184PORT ALEXANDER
With the closing of Keku Stait a vessel proceeding from Chatham Strait to
Sumner Strait has two choices. One is to go through Frederiek Sound then down
Wrangell Narrows, and on exiting turn westward into Sumner Strait. The other
is to go down Chatham Strait and round Cape Deeision into the entranee to
Sumner Strait. If the latter route is chosen then Port Alexander is a suitable
anchorage to await the best time to round Cape Decision. This harbor lies
about 5 miles north of Cape Ommaney'at the southern tip of Baranof Island. The
5mall community is oriented toward fishing.
Two islands surrounded by shoals lie ENE of the entrance. Pass well south
of them to approach from a little south of the lighthouse on the point. The
entrance channel is 400 to 500 feet wide. It lies between the lighthouse and a
red buoy (N2) marking a shoal having rocks awash. A lighted range of 334
degrees on two markers inside the harbor leads through the channel. A speed
limit of 3 miles per hour is set far the harbar.
When well inside the entrance turn northward up the harbar. Shoals accur
well out from each side so stay roughly mid-channel. The main public floats
are on the east side about 1/2 mile into the harbor -- just north of a large
wharf. The float is 450 feet long and vessels can moor on either side, 3
fathoms, open mooring. Rafting may be necessary. Another public float is in
the inner harbor about 1,500 feet further up the harbor, but the narrow ehannel
is no longer maintained and it is advisable to get Iaea 1 advice if one plans on
using it.
Across Chatham Strait there are severa 1 good anchorages in the Bay of
Pillars and in Tebenkoff Bay on Kuiu Is1and. These could be used as alterna-
tive anchorages. In these more remote anchorages there is a good chance that
brown bear can be seen -- shore excursions should be undertaken with care.Cape Decision lies about 13 miles southeast across Chatham Strait. It is a
low, bare, rocky point, with a square, white lighthouse at the tipo Deeision
Passage, through which one must pass into Sumner Strait, is 1 mile wide and
lies between the Cape and a string of islands -- Spanish Islands. In making
the passage stay we11 off Cape Decision before turning.Strong tidal rips and currents can be encauntered in the area off Cape
Decision and the stronger winds and weather of the open ocean can be felt here.
Fog often occurs in summer. Thus, it is best to wait for good, settled weather
before attempting to round Cape Decision.More adventurous sailors can take the longer route around Coronation Island
which is south of Cape Decision. This will take the ves seI past Helm Point, a
unique and conspicuous pIace. It is a f1at tableland ending in sheer cliffs
over 1.000 feet high. Thousands of seabirds nest here. With possibilities of
bad weather and fog this trip should not be 1ightly undertaken.From Cape Decision it is about lO miles northeasterly to Shakan Bay and the
entry through Shakan Strait to El Capitan Passage.