Welcome to FACS spring Thaw Sail Plan, June 3 to June 8 2007. If any omissions or changes are requested please notify Bruce Powell We have one couple looking for experienced skipper to sail with them. The have some experience and own the 26 foot boat that is out at the coast now. Contact Bruce Powell if you would like to sail with this couple.
FACS Spring Thaw 2007 Desolation Sound Bruce Powell Cursing Director Weather: Weather in Desolation Sound is quite consistent June through September, mild temperatures with winds rarely in excess of 25 knots. (but remember Mr. Murphy). June day temp. averages 13 C and monthly rain fall averages 55mm. and 10 out of 31 days. South easterlies can arrive with little warning, they tend not last long (usually a system will pass in 24 hours). Check the VHF weather broadcast daily, but also remember that if systems decide to move quickly they can be hard to forecast. CHECK THE SKY. If returning to Comox it is essential to know the wind conditions and tides. This also applies elsewhere. 24 hour weather broadcasts are available on VHF WX Channel #1 and #3 for the area (also on broadcast channel #21). Provisioning: Food, water and fuel are difficult at best. Plan for interrupted sailing due weather or repairs. Fuel can be more important than food. Physically check your fuel on a daily basis. Transits through some narrows must be done in a timely manner and extended no wind days can be hazardous with no gas. Ask if you require gas before it becomes critical but remember you are cutting into some else s safety margined. There is no guarantee that there will be gas once we leave Campbell River but Squirrel, Refuge, Gorge may be open. It is always cheaper to ride on the top half of the tank and have extra. Food ECT. are readily available at Campbell River. There is a large Mall behind the Discovery Harbour Marina. The turn out at the first meeting was rather over whelming so the wrap up supper has been moved from Gorge to Hariot Bay. Disclaimer: FACS arranges some information, times and places. The skippers are responsible for all matters consering their crew and boat. They should have appropriate accreditation and experience. Foothills Association of Cruiser Sailors bears no responsibility what so ever. This document is a guide only. It outlines our planned stops and approximate distances for each day. The writer makes no guarantees of the information enclosed and your best judgment is always imperative.
Sunday June 03 2007 Campbell River: Chart 3539, 3540 Chart book 3312 page 18 N50 02 10.5 W125 14 34 This is the meeting place for most boats. Moorage: Discovery Harbour Marina (250) 287-2614 VHF Channel 73 will be the moorage for the Night of June 03 2007 $1.10 per ft. 20 Amp service $3.00. Trailer boats will use the CAMPBELL RIVER HARBOUR AUTHORITY 250-287-7931 fishermans@telus.net. There is a 10.00 charge for the ramp. Parking for vehicle and trailer will be at the South parking lot. As of April 20, 2007 eight slips have been reserved. There were several people said they were coming verbally but not registered, no reservations were made for them. Three other boats so far will meet us on the trip. The manager said that spots are filling up due to the fishing industry so reservations are important for this and if this is your final destination please book you return moorage yourself in advance. Supper: The meeting place for drinks and supper will be Riptide Marine Pub, Grill 250-830-0044. It is located on the docks between the public moorage and fuel dock adjacent to the entrance to the harbour. We ll plan to eat together at around 19:00. Provisioning: Discovery Harbour Centre adjoins the marina. The large 52 acre 50 store shopping mall would be a good place to provision. Gas dock is in the marina as well. Note: Currents are a problem in this area and should be checked when ever you intend on entering or exiting the marina.
Monday June 04 2007 Campbell River to Octopus Island Marine Park, 26 nm.: Chart 3539, 3540, 3537 Chart book 3312 page 18,19,20 & 21 N50 16 18 W125 14 24 Route: South from Campbell River around the south tip of Quadra Island (infamous Cape Mudge SEE NOTE) North up the east side of Quadra Island via Surge Narrows (SEE NOTE) to Octopus Island Marine Park Waiatt Bay. For those that slept in, did not make Surge Narrows, or other wise decided against Surge Narrows, or waited out the wind over water at Cape Mudge. Hariot Bay, Drew Harbour would be a good selection for the night and catch us up at Squirrel harbour tomorrow. On The Hook: We will anchor in the head end of Waiatt Bay for the night. There is a small island with a cabin on the south end, 71- meter island. Artistic and innovative mementoes with a sign in book are located there. This is a nice picnic spot, no fire or overnight. Also a nice walk to Small Inlet would be a great way to stretch your legs NOTES: Cape Mudge. This can be problematic if wind and tide do not match up. This can cause hazardous conditions and wind and weather should be checked before leaving the dock. (See for those that slept in above). Skipper, crew and boat should all be evaluated for this leg. The tide is turning to ebb in the early AM (Flows North) so should not be a problem but wind and weather can do just about anything. Be prepared to alter plans to fit conditions. When rounding the south end of Quadra Island ( Cape Mudge ) you will encounter a red buoy then a green buoy. Ensure these are left to port. Don t cut the corner! Surge Narrows: My notes say slack is 1:09 PM pacific time you should check this as I will as time gets closer. Campbell River to Surge narrows is 22 nm on an ebb heading north till slack tide and normal wind from the South / East would help. I plan on being there ahead of that and using the remaining Ebb to help you through. There is a Rock (although there isn t one everywhere is there?) that you should be a where of.. In Beazley Pass, it is marked on the chart but is further North than you would think. Keep west to the central part of the pass as the kelp bed can hide, Tusko rock. Timing and tides are of the upmost importance here and at Hole in the Wall, more so than the rest of the trip!
