Skyline to Deer Harbor

M

Maketrax

New member
Hello all-

I'm new to the forum and just finalized the purchase of a Cape Cruiser 23.

My boating experience is limited to lakes and rivers and even that is minimal. The plan is to keep the boat at Cayou Quay Marina on Orcas island and do some cautious exploring while I learn the boat and the area. But I need to get it there first!

I'd be open to any suggestions or input for the trip from Skyline Marina to Orcas. Looking over the route my plan would be to go from Skyline to Thatcher Pass, over to Harney Channel, around the south side of Crane Island and then N into Deer Harbor. It seems fairly straightforward but I would particularly like input on the Rosario crossing this time of year.

I'm an airline pilot and consequently a bit of a "Type A" planner so I'm looking over the weather, charts, tides, and routing but I'd be very open to any input from those of you familiar with the area. Tentatively planning for this Thursday but I have no agenda and I'll wait for better conditions if need-be.

Thanks!
 
Maketrax":z8puvmkr said:
Hello all-

I'm new to the forum and just finalized the purchase of a Cape Cruiser 23.

My boating experience is limited to lakes and rivers and even that is minimal. The plan is to keep the boat at Cayou Quay Marina on Orcas island and do some cautious exploring while I learn the boat and the area. But I need to get it there first!

I'd be open to any suggestions or input for the trip from Skyline Marina to Orcas. Looking over the route my plan would be to go from Skyline to Thatcher Pass, over to Harney Channel, around the south side of Crane Island and then N into Deer Harbor. It seems fairly straightforward but I would particularly like input on the Rosario crossing this time of year.

I'm an airline pilot and consequently a bit of a "Type A" planner so I'm looking over the weather, charts, tides, and routing but I'd be very open to any input from those of you familiar with the area. Tentatively planning for this Thursday but I have no agenda and I'll wait for better conditions if need-be.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
You'll have a lovely trip over. Unless there is a strong south wind against an outgoing tide, there's nothing much to worry about. According to NOAA (I use this web site), the winds will be fairly light (<10-15kts in the AM and will drop off as the day progresses). Since the winds are predicted to be from the west, you'll be mostly in the lee of the San Juans once you get a bit across the Strait. Once you're in the islands proper, it's usually like being on a lake as most areas are pretty sheltered. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just take your time, make sure you have sufficient fuel and have fun.
 
The route you chose is probably the most common. You can also go through Pole Pass and that gets you directly to Deer Harbor but it's no wake while approaching and going through. As for crossing Rosario Strait, it can get a little lumpy depending on wind and current, especially if opposing and how big the tidal exchange is that day. When we first started boating 10 years ago, Rosario was the one body of water we were leary of. That and the Strait of San Juan de Fuca. Now after 10 years, it's not as big a deal but we still pay attention to the conditions. But for the most part, it's pretty easy this time of year. Just watch the weather, I usually think it's easily doable with winds under 15 knots. Deer Harbor is a nice destination. Have fun on your new to you boat.
 
We make that run a lot. You can cut thru at Lopez pass at the bottom of Decatur Island, less traffic that way and pretty. Then run north around either side of frost island. Also you can slow down for the no wake zone at pole pass and cut so time off.
 
It is good that you are planning ahead. I'd go along with much of what has been suggested for you. Your boat is made for these waters. Pick a reasonably calm day and enjoy the trip.

Pole Pass will cut a bit of time and mileage off your trip... but, you should keep an eye on tide and current through that pass. Maybe not the easiest routing for your first trip in the San Juans - I like your choice of routing.

We owned a C-Dory for 8 years and I drive commercial whale watch boats out of Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor... I am out in these waters daily.

You are smart to take it easy and build up experience. Rosario Strait can be rough, but way more often than not, it isn't. You can almost always find protected water in the San Juans, but it isn't something to take for granted.

Enjoy!

Jim
 
Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the encouragement and guidance. I've also had an offer from a member of the forum to ride over with me and that will be a great help! It seems like you C-Brats are a pretty good bunch!

I'm really looking forward to getting the boat to its new home so we can get out on the water and do some exploring.

Jeff
 
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