54DESOLATION SOUND ANCHORAGES
This pretty and deservedly popular area is ~orth a slight digression off
the direct passage route to the north. B.C. Marine Parks cover much of the
most attractive areas. There is often over-cro~ding during the summer months
when many yachtsmen from the Pacific Northwest congregate here during the
summer vacation. However, several different anchorages can be chosen.
Desolation Sound opens to the northeast as one rounds Sarah Point at the
tip of Maslaspina Peninsula. On a lovely summer's day it is difficult to
reconcile the name that Captain Vancouver gave this beautiful area.
After passing the bold shape of Zephine Head, Galley Bay opens up. It i5
open to the north but go od anchorage can be taken in calm weather. Tenedos Bay
lies ahead. Give Bold Head a wide berth as a dangerous rock lies close to it
while Ray Rock and its reef lie offshore. Once into the cliff-edged, deep bay
there are three choices far anchorage. On the eastern side is a cove with a
beach and a stream descending from Dnvine Lake. A stern line ashore i5 neces-
sary. Other anchorages are on the shelves on either side of the island in the
northwest head of the bay. The island is connected to the shore by a drying
ledge -- anchorages are in the narrow coves on each side. The holding is
moderate (rock and mud), stern lines ashore are helpful. Several rocks are
located on the shore of the island thus anchorage close to shore is inadvis-
able. Except for occasionaI gusty winds the area is qui te well protected in
the lee of the cliffs and the island.
Severa! anehorages further along Homfray Channel are around the bulk of
land forming Bold Head. These are the Prideaux Haven anchorages noted below:Otter Island anchorage lies between the island and the mainland. It is a
narrow, but navigable space with room far one or two boat5. Avoid Sky Pilot
Rock (dries) which lies about 1/4 mile north off the entrance into the channel.
Everleigh Anchorage is the southwestern cove between Everleigh Island and the
mainland. A drying reef connects the island to the mainland and separates this
anchorage from Prideaux Haven on the south~est side.Prideaux Haven and Melanie Cove are entered through the narrow channel between
Luey Point (the east end of Everleigh Island) and Oriel Rock (part of the
William Islands group). The passage is clear in mid-channel. A drying rock is
elose to Lucy Point and a shelf extends a short distance south of the point.
Prideaux Haven anchorage lies to the west where it is fairly open and deep.
Melanie Cave is past Melanie Point to the east. This is a long, narrow cave
with clear, green water. A stream empties into the head of the bay. The
shores of the co ve are deeded to the Universit~ of British Columbia. Please
heed signs asking that no fires be lit ashore and that alI garbage be removed.
Laura Cove is entered between Copplestone Point and a rock off the east end of
Copplestone Island. The entrance is narrow but easy. No passage should be
taken between the rock and the island. This i5 an attractive, good anchorage.Roffey Island anchorage is entered from the north, off Homfray Channel and is a
very snug anchorage for a maximum of two boats. Drying ridges on the sides
reduce the available space.