Looking for PNW cruising group

[epearn1]

Hello! My names Ernie.
We recently relocated our trawler from San Diego to Anacortes. Never cruised the PNW so looking for a group to join that can "show us the ropes". Goal would be to spring/summer cruise the San Juan's year 1 with the goal of doing Alaska within a few years once I feel competent. I spent many years cruising Southern California into Northern Mexican waters. Brought the boat up on her own bottom earlier this year so I'm not looking on learning how to operate the boat, just wanting to learn tidal swings, currents, and gain local knowledge. I'm not looking for Slowboat or groups like that, more for a group of cruisers we can hang out with and tag along on various journeys. Any recommendations?

 

[Portage_Bay]

Hello! My names Ernie.
We recently relocated our trawler from San Diego to Anacortes. Never cruised the PNW so looking for a group to join that can "show us the ropes". Goal would be to spring/summer cruise the San Juan's year 1 with the goal of doing Alaska within a few years once I feel competent. I spent many years cruising Southern California into Northern Mexican waters. Brought the boat up on her own bottom earlier this year so I'm not looking on learning how to operate the boat, just wanting to learn tidal swings, currents, and gain local knowledge. I'm not looking for Slowboat or groups like that, more for a group of cruisers we can hang out with and tag along on various journeys. Any recommendations?

I don't know of any cruising groups, doesn't mean there aren't any, I just don't know of them. Consider joining a yacht club. Doesn't have to be an expensive high brow club. You'll meet a lot of experienced cruisers.

There are numerous good guide books. Waggoner and Douglas are two good ones to start with. On Facebook look for "Boating the inside passage".

As you gain experience and confidence you'll anchor out more than dock hop. But don't overlook the value of rubbing fenders with other cruisers when at the docks. Lots of good people, many with a lot of experience.

You'll outgrow the San Juans and Gulf Islands in a summer or three. But there's no need to rush to Ak. BC offers outstanding cruising that is overlooked by many as they head to Ak.

 

[twistedtree]

I'd suggest one of the various yacht clubs, or just get to know people in your marina and see who might be up for buddy boating. Or ask here. There are lots of people here in TF who cruise that area. Also there are often owners groups for various boat brands.

 

[SteveK]

You'll outgrow the San Juans and Gulf Islands in a summer or three.

Really? I knew I was doing something wrong.

 

[Mac2]

Really? I knew I was doing something wrong.

Right! 20+ years and I still haven’t outgrown them. Maybe we should start a support group?

 

[Iggy]

Support groups are good!

Yacht clubs are a great place to learn. At my club we have a lot of boats that just don't go anywhere and some just stay in the harbor. Which I find is true for a lot of clubs.

I have a few friends that go up and down the east coast and some that just do the New England area. Their knowledge is just mind blowing. Some are/were tug captains, worked for sea tow and alike. Join a good working men's club. These guys have a lot of know how!

 

[Portage_Bay]

Yeah, I can see how my comment could be taken the wrong way. I was responding to OP's a year or so in the San Juans then on to Ak.

Really? I knew I was doing something wrong.

Right! 20+ years and I still haven’t outgrown them. Maybe we should start a support group?

 

[Bob Cofer]

Hello! My names Ernie.
We recently relocated our trawler from San Diego to Anacortes. Never cruised the PNW so looking for a group to join that can "show us the ropes". Goal would be to spring/summer cruise the San Juan's year 1 with the goal of doing Alaska within a few years once I feel competent. I spent many years cruising Southern California into Northern Mexican waters. Brought the boat up on her own bottom earlier this year so I'm not looking on learning how to operate the boat, just wanting to learn tidal swings, currents, and gain local knowledge. I'm not looking for Slowboat or groups like that, more for a group of cruisers we can hang out with and tag along on various journeys. Any recommendations?

Welcome to the area. Fast boat, slow boat? As noted elsewhere joining a yacht club is a great way to get new cruising friends. One very affordable one is Shelter Bay Yacht Club in LaConner. All of the reciprocal benefits of the big ones at a fraction of the cost. Hope to see you on the water.

Regards,
Bob

 

[Ertyqway]

If you've got the boat in the Salish Sea already and are looking for a yacht club to connect with for cruising, start by asking around at the marina where you currently keep the boat, and branch out from there. There are a lot of great clubs in the PNW, spanning all interests and personality types. Some are specifically oriented to cruising.

 

[epearn1]

That's all for your responses. Boat is a Selene trawler, so 8 knt cruise speed. I'll look into Shelter Bay YC. Mentioned was a "Men's club". What/where do I find any info on what this is? I live in Az so boat is stored on the hard during the off season. Makes socializing with the dockmates hard.

 

[epearn1]

That's all for your responses. Boat is a Selene trawler, so 8 knt cruise speed. I'll look into Shelter Bay YC. Mentioned was a "Men's club". What/where do I find any info on what this is? I live in Az so boat is stored on the hard during the off season. Makes socializing with the dockmates hard.

That's funny! "Thanks" for the responses, not "that's all" for the responses....

 

[JackConnick]

There's lots of clubs in your area; Anacordes YC, Swinomish YC, etc. You'll need to contact them and see what their requirements for membership are, usually there's costs and you'll need someone to sponsor you. But there are a lot of advantages; outstations, reciprocal, buddy boating, events.

 

[MichaelD]

Some good, inexpensive video seminars on cruising in the San Juan’s, covering currents, etc. America’s Boating Club of the San Juan Islands.

