Point Roberts to Horton Bay

[AdamLein]

Contemplating a solo trip to Plumper Sound this week; Tuesday and Wednesday are looking good, with Thursday also looking good in case I need it. Looking for tips in general, but especially about navigating the passes and the Belle Chain Islets.

I would aim to pass SE of Georgeson Island a bit before slack on Tuesday afternoon, around 1530. This looks like the safest passage that doesn't require going the long way around the middle row of islets, but maybe it would be better to go the long way. I haven't been to this area before, so any advice on this issue would be appreciated.

From there it's about 1.2 nm to the dock at Horton Bay, but I have to pass between Mayne and Curlew islands, about 600 feet apart at two points. As long as I'm there close to slack it should be okay.

I'll probably be tying up at the dock if there's space available. This is my first solo overnight and I'd rather have just one adventure at a time. But just in case, any thoughts on anchoring in Campbell, Bennett, or Horton Bays?

Finally I plan to clear by Nexus in Horton Bay (or Hortons Bay as the CBP web site calls it). Google Maps shows lots of docks in this bay; does anybody know which is the Nexus/Canpass dock?

Thanks for your help... hopefully the voyage will go off more or less as planned and I can post the trip log and photos.

[jackdale]

I have not been through the north end of the rocks. I did try to go through Boat Pass, ignored the caution in Sailing Directions about local knowledge, and met with a rock.

I have not had much luck anchoring in Horton Bay. Try Lyall Harbour just off the private dock at the end, Irish Bay (the island is private - no real shore access), or Winter Cove. I was at Port Browning (anchor or dock) last Friday - great country band, Petunia and the Vipers. Boot Cove is reported to get strong gusts.

The nearest customs dock is at Bedwell Harbour (Poet's Cove).

Is your boat still US registered? If so, you may have some problems.

[AdamLein]

Yeah I wasn't thinking of trying my luck with Boat Pass. Well, briefly maybe, but then I stopped. Lyall Harbour and Port Browning might be good, but I think Irish Bay and Winter Cove will be exposed to this week's winds.

As for registration, since I'm not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, I think the visitor rules apply. Last time I called at a Canadian port was a couple of years ago, and after some discussion, they let me bring the boat in temporarily. I'll be calling to confirm that this is the case before I go.

p.s. just talked to the folks at Border Information Services and they confirm that the rule doesn't apply to temporary residents (me).

[jackdale]

Have a great trip.

Jack