48SMUGGLERS AND SECRET COVES
Though passage up the Strait of Georgia can be accomplished on either side,
the popular route is along the mainland coast. Therefore, from Silva Bay or
Nanaimo vessels will cross the Strait to either Howe Sound or dìrectly to the
Sechelt peninsula (known as the Sunshine Coast). Merry Island, with Welcome
Passage between it and the mainland, is the usual terminaI for the crossing
because of Merry lsland Light and its proximity to Smugglers and Secret Cove5.
Welcome Passage is straishtforward and clear.
Smugglers Cave, on the mainland, comes very shortly after passing out of
the northern end of the northern end of Welcome Passage. The opening i5 no more
than 60 to 80 feet wide and is marked by a Marine Park sign on the northern
side of the passage. Favor the north or port side when entering, staying
fairly elose to the rocky cliffs where deeper water is dvailable.Once through this passage the co ve opens up. In this outer area protected
anchorage is available. Ahead lies a 5mall island with a home built on it. By
continuiog 00 between this island and the north shore (stilI favoring the north
side) a fairIy sharp turn to starboard takes one into the inner basino Here,
safe and protected by the hills and islands, quiet anchorage 00 good holding is
available no matter what the weather is in the Strait. The space is not large,
but as the depths are about 1 1/2 fathoms, several vesse1s can be aecommodated.
Do not anchor in the smal1 cove opening to the north, as it is quite shallow.
On1y small sportsfishing vessels can anchor here. In order to accommodate the
many vessels which congregate in both anchorages it i5 common practice for
boats to drop the bow hook and tie a stern line to the trees or rocks ashore.
The sharp bend may seem to limit the size of vessel that can enter the
inner anchorage but 40-foot vessels can enter without difficulty. Although
Smugglers Cove is a B.C. Marine Park and is a very popular anchorage, there are
no facilities at this site.Just 2 1/2 mi1es further up the eoast is the popular Sechelt harbor of
Secret Cove. Many marinas and facilities are available including fuel docks
and resort hotels. The Jolly Rodger Inn 1s one of the more popular places for
dining 00 this coast. There is a Royal Vancouver Yacht Club outstation and the
special1y formed Sechelt Yacht Club which was responsible for CANADA I and its
entry in the 1984 America's Cup Races. \\hen entering Secret Cove leave the
entrance light (located on a drying ledge) to starboard. The cove is congested
with no space for anchoring.Other anchorages can be found nearby, mainly in the adventuresomely named
Thormanby Islands. Anyone who has re ad Treasure lsland can't help being
thrilled by islands having features which bear such names as Buccaneer Bay and
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