 

[smith6]

Hello! My names Ernie.
We recently relocated our trawler from San Diego to Anacortes. Never cruised the PNW so looking for a group to join that can "show us the ropes". Goal would be to spring/summer cruise the San Juan's year 1 with the goal of doing Alaska within a few years once I feel competent. I spent many years cruising Southern California into Northern Mexican waters. Brought the boat up on her own bottom earlier this year so I'm not looking on learning how to operate the boat, just wanting to learn tidal swings, currents, and gain local knowledge. I'm not looking for Slowboat or groups like that, more for a group of cruisers we can hang out with and tag along on various journeys. Any recommendations?

Hi Ernie, I live in Anacortes and have cruised this area must if my adult life. Currently boat less but would be happy to meet with you and go over charts of area if you like.

 

[porman]

Also check out the Roche Harbor Yacht Club. I'm not a member but know people that are.
Friendly group.

 

[mtreels]

If you don't have one yet, order the latest Waggoner Guide for the most comprehensive guide to anchorages, marina and places to go in WA and beyond. Be sure to sign up for their weekly e-newsletter too, for regional boaters news, stories, destinations and articles. They support an annual flotilla to AK too. That Selene must experience Alaska!
Every PNW boater should have that Guide.

 

[Moonfish]

There is also the Fidalgo Yacht Club in Anacortes. Agree with others, joining a local yacht club would be your best bet to gain quick cruising friends and glean lots of knowledge.

 

[Nepidae]

You should contact the MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) at mtoa.net.
The are a cruising group on steroids. A lot of benefits with a membership.
They are also all, pretty much, trawler owners and have great insight into your boat and can help you with a wide variety of questions through their forum.
Any questions you can PM me but the web site is pretty informative.
IF you decide to join, use my number 3927, I get a pin.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Waggoner Guide is an excellent source.

I did a search on Google:

Puget sound cruising groups

Seattle Boat Show end of January. Good luck

 

[epearn1]

You should contact the MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) at mtoa.net.
The are a cruising group on steroids. A lot of benefits with a membership.
They are also all, pretty much, trawler owners and have great insight into your boat and can help you with a wide variety of questions through their forum.
Any questions you can PM me but the web site is pretty informative.
IF you decide to join, use my number 3927, I get a pin.

I'll definitely look into it. Do you know if there is a local chapter in the PNW?

 

[epearn1]

Hi Ernie, I live in Anacortes and have cruised this area must if my adult life. Currently boat less but would be happy to meet with you and go over charts of area if you like.

Thanks! I may look you up when I'm there next time.

 

[heysteve]

Another resource I don't see mentioned very often is the Salish Sea Pilot website/guides. Their PDF guides are very well done and easy to use. They're downloaded so you don't need an internet connection to use. A nice complement to Waggoners.

 

[slowgoesit]

I'll definitely look into it. Do you know if there is a local chapter in the PNW?

As of 2 years ago, MTOA didn't have many members in PNW, and no local chapter. We were one of the few MTOA members there, although we DID participate in an MTOA rendezvous that took place with a bunch of MTOA members from the East Coast who chartered boats out of Bellingham, WA for a weeklong cruise through the San Juans. We were one of two boats out about about 13 who had our own boats in the PNW.
Great organization, and even if you don't "cruise" with MTOA members, I feel the forum is worth it.

 

[Eastsounder]

That's all for your responses. Boat is a Selene trawler, so 8 knt cruise speed. I'll look into Shelter Bay YC. Mentioned was a "Men's club". What/where do I find any info on what this is? I live in Az so boat is stored on the hard during the off season. Makes socializing with the dockmates hard.

Selene has a PNW owners group that has a rendezvous at Roche Harbor marina in April. Might want to come up from Az for the weekend to meet and mingle. Celebrating the 2024 West Coast Selene Rendezvous at Roche Harbor

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

As of 2 years ago, MTOA didn't have many members in PNW, and no local chapter. We were one of the few MTOA members there, although we DID participate in an MTOA rendezvous that took place with a bunch of MTOA members from the East Coast who chartered boats out of Bellingham, WA for a weeklong cruise through the San Juans. We were one of two boats out about about 13 who had our own boats in the PNW.
Great organization, and even if you don't "cruise" with MTOA members, I feel the forum is worth it.

We are members of MTOA. There are a few of us, but not many.

 

[BoondocksHawks]

Another vote here for the Waggoner guide and the Salish Sea Pilot. Enjoy your new cruising grounds.

 

[Bob Cofer]

This one is well written and very informative. This written by local folks, they also have one for the Guld Islands.

San Juan Islands Cruising Guide: A Boater's Guidebook 2nd Edition 2021

San Juan Islands Cruising Guide: A Boater's Guidebook, is the newest, most up to date guide featuring the vibrant and pristine anchorages of Washington state’s

www.amnautical.com

 

[Eastsounder]

This one is well written and very informative. This written by local folks, they also have one for the Guld Islands.

San Juan Islands Cruising Guide: A Boater's Guidebook 2nd Edition 2021

San Juan Islands Cruising Guide: A Boater's Guidebook, is the newest, most up to date guide featuring the vibrant and pristine anchorages of Washington state’s

www.amnautical.com

I second that, and like to use their SJI and Gulf Islands guides alongside Waggoners. (They’ve also written guides to Pacific Mexico and the Sea of Cortez — not that I’ve had occasion to use either of those, unfortunately)

 

[slowgoesit]

For my money, the Douglass guide books do a much MUCH better job of detailing cruising areas than the Waggoner guide.

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/exploring-the-san-juan-and-gulf-islands-cruising-paradise-of-the-pacific-northwest_don-douglass_reanne-hemingway-douglass/512535/#edition=4571943&idiq=2559228