September 18, 2018 – Sailed north tacking through Yellow Island and Spring Pass. Moving quickly along the shoreline of Waldron Island as we’d heard Southern Resident Orcas headed south in Georgia Strait. We also heard a pair of humpback whales were heading south from East Point.
BCY0160 ‘Heather’ and BCY0458 ‘Raptor’ just passed Skipjack Island when we arrived. Peaceful sail alongside as they headed south. Beautiful glassy conditions as they surfaced in unison. Truly awesome to hear their deep blows. Resuming a northerly course to pass the shoreline of Skipjack Island where harbor seals warmed in the sunshine. Continuing towards Patos Island we met a large group from the J’s, K’s and L pods of the Southern Resident Orcas
The Orcas appeared to be deciding whether to take Rosario Strait, Boundary Pass or Presidents Channel. As we arrived a group made a strong push towards Presidents Channel and we sailed alongside. J pod who had been favoring Rosario turned to follow behind. Spectacular sailing with so many whales; 59 in total. Downwind sailing parallel to the Orcas Island shoreline and down San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor. We saw them fishing, breaching, spy hopping, and mating. They were vocal on the hydrophone the whole time and we listened while sailing alongside in silence. A Phenomenal day sailing in the San Juan islands.