Cruise #2 - Going into Sechelt Inlet - The Rapids
Ready for the Rapids.
Much is said about the Skookumchuck Rapids - enough to put fear in the heart of many a sailor BUT they really are very easy if you follow some common sense. The fear is generated by residents like me who enjoy the solitude of the inlet and are delighted that so few venture in.
Much is said about the Skookumchuck Rapids - enough to put fear in the heart of many a sailor BUT they really are very easy if you follow some common sense. The fear is generated by residents like me who enjoy the solitude of the inlet and are delighted that so few venture in.
They are no problem if you go at slack. It does not matter too much which way the current will be changing after if you go at the slack. There is enough time to get through without concern. You should exercise great caution not to approach the rapids too early when they are flooding. You might be drawn in and with currents approaching 12 knots with whirlpools and overfalls it will not be fun and could be a disaster. Wait for slack is the common sense approach.
You might go at other times! Some of the large tugs and such go through at the craziest of times but I don't recommend it for a sailboat. If the current is with you - flooding AND the maximum current for that flood is under 9 knots then you can safely go as late as 45 minutes either side of the slack provided you are confident of your engine and your steering skills. Any time later or on a large flood can be suicidal. Lives have been lost! The shortest route is the preferred route. See the BLUE line on the chart here. Head right through the middle of the channel between Boom Islet and the main shore and go a bit past the center line of the bay you enter. Now head for the centre of the next passage between the Sechelt Islets and the main shore. This is where the strongest current is usually found and it tends to carry you to the left towards the shoals and rocks. But then you are through. Head straight down the pass bearing to the left to avoid the shoal off the light on Skookum Island and on into the inlet proper.
An alternate used by many of the locals and particularly the larger more powerful vessels is shown as a RED line on the chart. This is perfectly safe for sailboats but sometimes a bit nerve racking as the current carries you down towards the Sechelt Islets while you cut the angle. Everyone seems to make it with no problem.
You've made it through. Whew!
Now explore the great Sechelt Inlet in peace.
An alternate used by many of the locals and particularly the larger more powerful vessels is shown as a RED line on the chart. This is perfectly safe for sailboats but sometimes a bit nerve racking as the current carries you down towards the Sechelt Islets while you cut the angle. Everyone seems to make it with no problem.
You've made it through. Whew!
Now explore the great Sechelt Inlet in peace.
Click pictures to see large