by willyhays » Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:17 am
Talbot,
There are so many great places to sail in Puget Sound. I've lived and sailed there for years. If you are willing to trailer your boat an hour or two from Everett the possibilities are almost endless. A motor or oars can also be very helpful in this area. Here are a few of my favorites:
Urban sailing
One of my favorite small boat adventures is eastward from Shilshole (northern Seattle) through the Ballard locks, into Lake Union and lake Washington. There is a boat ramp on the northern end of Shilshole Marina. If you prefer to skip the locks, there is a boat ramp east of the locks and just east of 15th Ave. It's on the northern bank of the canal at the end of 14th ave.
Swinomish Channel, Skagit Bay, Deception Pass
Drive north on I-5. Take route 20 toward Fidalgo Island, but before you get to Fidalgo there is the Swinomish Channel. Sail south on the Swinomish channel, continuing south into Skagit Bay. You can stop in the town of La Conner. There are shallows, and currents can be significant, so paying attention to the tides is extremely important. Also keep a sharp eye out for deadheads, snags, etc. Often the logs are floating and you can bounce off them or slide by them, but sometimes one end sticks in the bottom and the other end can ruin your day. You could also head west past Hope Island to Deception Pass, which is spectacular, but also very, very tricky sailing because the current can be extremely strong depending on the tide.
Bainbridge Island
The sailing around Bainbridge Island is beautiful. Eagle harbor is really nice, and the town of Winslow/Bainbridge Island is a fun place to walk around. There used to be a good brew pub on the northern shore of the harbor, but I don't know if it is still there. Sailing up the western side of the island is beautiful, particularly under the bridge at the northern end of the island and toward and into Port Madison. You can also sail across to the Seattle waterfront.
Vashon Island
The waters around Vashon are also beautiful. Quartermaster Harbor on Vashon Island is a great spot. To the north of Vashon is Blake Island, a good place to visit and overnight if you want. There's a marina and also camping.
Port Townsend
If you are looking for a little more exposure, the waters around Port Townsend make for excellent sailing. There are some protected bays in the area also. The town itself is well worth a visit. Your timing is perfect, because September 5-7 is the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, which I think is one of the best in the country. There is a state park with camping.
San Juan Islands
If grand adventure is what you want you can trailer the boat up to the San Juan Islands. You could drive to Anacortes and take the ferry over to Orcas Island, then put the boat in there. My favorite longer distance trip in the islands is from Orcas across to Sucia Island State Park. I would not attempt this unless I were very comfortable sailing in very exposed, sometimes rough, and very cold waters. The currents can be very swift.
There are countless other options. If you want more info feel free to contact me.
Bon Voyage!