The T18's Biggs Orcas cross the border near Patos

August 5, 2020 – Brisk winds and our passenger took the helm as we sailed the coastline to Point Caution. Wing on wing crossing San Juan channel to a brisk sail through Nob Island pass where we took advantage of the lee to scale down the main to first reef. Slowly emerging through the reefs and islands back into the channel to sail wing on wing and then a beam reach to Jones Island.

The current was ebbing fast out of Presidents Channel carrying us quickly towards Spieden Island. It was then that we heard to T18’s had been sighted at Patos Island and so we changed tack to sail close hauled to the North East. We came in to the lee of Flattop Island and enjoyed the view of the geology of the Northern shore. Sailing on South of White Rock where cormorants are nesting to the steep cliff face of Point Disney. Hearing the Orcas were now at Sucia we picked up speed following the shoreline of Waldron Island.

We met the T18s just as they were about to cross into Canada at the Boundary Buoy. With distant views we followed the dotted line unable to cross with the Covid restrictions still acting. As their direction to East Point became certain we branched off for Alden Point Lighthouse and the Patos shoreline.

Following the Patos shoreline with strong flood current helping us along took us across to Sucia. From there we cut inside Little Sucia before heading to Point Doughty. Great sailing as we came down Presidents Channel on the Orcas Island side. Beautiful views of the forest in the late afternoon light. And a beautiful sail across San Juan Channel back to Friday Harbor.