We are full with 10 boats. If you want to still join, please call Jim Gorski at 907-230-6801 for alternative registration process.
Ahoy! We welcome all power and sailing vessels on our 4th adventure to the Canadian Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast. Our fleet will visit many different ports of call allowing shorter traveling distances each day. We do have planned two 2-night stays for relaxation and exploration.
Below is information on our ports of call with some suggested activities.
Destination Location & Reservations
San Juan Islands
June 2nd (Tuesday) is a travel day across Straits of Juan de Fuca. Travel distance from Port Townsend is estimated at 32 nm.
We are happy to buddy boat across the Straits for those that wish. Once in the San Juan’s you are welcome to overnight anywhere such as Blind Bay, Friday Harbor, Spencer Spit and Deer Harbor. Please make your own accommodations or anchor out. In order to keep the group as close together as possible, please reference the Port Townsend Yacht Club. Our Co-Captains have been in touch with each of them.
Bedwell Harbour / Poets Cove
June 3 (Wednesday) We cross into Canada and clear customs in Bedwell Harbor with overnight planned for Poets Cove Marina and Spa. Call 250-629-2111 to reserve and note check-in is at 1pm. There are showers, pool, restaurant, gift shop, coffee bar and wine store.
Please plan for appys on the dock as we gather and greet members of our fleet and welcome newcomers. Estimated distance from San Juan Islands to Bedwell Harbor is 16 nm depending on your starting point.
To reserve call 250.629.2111 or email marina@poetscove.com and
Ganges Marina (provisioning)
June 4 (Thursday) is a quick hop to Ganges Marina for provisioning and overnight. Estimated distance is 13.8 nautical miles. You can call or make a reservation online at 250-537-5242 or https://gangesmarina.dockspace.app/reserve. Ganges will hold our club reservations until May 15.
Grocery shopping, restaurants, galleries and a favorite is the Tree House Café is within walking distance of the marina. Mouat Park, also within walking distance, has nice hiking trails and a Disc golf course.
Thetis Island Marina and Resort
June 5 (Friday) Our travel from Ganges to Thetis Island Marina and Resort is 19.5 nm. Located in Telegraph Harbour, this is the first marina you will come to and is a stopover on the way to Silva Bay. The marina has washrooms, showers, fuel, Wi-Fi, a restaurant and fuel. Note, we arrive on a Friday and there is a Market on Saturday. They also have a covered picnic and BBQ area.
Reserve at 250-246-3464 or online at https://thetisisland.com/marina/moorage/moorage-reservation/ .
Silva Bay Resort & Marina
June 6 (Saturday) Silva Bay is located on Gabriola Island and provides year-round transient moorage. This is a gateway port to the Straits of Georgia. Amenities include fuel, coin laundry, showers. There is a “Li’l Market” right at the marina. Food trucks may be in the area but be prepared to dine in. Our travel today will be a bit shorter at 14.5 nm from Thetis Island.
Reserve by calling 250-247-8662 or you can email them at info@silvabay.com.
Bowen Island (Union Steamship Marina)
June 7 & 8 (Sunday and Monday) Travel distance is 21.3 nm.
After crossing the Straits of Georgia (weather permitting) we will be two nights at Bowen Island on the Sunshine Coast. Make your reservations at Union Steamship Marina in Snug Cove. Snug Cove’s entrance is well lit and shoal free. With approximately 13.5 feet of water at the entrance at a zero tide, there is ample room for easy maneuvering.
There are a variety of eateries within walking distance from the marina and you can even bring golf clubs! We have been told that we can rent street legal golf carts at the marina and go play their 9-hole course. Your co-captains are interested in trying the golf option.
While there is not a full grocery store located directly in Snug Cove, within walking distance are steps away from shops like The Ruddy Potato, which offers produce, bakery items, and specialty foods. Numerous other markets and cafes are within short walking distance.
Also – you are just steps away from the ferry terminal. The ferry goes to West Vancouver and runs throughout the day. Travel time is 20 minutes. It is free going over to Vancouver (return trip is pay) where can visit Horseshoe Bay or wander in Whytecliff park (10–15-minute walk.) There is coffee and casual food (I saw three restaurants on the map) or if you are more adventurous, you can take a bus ride into downtown Vancouver.
You can reserve moorage at Bowen Island online at https://www.unionsteamshipmarina.com/marina .
Gibson’s Landing Harbor Authority
June 9 (Tuesday) This is a short hop today at 10.8 nm to Gibson’s Landing. Gibson’s is considered to be a walkable lovely seaside village with fun shops, cafes, beaches, public market and small aquarium. You can also visit Persephone Brewing Company. Grocery stores are within walking distance of the marina.
Please contact Gibson’s Landing Harbour Authority for moorage reservations and reference Port Townsend Yacht Club group booking.
Note: We may need to raft up.
Harbour Manager: Chris Lougheed
Wharfinger: Kimberly Sanford
Phone: (604) 886-8017 Please call for reservations.
