May 10, 2024 - Port McNeill

May 10, 2024 - Port McNeill

We passed through the Okisollo Channel rapids near slack without difficulty.  Making our way out to Discovery Passage we found calm conditions making our planned stop to Blind Channel a comfortable cruise.  Rounding Chatham Point into Johnstone Strait we found wind gusts and lumpy conditions – not enough to be of concern.  We also found, going with the ebb current we were making close to 10 knots.  As it was still early in the morning and we were making excellent progress, we decided to pass on Blind Channel and press on, taking advantage of the speed we were making (Blind Channel would not be open for dinner for another week).  As we pressed on, conditions began to settle even though the 15-kt wind was opposing the ebb flow. 

 

Reaching Helmcken Island in the company of a sailboat and two fish boats, we had a decision to make, Current Passage or Race Passage.  We were posturing for Current Passage when we noticed the others were headed towards Race Passage – whose water appeared less turbulent!  We altered course to follow and found it was a good choice.  As we made the course change later that the others, we skirted along Ripple Shoal which gave us one good jostle – otherwise all went smoothly.  This also put us in a better line to pass Earl Ledge!    A new learning!

 

We continued to Port McNeill where we could drop off garbage, pick-up provisions, and have a nice pizza dinner at Sportsman’s Steak and Pizza House.  Unfortunately, the tasty cinnamon rolls were no longer available.



Mountain range along Johnstone Strait

Leaving the sailboat and fishboats behind in Johnstone Strait

Sunny and calm afternoon in Johnstone Strait



Location: Port McNeill, BC, Canada

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