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

72

YUCULTA RAPIDS ANO OENT RAPIDS

Two routes lead from the north end of Georgia Strait to Johnstone Strait
and thence on to the waters of northern British Columbia. The Seymour Narrows-
Discovery Passage route is more direct although it is influenced throughout its
length by currents. It is heavily used by commercial fishermen, tugs, etc.
The alternative route uses the northern passes and is more interesting while
the high currents at the passses are interspersed by str~ches of calm water.
Yachtsmen tend to favor these northern passes. I

The entrance into this northern route is through Calm Channel which is

between Stuart and Sonora Islands. Stuart Island settlement is in a tiny cove

north of Harbott Point at the southern entrance to Calm Channel. There is a

small government dock with two floats attached, and the fuel float is beyond

them. Space is limited, and it can be crowded in late summer. Astore and

restaurant are behind the dock. Several cabins are scattered along the shore.

~hen travelling north, leave the Stuart Island dock about one hour before

the tide turns to the ebbe (Remember the flood runs south and the ebb runs

north in this channel.) Hold close to the Stuart Island shore till off Kelsey

Point then cross over to take advantage of a back eddy along the Sonora lsland

shore. Swing clear of Sea Lion Rock. A light is on the east tip of the

largest Giliard Island. The pass is immediately north of the light. One

should enter Gillard Pass no more than 20 minutes before high water siack. The

current tables are essential far correct timing, for the change in current

direction does not always coincide with the tidal change.

Barber Passage lies northeast of Gillard Passage. While free of dangers,

it is not as convenient to use. Big Bay lies to the east of these rapids and

is a resort which has a government dock. It is very crowded in summer.

Dent Rapids are 2 miles northwest of Gillard Passage along Cordero Channel.

The narrowest section is about 1/4 mile wide. The strong currents at peak

create a standing wave off the tip of Little Dent Island with a large whirlpool

"Devil's Hole," occurring down current. Favor the Sonora Isiand shore to avoid

these turbulent waters. Do not pass close to Littie Oent Is1and for the back

eddy will push one towards the whiripool. When travelling south pIan to be at

Dent Rapids at low slack. Since this occurs 25 minutes prior to Gillard

Passage one enters it at the right time to pass through Yucuita Rapids about

1/2 hour into the flood. Do not attempt Tugboat Passage between Oent Islands

as 10cal knowledge is essential. Mermaid Bay is frequently used by log booms

and pleasure craft find little space here to anchor.

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