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

68

RACE A~D CURRENT PA5SAGES

The eastern portion of Johnstone Strait from Chatham Point to Ke1sey Bay
(about 21 mi1es) has steep mountains alI along the southern side, with no
chance for anchorage along that shore. There are mountains also aiong the
north side, but they are not as high, and severa1 large channels open into the
5trait joining it to the northern passes. Though the passage has much beauti-
fuI scenery it has its drawbacks for small vessels.

This relatively narrow part of the Strait has strong currents, made more
turbulent at certain areas such as Ripple Shoal, and Race and Current Passages.
Strong summer northwesterlies can kick up seas that make it a testing passage.
Sometimes too, summer fog hangs on in this part of the channel when the
remainder of the inside waters have had it burn away. To add to this there is
the constant parade of alI sorts of vesseis hurrying to or from Campbeii River.

Mayne Passage enters Johnstone Strait on the north side, opposite Ripp1e

Point. A short distance west, Knox Bay on the north shore is deep but can

offer some respite from the westerly wind and sea.

Chancellor Channel enters the Strait about 12 mi1es along, also on the

north side. Helmcken Island, with Current and Race Passages on the north and

south sides respectively, and Ripple Shoal lie in this area. Avoid Ripple

Shoal, which causes eddies and rips, staying c10ser to the shore. The shoal

lies in the red sector of the light on He1mcken Island.

Larger vessels observe a traffic separation pattern, with westbound craft

passing north of Helmcken Island in Current Passage; and eastbound using Race

Passage. 5mall vessels do not always heed this requirement. The current can

run to 6 knots in these passages, and it is always a good feeling to get by

them. If an anchorage is needed, Bi11ygoat Bay on the north side of Helmcken

Island can be used. Enter with care, for there are several rocks, is1ets, and

shoal areas though the entrance is clear.

Eari Ledge extends off Hardwicke Island for about 1/4 mile into the

channel. Stay well clear of the light marking its end, for there is a lot of

turbu1ence. Across the Strait there is the valley of Sa1mon Bay, with the

5ma!l communities of Sayward and Kelsey Bay on the western side. Kelsey Bay is

described in the foIlowing page.

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