Epic sail with 32 Biggs/Transient Orcas!

May 2, 2023 – We left the harbor with a relaxing sail over to Shaw Island and drifted wing on wing down the coastline. With news of a rather large group of Biggs/Transient orcas northbound in Rosario Strait we decided to take Upright Channel towards Peavine Pass. With somewhat strong winds and whitecaps and spray we reefed the main sail and had a great heel as we sailed inter-island. As we exited the pass winds dropped substantially and we hugged the beautiful Blakely Island steep forested coastline south spotting harbor seals and bald eagles sitting in their nest.

With fins getting closer we changed course to watch the orcas go by. The orcas in the mix were the T36A’s, T65A’s (minus T65A5), T75B’s, T99’s, T123’s, T124A’s plus T124A1 and T124A4’s (minus T124A2’s), T125A and T128 = 32 orcas! It was breathtaking watching them surfacing and socializing as they went. A young group of calves was playful the entire time with lots of tails in the air and breaches. Mt Baker was a stunning backdrop.

As the orcas were approaching Peapod Rocks we changed course for Obstruction Pass. It wasn’t easy leaving such a fantastic T Party, but this sail was supposed to be a short sail which ended up being extended to double length. Everyone was all smiles as we sailed back to the harbor.