Summer Cruising 2014 Cruise Planning Guide

Transcription

1 Summer Cruising 2014 Cruise Planning Guide Well, the Boat Show is behind us and now we start to think of the summer ahead. The purpose of this 2014 Cruise Planning Guide is to provide everyone, old salts and newcomers, with details and plans for the upcoming cruising season. As always, this is a guide, and anyone is welcome to join us at their leisure and fit in all or whatever parts of the cruises that appeal to them. Regardless of any of our desires or schedules however, we all know that that weather can play a part and, above all, safety is always paramount. Sometimes we just have to be flexible. Good thing we are an easy going bunch and just want to enjoy our boats and have fun with a good group of people. I have planned out the cruises for this year trying to keep a balance of anchorages, marinas, old favorites and, where possible, places we haven t been for a while. No cruise can possibly fit in all the possible combinations but I believe we have a pretty good summer of Cruising to look forward to. Achieving the right balance is certainly much more challenging than I thought and my hat goes off to Grace and all the previous Cruise Masters who seemed to make this look so easy! Paul Cass has again generously agreed to create the Cruise Booklets for this year s cruises and we will post those when they are available. For newcomer s, these Booklets provide invaluable route guidance, charts, tides and marina information to help you plan your itinerary and to take as a guide on the actual cruises. As always, please try to book your marinas as soon as you can. I have talked to all the marinas on the list and, as of the time of writing this, there is room however, they can and do book-up as the season gets closer. Make sure you tell them you are with Port Moody Power & Sail Squadron as they will try to get us all as close together as possible and, in cases like Victoria, we will all get a group discount as well. If you can t get into a marina, get yourself on the waiting list as things often shake out as the dates get closer. I have also tried to arrange the cruise so that there are alternative anchorages or marinas in the vicinity of wherever we are going. As a reminder, It s usually a good idea to call the marinas a week or so ahead of your scheduled arrival to confirm your reservations. Lists get lost and this can save a lot of frustration upon arrival! Please also remember, we are all beneficiaries of the reputation built by past PMPSS trips and likewise, we all represent future Squadron trips. If, for whatever reason, you cannot make a destination, phone and

2 cancel within a reasonable time. Marinas are very understanding of changes due to things like weather but they aren t very forgiving for no-shows on a busy summer weekend. In conclusion, Yvonne and I are looking forward to a great cruising season and seeing you all out there on as many cruises as your schedules permit. Cheers Stephen McCoach, Lucky Day Cruisemaster (cruisemaster@portmoodypss.com) Ps stay tuned for some activity and theme announcements! PPs thanks to all who provided some great feedback and hints to help make this a better cruising season. Port Moody Power & Sale Squadron 2014 Summer Cruising Calendar Marinas Blue (please phone to book) Anchorages Black June 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Father s Day Princess Bay Wallace Island 29 Montague Harbour Galiano Island 30 Annette Inlet Prevost Island 28 Princess Bay Wallace Island

3 July 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 Grp A; Home Grp B; Bamfield, TBA 13 Grp B; Home 7 Grp B; Bamfield TBA 1 Annette Inlet Prevost Island Canada Day! 8 Grp B; Bamfield TBA 2 Victoria Harbour 9 Grp B; Spare TBA 3 Victoria Harbour 10 Grp B; Sunny Shores, Sooke 4 Grp A; Port Sidney Grp B; Sunny Shores, Sooke 11 Grp B; Port Sidney Grp A; Pirates Cove Grp B; Bamfield, 12 Grp B; Pirates Cove August 2014 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Nanaimo Yacht Basin 2 Nanaimo Yacht Basin 3 Comox Bay Marina 4 Comox Bay Marina 5 April Point Marina 6 April Point Marina 7 Kanish Bay Quadra Island 8 Octopus Islands Quadra Island 9 Octopus Islands Quadra Island 10 Teakerne Arm West Redonda 11 Roscoe Bay West Redonda 12 Roscoe Bay West Redonda 13 Laura Cove Prideaux Haven 14 Laura Cove Prideaux Haven 15 Garden Bay Marina Pender Harbour 16 Garden Bay Marina Pender Harbour

4 17 Home Itinerary Details Easter Long Weekend - (April 18-21) Union Steamship Marina, Snug Cove, Bowen Island ( ) Unfortunately this cruise is already booked up but, don t be afraid to go on the waitlist. Things do change around. There is also some decent anchoring around the corner in Deep Bay and word has it that Bowen Island is moving out a lot of the old boats that have been left there. May Long Weekend - (May 16-19) Silva Bay Marina, Gabriola Island (ymccoach1@gmail.com) Unfortunately this cruise is also already booked up but again, go on the waitlist (contact Yvonne at ymccoach1@gmail.com) if you are interested in coming and regardless, there is plenty of good anchoring in Silva Bay which lets you join in on all the fun in any event. June/July Southern Nights Cruise a) Friday, June 27 th and Saturday June 28 th (Friday, June 27- Sunday, July 6) Princess Bay (or Conover Cove), Wallace Island Reed Point to Wallace Island - approximately 42 NM going through Porlier Pass (50 NM if you elect to go through Gabriola) or 3.5 hours at 12 knots.

