Cruising the San Juans-Puget Sound

[Rustyf]

Sometime this summer I am going to take a six day sailing course in the San Juans that will lead to a bareboat charter license. What I really need however is a way to convince my wife that the joys of sailing in the San Juans and Puget Sound is worth the cost and expenses of buying a nice cruiser. Anyone have any thoughts on a good time to take her on a cruise and the itinerary in the mentioned areas. I do not plan to use my license to charter a sailboat for this purpose. She will either attend the six day course or I will later take her on a cruise run by a cruise company. Any related suggestions would also be appreciated.

[erps]

Weather starts getting real nice in July and August. Late August you're apt to run into some fog. Several charter companies in Anacortes have suggested intineraries. It really depends whether you're the type that runs from marina to marina or anchors out at the state parks. If the mrs. is warm and dry, she'll be a lot happier.

[blt2ski]

You can get some nice days from may until late sept actually. But a bit colder in the later.earlier months.

Where you go, or want to go, depends upon you. My spouse likes going to tent malls, if you will, ie sat/sunday local farmers markets etc. Different places have those near the marina. The couple that owned my boat originally, liked to take family while cruising, and see whom had the best Ice cream shops near the marina. Kingston won that spot. Roche had a nice local tent mall near the marina last summer. Kingston on saturdays has local farmers market too.

A lot does depend upon how you and spouse like to travel etc. Some locals like stripped boats if you will, ala a J105, then when they stop, hit a local B&B to spend the night, or someplace like Rosario resort or equal, instead being on the boat. many ways to to do things.

Marty

[Stillraining]

our 10 day vacation to the Gulfs in mid to late august...it is always warm and sunny...HOWEVER..the wind dies down this time of year ( our Doldrums ) so bring your big sails....

[CGMojo]

Take full advantage of the numerous state parks in the San Juans that are islands with well-anchored mooring buoys. My favorite is Sucia. Don't miss it!

[CharlieCobra]

I love it out here. Just plan your trip around the tides when ya come. Proper planning can make the difference between getting somewhere in fours hours or eight.

[vega1860]

I don't know much about the commercial operations but we are planning some cruising in the area this Summer. We sailed up from Hawaii last Summer and are now in Friday Harbor. It shouldn't take much convincing once she sees the beauty of the San Juans and the Channel Islands. Stop in and say HI if you like. Any excuse for a day on the water. Aloha e komo mai.

[Stillraining]

means you bring the beer...

Originally Posted by vega1860

I don't know much about the commercial operations but we are planning some cruising in the area this Summer. We sailed up from Hawaii last Summer and are now in Friday Harbor. It shouldn't take much convincing once she sees the beauty of the San Juans and the Channel Islands. Stop in and say HI if you like. Any excuse for a day on the water. Aloha e komo mai.

[Jim H]

You can see photo galleries from our two charters in the San Juans:

2006 Trip

2007 Trip



One my of favorite anchorages was a stern tie in a small bay on the south end of Lummi Island. So quiet...

[vega1860]

Originally Posted by Stillraining

means you bring the beer...

Goes without saying