Our 2014 BC Vacation Sail Through the Southern Gulf Islands

8 Day GPS Track Through the Southern Gulf Islands

Beginning in Nanaimo, our route was...

Day 1 - Nanaimo to Sibell Bay via Dodd Narrows
Day 2 - Sibell Bay to Genoa Bay via Chemainus and Sansum Narrows
Day 3 - Genoa Bay to Russell Island via Tsehum Harbour (to pick up Margot)
Day 4 - Russell Island to Irish Bay
Day 5 - Irish Bay to Ganges
Day 6 - Ganges
Day 7 - Ganges to Clam Bay
Day 8 - Clam Bay to Mark Bay via Wally's Bay and Dodd Narrows
Day 9 - Mark Bay to Nanaimo

Margot and the Kids had been to California without me so I headed to Nanaimo on Friday to sleep on KALA KALA, a 34 foot Beneteau the day before they arrived. I took the time on Saturday to provision and get things ready before sailing off on Sunday. When everyone had arrived it was time for Happy Hour before taking Margot to the airport so that she could go home for a couple of days - we would meet back up again at Tsehum Harbour on Tuesday.

Our Beneteau 331 - Kala Kala

 

Day 1 - Nanaimo to Sibell Bay via Dodd Narrows

Sunday - After a perfectly executed spring off the dock with some wind behind - we headed into a lumpy Northumberland Channel and arrive at Dodd Narrows during slack. Allegra took us through, moderate traffic and uneventful.

Driving Through Dodd Narrows

Once through it was a nice sunny day with light winds so I pulled the headsail out for a leisurely sail southwards to Ladysmith. We snacked and just hung out in the cockpit - no pressure at all.

Got to Ladysmith Harbour mid afternoon and started to look for a place to achor. There were a lot boats about and finally found a spot to our liking at the West end of Dunsmuir Islands. Little did we know that we were going to be treated to an unplanned event.

Fireworks Show in Ladysmith Harbour

After sunset and approaching dark, many more boats were arriving and we found out that there was going to be a fireworks show. It was quite good and we were thoroughly entertained with this unexpected happening.

I think that we had Hot Dogs and Brocoli for dinner.

Day 2 - Sibell Bay to Genoa Bay via Chemainus

Monday - After a leisurely start under no wind we motored towards Chemainus as our next destination. With a slightly ugly docking on the outer finger of the Chemainus Municipal Dock we eagerly headed to the little Sushi shop that we stopped at last year - anticipating a fine Sushi lunch. Unfortunately we seemed to have forgotten that today was a public holiday and it, and the Bakery we had also targeted, were closed! Instead of our favoured stops we ended up at the Grocery store where we got a few things before  heading out again towards Genoa Bay.

Heading South Towards Sansum Narrows

It didn't take long to get there, it was mid afternoon. I had made a reservation, radioed in and was directed to D dock. It wasn't too busy, a reservation wasn't needed - but better than not knowing.

Moored at Genoa Bay Marina

After some down time, relaxing, Happy Hour and showers - we ended up doing the town by going to the dockside restaurant had a very fine dinner.

 

Day 3 - Genoa Bay to Russell Island via Tsehum Harbour

Tuesday - Today we would be meeting up with Margot after her arrival at the Victoria Airport. The wind was up and it was elected to motor to Tsehum as it would have been on our nose and we wanted to get there on time.

We had thought to stick around for the very popular breakfast held on the dock but wanted to get to Tsehum in timely fashion.

Rounding Saltspring Island then across Satellite Channel to Swartz Bay finally got us to Tsehum Harbour. Besides the picking up of Margot - I started to think about where to anchor tonight. The wind was coming from the Southeast which did not make Princess Bay (originally the first goal) at Portland Island a good choice. The North side of Russell Island was a good second bet, winds were expected to diminish and that side of Russell would provide good protection.

We met up with Margot as planned, the Public Docks were completed full and it ended up that she was invited to climb onto a moored fishing boat - Misty Lady - to which we could temporarily tie up for the transfer. It was great to be all together again and so the adventure continued on.

Leaving the Misty Lady at Tsehum

After a brief journey out through Shute Passage and crossing Satellite Channel again we arrived at Russell Island. Dropped the hook and started to relax. Margot and Alexander went ashore with the dinghy and after they got back I took the kayak for a spin - ending up taking two dunkings, all captured on video! It was a very tippy kayak.

S/V Varya Anchored at Russell Island

Pirates on the Prowl

Day 4 - Russell Island to Irish Bay

Pancakes - First Order of Business

Wednesday - We had a very good sail today once departing, all the way Southwards across Swanson Channel - along the West side of North Pender Island where we had stayed at the Cutlas Court house - finally dropping sail at the entrance to Bedwell Harbour because I think that everyone was feeling a bit exhausted.

A Nice Sail Down Swanson Channel

Motoring the rest of the way around South Pender Island and up Plumper Sound to Irish Bay was more relaxing at this stage of the day. Irish Bay is a small indentation on the West side of Samual Island that lies between Saturna and Mayne.