5 A great anchorage to start the holidays. Convenient dinghy access to the island trails which lead you to the Conover Cabin where, if you haven t done so already, you can leave your mark with your own driftwood art piece. Two nights here so for those that want to start a day later or just want to take an extra day getting here, no worries, we will be waiting for you. Note; If space is available, and depending on the size of our group, we might try to raft up in Conover Cove just south of Princess Bay. We will decide upon arrival and keep everyone informed. b) Sunday, June 29 th Montague Harbour Marina, Galiano Island (250) or harbor.com Alternate; Montague Harbour Marine park offers a great all weather anchorage. Wallace Island to Montague Harbour - approximately 8 NM or 48 minutes at 10 knots. Note; I ve talked to Marylyn at Montague Harbour Marina and she has blocked off the date and space for PMPSS on the docks but they won t take individual bookings and credit cards till they are open for the season in May. Please mark your calendars and phone them in May. This is always a fun and bustling spot. We can while the afternoon away at the great sand beach just round the corner at the marine park and, after all this resting up, take the infamous Hummingbird Bus to the (you guessed it!) Hummingbird Pub to keep the fun going. c) Monday, June 30 th and Tuesday July 1st Annette Inlet, Prevost Island Montague Harbour to Annette Inlet - approximately 5 NM or 30 minutes at 10 knots. A popular, all weather spot, Prevost Island has been called a cruising area in its own right. A great area to explore by dinghy, especially James Bay around the corner which is now part of the Gulf Island National park Reserve. For the ever popular Canada Day celebrations Lucky Day will be making a Tuesday, late morning run to Winter Cove on Saturna Island (10.5 NM or 15 minutes at 40 knots!!) to enjoy the afternoon at the Lamb Roast and take in some island hospitality. You are welcome to join us on Lucky Day and leave the driving to me! Ps I tried to get us into both Port Browning and Otter Bay but other boat clubs have already booked the space up. Otter Bay has a couple of spots (2 at time of writing this) if you would rather have a Marina tie up for these days. Alternatively, it s only a short 5NM trip in the dinghy s to run to Otter Bay if you wish to visit the store, etc.

6 d) Wednesday, July 2nd and Thursday July 3rd Victoria Harbour - Warf Street Marina (250) Ext 243 or tbrooks@victoriaharbour.org (Thora Brooks) Annette Inlet to Victoria Harbour - approximately 34 NM or 2hrs 50 minutes at 12 knots. When you are making your reservation at the marina make sure you tell Thora you are from PMPSS as we all get a 15% discount once we reach 7 boats. Victoria offers some of the best city moorage in North America and we have got the best spot in town. If you haven t been there before, Warf Street marina has a front row seat right in front of the Empress Hotel and the Legislature buildings and all the attractions and restaurants are very close at hand. For you sailing enthusiasts, the Vic- Maui Yacht race festivities run July 3 to 7 and take place right in Victoria Harbour. Well, this is where we split with one group working their way back to home port (Group A) and the other, weather permitting, heading to the Westcoast (Group B). Thursday night should be a fun bye for now evening. I) Group A e) Friday, July 4th Port Sidney Marina, Vancouver Island (250) or (they prefer phone call) Alternate anchorage; Sidney Spit. Victoria to Port Sidney - approximately 22 NM or 1 hour 50 minutes at 12 knots. Port Sidney is a first class facility conveniently located right in the heart of Sidney. After you have explored the town a bit, you may want to take a short dinghy ride over to Sidney Spit and while away a great afternoon (see below). If the winds are light or from the prevailing southerly summer winds, you might want to venture over and anchor at Sidney Spit just 2 NM across from Port Sidney. This beautiful marine park, that was once a Coast Salish summer camp and is now is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, offers great beachcombing and warm water swimming. There are lots of mooring buoys (arrive early) or the anchorage is good in the shallow, sandy bottom. Make sure you let Port Sidney marina know in plenty of time if you decide to anchor at Sidney Spit or you may find yourself paying for moorage anyways (24 hour cancellation policy). f) Saturday, July 5th Pirates Cove, DeCourcy Island Port Sidney to Pirates Cove - approximately 34 NM or 2 hours 50 minutes at 12 knots.

