Crew Wanted: Ocean Work Next Week - PNW the Real Thing

[andrewsc]

There is not really one place where the outflow from the river meets the incoming tide with resultant standing waves. The wave action is still driven by the wind and swell meeting the outflow from the river. Large river flows like what we have now create stronger ebb flows and weaker floods. The main thing to consider is that the turn to flood can be significantly delayed when there is flow at the levels we will be having this week. The turn to flood will be at least an hour off predicted this week and you may not see much more than a "turn to slack". I would try and time my passage between the jetties at mid flood.

The other thing to consider with strong outflow/ebb is that the bar conditions will be worse than the summer and that those effects will extend farther to the north and west. I would probably make my turn in at the CR. In the summer I would turn at #3 and have even gone between 3 and 5 in lake like conditions. If you are in too close you will suffer the outflow conditions longer on your approach.

If you are heading to Ilwaco I would stay on the north side of the ship channel. North of the ship channel in "middle ground" can be rough. If you are going to come in from the south and use the south side (which usually has lighter seas) be aware that the current will set you toward Clatsop spit. Keep an eye on your position and track.

With a little planning and waiting for a decent window it is an easy trip.
Enjoy.

[captain58sailin]

Good journey Newt, I hope you guys have fun.

[s/v Beth]

Enter towards mid flood and take the south side of the ship channel (going to Warrenton) Got it. You guys are the greatest. I appreciate all the positive karma out there.

[BeulahBelle]

Have you found your crew for Astoria?

Dwoodjr
BeulahBelle

[webejammin]

Let up know how it went

[delmarrey]

Newt,
Don't know if you've left yet, but there is a low moving into the PNW in the middle of this week. Friday (27th) thru Sundays is supposed to be better.

Prediction >>> Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers - PassageWeather

[webejammin]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

Newt,
Don't know if you've left yet, but there is a low moving into the PNW in the middle of this week. Friday (27th) thru Sundays is supposed to be better.

Prediction >>> Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers - PassageWeather

Great link I saved it and try "anamiated" for long range forcast. It will come in handy later this summer.

[zeehag]

if you can handle the prefrontal winds, is a good time to sail out of anywhere with a heavy boat....just sayin.....for the pnw storms, prefrontals can be a lil high--might want to reef before leaving...

[letsgocruising]

Thank you for the weather link:

Prediction >>> Sailing Weather - Marine Weather Forecasts for Sailors and Adventurers - PassageWeather

[Strait Shooter]

A fuel issue delayed laying over in Neah Bay as planned and we missed any window we did have off the coast (not to mention a bar arrival under less than perfect conditions). Although Newt did get a taste of the Sound when the fuel issue occurred. I'm sure he'll share his experience when he gets back in port.

Newt is in route as I type this from Bellingham to Port Townsend. I'll be going aboard tomorrow early a.m. barring further issues. We've got favorable forecasts through the Straits and it looks like it could shape up to be a good sail down the coast.

15-20 knots from the SSW with 4-5 ft wind waves on a 40' Bob Perry performance cruiser in open water for 150 NM.

It's a rough life but someone's gotta do it.

[s/v Beth]

Well, for all those that told me "I told you so" . It is a little hard to talk about his, but the short of if is the weather did not change for the better, and SS and I got our A$$es handed to us about 20miles down the coast and about 12 miles off shore. It was a mild gale as far as gales are concerned, probably only 30-35knt winds with swells at about 12 feet with wind waves on top of that. Pouring rain with temperatures in the 40's.
The boat did great, we did not do as well. She is in Neah bay awaiting a rematch. I am in the market for offshore exposure wear and will attempt again the last week of May. Humility is not hard to come by out there.

[captain58sailin]

Don't worry Newt, we have all been humbled by Mother Ocean, at one time or another, anyone who says they haven't, haven't been there or are fools.

[CharlieCobra]

No doubt about that...

[zeehag]

newt--it does get better--make sure your weather window is a good one and come on down. is perfect weather her so far...hail--if i can make it in a leaky old boat, you can do it in a decent one.....will toast mother nature when we meet...

[Cheechako]

Yeah.... it's a rough coast.... often called the graveyard of the Pacific... A bit early maybe, or just a bit unlucky maybe!. You'll make it. Glad you're safe....