South Sound Sailing Society Ship-to-Shore : June 1995

Letters : Willow’s Alaska Cruise

Willow is a 30 foot wood leeboard cat yawl. She was built locally, by Carl Brownstein & Patrick Barmes, with unskilled labor, provided by us. She was designed by Phil Bolger, of Gloucester Mass., to our request for a shallow draft, 2 ft., simply rigged boat to cruise the Sound and nearby waters.

Four years after launching, we took the plunge. We set out for a four-month cruise to SE Alaska, in May of last year. We ultimately traveled farther than expected, getting to Juneau, Glacier Bay, and Sitka : covering 3,000 miles by our return to Olympia. Needless to say, all very beautiful and a boost to the spirit.

We experienced relatively little stormy weather and found the anchorages secure, although rather deep. We relied heavily on the engine — as hear most do on this route. But had some nice downwind runs on the way home. A sheltered steering station greatly increased comfort. The radar (one of the new, very small, Furunos) paid for itself the few times fog was encountered.

To those considering this trip, we pass on the recommendation given us by others who had done it — go! A lot of experience, which we lacked, is not required. A good push from your wife is helpful.

Thanks to SSSS members Barbara and Rick Blacker for house and pet sitting, without which we could not have gone.

1. Charlie’s Charts, North to Alaska, C.E Wood
   
2. Secrets of Cruising North to Alaska, Hugo Anderson — also preparing a guide to NW part of BC coast
   
3. Cruising Beyond Desolation Sound, John Chappell
   
4. SE Alaska Current Atlas, Randel Washburne
   
5. Visit Alaska, SE Alaska Harbor and Boating Facility Directory, Dept. Transportation, PO Box 3-1000 Juneau 99802, (907)789-6274
   
6. How to Cruise to Alaska Without Rocking the Boat Too Much, Walt Woodward
   
7. Capt. Jack’s Alaska Tide & Current Tables
   
8. 1000 Anchorages, Olympia to Skagway, Ki Punches (approximate title)
   
9. Exploring the Inside Passage to Alaska, Don Douglass & Reanne Hemingway — recently published, looks good