2007 Small Boat Rendezvous!

Raiding!

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Raiding

On the last night at Sucia last year, talk turned to the Shipyard Raid from Silva Bay (near Nanaimo BC) to Port Townsend. We agreed the idea of a raid is a great one, but although three of the boats at Sucia were in the 2005 raid, none of us had signed up for it in 2006. There were various reasons for this, including entry fees, timing, the focus on racing and the fact that a lot of Sucia attendees drive a long distance to attend, and would find it hard to justify a second long trip. So naturally we started designing our own raid, one that will eliminate these problems.

Before I go on, let me say that the Shipyard Raid is a blast. I took part in 2005 and intend to return in 2007. We're not trying to compete with the Shipyard Raid -- our raid will not be comparable, although I believe it will also be a blast in a different way.

The Sucia Raid will start after the Small Boat Rendezvous. There will be no registration, no support boats and no fees. Every participant will take responsibility for his or her own actions, including seamanship and safety. In case we are separated, each boat should carry enough water, food and camping gear so as to be independent of any other boat.

This raid will also differ from other raids in that the focus will not be on racing. Our raid is not really a raid, but more of a “cruise in company” where we agree on the destination for each leg, then it's each skipper’s choice whether he or she relies on sail and oar, or fires up his trusty (insert name of favourite outboard motor here). Having said that, I expect there will be no shortage of takers for anyone who wants to race to the next destination.

The route set out here takes into account what the tidal currents will be doing and what beaches, anchorages and campsites are available to us. Distances are conservative in case of light winds, if we have good conditions we can arrange side trips.

Starting from Sucia on Monday, the raid will last five days and four nights (or until everyone goes home). This gives us four days of raiding before sailing for home on Friday.

We'll start by going west down President Channel, then south to Jones Island. That’s not a long day, but Jones has a good anchorage and the flood will start against us by around 1:00 pm anyway. Some may want to visit Stewart Island to the north, but will have to buck the tide coming south from there. Other may prefer to visit Deer Harbor for showers and supplies in the afternoon.

Tuesday, we'll plan on going south to either at Indian Cove on Shaw Island or Odlin Park on the north end of Lopez, then south some more to Griffin Bay on San Juan Island. I haven't visited Griffin Bay so can't say how nice it is, but there're moorings, a beach and a campsite a few hundred yards inland.

Wednesday, I hope to stop for lunch at Fisherman's Bay to sample the cinnamon buns from Holly B's Bakery (this will be the third year I've tried to get there -- third time lucky?). In the afternoon, we'll set sail for Spencer Spit on the east side of Lopez. Last time I was there I was exhausted and blinded by sweat (ever try rowing a Chebacco?) but I have a vague recollection of pretty surroundings.

Thursday will be our last full day of the raid. I propose we take a look south then slip through one of the openings to Rosario Strait to a lunch stop at James Island. Then we will hopefully take the flood north to Obstruction Pass for our last night out. This puts us within easy reach of Bellingham and Anacortes, and for we Vancouver Islanders it's about the same distance to get home as it is from Sucia -- although working the tides may require some creativity.

And on Friday we can up anchor and go home right after breakfast.

This scenario gives us a bit of challenge, but the distances are conservative so no one should get left far behind. I believe the overnight stops all offer reasonable beaches and anchorages, I hope to visit all of these by July to confirm this. And of course we will adapt as necessary to suit wind, weather and tides. The best website I found for camping is the Washington Water Trails Association's, and all the campsites mentioned here are part of the Cascadia Marine Trail. (If the link asks for a login, just hit cancel and the site will pop up.)

So -- who's up for a raid?