Ganges Suggestions

[hangupndrive]

Hi Folks-

I'm in the process of planning our annual gulf islands cruise. We like to hit Ganges for the saturday market. In past years we have stayed at the Ganges Marina. Great location but the docks have seen better days. I'm looking for opinions on the Saltspring Marina at the end of the bay. Is it any better? I know it's a bit further in to town. I'm also open to other suggestions. Anchoring is not the best option for us as we have young children and they need to be able to at least walk the docks with their nets and buckets. As anyone who has been to Ganges knows, reservations on a weekend are a must.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Doug Powers
S/V Totoro
Seattle, WA

[Faster]

Ganges is, of course, always a bit tough but we usually use the transient floats just beyond the Coast Guard station, right below the Thrifty's grocery store. They have added some footage and a second float a few years back and since many use these floats as a 'stop and shop' slips do open up from time to time. The most exposed float can be uncomfortable but there's no place more convenient than these.

It's also sometimes worth a look into the original fishermans' floats behind the breakwater - it's a bit busy too but sometimes an end spot will free up.

I don't think we've ever been totally skunked looking for overnight moorage at either of these two places. We have had to raft up on occasion.

Sorry, we've not been to the marina at the end of the bay, but the Seattle YC has taken up a 25% holding there as an outstation. Some details here:

Seattle Yacht Club - Ganges