Broughtons Bound
On a late June morning, Johnstone Strait was a mill pond. Bathwater calm. Sipping coffee, it was a perfect moment to reflect on previous trips through this same stretch of notoriously unforgiving water. My first taste was 46…
#TBT: Grasshopper to the San Juans
In our latest Throwback Thursday, we follow the Rooks brothers on an adventure to the San Juan Islands in a decidedly unique cruising craft. After spending a year-and-a-half living in Vancouver, British Columbia, I moved…
48° North Cruising Rally 2024
A gentle puff filled our sails, and we scooted ahead with a couple of golden knots of boat speed. Nice. Then we hit a velocity header and began our current-swept reverse track back in the direction of Buckeye Shoal off the…
#TBT: A Parting Delivery
In our latest Throwback Thursday, we find out what it's like parting with a beloved boat after three years and more than 3,000 miles. Some say that the happiest days of a boat owner's life are the day they buy a boat and…
Destinations: Stuff Happens in Foggy Bay, Alaska
In our latest destinations installment courtesy of SalishSeaPilot.com, Lynne Picard describes how situations can quickly take a turn for the worse—you just have to keep calm. There were high fives all around as we dropped…
Ever Sunnier: The Proven Viability of Solar Boating
Solar boating is an interesting combination of powerboating and sailing, but I think it has more in common with sailing… when there’s wind, at least. While it shares the comfort, lack of exertion, and simplicity of…
Hikes for Boaters: Gulf Islands
The Canadian Gulf Islands are just across the border from the San Juans and are similar in many respects—in the large number of beautiful islands, the vast array of marine parks, and the wealth of opportunities for boaters,…
Together Adventures: Family Cruising Near and Far
Over the years of cruising with our children, I’ve had a number of people contact me for advice about starting out cruising as a family, especially in the Pacific Northwest. I’m happy to oblige and provide relevant…
The author: Dennis Bottemiller
A Perfect…
Three Sheets Northwest: Nature vs Nurture
We moved carefully through the islets and jagged rocks that formed the channel into Walters Cove. Running aground in this remote corner on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island would be a disaster. As raindrops dripped…
