05/08 - 05/10 - Friday Harbor, WA

For my education, I am hoping some of you experienced folks can help me out. Using a Friday launch from Bellingham as an example, what tide/current/wind would you plan for ideally? B-ham tide table shows high tides at 04:06 and 19:02. Low tide is at 11:24. I looked at the tide current table for Rosairio Straight and it had about as much meaning as a sheet of music to me. How much research do you do for a trip like this in addition to the wx forecast? This is some of the information I hope to gain on this trip.

Our equipment is basic GPS, VHF radio, and basic fish finder.
 
I've accumulated a bit of San Juans experience, but I've never done that particular passage. So what follows is NOT advice! It's my guess, and I'm interested in learning whether or not my intuition is right. :-)

So here's what you do: Time your departure so you cross Rosario at slack current, and fit everything else around that. If slack current is at 12:51, plan to start your crossing around noon.

OK, folks, how'd I do? Are there other factors specific to this passage that take precedence over the current in Rosario? Thanks!
 
The tide is not a factor at the ramp in Bellingham. The issue with that departure point is Bellingham bay. You DO NOT want to be crossing that bay in the wind. THis wind even on a nice day builds as the morning goes on, so the goal is to get into the islands prior to when that wind and the waves build. Any tide issues once in the islands are of much lower concern. Slack tide is always nice though.
 
Ken,

The max ebb current in Rosario is about 2.8 knots that day. Remember you will be crossing that current, not running against it. Slack is around 1300 hrs, so you will feel no effect of the current if close to that time. Most of the passes in the San Juans are pretty mild and can be transited against a current in a short time. Timflan is right on, again!

Further North, the passes contain rapids and whirlpools and demand correct timing and respect. See you in FH.
 
kennharriet":z9u8bb0x said:
Using a Friday launch from Bellingham as an example, what tide/current/wind would you plan for ideally? B-ham tide table shows high tides at 04:06 and 19:02. Low tide is at 11:24. I looked at the tide current table for Rosairio Straight and it had about as much meaning as a sheet of music to me. How much research do you do for a trip like this in addition to the wx forecast?
Click to expand...

The only "research" I do for a trip like this, is to look out at the water while I am at the launch ramp and see if I've got good visibility (ie: no or little fog.... if there is fog, I then decide how bad it is and whether I should venture out....if really bad it is a no go). (I do have radar). I also check the winds, if it is too windy it is a no go. (I look at the water, and check the flags that are flying around the launch site). If I decide that the fog is too dense or the winds too brisk, I'll just hunker down and wait until the fog clears and/or the winds die down.

My only concern for tide (on the trip route we are taking out of Bellingham) is, am I able to launch my vessel without dropping the trailer wheels off the end of the launch ramp. (I've never had this to be a problem in Bellingham). (If that were a problem anywhere, I'd just wait for the tide to come in).

The tides/current will not be a problem for us on the route we are taking (for the vessels we are in).

Obviously, I'm always watching the weather a couple of days prior to my expected trip, but the weather forecast is not always 100% correct and obviously can change, in a matter of hours.

So far, there is only one time that I delayed a departure for 24 hours due to fog. However, I have certainly delayed departure for a few hours until the fog lifted.

I have had trips totally "bagged" due to wind, but normally the wind will subside in a few hours as well.

(Folks transiting through Deception Pass will most likely pay close attention to currents/tides and of course wind). However, I've been through there at peak current flow in my former 16' C-Dory.

Additionally, I have altered my route due to wind and fog that has come up as there are routes between Bellingham and Friday Harbor that experience less exposure to wind and fog. (This knowledge is gained through knowing the local area). FYI, Bellingham Bay can get nasty in wind (but obviously so can other locations), but sooo far I've not experienced a time that my trip was delayed there).

(Hope all of the above is a help to you. Bottom line is if I don't feel comfortable with the weather, I'll hunker down in a safe spot and wait it out).
 
Wow Ken, you got a lot of answers while I was composing my reply. When I started my "composition" no one had replied to you yet.
 
DaveS":2rdz9hye said:
Bottom line is if I don't feel comfortable with the weather, I'll hunker down in a safe spot and wait it out).
Click to expand...

He who learns to walk away, lives to see another day. Good advice.

The fog up here is impressive. We don't have that issue back home. But then we don't have the [relatively] protected waters like here either.
 
Naturally local knowledge enters in, but when it comes to weather Ken, you as a retired wildland firefighter are probably more adept at "reading" the weather than 85% of the recreational boaters out here. Addditionally, you are well versed on the "no go" approach....ie: benefit vs. risk...
 
DaveS":3sddzq0f said:
Folks transiting through Deception Pass will most likely pay close attention to currents/tides and of course wind. However, I've been through there at peak current flow in my former 16' C-Dory.
Click to expand...
I actually spent a good deal of time last summer "playing" in Deception Pass, at all states of current/tide. With current, against current, drifting through dead-in-the-water, boat spinning as the current dictated...all that.

I learned a LOT.

One year ago, I had never taken the Canoe Pass side of Pass Island. Now I've done it...I'm not sure how many times. Often twice on the same day, circumnavigating Pass Island just for the experience.

