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~