15 orcas socializing in Rosario Strait (T36's, T65A's and T99's)

June 17, 2023 – With a forecast of strong winds to the South we initially headed North. However with a report of Orcas at Anacortes oil refinery we changed tack to Shaw Island and then a fast close hauled sail on the ebb current to lead us into Upright Channel. The orcas were reported as West bound so we continued at a good speed to round Upright head and take Thatcher Pass and a beam reach across to Washington Park near Anacortes.

We met the T36s, T99s and T65A matrilines of orcas who were pointed south in some lumpy 3-4’ rollers. Being just within our comfort zone we sailed alongside and the lumpy conditions smoothed out as the ebb diminished and the flood began. The Orcas held position on a treadmill swimming against the current for a long time with some playful behaviour in the large group. I expected them to turn but they didn’t, so eventually we turned and the current quickly swept us up Bellingham Channel sailing at 9 knots.

The forest on the East side of Cypress is spectacular and there were harbor porpoises on the other side of the strong current line. A Minke whale was reported as foraging here amongst the bait balls marked by birds this morning but we didn’t find it. After coming through the Cone Islands we came close to shore and rounded to the West side of Cypress catching back eddies under Eagle Cliff. Harbor seals, bald eagles and stunning views. By Tide Point we had to come back out into the strong current and building wind to cross Rosario Strait.

After clearing Obstruction Island it was clear winds were building to the South so we took Harney Channel, now renamed to Cayou Channel, and that gave us good protection and a beautiful sail back to Friday Harbor.