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The admiral and I are starting our pre-plans for this summers trip to Decatur Island and wondering if anyone has made the trip previously from either Everett or Anacortes with advantages/disadvantages for both, how long (probably taking a week vacation), etc? I'm thinking of slinging in at Anacortes (?) then straight to Decatur (Decatur Shores) ..... or ..... launch at Everett Marina and meander our way up through Deception Pass, heading into Burrows Bay up to Washington Park then straight across to Decatur Island.

De-winterizing the Knotty Girl begins next week ... woo hoooo!!!

Anyhoo, let me know .... comments, ideas, snide remarks always welcome

M

I have sailed as far south as Friday Harbour, and was quite impressed with that place. I want to revisit it some day. Just curious, but what is at Decatur Island that you would want to visit or see?

Phil M

Hi Phil,

My wife has friends who own property on the island and we're going to head up there for some camping. Looking forward to it

I keep Metronome moored on Port Susan during the summer and have made the trip from the buoy to the San Juans many times. Its a great trip up Saratoga Passage to Deception Pass, its about 37nm from my buoy, takes just over 3 hours at 11knts via motor. Have gone via Swinomish Channel as well, in the same amount of time. I have also used Washington Park to launch, which is pretty direct to Decatur. I find if I have 3 or more days I prefer taking the boat from the mooring rather than taking out, putting in, taking out and putting in again to get back on the mooring.
If time is not a factor sailing up and down Saratoga Passage can be good if the wind allows. The trip through Deception Pass is great, Burrows Bay is real nice also. I've anchored and overnighted at Hope Island and gased up at Cornet Bay. If you have the time, go from Everett and head up Saratoga Passage.
Enjoy..

If you're interested in saving a few bucks on tow rig/trailer parking, you might want to consider launching at Oak Harbor. You can either sling launch or use their enormous ramp (designed for launching PBY float planes during WWII), and they still provide free parking. It's a little longer way out to Deception Pass, but still an interesting cruise. You need to follow the buoys on the way out, and avoid the temptation to cut the corner, since it's shallow and bouldery. As an option, you can also go up the Swinomish Channel by LaConner and out past Anacortes.