CANAM 05' San Juan-Gulf Island Flotilla

[mgg4]

Here is a great little backup tool for users of Palm PDA's.

http://www.toolworks.com/bilofsky/tidetool/

I've been using Tide Tool for a long time. However I did find out I was one version behind. I'm updating that now. It's just a personal nit, but the most important thing that I find missing from Tide Tool that is found in most tide books in the SF Bay Area is the draw bridge information. I've been meaning to put this information together in a package that can be put on my Palm so I have all of the needed information.

This year...

--Mark

[NautiMoments]

Do we have a count of how many boats are coming on the CANAM Flotilla at this point? We have put our name in to participate but our boat name has change. We sold our 26X (South Wind) and have purchased a 2005 26M to be named Nauti Moments. If you are keeping records could you please change our info for me. Thanks

[waternwaves]

Spoke to Ganges Marina this morning..

Almost 18-20 boats was the current list........

space for more......

[NautiMoments]

I'm glad to see that we have now 18-20 boats and look forward to meeting you all. The San Juan and Gulf Islands are one of the most beautiful places in the world for boating. There is so many coves and islands to explore in fairly protected waters. It will be great to sail and share a few beer with our American friends and see all those great ideas for mods. I hope that more will join the flotilla; sure would be nice to get 50+ boats. I am with the MYCBC (MacGregor Yacht Club of BC) from Vancouver and would be glad to assist in any way. Duane has shown 3 routes to give us all choices in what we want to see and where to stay. If the Admiral is apprehensive about crossing the straight, which is usually no problem, there are alternatives.

[jklightner]

Since gas prices seem to know only one direction (up) I'm thinking of forgoing the tow up to Anacortes and launch and recover from Tacoma. This will modify the beginning and end part, but not the middle crusing part. 18 -20 boats is a goodly number, it will be fun I think

[Tom Spohn]

JK Lightner: When will you be leaving Tacoma. We have decided to sail up as well--mostly because it is a trip we have not made before. We plan to stay at Edmonds and Cap Sante at Anacortes before entering the San Juans.

NautiMoments: On our way back we will cross the Haro Straights between Sidney Spit and Roche Harbor. Do you have any experience with this crossing?? Any suggestions?

[jklightner]

Tom:
I'm thinking Saturday the 16th leave for Blake Island via Colvos Pass
Sunday the 17th to Port Madison; Monday the 18th to Port Townsend via the Canal; Tues the 19th to Aleck Bay on Lopez Is. (need to work out an alternate in case since that leg is 37 nm) Aleck Bay to Flounder Bay on Weds the 20th; Thurs the 21st Flounder Bay to Blind Bay on Shaw Is. and then on Friday the 22nd, Blind Bay to Deer Harbor. Then reverse it after Reid Harbor party night and get back to Tacoma on Saturday the 6th.

[Tom Spohn]

JK,
We are leaving on the 18th and plan to motor to Edmonds the first day. Then to Laconner. Then between Cypress and Blakely into the San Juans. We will also be in Deer Harbor on the 21st so we will look for you. Currently we plan to anchor in the bay, but we will be eating ashore and testing the swimming pool there. We will meet the group at Ganges but will miss them at Reid as we will be exploring Sidney Spit instead. We return via Garrison Bay, Fisherman Bay, Rosario, Anacortes, Edmonds to Tacoma on the 6th. We'll be looking for ya.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

We haven't picked the beginning and end of the trip route yet, but we won't be launching in Anacortes. If we tow that far north most likely we will do the usual launch at Cornet Bay and go out through Deception Pass. Perhaps this summer we will do the Swinomish Channel / LaConner route, but it adds almost 15 extra miles so most likely we will just go through Deception again. It's becoming our standard route. We may also choose to start in Everett as you can't beat that launch, or maybe we'll launch in Lake Washington and go out the locks like we did last year on our way north. If we do that most likely we will stop midway at Langley. My wife loves that little town and the marina is cool in a quirky way. It's a much better place than any of the mainland choices like Everett or Edmonds marinas.

You might also consider consider more of a loop like we did last year. After exiting the locks we went north up the Sound and turned left at the south tip of Whidbey Island, we then cut through the Port Townsend Canal to Fort Flaggler on Marrowstone just across the bay from Port Townsend. From there it is an easy run north across the Strait of Juan De fu@ to the Cattle Point entrance into the San Juans and either Fishermans Bay on Lopez or Friday Harbor on San Juan.

