[ Return to Contents | Post a Reply | Post a new message ]

I often read posts on here that say the area between Whittier and Decision Point is the worst.  I'm not entirely disagreeing with this notion, but I fear that it can lead to a sense of complacency once a person is beyond Decision Point.  Many, many times I have experienced the exact opposite - calm waters inside Passage Canal followed by increased wind and waves once I move into Port Wells.  Last year in Mid-July we had that experience, and it was exacerbated by multi-directional waves.  It was flat calm when we exited Passage Canal and pointed towards Culross Passage.  As we only cruise at 9 knots, crossing Port Wells takes us about 45 minutes.  By the time we were halfway across there were 5 foot swells rolling out of Port Wells and 6 foot swells coming straight down Perry Passage.  We were right in the area where these two systems were colliding, and it was pretty nasty for a while there.  We were never in any real danger, as we were in a 37 foot boat, but it could have gotten ugly in a small boat.  Don't let your guard down just because it's nice in Whittier or out to Decision Point.   It can change in a moment, which is why I recommended learning the many places to hide before you go it alone.

-Brian

Message Thread:

• Is Whittier doable in a ... tccak71 Apr 27 2006
  • Beyond decision point B_M Apr 27 2006
  • on a good day akbliss Apr 27 2006
    • Thanks tccak71 Apr 27 2006
  • very, very carefully B_M Apr 27 2006