Tuesday June 05 2007 Octopus Island Marine Park to Squirrel Cove 23mn.: Chart 3539, 3537, 3555, 3538 Chart book 3312 page 8,10, 17 & 21 N50 08 05 W124 55 32 Route: Early morning rise and shine through Hole in the Wall to Lewis Channel in to Squirrel Cove. On the way: Teaken Arm Water Fall is a worth while detour. On The Hook or Moorage: There is a public Wharf with a store, washrooms, showers and laundry also Gasoline, Diesel and propane that may or may not be open. The wind blows through here and you may have a rough night if you stay there. We will probably pick up any items needed and shower in the morning. The night will be spent on the hook in the inner bay stern tied to Protection Island. Notes: Hole in the Wall will be critical for timing but not eventful if timed correctly! Plan to be entering Hole in the Wall before 7:45 AM., turning to Ebb is a good idea. Some mild current after Hole in the wall will be apparent but should not be much of a factor. Interpolate between Surge Narrows and Gillard pass for current times in hole in the wall.
Wednesday June 06 2007 Squirrel Cove to Walsh Cove 17 nm.: Chart 3541, 3538, 3555 Chart book 3312 page 8, 9, 10, 16 N50 16 03 W124 48 10 Route: Around the South tip of Redonda Island, past Roscoe bay, up to Waddington Channel and Walsh Cove. I recommend a side trip up Toba Inlet to see some majestic waterfalls. On The Hook: On the inside passage of the island at Walsh there are some hieroglyphics about 50 feet up the cliff. It is passable at high tide but I would recommend a tender outing. Anchor south of the island and stern tie. Notes: This will be your last chance for Gas and supplies if Squirrel or Refuge is open! Rosecoe Bay has a drying bar halfway down the inlet. I recommend high tide only. I recommend going past Walsh and exploring Toba cove and above the island a couple of miles. There are some wonderful water falls and beautiful scenery.
Walsh Cove to Prideaux Haven 20nm,: Thursday June 07 2007 Race Day!!!!! Chart 3541, 3538, Chart book 3312 page 9, 11 & 16 N50 08 33 W124 40 22 Route: Actually we are heading to Melanie Cove for anyone who bothered to look up the map coordinates. Up to Homfray Cannel, around and down to Prideaux Haven. Race day. Do not cross the green day marker on Dean Point across from Redonna island till your appointed time. 26 feet and under will start first at 9:30 AM and the rest 1 hour later at 10:30 AM. See Bruce Powell for synchronization of clocks. The finish line is the South West point of Mink Island. You must completely clear around the south west point, south of the island to finish. Spend some time pocking around the many anchorages before making your way to Melanie Cove. At the anchorage you might enjoy a hike up to Unwin lake. There is supposedly an improved trail but I have not personally hiked it. On The Hook: Stern tie on the north shore half way up the cove.
Friday June 08 2007 Prideaux Haven to Heriot Bay 26 nm: Chart 3539, 3538, Chart book 3312 page 8, 9, 18 & 19 N50.06.19 W125.12.46 Route: Around the South tip of Cortes Island and up to Heriot Bay on East side of Quadra Island. On The Hook or Moorage: On the Dock or in the bay but supper is on shore. Heriot Bay inn and marina 250 285-3322. Heriot Bay Inn will add 15% automatically for groups of 8 or more. So tips will probably be included with the meal so check. The docking will be at Taku Resort 250.285.3031 and Heriot Bay (see above) Heriot Bay Taku Resort