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Pacific Northwest Sailing

Steve Adler

On May 9th I joined a Flotilla sailing from Bellingham, WA to Princess Louisa Inlet via the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia and back, with overnight stops, returning on May 19th. This was organized by San Juan Sailing and Yachting in Bellingham.

The participants included 3 power boats and 4 sailboats, private and chartered. I sailed on a Garcia Exploration 45 “Obelix” with the captain and his wife, a professional cook who owns Magdalina’s Creperie in Bellingham. Other crew besides myself was a Canadian woman and her daughter.

Needless to say we ate like royalty, taking 5 days to transit via Montague Bay, Dodd’s Narrows, Nanaimo, Ballet Bay, Jervis Inlet and Malibu Rapids before docking at Princess Louisa at the foot of Chatterbox Falls. This included a long sail across the Straight of Georgia.

At Chatterbox, we had the next day “off”,
allowing multiple activities including a steep hike, ( not for me!), kayaking , a group custom omelet breakfast courtesy of the Flotilla leaders, as well as Pot luck supper to follow. A large seal family was in attendance at the dock at which we were all tied up.

Several days early rising was required to pass thru various “Narrow/Rapids” at slack tide. Long distances, along with variable wind and currents affected decisions to sail or motor. The weather for mid May was generally sunny , with some rain which caused some memorable reaching across the Strait of Georgia. The homeward route included an overnight at the John Henry Marina at Pender Harbor, Princess Cove, a narrow but protected anchorage with stern tie. We then sailed to Deer Harbor with a brief detour to Friday Harbor at the invitation of US Customs. I suggest not forgetting your passport!! Then a quick motor to a back in slip at Deer Harbor. The final day we traversed by sail and motor across West and East Sounds arriving back in Bellingham at suppertime.

The scenery was outstanding. Princess Louisa inlet and other steep fiord like inlets were truly magnificent, reminiscent 0f Yosemite Valley including numerous waterfalls.

The last morning we unloaded the boat, refueled, filled water tanks, and attended a final social event at the San Juan offices on the dock .

Our captain was extremely proficient , offered instruction including docking under power in multiple trickly situations.

Stephen Adler


Percy Priest Yacht Club  .  PO Box 290485  .  Nashville, TN 37229