Questions: E-mail: staff@gibsonsharbour.com
Secret Cove Marina
June 10 (Wednesday) Secret Cove is our final stop on the Sunshine Coast. Travel from Gibsons Landing is 22.9 nm. Secret Cove is very scenic and protected. The marina and fuel dock offer a full range of services and features a well-stocked floating store with a government liquor agency, that includes one of the "best" little wine selections on the Sunshine Coast, along with a full range of staple and gourmet foods, freshly baked rustic breads and Hills Fine Meats.
This is a full service marina with fuel, showers, laundry, liquor and Wi-Fi. Since we are arriving on a Wednesday, the restaurant may not be open. Suggested activity... a potluck on the dock -- bring your favorite easy Mexican dish.
Contact 604-885-3533 to make your reservations.
Nanaimo Port Authority
June 11 & 12 (Thursday & Friday) The fleet heads back across the straits to Nanaimo Port Authority (22.6 nm.) Most all issues and needs can be handled in Nanaimo and there are plenty of restaurants and grocery stores. We will be here for two nights – Thursday and Friday, June 11 & 12. Fun day-hikes include Newcastle Island (Saystshun Island) which, if you are brave, has a great swimming beach when the tide is out. A well known place to visit is the Dinghy Dock Pub (accessible by your dinghy or a short ferry ride - $9) for a fun and festive dinner. There are theaters nearby and the historic 1853-1855 Hudson's Bay Bastion in Nanaimo is scheduled to continue its tradition with daily noon cannon firings during summer months. Located at 94 Front Street, this unique, restored fortification offers visitors a live reenactment of the original alert signal.
To reserve your two night moorage spot, call 250-755-1216. Please reserve this ASAP -- if the marina fills, we will lose our tentative reservation for 10.
Pirates Cove Marine Park
June 13 (Saturday) When we leave Nanaimo, we will traverse Dodd Narrows and will plan the time so that we are there at slack tide. Today’s trip is 11.2 nm to Pirates Cove Marine Park. Located on De Courcy Island, Pirates Cove Marine Park offers a sheltered anchorage for boaters, as well as two dinghy docks, one on either side of the cove.
This scenic marine park has a colorful natural and cultural history. Its settlement history ranges from extensive First Nations use to a homestead for the Aquarian Foundation, a religious cult led by Brother XII, who convinced 8,000 followers to give up their worldly possessions and follow him to De Courcy Island in the 1920s and early 1930s. Unusual sandstone rock formations line the shoreline at Pirates Cove. Several middens in the park indicate First Nations use of the land dating back more than 3,000 years.
There are no reservations for Pirates Cove Marine Park. We need to anticipate anchoring with stern ties to the shore. We will plan on having a dingy or two for stern tie assistance. You may also anchor. Picnic on the beach anyone?
Stern tying is new to some of us. Below is a link to a good article on the process.
https://sanjuansailing.com/documention/HustonJuly2012.pdf
Maple Bay
June 14 (Sunday) Maple Bay is a favorite haunt as the staff is super friendly and accommodating. Travel today will be 20.3 nm.
We have reserved their gazebo and grill for a BBQ on our final night in the Gulf Islands. The Club will provide the burgers/brats and you provide the side dishes.
At the marina is also Shipyard Restaurant & Pub and the Mariners Market & Espresso Bar.
Call Maple Bay Marina at 250-746-8482 or fill out their online form at https://maplebaymarina.com/visitor-vessel-registration-form/ however, we suggest you call to ensure that you get the 10% discount off the moorage fee as a returning club.
US Landing (Roche)
June 15 (Monday) Our final destination is Roche Harbor…an iconic and historic port of call. Sailing distance from Maple Bay is 24 nm.
There are three really interesting things to experience at Roche:
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park: A 19-acre park with over 150+ art installations and nature trails right at the entrance to the harbor.
Colors Ceremony: A daily sunset tradition at the marina featuring lowering flags, cannon fire, and music.
Afterglow Vista (McMillin Mausoleum): A fascinating, haunting, and unique open-air limestone memorial in the woods, reachable via a short hike.
Dining options includes McMillin’s fine dining at the resort, Madona Bar & Grill – casual dining, Lime Kiln Café for breakfast and lunches, and Beechtree Espresso & Ice Cream.
send a list....
In order to reserve for Roche Harbor, please contact our cruise captain Andy Taylor and let him know if you want moorage. He will submit the first 10 boats that reserve with him to the Marina. We will let you know when to confirm your spot by credit card.
Notes on U.S. Customs & Border Protection:
The easiest way to do this is to download the CBP Roam app on your mobile phone and then pre fill out the CBP Roam entry form with boat details. If you don’t have the annual user decal for your boat (30’ and over LOA) you will need to purchase before departure. If you don’t have the current decal, they will sell you one as you wait in the water or at a directed US point of entry, such as Friday Harbor or Anacortes. You can find the details for this at CBP/ DTOPS (which stands for Decal & Transponder Online Procurement System) https://dtops.cbp.dhs.gov/home.
You must have video capability on your mobile device.
NOTE: Do not initiate contact with Customs & Border Protection on your CBP Roam app until you are at or beyond the international border. Your entry may be denied if you call too early and are still in Canadian waters complicating your re-entry. If you are bringing back fresh fruit, vegetables or meats, please review all government regulations for entering into Canada as well as returning to the U.S.