I got some advice from Deception Pass Tours skipper Brett Ginther before I tried it the first time, and he was on the other side with a boat load of tourists, so he was able to confirm that I wasn't going to run into any kayaks coming the other way. The chart shows a rock right in the middle, right under the bridge. There is a rock...about 20 feet down. It's completely irrelevant for any boat appropriate to take through there at all.

Anyway, I love Canoe Pass! It's tremendously exciting, even more so than Deception Pass. My rule nowadays is that I won't run through it with a strong current going my way. You have to go pretty fast to maintain steerage in the eddies, and I'm afraid that if there were a kayak just out of sight around the corner, I might have trouble avoiding it without endangering everybody involved.

But if it's anywhere remotely near slack, or if I'm coming through against the current, even a strong current, I take Canoe Pass. If conditions are favorable for the group convoying up via Saratoga Passage, maybe some will want to give it a try.
 
Will there be a contingent departing from Sequim heading up to Friday Harbor?

We are planning to go to both the Friday Harbor and subsequent Anacortes CBGTs while hanging out for the intermittent week and doing our first extended cruise.

We do not have radar either so will need to be fairly cautious in our adventure.

We have no definite departure plans at this time but likely launching at John Wayne Marina, spending Thursday night at Sequim Bay State Park and then heading northwards Friday morning.

With the Hood Canal Bridge closed as of May 1st for 6-8 weeks, those of us on this side (west of the Hood Canal Bridge) would be facing a real pain if we wanted to tow up closer. Highway 101 w/ all the extra traffic will likely be an unpleasant experience and the Port Townsend / Whidbey ferry will be chocker-block full.

Take care,
Dan & Tanya
 
Dan,

I have nothing really useful to add, but I did want to comment on the name of your boat "C-Renity"...I really like it!

Looking forward to meeting you at Friday Harbor.
 
Tanks sir. Its a relatively new boat (bought it at the '08 SBS) and we are real newbie boaters w/ little experience.

At this time, the name is merely on our C-Brat's profile and in our minds. It has not yet been placed on the boat itself.

Take care and we are looking forward to meeting you and the other Brats at Friday Harbor and Anacortes!

Dan & Tanya
 
Thanks for all the good advice.

I really like the saying, "Good judgment is a result of experience, but experience is a result of bad judgment".
Another I admire is a poster of a snowboarder going over a cliff. The caption reads, "It is painful to admit your mistakes, but if the mistake is big enough, the pain only lasts a second".

I look forward to learning good judgment from you all. Hopefully that will minimize the cost of my future mistakes.
 
You shouldn't have much to worry about regarding currents in the San Juans. Even Deception Pass isn't a problem in an adequately powered motor boat. The only exception to this is tide rips that can form at various places. These are only really a problem when you have a strong wind against a strong current and I've seen some nasty ones in Rosario at the entrance to Thatcher Pass, but I've always been able to get around them by going through Lopez Pass or Peavine Pass instead.

All of this is not to say that you should ignore the currents; it's good to know what's going on and if you can arrange your day to travel with the currents instead of against you can save time and fuel. But they are not something to stress or worry over, either.

If you don't already have one, pick up a copy of the Waggoners Cruising Guide. It has tons of information about just about every place in the San Juans (and many more!) and is only about $20. In it you can find information about when to expect tide rips and where, as well as other hints for cruising and overnight accommodations. Carry charts of the area and know how to use them, there are some places where people seem to go aground often, although they are easy to avoid. Probably the biggest danger is floating debris, so keep a sharp lookout for logs. I'm sure you'll have a great trip. The San Juans are really amazing and there are plenty of places to go exploring for a long time.
 
Dan,

We'll be leaving from Sequim fairly early Friday. You are more than welcome to come along with us. We have Radar if fog is a factor. We can get some photos as we cross with the Olympics in the background. Let's talk as the time gets close.

 
I plan on launching at Cornet Bay around mid morning, weather permitting. I am taking the first overnight in the 16. Should be fun. Patti and Barry, I should see you at the ramp.

Robbi
 
Dan and Roger,

We will be 24 hours behind you two. (Not likely that the work conflict will go away before then), but if something should delay you, we will be at Sequim Bay Friday night and leave early Sat, weather permitting.

Can't make plans for others but I belive that JC Lately is also planning on going over Friday. Sorry we won't be with the flotilla, but sure going to try and catch up.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Tanks Roger. We definitely appreciate the offfer. Looking forward to seeing you and Janet.

Sleepy-C...Sorry it appears you will be trailing along a bit later timewise. Working for a living is a real drag sometimes but its still better then not working for those of us yet to make it to the Holy Grail of retirement.

Perhaps Paul and Verla will also decide to join one of us in the journey.

Tanks again,
Dan & Tanya
 
OK you C-Brats in the PNW.... :smiled. Any predictions on the weather in two weeks for Friday Harbor and the San Juan. Heading your way in a few days and bringing only shorts and tee shirts. 800 mile tow... :roll:. Hate to have to drive back for long pants :cry: If the weather flips from what it is now the jet may just bring in a big Pacific HIGH for two weeks.
I plan to launch Friday morning the 8th at Anacortes, sit on channel 68 until I hear chatter from the flotilla heading out from Bellingham and then find C-Dorys around Up Right Channel or in Rosario Strait. If you come arcoss a lost Brat from California...please show me the way. :smilep
 
Back
Top