7 A great anchorage on the southeast corner of mystical DeCourcy Island. This always popular spot offers some easy forest trails leading to a very accessible swimming beach on the south side. DeCourcy also comes complete with a bit of BC history check out the 1920 s figure Brother Twelve and feel the Ghosts as you wander around the home of his mysterious cult. g) Sunday, July 6th Homeward Bound knots. Pirates Cove to Reed Point Marina - approximately 38 NM or 3 hours 10 minutes at 12 II) Group B Note; Please contact the Cruise Master if you are interested in this part of the Cruise a) Friday, July 4th Sunny Shores Resort and Marina, Sooke Harbour Basin (250) or Victoria to Sooke Harbour - approximately 20.5 NM or 1 hour 40 minutes at 12 knots. Marina Manager Jim; cell Sooke Basin is an all weather protected launch off to the West Coast. It s an up and coming cruising destination in its own right and offers some great exploring, dining and provisioning. b) Saturday, July 5th to Tuesday, July 8th Bamfield Sooke Harbour to Bamfield - approximately 74 NM or 5 hours at 15 knots. We re here! Bamfield is the gateway to the Broken Islands and Barkley Sound. The itinerary for these days here will be decided by those going to the Westcoast and, above all, will be finally settled upon based on the weather. c) Wednesday, July 9th Spare

8 This day will be held as a spare to use either at the beginning or end of our trip up the Westcoast to allow for weather or, Sea Gods permitting, extra time to enjoy our explorations. d) Thursday, July 10th Sunny Shores Resort and Marina, Sooke Harbour Basin (250) or Marina Manager Jim; cell Bamfield to Sooke Harbour - approximately 74 NM or 5 hours at 15 knots. Return to Sooke Harbour and rest up from our journey to the Other Side! e) Friday, July 12th Port Sidney Marina, Vancouver Island (250) or (they prefer phone call) Alternate anchorage; Sidney Spit. Sooke Harbour to Port Sidney - approximately 40 NM or 3 hours 20 minutes at 12 knots. Port Sidney is a first class facility conveniently located right in the heart of Sidney. After you have explored the town a bit, you may want to take a short dinghy ride over to Sidney Spit and while away a great afternoon (see below). If the winds are light or from the prevailing southerly summer winds, you might want to venture over and anchor at Sidney Spit just 2 NM across from Port Sidney. This beautiful marine park, that was once a Coast Salish summer camp and is now is part of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, offers great beachcombing and warm water swimming. There are lots of mooring buoys (arrive early) or the anchorage is good in the shallow, sandy bottom. Make sure you let Port Sidney marina know in plenty of time if you decide to anchor at Sidney Spit or you may find yourself paying for moorage anyways (24 hour cancellation policy). f) Saturday, July 13th Pirates Cove, DeCourcy Island Port Sidney to Pirates Cove - approximately 34 NM or 2 hours 50 minutes at 12 knots. A great anchorage on the southeast corner of mystical DeCourcy Island. This popular spot offers some easy forest trails leading to a very accessible swimming beach on the south side. DeCourcy also comes complete with a bit of BC history check out the 1920 s figure Brother Twelve and feel the Ghosts as you wander around the home of his mysterious cult.

9 g) Sunday, July 14th Homeward Bound knots. Pirates Cove to Reed Point Marina - approximately 38 NM or 3 hours 10 minutes at 12 August Northern Lights Cruise (Friday, August 1- Sunday, August 17) a) Friday, August 1st and Saturday August 2 nd W.E. Mills Landing & Marina (formerly Cameron Island), Nanaimo Yacht Basin (250) or - they will give you a confirmation number. Alternate Anchorage; Good anchorage is available nearby over in Newcastle Island Marine Park being a long weekend, you may want to arrive early. Reed Point to Nanaimo Harbour - approximately 43 NM or 3 hours 35 minutes at 12 knots. Many of the boaters like to get a head start and leave Friday to kick off their summer. If you prefer to leave Saturday, no worries, we will be staying 2 days at Nanaimo to gather up the group. Nanaimo is called the Hub City for a reason. The lively Waterfront Walkway is full of shops, restaurants and provisions but its also a quick jump to the infamous Dinghy Dock Pub or, if you prefer, the beautiful coast trail that circles Newcastle Island Marine Park. b) Sunday, August 3rd and Monday August 4th Comox Bay Marina, Comox (250) or (ask for Rachael) knots. Nanaimo Harbour to Comox Harbour - approximately 53 NM or 4 hours 25 minutes at 12

