Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

34

GABRIOLA PASS

This is the most scenic of the three passes. It has good anchorages on

each si de of the pass, and another one half way through the passo It is a good

location from which to commence crossing Georgia Strait to either Vancouver or

Welcome Passo

The eastern end, of the pass is fronted by Breakwater Island, which divides

the current. The dangers are marked, and a mid-channe1 course is clear of alI

problems. The constriction between Josef Point on Gabriola Island, and Cordero

Point on Valdes Island, is where the currents are strongest, and boils, swells,

and occasionaI whir1pools occur downstream of this area when the current is

running. Passage should be made at or near slack water--no more than an hour

or either side. Large power boats have been known to fai1 to make headway

against the full current and have had to turn back.

However, at the proper time the passage is simple and straightforward.

Once past Josef Point the opening to the north is Degnen Bay where go od

anchorage can be taken in its northern end near a public wharf. Continuing

through the Pass effects of the current are less noticeable and once through

the next section a vessel is free to roam the Gulf Islands.

On the Gulf Is1ands side a very good anchorage is at the Marine Park at

Pirates Cove in the southern part of De Courcey Island. ~~en entering the

enclosed harbor favor the De Courcey Is1and shore, heading towards the private

house, for a reef projects underwater from the spit, and is marked by a

concrete marker. At low water there may be less than a fathom over the rocky

sill of the entrance. Pass between the marker and a buoy marking a rock. The

cove is crowded in summer. The holding is in mud on rock, and with strong

winds it will be wise to 1et aut additional scope if space permits.

Silva Bay is one of the nicest anchorages on the Strait of Georgia side of

the Gulf Islands. The harbor is formed by the protection of the many Flat Top

lslands around a cove of Gabriola Island. Shelter is availab1e from alI winds

and seas, and there is room for many vessels. Beware of the plastic water

pipes 1aid across the bay from the vi1lage to Tugboat Island--vessels anchoring

in the northern part of the ~ay can often fou1 their anchors on these pipes.

The harbor may be crowded in summer since it is a popular pIace. There is a

yacht club outstation at Tugboat Island.

The entrance to Silva Bay is tram the east, through Commodore Passage.

Note the jog that must be made around the reef, marked with a concrete pedestal

and 1ight. Stay at least 60 feet off, far the reef extends beyond the marker.

Do not pass between the marker and the south shore.

Those familiar with the bay also use the passage between Sear Island and

Gabriola Island. At low water the maximum draft that can carried through this

passage is 6 feet -- rocks and other dangers show c1ear1y. This passage leads

to the entrance of Gabriola Pass behind Breakwater Is1and.

Thrasher Rock and Gabriola Reefs lie about 1 1/2 miles northwest of Break-

water Island. Pass north around Thrasher Rock, which is a good departure or

destination point to or from the mainland. Good fishing can be had around the

reefs and around Breakwater Island.