On the way home, go south through Lopez Sound and exit the islands at Lopez Pass, cross Rosario Strait and go in Deception Pass. From there it's a nice trip south on the east side of Whidbey Island.

You could also reverse this loop. Either way you add more variety to the trip and make at least one transit of Deception Pass which is something everyone should see.

Don't choose any of these thinking you will save money on gas however. Even a gas hog rig like my Suburban gets better mileage than you'll ever get in the boat. Not to mention you aren't paying fuel dock gas prices and marina fee's for the extra night or two this adds to the trip both ways. It's far cheaper to spend 2 hours towing north at 60 mph and get close to the islands than it is to go north in the boat.

[jklightner]

Duane;
How is that Port Townsend Canal? Any special concerns as to tidal currents or depths? The pluses for me in leaving from Commencement Bay is that a friend will take my Jeep and trailer to his place and bring it back when I get back. It won't have to sit out in a lot somewhere unwatched. Plus the extra sailing time This will let me check out those gunkholing places I've been reading about and besides, I've seen enough of I-5 already. And maybe there will be a decent wind to help me along.

[Tom Spohn]

Duane,
Do you prefer Langley over LaConner?

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

We've never been to the Laconner Marina, so I can't say. Langley is a small marina (although they have big plans based on the redevelopement drawings the city had posted there last summer), but the town is one of the nicest couple getaway places in the entire Sound. Very artsy, lots of nice places to eat at your leisure, galleries, antique shops, all that stuff my wife loves to browse through.

Port Townsend Canal is no problem. It's quite short, there is plenty of water even at low tide and it is well marked. Try to hit it at slack or going with the current as it peaks at just under 3 knots. However, with our motors you can get through at any time. It doesn't develope the troublesome standing rapids that some other current passes do.

If you go that way do check out Fort Flaggler, they have a nice dock and bouys. It's one of our favorite parks. The spit is huge and the kids love to build driftwood forts. Further in Kilisut Harbor is also Mystery Bay which is also very nice and has a big dock and bouys. Just don't cut any corners on the entrance. The channel markers seem to be in very wierd out of the way places, but you have to follow the long winding criss cross route they define as the harbor entrance area dries very shallow.

[jklightner]

Duane;
About how long does it take to get from Lake WA. through the locks and into the sound? Any problems with the bridges or do you just keep the mast down through the ship canal?

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

We launch at Newport Shores just south of the I-90 east channel bridge. This launch is just down the hill 10 minutes from our house. From there to Webster Point takes about 30 minutes at a good cruising speed.

Once you get to the Webster Point and Union Bay you are limited to 7 knots through the MontLake Cut, Portage Bay, Lake Union, and the Ship Canal. It is 5.3 Nautical miles and takes about 45 minutes to reach the locks. There is one obstacle along the way, the Fremont Bridge which at 31ft is just a bit too low to get under. It's easy to transit though, you just blow the horn three long blasts and they usually open right up. The longest we have ever had to wait is 10 minutes. Do be aware however, that they will not open the bridge at all on weekdays during the morning and evening rush hours. This is a time having the mast raising gear ready to go on board can be a good thing. You don't have to lower it all the way, just dip it about half way down (something hard to do without the raising pole and tackle). Another reason to not leave the pole in the truck.

When you are tied up at the locks waiting area, you now get to the most variable part. The best place to wait is the concrete wall at the small lock entrance. At times we have hit it perfect and motored right in, at others we have waited for up to 1-1/2 hours. Our nemisis it seems is always the Goodtime II tour boats. They get priority even if you are first in line, and in the small lock they go alone as they fill it up. One time they even did a partial lock of the large lock taking them alone when there was lot's of extra space.

It's always best if you can use the small lock as it's the simplest. You just tie your lines to the floating cleats that slide up and down the walls. If you end up in the large lock you have to constantly tend your line length bow and stern length you go up and down. Every boat going through the locks should have two 50' lines with 12" loops in the ends just in case you end up in the large lock on the wall. The attendents will throw you messenger lines to attach to the loop in your line and they will secure the loop over a cleat.