10 Welcome to Comox Nautical Days. Nautical Days are held each year on BC Day long weekend to celebrate Comox s love of the sea. It features artisans, great food and lively entertainment for all ages on the beautiful marina waterfront. Weekend highlights include the Bullhead Derby, Canoe Jousting, Dragon Boat Races, Build, Bail & Sail, the Ceremony of the Flags, parade, food, crafts and fireworks. Note: If you really want to attend the Saturday festivities in Comox (including fireworks) you can always leave Nanaimo on Saturday and wait for the group to catch up with you on Sunday c) Tuesday, August 5th and Wednesday August 6th April Point Marina, Quadra Island 1 (250) or aprilpointmarina@obmg.com Alternate Anchorage; If you want to anchor and join the others at the docks, no problem. There is a great all weather anchorage around the corner in Gowland Harbour. Comox Harbour to April Point - approximately 33 NM or 2 hours 45 minutes at 12 knots. April Point Marina is the ideal jumping off point for cruising the Discovery Islands and Desolation Sound. April Point Marina is located in the cove south of Gowlland Harbour in a quiet, secluded bay in the protected waters adjacent to the resort. While staying at April Point Marina, guests have the use of the facilities and services available at both the beautiful April Point Resort & Spa and Painter s Lodge. A shuttle is available to take you over to the Painter s side. Nautical history buffs may want to head over to Campbell River and check out Museum at Campbell River ( and the Maritime Heritage Centre ( both highly recommended. d) Thursday, August 7th Small Inlet, Kanish Bay, Quadra Island April Point to Kanish Bay - approximately 15 NM or 1 hour 30 minutes at 10 knots. After an exciting morning navigating Seymour Narrows (no worries, we go at 2pm slack ) we enter Kanish Bay and continue eastward to Small Inlet, tranquil waters with a sizeable all-weather anchorage. Kanish Bay was once home to numerous First Nations villages and ancient middens abound. If that s not your thing, Newton Lake offers a warm water swim only one mile up the trail.

11 Ps believe it or not, from here you are only a leisurely half mile ramble trail to Octopus Islands on the East side (Quadra Islanders are trying to get this designated as a Park). e) Friday, August 8 th and Saturday August 9th Octopus Islands, Quadra Island Kanish Bay to Octopus Islands - approximately 12 NM or 1 hour 15 minutes at 10 knots. Round the top of Quadra Island to the sheltered coves of Octopus Islands Marine Park. The many islets, coves and sunbathing beaches make this a popular spot to explore or, just lie back, relax and take it easy. Tough decisions. f) Sunday August 10th Teakerne Arm, West Redonda Island Octopus Islands to Teakerne Arm - approximately 20 NM or 2 hours at 10 knots. Swimming anyone? Teakerne Arm Marine Park, home to the warm waters of Cassels Lake and its cascading waterfalls also just happens to have some of the best sunsets in Desolation. g) Monday August 11 th and Tuesday August 12th Roscoe Bay, West Redonda Island Teakerne Arm to Roscoe Bay - approximately 13 NM or 1 hour 20 minutes at 10 knots. Time to stop at Refuge Cove, get some fuel, water and supplies and then head on to Roscoe Bay. Roscoe Bay offers another great all-weather anchorage inside a land-locked paradise (miss the tide and you need to wait outside for the next one!). Another chance at warm water swimming or, if you prefer fresh water, Black lake is just up the trail. August 11; High tide 6:21am 10 9:05. August 13; High tide ft 10 11am. h) Wednesday August 13 th and Thursday August 14th Laura Cove, Prideaux Haven Roscoe Bay to Laura Cove - approximately 4 NM or 25 minutes at 10 knots. Prideaux Haven, one of the greatest spots on the Coast and always a squadron favorite. There aren t enough adjectives to describe this place. Swim, prawn, relax and enjoy! i) Friday, August 15th and Saturday August 16th

12 Garden Bay Marina, Pender Harbour or Laura Cove to Garden Bay - approximately 53NM or 4 hours 20 minutes at 12 knots. Welcoming boaters since 1932 Garden Bay is a great spot to have fun and wrap up another great cruise. Hosting some of the best live music in BC and certainly the best proprietor on the Coast, Ron is looking forward to welcoming us all back for another year. j) Sunday, August 17th Homeward Bound Garden Bay to Reed Point Marina - approximately 56 NM or 4 hours 40 minutes at 12 knots. September Long Weekend - (September 5-8) Union Steamship Marina, Snug Cove, Bowen Island ( ) Unfortunately this cruise is already booked up but, don t be afraid to go on the waitlist. As mentioned before, things do change around. There is also some decent anchoring around the corner in Deep Bay. Wrap up the Summer fun!