Day 6: Flotilla to Alaska - Campbell River to Boughey Bay
by Sam Landsman and Laura Domela 13 May 2019 05:56 PDT
Day 6: Flotilla to Alaska © Laura Domela
Today looked nearly perfect for running up Johnstone Strait to the Broughtons. Environment Canada called for light winds, building to northwest 15-25 knots late in the afternoon. Windy indicated "late in the afternoon" meant about 3:00 p.m. Given the 62nm cruising day, this weather forecast would suggest an early start.
Getting north of Campbell River, though, requires transiting Seymour Narrows, which must be done near slack since currents can run to 16 knots. On a northbound trip, catching the turn-to-ebb (or high slack) is ideal, since it allows you to ride the strengthening ebb all the way up to the Broughtons, getting a nice boost in speed. The downside is during periods of northwesterlies, when the ebb conflicts with the wind and creates nasty conditions.
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