The good news is there are usually bigger boats going through and they put the largest boats on the wall. We've always ended up rafted 2nd out from the wall in the large lock. Sometimes you are only 2 deep, other times there will be a third boat rafted to you as well. You always need fenders on both sides. The best practice is to give your line to your neighbor, have them pass it around their cleat and then give it back to you. Do like wise if someone rafts to you, just pass it around your cleat and give it back to them to secure. You want to be in control of when your line gets released. Don't be shy about giving instructions so it ends up how you want it. Just because their boat is bigger doesn't mean they know what they are doing. The attendents will give you clear instructions telling you exactly where they want your boat. In the small lock they will even tell you which number cleat to tie to. They pack things pretty tight. Be sure you can see them as you enter as they will point which side of the small lock to use (everybody uses the same side in the large lock).

Transit time up and down in the locks is usually 10 - 20 minutes depending on the tide height. It usually takes more time to load and unload than to go up and down. On a busy day it can take 30-40 minutes to get all the boats in, tied and rafted in the large lock.

Exiting the locks is easy if you remember a few things. They always go in order, outside to the wall, front row to back row. Keep all your lines tight until it is your turn. Always release the front line first. Push your bow away from your neighbor before you release the stern line. We now keep the boat hook on a second set of clips up at the bow pulpit so my wife can push off so it's easy to clear your neighbor. In the small lock you will usually be alone on the wall float but you still need to get the bow pushed out before you cast off. Set the boat up for maximum control, centerboard and both rudders down. Currents can run 2-3 knots in the lock when one of the doors is open.

If you are inbound you will likely have to wait along the pilings and plank wall on the south side of the entrance. This is harder to do as you are either going up or down with the tide, and the entire area is encrusted with barnacles and other assorted critters not to mention the tar. We tend to do a real loose tie over the line buttons and try to hold the boat as far off as possible. The boat hook at the bow can help with this. This is a time where big fenders are a plus. One time it sounded like a gun going off as the large boat waiting behind us blew one as they ground against the pilings.

[Tom Spohn]

I received this notice from our local chapter of the Power Squadron, of which I am a member:

Press Release

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION ANNOUNCES
ADDITIONAL SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS FOR PLEASURE
BOATERS

SEATTLE �U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has
implemented enhanced security procedures for small boats
arriving in the United States from Canada. The new private boat
clearance procedures are part of CBP� comprehensive efforts
to enhance security at our nation� borders.

Private boaters will be required to report to specified ports of
entry for inspection if they are not currently enrolled in a "trusted
traveler" program. Only boaters participating in the I-68 or
NEXUS/SENTRI programs will be allowed to report their arrivals
by phone. Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) issued under
the old Small Boat Reporting System are no longer valid.
Participation in the trusted traveler programs requires the
payment of a fee and passing a background check by CBP and
Canadian authorities.

Participation in the I-68 program requires each applicant to
appear in person for an interview at a Customs and Border
Protection port of entry. Fees are $16 (US) for an individual or
$32 (US) for a family. U.S. citizens, Lawful Permanent
Residents, Canadian citizens and Landed Immigrants of
Canada who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are
eligible to apply for I-68 seasonal boating permits. Private
boaters are encouraged to apply BEFORE attempting their first
trip to expedite the border clearance process.

"These new procedures allow CBP the ability to carry out our twin
goals of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from
entering the United States, while at the same time facilitating
legitimate travel and trade," said Thomas Hardy, Director of
CBP� Seattle Field Office. "Those boaters enrolled in our
expedited travel programs will reap the benefits of our call-in
inspection process."

The Pacific Northwest is one of the busiest international boating
areas in the United States. These new procedures are
designed to augment a myriad of security enhancements
implemented by CBP at our borders since the terrorist attacks on
America on 9/11/01.


Details of the new private boating international clearance
procedures are outlined in the attached FACT SHEET. Boaters
are encouraged to contact their nearest CBP office with
questions regarding these new enhanced security procedures
for boaters. Please refer to www.CBP.gov for the listing of the
nearest CBP office. For information on the NEXUS program,
please refer to www.nexus.gc.ca.
###


U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border
agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged
with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's
borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged
with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country
while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
1000 Second Avenue, Ste 2200
Seattle, WA 98104

U.S. Customs and
Border Protection


FACT SHEET April 20, 2005

Reporting Requirements for all Private Boat Operators

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has increased enforcement
efforts of small boat
arrivals and the face-to-face inspection requirement upon arrival,
of associated crew and passengers. This increased
enforcement posture requires physical reporting to designated
local U.S. Customs and Border Protection Offices unless
enrolled in an Alternative Inspection Services Program that
would allow arrival reporting by phone.

