Bareboat Pacific Northwest, United States of America

Itinerary

A Pacific Northwest sailing itinerary takes you from the harbor at Anacortes on Fidalgo Island westward deep into the San Juan Island group, then north, and finally east in a loose circumnavigation distinctly wilderness in character. Passing through narrow, deep-water channels between forested slopes of adjacent isles, marveling at orcas swimming off the bow, watching eagles soar as the wind fills the sails, and dropping anchor in secluded coves that haven’t changed much since George Vancouver’s crew first ventured into these waters in the late 1700s is the essence of cruising in Puget Sound (see Pacific Northwest maps). Many of the islands are uninhabited, while others offer the amenities of full-service marinas and small, historic towns with numerous opportunities to explore and dine ashore.

• 7 Day
• Free Roam

Popular 7-Day Itinerary

 

 

Day 1, Spencer Spit State Park

Anacortes to Spencer Spit State Park – 12 nm. Set a course west for Lopez Island and enjoy the sail to a secluded 138-acre park on the sheltered side of the spit that nearly crosses the channel between Lopez and Frost islands. Here you’ll find a quiet place to anchor and go ashore to savor a picnic lunch or take a leisurely walk on the trails.

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Day 2, Friday Harbor

Spencer Spit State Park to Friday Harbor – 9 nm. Head north to round the tip of Lopez Island, and then continue sailing west, leaving Shaw Island to starboard on your way to the bustling port of Friday Harbor, a major yachting center on Puget Sound. The town has much to offer sailors, including historic sites, eclectic shops, and a variety of restaurants.

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Day 3, Roche Harbor

Friday Harbor to Roche Harbor – 11 nm. Your Pacific Northwest itinerary takes you on another short passage northwest along the northern coast of San Juan Island through the narrow channel separating it from Stuart Island, then on to picturesque Roche Harbor and its resort. Here you’ll find full services for yachts and lots to do ashore.

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Day 4, Reid Harbor

Roche Harbor to Reid Harbor – 4 nm. Just a short jaunt to Stuart Island will take you to Reid Harbor, part of the 85-acre Stuart Island State Park. The beautiful harbor and tree-lined shores are an ideal setting for quiet relaxation aboard your yacht.

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Day 5, Sucia Island

Reid Harbor to Sucia Island – 16 nm. Get an early start for the next leg of your Pacific Northwest sailing itinerary. The passage takes you north to Sucia Island State Park, one of the prettiest in the San Juan Islands, where you’ll find Nature displayed in all its glory.

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Day 6, Rosario Resort

Sucia Island to Rosario Resort – 18 nm. Going over the top is the rule of the day on this passage, as you sail north, then east along the northern reaches of the San Juan Islands, with most of the group lying to your south. After a sail through some of the most beautiful waters in North America, you’ll reach famous Orcas Island, so named for the plethora of orcas (killer whales) that thrive nearby. With so many attractions to enjoy, most sailors plan to spend the next day of their Pacific Northwest itinerary experiencing all that the island has to offer.

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Day 7, Orcas Island

Lay over day – 0 nm. Relax over a delicious breakfast ashore and plan the day’s activities. Will it be a tour of the Moran Mansion? A hike or a drive to the summit of Mt. Constitution? Perhaps a leisurely day of horseback riding on scenic trails? Or maybe an exhilarating ride on a seaplane to get a bird’s-eye view of some of the best cruising grounds in North America? Whatever you decide to do, the time you spend on Orcas Island will be unforgettable!

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