122FOGGY BAY
The distance between the Ports of Entry of Prince Rupert and Ketchikan is
about 90 miles; in bet~een Iies Dixon Entrance. This is more than a norma l
day's travel for the average yacht. Thus Foggy Bay and Brundige Inlet on
Dundas Island are anchorages that ~ill help to break this distance in~o conven-
ient stages. One method ~ould be to use Brundige Inlet for the voyage north,
and Foggy Bay for the trip south. However, the crossing of Dixon Entrance is
a major step and a skipper might prefer to cross ~hen he can. If Foggy Bay is
to be used on the trip up, then it i5 advisable that V.S. Custorns in Ketchikan
be called from Prince Rupert for permission to stop over in Foggy Bay before
entering Ketchikan the next day.
The fnitiai portion of the crossing is in Chatham Sound, in the lee of
Dundas Isiand. It is after passing Green Island Lighthouse and the light on
Holiday Island at the northwestern tip of Dundas Island that the yacht faces
the lO miles of the actuai crossing of Dixon Entrance. Tree Point Lighthouse
in Alaska i5 a ~elcome sight indicating the cr055ing i5 completed, but the
s~ell stilI crashes on the lee shore as one moves up into Revillagigedo
Channel. Seven miles from Tree Point is Foggy Point, and the entrance into
Foggy Bay. The swell marks the reefs and rocks that surround the bay.
When turning into Foggy Bay one should clear the reefs that extend about
1/2 mile north of Foggy Point, then steer to pass south of the submerged reefs
that extend about 3/4 mile south and southeast of DeLong Islands. Ahead, on
the east si de of the bay an obvious opening leads into Very Inlet. The
entrance to an excellant anchorage lies south of this opening, behind a large,
wooded island. As one closes the shore the entrance becomes clearer, but never
obvious because the land behind appears to enclose it. Stay clear of the reefs
in the entrance, until the channel leading behind the island is visible.
Though narrow, a mid-channel route leads easily into the wider basin where
anchorage can be taken in 5 to 6 fathoms, mud.
The southern openings into the basin at the south end of the large island
are shallow, drying at low water. They give a vie~ into the outer bay where
swell marks the reef. If entering during the lc~er part of the tide the
various rocks, reefs, and shoals are clearly visible.
Anchorage can be taken in Very Inlet, but it can only be entered at high
water slack because of the rapids at the narro~s, hence it is not useful for a
transient vessel. Anchorage can a1so be taken in the outer part af Foggy Bay
(southeast corner) ~here a pipeline from a spring gives good water. However,
this anchorage is more exposed and less desirable.
There are additional anchorages in this area. Kah Shakes Cove is about 5
miles north of Foggy Bay. Ray Anchorage and ~forse Cove on Duke Island can be
used. The latter anchorage has a narrow entrance ~ith a drying rock near
mid-channel and thU5 should be entered at lo~ water. Since there are many
rock5 in this area it i5 not a recommended choice. In Canadian ~aters
anchorage can be taken in Brundige Inlet on Dundas Island. For sketch see page
197.