Affected individuals are encouraged to participate in any of the
Alternative Inspection Services Programs described in this
document to expedite reporting of arrival and clearance into the
United States. Participation in any of the programs does not
preclude the requirement for a physical report upon request by
U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Small Boat Reporting System (SBRS) participants are NOT
EXEMPT from reporting under these procedures and are strongly
encouraged to apply for participation under one of the programs
listed in this document. Previously issued SBRS PIN numbers
will no longer be valid.

Statutory and Administrative Authorities:
19USC1433(a)(1)- Report of Arrival of Vessels
19CFR4.2 �Reports of Arrival of Vessels
8USC1225(a)(3)- Inspection by Immigration Officers
8CFR235.1- Inspection of Persons Applying for Admission 19CFR4.51 �r
Reporting Requirements for Persons Arriving by
Vessel

Who Reports:
All U.S. Citizens and aliens seeking entry to the United States
MUST REPORT their arrivals. Boaters participating in either the
I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs MUST REPORT but may do so
by phone.

Masters - The master or person in charge of the boat must
report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. For
the purpose of these instructions, the term "boat," means any
vessel not engaged in trade or documented trade (not carrying
merchandise or passengers for hire) such as pleasure boats
and yachts, regardless of size. This requirement applies to all
boats regardless of country of registration. Additionally, boats
registered outside Canada or the U.S. must contact a local CBP
office for a cruising license.

Aliens - All aliens (including alien crewmen) who are applicants
for admission or otherwise seeking admission or readmission
into the U.S. must report for inspection by a U.S. Customs and
Border Protection Officer.

U.S. Citizens - Persons claiming to be U.S. citizens must report
to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer to establish that
fact to the examining officer� satisfaction.



When Reporting Is Required:
Masters must report their arrival to U.S. Customs and Border
Protection if having been engaged in any of the below activities: After
having been at any foreign port or place; After having had contact with
any hovering vessel; After having anchored or engaged in fishing;

Reporting Procedure:
The master or designee may go ashore only to report the arrival
to U.S. Customs and Border Protection either in person or if
participating in the I-68 or NEXUS/SENTRI programs, by phone.
No other person may leave or board the boat and no baggage or
merchandise may be removed or loaded until the report of arrival
is made and release granted by a U.S. Customs and Border
Protection Officer. Each crewmember and passenger must also
be in possession of an
I-68 or NEXUS or SENTRI card to qualify for phone-in reporting.

Where to Report:
Masters, crew and passengers participating in the I-68 and/or
NEXUS/SENTRI programs may utilize the following 1-800
number for phone-in arrivals:

1-800-562-5943

If arrival occurs after the normal business hours (generally 8AM -
8PM) of a port, boaters must utilize the 1-800 number to report
their arrivals. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer will
provide further instructions regarding reporting and entry
processing.

Arrivals requiring an in-person report to a CBP Officer may be
made at any of the following designated ports of entry. The boat
must be made available for possible boarding at the time of
report.

Aberdeen (360) 310-0109
Anacortes (360) 293-2331
Bellingham (360) 734-5463
Blaine (360) 332-6318
Everett (425) 259-0246
Friday Harbor/ Roche Harbor (360) 378-2080
Oroville (509) 476-3132
Port Angeles (360) 457-4311
Point Roberts (360) 945-2314
Port Townsend (360) 385-3777
Seattle (206) 553-4406
Tacoma (253) 593-6338

Fees
All documented or registered vessels 30 feet in length or greater
are required to pay an annual processing (user fee) of $25.00
(U.S. currency) if crossing the international border.

Payment is required for the vessel at or before the time of the
first arrival for each calendar year.
If you report your arrival by telephone and a fee is applicable, you
may charge the fee on your American Express, Discover, Visa or
MasterCard. A non-transferable decal will be issued upon
payment and mailed to your address of record.



