Sailing Vancouver

[KeannaBanana]

How long would it take to sail around Bowen Island in a 470 or a laser 1 ?

[Capt Phil]

How much wind are you expecting? Capt Phil

[Astrid]

Bowen island is something like 20-25miles around if you stand off from the shore a safe distance. Laser 1's and 470's are dinghies, are they not? I would plan on setting aside a full day to make the circumnavigation (as in dawn til dusk in case you need to beat upwind a portion of the way). Much will depend on the wind and current speed and direction which can be quite variable.

[KeannaBanana]

yes they are dinghies thank you thats very helpful

[serah]

Also, where are you starting and leaving from? If you have to make it back to somewhere in Vancouver, you'll have to go around Pt. Atkinson, which can be rather miserable in a small boat, due to the confluence of Burrard Inlet, the Fraser River, Howe Sound & Georgia Straight. Assuming you'll be doing it during the day, you'll have inflows for most of the day up Howe Sound, IIRC. Remember, the outside of Bowen is quite open (~30 miles from the SE) and can get quite rough. It's possible, but a challenge. Make sure you have handheld VHF with you.

[KeannaBanana]

Yeh I definatly will be bringing a handheld VHF and I am not sure yet like where I am leaving from and which way I am gonna a go and such I was just wondering if it is a possibility for a day sail Thanks so much !

[jackdale]

If you are going to give it a go check both the currents and winds. If they are going in opposite directions you will get steep waves, resulting in a very uncomfortable ride.

[DRS]

I've done the inside of Bowen in a 15 foot power boat many times on a good day. The outside (Straight of Georgia) could be interesting on a good day and down right dangerous in the boats you mentioned on a bad day. Winds are often unpredictable inside due to the many islands and wind directions. Outflows from Howe Sound can and will knock down big boats. The issue as I see it is that the weather conditions that will make it possible to sail between Cape Roger Curtis and Point Cowan and Point Cowan to Hood Point are probably going to mean the wind around the back side of Bowen will be minimal at best.
Not saying don't do it. Just be sure you have an exit strategy when things get dicey.

ps Watch out for the big white boats. They'll sneak up on you quickly

[KeannaBanana]

alright thats very good to know I am glad I asked ! hahaha i may have to re consider Thanks all !

[Old Soul Wayne]

Perhaps a safer and just as cool a ride is from Deep Cove to Raccoon island or something else up the Indian Arm.
Cheers,
Wayne

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