Only 2 other boats were in the bay - many more had been seen in the much more popular Winter Cove off Saturna Island.

Anchored in Irish Bay

It was a clear, sunny day - the bay gave protection from the diminishing wind and it was Allegra's turn to take a dunking in the kayak.

A quiet evening, beautiful sunset and fantastic salmon dinner on the bbq later, we were all relishing with anticipation our next leg to Ganges on Saltspring Island. After a Family conference and discussion, it was decided that we would stay 2 days at Ganges as we all really like to go there.

Day 5 - Irish Bay to Ganges

Thursday - I said that I would be up early and get us headed that way while everyone was still sleeping so that we could make the most of the day once arrived.

The day was clear and sunny - no wind. Motored up Navy Channel, crossed Satellite Channel into Captain's Passge on the West side of Prevost Island. I really enjoy going back to places that I am familiar with and revisiting favourite destinations.

Cruising Up Navy Channel

The Kanaka Public Dock was not quite full up and finally parked the boat at the inside end of the outer finger. Later through the day there would be some rafting to take in other arriving boats.

Docking Preparations By The Finest Crew

Again everyone got into the showers but not until after some great and rare Lego finds at Mouat's - one of our favourite places to shop as the Kids would agree.

The LEGO Build Session Underway

First lunch at the Tree House Cafe - excellent!

Some food from Thrifty's, then to the Saltspring Coffee Shop and Bakery (probably went to the Ice Cream Store - can't remember).

The rest of the day was very low key, wandering around town, stretching out in the cockpit.

Music from TOC band kept us entertained while we watched a video on one of the laptops.

Day 6 - Ganges

Friday -A quiet but fun day wandering around Ganges. Trying to get a usable wireless connection was a disappointment.

A bit of shopping, got some Raincoast Chronicles at the book store.

A Classic Wooden Launch

And a Classic Wooden Sailboat

The Kids found a Lord of the Rings game that they spent a lot of time playing.

We made plans to go for dinner at The Oyster Catcher right on dockside for various personal food choices - I had my usual Fish and Chips and a beer.

 

Day 7 - Ganges to Clam Bay

It was the Saturday Market today - finally in town in order to take it in for once. Margot and Alexander went over to see what they could find.

Saturday Market at Ganges

Beautiful Looking Vegetables

I spent the morning getting things ready to head out around noon.

We went over to the Ganges Marina to refuel, then waited at the Public Dock so that we could vac out the holding tank. Once done, we were on the way out heading into Trincomali Channel.

Refueling at Ganges Marina

The wind was moderate in the channel so I put the sails up and had a nice sail on the way up to Clam Bay. We passed by Reid Island just prowling about looking for anchorage but held out for Clam Bay as it appeared to be a good destination.

We passed many islands along the way that I would like to on future cruises stop and spend some time at - such as Wallace Island.

Someone Having a Great Sail Down Trincomali Channel

A good number of boats were already there - it is a fairly big anchorage, lots of room.

Anchored at Clam Bay

After dinner, Alexander and I took the dingy up the Cut to Telegraph Harbour where we had stayed last year. It was fun and we made sure that we had enough gas by taking the spare gas can along (sic).

Taking a Run Up The Cut

Day 8 - Clam Bay to Mark Bay via Wally's Bay and Dodd Narrows

Sunday -Leaving Clam Bay, we went back up Trincomali Channel having another nice sail today. Heading towards Pylades Channel we ducked through Whaleboat Passge and then came alongside Ruxton Island before ending up at the South end of DeCourcey Island at Wally's Bay. This is located on the outside of Pirates Cove and easy to get to.

Sailing Up Trincomali Channel

Margot and the Kids took the dinghy ashore - Allegra acted as Ferry Captain taking them back and forth a number of times.

The Anchorage at Wally's Bay, DeCourcey Island

Time was up to depart so that we could catch the slack at Dodd Narrows. Wind had picked up some and after a couple of hours we hit the slack on time.

Line of Traffic Through Dodd Narrows at Slack

Up Northumberland Channel our destination was to pick up a mooring buoy at Mark Bay. On arrival and after a brief conversation with a neighbouring sailor - who had said that there would not be enough water under us on low tide - I checked my calculations and deemed that we were fine and so moored up and stayed the night.

Mark Bay Salmon for Dinner

Margot and the Kids went ashore to Newcastle Island by dinghy to explore and stretch their legs. I stayed aboard to enjoy the scene with a glass of wine. Bliss.

Day 9 - Mark Bay to Nanaimo

Monday - We refueled, dealt with waste and then headed to return KALA KALA to NYC. It had been a fantastic week of adventure, sights, sounds and dunkings.

Safe and Sound Back at NYC

The Crew of S/V Kala Kala

Thanks also to all at NYC for a great boat. The coffee press and tea pot had been replaced while we were in Ganges as they had crashed and broken on the sail across Swanson Channel.

Our next big job would be to start getting our bags and belongings organized for the BC Ferry across to Horseshoe Bay.

Hoofing To the Ferry Terminal

Next stop Vancouver.