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

38

BLAINE, WASHINGTON

Semiahmoo Spit helps to enclose the protected area known as Drayton Harhor.
Blaine, a V.S. Port of Entry is located on the eastern side of the harbor. A
protective dike and hreakwater encloses the port of Blaine. The port is
entered through an opening which is apposite the end of Semiahmoo Spit.

The eastern end of Blaine harbor (a subsidiary of the Port of Bellingham
which is operated by Whatcom County) has a series of long docks forming a boat
haven. The western portion of these floats are for commerciaI fishing vesse1s
-- the eastern floats are far yachts. The harbormaster'5 office i5 a 5ma11
building between these two sections and transient boat space is available
immediately helow this office.

The western end of Biaine harhor is commerciaI and inciudes a repair yard

with haul-out facilities, a tidal grid, and fish unloading docks. Use of the

tidai grid can be arranged through the harbormaster for a small fee. A fuel

dock is in the harbor while various stores are about a haIf mile away.

Semiahmoo Yacht Basin is an alternative which can be entered through an

opening in the floating breakwater hehind Semiahmoo Spit. Immediately to the

right, on the inside of the breakwater is a fuel station where temporary

moorage can be taken while the harbormaster is being contacted. His office is

in the elevated booth on top of the building behind the float. Transients are

usually berthed in the western portion of the basin where there are several

spaces available. Facilities here are very clean and include a laundromat,

showers, and astore handling sundry items. Any major shopping will have to be

done in Blaine, which though only a couple of miles away by water i5 about 7

miles around the scenic road which skirts Drayton Harbor.

Anchorage can be taken in Drayton Harbor west of Semiahmno Yacht Basin.

The sketch shows the extensive shoal area. Southerly or southeasterly winds

can kick up a nasty chop in the harbor.

Entry into the o.S. can be easily made from either marina. CalI U.S.

Customs at 332-6318 from telephone booths ashore and clearance may be obtained

either by phone or an inspector wi1l come out to inspect the vessel and crew.

After 5:00 p.m. or on Sundays and holidays calI 800-562-5943.

Blaine i5 a 5mall border town, so if any major refitting is needed, better

price5 may be obtained in Bellingham or Seattle (a short trip by bus) or across

the border in Vancouver.

WHITE ROCK, BRITISH COLL~BIA

Acros5 the bay i5 White Rock, a Canadian Port of Entry. A long pier

protrudes from the shore with a short break~ater at right angles to the end.

Proceed around the breakwater to the dock on the eastern side. A calI can be

made from the "telephone booth at the shore end of the pier to Canadian Customs

at 531-7581. An inspector will C08e to clear the vessel after a short delay.

After obtaining a Cruising Permit one can sail in Canadian waters with little

red tape. A long, wide, sandy beach extends on either side af the pier.