Day 5 | Flotilla to Alaska | Newcastle Island to Campbell River

We departed the docks at Newcastle Island this morning at 5:00a.m. Today our cruise would be a long one — all the way up the Strait of Georgia to Campbell River — about 75 nautical miles. The forecast was what we’d been hoping for, a little breezy in the morning but dying off as the day progressed and as we got further north. 

Leaving Newcastle Island docks
Leaving Newcastle Island before sunrise
Before sunrise, Strait of Georgia
Sunrise, Strait of Georgia

The conditions at the Ballenas Islands at 4:00a.m. showed wind gusting to 21kts, but by the time we got the 5:00a.m. report, after we’d left the docks, the wind had died to about 12kts. We’ll take it!

Sunrise light, Strait of Georgia

We could not have asked for a better day on the Strait. Seas rippled (or just flat calm), very little wind, and bright sun and blue skies. 

Nereus (John and Roberta’s Ocean Alexander 50)
Salish Spirit (Neil and Joni’s Helmsman 38)

It was so nice out that Laura and Kevin spent a few hours up on the flybridge!

Looking south as we get closer to Campbell River
Jester (Ralph’s Nordic Tug 39)

We arrived in at Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River by about 3:30pm, and everyone quickly got to work washing the salt off their boats, grocery shopping, doing laundry, and other chores. 

Most of the group met for dinner up at Moxie’s and we did individual weather briefings for those who wanted to go over the plan for tomorrow: Johnstone Strait! We’ll be arriving at Seymour Narrows around slack (9:43a.m.) and hopefully have a nice boost from the current for most of the day, and little wind. 

Fishing boats at dusk, Discovery Harbour Marina

Today’s total: 74.3 nautical miles, 10 hours 15 minutes underway
Flotilla total: 126.6 nautical miles, 18 hours 25 minutes underway