passage is an interesting route to enjoy.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Looking out the window in Everett , I think your better staying put!

 

[Hayden Watson]

Deception pass is not a problem in currents up to 6 knots as long as it is going your direction. I never take the channel. When going through the pass, stay close to the north side (Pass Island) which has smooth laminar flow. Do not go through the south have of the channel (Whidbey Island side) because their are a series of whirlpools on that half of the channel.

 

[Terry Cox]

My Deception Pass best practice follows slack water to minimize any chance of a mishap due to submerged debris, or unexpected current flows that interfere with a safe passage. A slack before the flood works best when heading towards Friday Harbor where a nice push through Middle Pass and up San Juan channel makes for a speedy route. Likewise, if heading for say Port Townsend, a slack before the ebb should work out nicely, too.

 

[nightowle]

I vote Deception every time!