Saying hello!

[Star Lord]

Hello everyone! I’m Peter. Glad to have found this forum and just wanted to say hello and briefly introduce myself.

Shifting from sailing to trawlers as my wife and I plan to cruise in our upcoming retirement.

I had a great time recently in Anacortes, getting the chance to do some boating and firm up some knowledge with some certifications. It was my first trip to the PNW and I can’t wait to get back. We will be chartering up there in 2026.

A highlight was meeting the owner of Seawolf, a Seahorse 52, and getting a tour. She was beautiful, very seaworthy, and exceptionally maintained! Leaving a photo of her helm here for you.

I’m originally from the east coast and look forward to eventually spending time on the water up there as well.

I’m actively networking and seeking opportunities as a contributing crew member to gain additional time on the water while supporting the operation of the vessel. I’m happy to share in fuel, provisions, and other reasonable trip expenses, and can travel to U.S. ports for short 2 to 3 day passages, with longer trips possible given advance planning. I’m prepared to stand watch, handle lines, man the helm, assist with navigation and light maintenance, and help with meal prep and provisioning to keep the boat running smoothly. If you’re looking for someone, I’d be delighted to discuss how I might help!

 

[Mac2]

Welcome aboard. I’ve always admired the profile of that boat. Good idea to charter first. Any idea of where you plan to go?

 

[Star Lord]

Thank you, Mac!

Arriving in Anacortes and getting to talk to people up there about places to go was a big highlight of my visit. For starters, I’d like to go for a week, so I think I’ll stay in the San Juans and Gulf Islands. The usual suspects - Poet’s, Ganges, Roche, Rosario, Doe… Connover Cove, Echo Bay on Sucia, Reid Harbor, Active Pass, Obstruction Pass. I would love any “skip it” or “must see” thoughts!

Further north - Desolation, Princess Louisa, Sunshine Coast, Dent… that entire area has bucket list places for me. Probably on a longer trip.

And yes, I can see why you’ve admired Seawolf. I thought she was much better up close than in the photos, too, FWIW. Hard to do her justice with a few small photos! Speaking of which, your profile photo is beautiful! I’ll have to dig into your posts and learn about her.

And thanks for sharing your thoughts on chartering first. We are recent empty nesters, still working, so it seems like a great time to try out some trips and the lifestyle.

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Star Lord]

Welcome aboard.

Thank you, Sir!

 

[Comodave]

No problem, we always want to welcome new members since that’s how we keep the forum alive and growing.

 

[Mac2]

All great places you listed. My personality dictates I stay in places I like for extended periods. I anchor out the whole time, so I don’t like pulling the anchor every day. How do you plan on cruising- Anchor, mooring ball, or docks?

 

[kthoennes]

Ah Poet's Cove. Fond memories, had some magical days and nights there.

 

[Star Lord]

All great places you listed. My personality dictates I stay in places I like for extended periods. I anchor out the whole time, so I don’t like pulling the anchor every day. How do you plan on cruising- Anchor, mooring ball, or docks?

That’s very interesting! Any favorite spots you like to anchor?

I like the social distance and tranquility of anchoring, and would prefer to do that for days at a time. In the near term, I think I’ll be more like a stereotypical American tourist traveling in Europe - hitting a new place every day. In part to see some of these places for the first time, in part to gain the experience at the helm.

 

[Wtrguy]

At least half of the boating we've done in 35 years has been in the San Juan's. It seems there is an anchorage around every corner. No matter which direction the weather is coming from there's a place to hide from it. And there always seems to be some sort of food "in season" to harvest.
Favorite anchorage during: crabbing season, Hunter Bay; Lopez Isle. Shrimp season, the bay south of Deer Harbor. Salmon, Reid or Prevost on Stuart. Halibut, Mackaye Harbor; Lopez. Just swinging on a hook with nothing better to do, Westcott or Garrison bay on San Juan Is.
That said, the above is but a fraction of the places a person can get lost in for days.

 

[Star Lord]

At least half of the boating we've done in 35 years has been in the San Juan's. It seems there is an anchorage around every corner. No matter which direction the weather is coming from there's a place to hide from it. And there always seems to be some sort of food "in season" to harvest.
Favorite anchorage during: crabbing season, Hunter Bay; Lopez Isle. Shrimp season, the bay south of Deer Harbor. Salmon, Reid or Prevost on Stuart. Halibut, Mackaye Harbor; Lopez. Just swinging on a hook with nothing better to do, Westcott or Garrison bay on San Juan Is.
That said, the above is but a fraction of the places a person can get lost in for days.

Love these tips, thank you! I’ll be checking them out!

 

[Mac2]

If you only have a week and it’s in the summer, I would forget about Canada from the get go. Checking in and out of the country might be a little much. The popular anchorages in the San Juans are going to be crowded in the summer, so have a backup to your backup-the reason I mentioned staying at a place you like. Wtrguy made some great suggestions, but he has the years of experience/confidence to find the nooks and crannies to anchor (25 years of going to the San Juans and I just learned something from him). As an example, I like Garrison Bay, but Ive only been able to anchor there once in the summer. I will go there first, and if crowded, move on to Westcot Bay or Roche Harbor. Either way, you can take your dinghy to the other location. Westcott Bay Shelfish company is a must visit. Prevost on Stuart is another favorite. Above locations have public docks and great trails to hike. Keep in mind most beaches are private property. Sucia is the exception-it is a park and has a lot of room for anchoring, but there will be a lot of people there.

 

[Star Lord]

If you only have a week and it’s in the summer, I would forget about Canada from the get go. Checking in and out of the country might be a little much. The popular anchorages in the San Juans are going to be crowded in the summer, so have a backup to your backup-the reason I mentioned staying at a place you like. Wtrguy made some great suggestions, but he has the years of experience/confidence to find the nooks and crannies to anchor (25 years of going to the San Juans and I just learned something from him). As an example, I like Garrison Bay, but Ive only been able to anchor there once in the summer. I will go there first, and if crowded, move on to Westcot Bay or Roche Harbor. Either way, you can take your dinghy to the other location. Westcott Bay Shelfish company is a must visit. Prevost on Stuart is another favorite. Above locations have public docks and great trails to hike. Keep in mind most beaches are private property. Sucia is the exception-it is a park and has a lot of room for anchoring, but there will be a lot of people there.

Awesome advice - appreciate it!! Thank you! Looking up Westcott Bay Shellfish Company now!