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Heading down next week to move the boat. With a SE wind predicted I'm planning on going through Nanaimo so will probably miss the Van boat show Unless the predicted winds die down or get too crazy I'll plan to stay in the straight, check in with customs in Nanaimo then continue in my way back across and behind Texada to Powell River area. Any recommendations from locals?

Wind in the Strait is almost always NW or SE, and wave action strongest in the middle; places to watch out for during a high pressure on the mainland are the mouths of the sounds, which funnel the outflow. Howe Sound can be pretty boisterous. A westerly may give rise to strong offshore winds near Qualicum and Cowichan, due to gaps in the chain of mountains on Vancouver Island. Ducking behind islands can cut the wave heights, if not the wind. What are the beginning and end points of the voyage?

Looking to depart Blaine early Thursday heading to Pender Harbor. Winds are looking to be S/SE 15-20 with gusts into the mid to high 30's so not bad. I've heard of those Qualicum winds and there is a low settling in off the west coast with gale conditions so that will be something to look for. No CANPASS so we have to physically check in and Nanaimo or False creek seem the best options depending on which route we take. I've heard Nanaimo can have less than ideal conditions compared to the surrounding areas.im used to the currents, tidal affect and wind shadows. Just not sure if going up east or west side and pros and cons of each. Would really love to check in with customs at False and hit the boat show but I've also heard Howe can have its own wild outflow and don't like the idea of opting for mid strait vs bashing headwind on that route if it's an issue?? But the west route is longer and requires two crossings...

With conditions as expected, I'd pass on crossing the Strait - the wind wd blow you there smartly enough but it might be more exciting than comfortable, and the waves can get pretty steep. Howe Sound shd not be a problem with an offshore Low & S.E. wind, but check the local forecast @ http://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e. ... teID=06400 before leaving. Besides, this way you get to the boat show which is right by False Creek, and it's a bit shorter journey. In summertime Nanaimo via Gulf Islands would be nicer, though longer. With a falling tide there can be a strong current at the mouth of the Fraser near Sandheads Lightstation, but a typically powered Mac should have no trouble. Perhaps some mainland sailors on this list can give local advice for Sunshine Coast; I'm in Victoria.

Don't forget to get a world famous nanaimo bar. Comes packed with insulin.

Max Entropy wrote:With conditions as expected, I'd pass on crossing the Strait - the wind wd blow you there smartly enough but it might be more exciting than comfortable, and the waves can get pretty steep. Howe Sound shd not be a problem with an offshore Low & S.E. wind, but check the local forecast @ http://weather.gc.ca/marine/forecast_e. ... teID=06400 before leaving. Besides, this way you get to the boat show which is right by False Creek, and it's a bit shorter journey. In summertime Nanaimo via Gulf Islands would be nicer, though longer. With a falling tide there can be a strong current at the mouth of the Fraser near Sandheads Lightstation, but a typically powered Mac should have no trouble. Perhaps some mainland sailors on this list can give local advice for Sunshine Coast; I'm in Victoria.

Thanks Max, that's the route I'm leaning too as well via False Creek and I get to take in the show. However no Mac as this is the shakedown for the new to us T37

A T37? The only T37 I'm aware of is a Cessna https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... 9G-003.jpg, but landing in False Creek cd be tricky

So, counting on my ignorance being more or less total - what is a T37?

Max Entropy wrote:A T37? The only T37 I'm aware of is a Cessna https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/ ... 9G-003.jpg, but landing in False Creek cd be tricky

So, counting on my ignorance being more or less total - what is a T37?

Tartan 37?

That would be my guess!

Sorry Tayana 37.

Tayana! Wow - that's a tank - Weather shouldn't bother you much in that beastie. Way to go for winter sailing - shd be no problem at all.

More concerned about having to bash headwind into a localised outflow (Howe or similar) with a heavy cruiser. It should be a decent trip with the predicted winds and thanks to local advance here and otherwise it should be no problem to take in the boat show and spend an evening in False Creek.

It would be a shame to just float by English Bay and not go into Vancouver..Take the time, anchor in Fallsecreek downtown Vancouver should be on everyone's bucket list. It is free (anchor permit) and a short row to shore and you can walk to the boat show either indoor or outdoor venues.

We're into a deep low-pressure system for the next while with the cloud stream all the way to the Philippines, so that means rainy southeast winds on your stern, out of Vancouver all the way up the mainland coast. Nowhere to make landfall north of Gibsons and south of Pender Harbour.

Heading north out of Vancouver is best on the Ebbtide as there's lots of water flowing out of the bay. biggest concern would be the howe sound katabatic outflow wind on your starboard side as you exit English Bay. local report will tell you it's a daily tenancy, danger area would be Wind over tide at point Atkinson north side of English Bay. We've been ain 8 foot swells on a blue sky day. If you're concerned exit the bay on the south end by point Grey (but watch for the Jericho sandbar) Once you're past Gibsons the katabatic's subside.

Darry

Thanks for the info Windchime. We have to check in with customs at Fishermans wharf from what I gather is right next to the the second venue for the show (Granville). Confirmed a spot there for the evening as well. I guess there's been some displacement of boats for the show and it's pretty tight for space so we may opt to anchor for an easy morning escape.

Wow, you guys are so brave! Your my heros - sailing into Nanaimo and the wind is like really really strong there! and those mountains in JANUARY with the snow on them?? I only have the guts to take the big ferry into Nanaimo much less even a 27 foot boat!

And it's so COLD!! BRRRR aren't you cold?

Max and Yukon are brave - you guys really take the MAC boats to the extreme - I'm not afraid to go anywhere down here when i read bout what you guys do!

Wow, you guys are so brave! Your my heros - sailing into Nanaimo and the wind is like really really strong there! and those mountains in JANUARY with the snow on them?? I only have the guts to take the big ferry into Nanaimo much less even a 27 foot boat!

Don't rub it in . Every year I think more and more about trading in for something with a nice warm pilothouse , though the Mac sure is nice for summertime cruising.