AKFISHER
2012-03-22 02:10:20
Anybody have any hints about this trip. I figure about 10 days but kind of concerned about some of the areas in Johnstone Strait. Know of any other boats coming North around the lask week of April?
rlsprague
2012-03-22 03:08:48
Hi I just made the trip -left Sydney 2/08/12 arrived Sitka 3/16/12 spent 1 wk in Rupert waiting weather and 2 wks Wrangell waiting weather and customs clearance and doing add measure lots of wood in the water due to high tides but April- May will be worse with the rivers flushing out but the good news is that you will be able to run longer days in april- May I will be bringing a troller up last of April first of May from Vancouver to Wrangell-Sitka call me if I can help Chip Sprague 907-738-9391 907 623 0744
AKFISHER
2012-03-22 04:27:34
I also am bringing a troller up. I am starting in Sechelt actually not in Nanaimo. I am planning on leaving the 28th of April since there is a low tide swing. I had my ad measurement done down there and plan on doing the customs work in Ketch. How did your Customs and ad measurement go? I have never made the trip and wouldnt really mind a running partner.
rlsprague
2012-03-22 04:56:04
The customs entry was a boondoggle as we are now required to post a bond and use a broker if it is a commercial vessel at an additional cost of 2-3 grand.I contacted the clown in Wa.state for an add measurement and he thought that he was the only person on the west coast that could add measure and found that he charged over twice the amount that Rick Martin of Wrangell charged and Rick did it without the arrogance another plus .I would urge anyone \needing an addmeasure to contact Rick Martin in Wrangell 907-874-4548 or cell 907-470-4545.In terms of weather or not your boat is commercial or not if it is not licenced commercial and you intend to use it other than commercial WHEN you enter you wont need a bond or a broker another issue is that if it is powered with an engine made out side of North America the engine will need to be 20 years old or older or you will be hit with a epa burden of some type-if I can help you any further call me 907-738 9391 907 623 0744
Trnaround
2012-03-22 22:35:52
I have done the trip a number of times. You will want to have:
-Coast Pilot 7 and 8 or the Canadian equivalent (maybe someone knows the name of it)
-Up to date charts, tide and current table
- a cruising guide is helpful, try Douglass "Cruising the Inside Passage"
- all of your boat documentation and personal documentation (passport)
Three major "gateways" to be careful of
1. Discovery Passage/ Johnstone Straits
2. Crossing Queen Charlotte Sound
3. Crossing Dixon Entrance
The "Arm Chair Sailor" in Seattle has all of the above references and more.
In Canada they have Traffic Control on channel 11 (I think) , all big vessel traffic is managed and gives you the heads up on barges, cruise ships etc.
A good cruising guide will tell you where you can get fuel, repairs etc.
Good sailing.
AKFISHER
2012-04-04 19:56:46
I am leaving Sechelt BC on the 26th of April if any other boats want to run together.