On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:22:24 -0800, Mark Borgerson wrote:

Nice videos. However, they might be better titled "Cruising
videos...". They match my experience of cruising in Desolation Sound
last summer: About 80% of the time when you see a sailboat moving, it
is under power. I stuck with chartered sailboats my first 7 times to
the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. But the last few trips have
involved chartered trawlers. You get a lot more cabin space, a better
view from the windows, and you don't need foul weather gear at the helm.
Fuel economy isn't a big issue if you are willing to make your transits
at sailboat speeds (6 knots).

The light and variable (meaning always on your nose) winds of Desolation
Sound make transits under sail a test of patience. Add in significant
tidal currents and some narrow passages, and a functioning auxilliary
engine a must for visitors in sailboats. I found that out the hard way
when the starter motor on a charter sailboat burned out when we were
ready to lift anchor in Squirrel Cove. Getting to the gov't dock by
the store under sail alone was a good test of skill. (I passed without
any black marks on the boat).

One summer we saw the same Cal 25 with a family aboard, weighing anchor
each morning and setting sail. Every day they'd sail into the same
anchorages as us in our 50' auxiliary, 2-3 hours later because they were
sailing all day, but well in time for dinner. Who's to say they were
having less fun than we were?

Another interesting boat -- a 20-ish foot open boat with a lug-yawl rig,
oars, and about 12 kids aboard. No motor. In the same week, we saw them
in several places, one day becalmed and skinny dipping off the northern
tip of Sonora Island, and just a few hours later, anchored right next to
us in Teakerne Arm.

Desolation is not a large area. Most of the key spots are pretty close
together. This is one reason it's such a great draw. So even if winds
are light you'll make your destination. I've found good sailing almost
every day -- certainly enough to blow you toward your next destination, in
time to putter your way in.

On windier days there's nothing like a spinnaker run down Waddington or
Pryce Channels.

Currents in Desolation Sound itself, and surrounding channels, are
actually not strong at all -- 1kt -- until you get over toward Campbell
River or up north toward Yaculta Rapids.

In July or August, you're very unlikely to have any rain at all. This
general area is the driest place in Canada. I believe Mittelnatch Island
is the actual driest place.

Matt O.