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

64

SEYMOUR NARROWS AND DISCOVERY PASSAGE

This famous passage, with its high-velocity tidal currents, appears to be

a big obstacle when approached for the first time. Ho_ever, as the B.C. Coast

Pilot points out, navigation through the passage is simple if done at, or near,

slack water. For most of the passage a mid-channel course is alI that i5

needed.

When going north leave Campbell River against the last of the flood (which

sets south) p1anning on being at Seymour Narrows at slack water. It is about 8

miles from Campbell River docks to the south entrance of Seymour Narrows. At

Race Point, on the fIood, there are rips and swirls that occur well to the east

of it so give it a wide berth on passing -- it is less disturbed on the ebb.

If Seymour Narrows is taken at the slack there is little prob1em in passing

through. The stream now turning favorable. it might be carried alI the way

through Johnstone Strait, but if anchorages are needed several are available.

A similar pattern should be fcllcwed when going south, i.e. taking the

northern part of Discovery Passage against the last of the ebb to reach Seymour

Narrows at Separation Head about slack water. Again. the passage should be

simple and the favoring stream will carry one to Campbell River or cut past

Cape Mudge.

Anchorages are available on either side of Seymour Narrows to allow passage

through at slack even if the turn is to an unfavorable direction. Since the

velocity of the stream can increase quite rapidly an hour or so past the

change, it behooves a slow vessel to reach its anchorage before the current is

too strong.

The blasting of Ripple Rock (a double-headed rock at the southern end of

Seymour Narrows) in 1958 with the largest non-nuclear explosive charge has

reduced the tidal disturbances that used to occur. Ho~ever, the rips, whirl-

pools, and swirls associated with the current at full strength are stilI

awe-inspiring. Only large vessels with speeds in excess of 17 knots can

attempt the channel at times other than near slack water. Nevertheless, this

can be dangerous, and large vessels have been swamped ~hen caught in the

violent rips and whirlpools. If one is in the passage at other than slack

water remember that the vessel going with the current has less contraI than the

one going against it. It is strongly recommended that travel through Seymour

Narrows be done only at, or near, slack water.

Anchorages on the south side of Seymour Narrows are:

• Campbell River, Quathiaski Cove, and Gowlland Harbour
  Menzies Bay, behind Defender Shoal (if anchorage close to the Narrows is
  needed.

Anchorages on the north side of Seymour Narrows are:

• Otter Cove at the end of Discovery Passage


• Granite Bay in Kamish Bay


• Plumper Bay towards its southeast corner, keeping clear of the shoal area


• Brown Bay on the west shore, opposite Plumper Bay, _here there is a small
  resort with mooring slips behind a floating tank-car ~r:a:wat~r. Fuel, water
  and other supplies are available. 41 S~ 4~