56CORTES ISLAND ANCHORAGES
This is an island ...,ith a ... ·ealth of gaod harbors that are loIell worth
exploring. The anchorages wil1 be described in a clockwise sequence, begin-
ning trom Mary Paint (the southeast corner of the island).
Mary Paint is rocky, Idth a tew stunted trees. To the north are tWQ
islands dose to shore connected by drring ledges to Cortes Island. AbDUl l
mile east of Mary Paint is the first harbor.
Cortes Bay must be approached by steering to pass ... ·eli cleaT of the three
small, white, rocky islets and the drying, rocky ledge neaT them. At the
entrance to the harbor theTe is a rock ... ith a lighted beacon which should be
kept to starboard 00 entering. A public ... ·harf and float is 00 the west side of
the bay. Anchorage can be taken almost any...,here in about 4 or 5 fa thoms , soft
mud bottom. Allow plenty of scope far holding is moderate and sometimes .... inds
funnel into the bay. In the southwestern part of the bay i s the Cortes Bay
Marine Resort where moorage is available for a ree. Fuel. food, and other
amenities can be obtained.
Sulil Point is the southern end of Cortes Island. t.:sing Baker Passage pass
outside the lighted red bouy to clear the shoals extending south from Sutil
Point. The route turns north .... ard towards other Cortes Island anchorages.
Hanson's Landing 1ies behind some small is1ands o n the shore of Manson's
Bay. A drying 1agooo lies beyond. A public wharf is available or good anchor-
age cao be taken, mud. Astore. fuel, and other facilities are availahle.
Gorge Harbor has a unique entraoce. The "gorge" forming the.entrance is
not a true gorge. Although the western side 1s steep and high, the eastern
s1de is much lower. On an approach from the south the t...,o small Guide Islets
indicate the entrance. Pass 00 either side o f these islets (not between) then
passage through the gorge 1s taken. The entrance is about l/2 mile long -- the
narrowest part (about 200' wide) being quite short. Currents cao be fell Ioo,·hich
sometimes reach 4 knots, but passage is allo'sys possible. At the inner end pass
between small, bare, rock~' Tide Islet and the steep western shore. A public
wharf. and good anchorage off of i t i s to the northwest. ~loorage is also
available at the marina or one can anchor in the eastern side of the harbor.