Weather: Overcast and cool initially. Winds: 0. Seas: Flat.
Departed Princess Cove at dawn, the sun still way below the horizon, but just enough light to make our way out of the cove. Motored through the quiet waters to arrive at near slack for Dodd Narrows, the shortest way to Nanaimo.
Dodd Narrows is just what the name implies, a narrow passage between islands. The significance, besides being narrow, is the tidal currents must get through this passage, making upwards of 10kts and then being dangerous. The 6 minute slack is the safest, but slack also attracts traffic, including barges. The books state the narrows has at least a 150ft width, but it seems narrower, particularly with a 25ft wide boat.
It appeared we were the first boat northbound and Captain's Mast was the only one visible behind. Several 'Securitie" calls were made announcing our arrival. Several yachts made their way south before our arrival. We made our way through with a slight southbound current and found several yachts on the north side waiting for our passage. Nice of them!
Captain's Mast was about 30min behind and RT reported about a 3kts current in his face as he went through.
Once into the industrial Northumberland Channel (paper mill to the west, log booms to the east), the waters were calm. Observed a small tug attempt to pull a log boom out of the bunch (east to west) only to hit full reverse as a small motor yacht heading north to south, did not yield. Technically, the M/Y probably had right of way, coming from the tug's right and the tug did not have a restricted in maneuvering marker out.
I pulled up and let the tug out and a radio call was recieved, "Trimaran in Northumberland Channel, thank you." I responded with, "No problem." I figured he had the right of way 3 ways. First, coming from the right. Second, while not having hoisted a restricted in maneuvering marker, it was. Lastly, the law of gross tonnage was on the tug's side.
The wind started to pick up as we approached the north end of Northumberland and we managed to sail a bit. We made our way to the mooring buoys at Newcastle Island Marine Park, snagged one and settled in for a day of sightseeing/provisioning. Took the dinghy to the island and hopped the water taxi to downtown. Strolled along the waterfront, got ice cream and attempted to send a post card to Sam, but it never arrived. Made our way to the local, and conveniently located supermarket and stocked up - this was our last chance prior to heading into the desolate north. OK, not really. Not really the last chance and not really desolate, but it felt like it at the time.
Dinner at the Dinghy Dock. OK pub grub. The deck is the attraction.
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