Boaters must report to one of the U.S. Customs and Border
Protection designated ports of entry upon arrival to purchase an
annual decal. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will not grant
a clearance if outstanding fees are due.

Decals may also be purchased via the Internet at
https://tradelinks4.mellon.com/cbp/Dispatcher.

If you purchased your decal through the Mellon Bank, Pittsburgh,
Pa., the U.S. Customs and Border Protection User Fee
Administrator will handle your annual decal mailings/reminders
at the Mellon Bank. Please carry a copy of the decal application
for verification if you have submitted payment to Mellon Bank and
have not received your decal.

Failure to Report
Failure to report can result in civil penalties as defined in Title 19,
United States Code, Section 1436 to include a penalty of $5,000
for the first violation and $10,000 for each subsequent violation
with the conveyance subject to seizure and forfeiture. In addition
to being liable for a civil penalty, any master who intentionally
commits a violation under subsection (a) of this section upon
conviction, is liable for a fine of not more than $2,000 or
imprisonment for 1 year or both.

Alternative Inspection Services Programs:
I-68 Program
Under the Form I-68 program, applicants for admission into the
United States by small pleasure boats are pre-registered and
issued a single boating permit for the entire boating season.
The
I-68 permit allows boaters to enter the United States from
Canada for recreational purposes with only the need to report to
U.S. Customs and Border Protection for further inspection by
placing a phone call to report their arrival.
- To enroll in the program, each applicant must appear in person
for interview, and various law enforcement checks.
-Fees are $16 (U.S. currency) for an individual or $32 (U.S.
currency) for a family. The names and dates of birth of children
less than 14 years of age may be listed on one or both parents�
Form I-68, however it is recommended that each child have a
separate
I-68 form.
-Three (3) passport style photographs for each I-68 applicant will
be required at the interview. A separate I-68 will be required for
applicants 14 years and older.
- The I-68 is valid for one year from the date of issuance, or until
revoked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens (USCs) or lawful permanent residents of
the U.S., Canadian Citizens, or Landed Immigrants of Canada
who are nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries are eligible
to apply for seasonal boating permits. When used by a person
who is not a USC or Lawful Permanent Resident of the United
States, admission shall be for a period of no more than 72 hours
and only if they will remain within 25 miles of the shoreline along
the northern border of the United States. Boaters that are not
USCs or Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States
requiring stays exceeding 72 hours are not eligible for the I-68
program. As such, a physical report to a CBP Officer is required
on each and every arrival unless participating in the
NEXUS/SENTRI program, Please note that this requirement is
in effect when arrival occurs via a small boat.

Registration Locations: Applications for the I-68 program are
required to be in person at any designated Port of Entry within
the jurisdiction of the Seattle Field Office.
-
NEXUS
The NEXUS Alternative Inspection Program allows
pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed with little or no
delay by U.S. and Canadian border officials. Approved
applicants are issued a photo-identification/proximity card, which
is valid for 5 years. Participants cross the border in a dedicated
lane where they present their membership identification and
proximity card for expedited processing unless selected for a
more intensive examination. Small boat operators in
possession of a NEXUS member card may report arrival via
phone.
-To enroll in the program, each applicant must appear in person
for interview, and various law enforcement checks. -Registration includes a
$50 (U.S. currency) per person fee for
individuals 18 years of age and over.

Eligibility: Citizens or permanent residents of the United States
or Canada. Non-permanent residents demonstrating a need to
utilize the NEXUS system. Applicants must be approved by both
the United States and Canada. Instructions on obtaining a
NEXUS application form can be found on the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection Internet Website at:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/frequ ... /nexus.xml

Registration Locations: Applicants are instructed to send their
completed application forms and corresponding fees to the
Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) for initial processing.
After approval by CBSA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will
contact approved applicants to schedule appointments to
continue the application process. Currently, applications for
NEXUS participation in this area are being processed in Blaine,
WA. CBSA approved applicants will be advised to report to the
Blaine NEXUS Processing Center to complete the application
process.

SENTRI
The SENTRI program is a Southern Border facilitated traveler
program. SENTRI participants need not apply for a NEXUS card
to qualify for the small boat phone-in program.

Reporting Suspicious Activities:
Please report any suspicious activities observed to
1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378) or the after hours toll free
number 1-800-562-5943.