Barkley Sound to Becher Bay

The final leg of a counter-clockwise circumnavigation of Vancouver Island is from Barkley Sound into the Strait of Juan de Fuca.   On the Canadian side, Port Renfrew is the only protection between Barkley Sound and Sooke.

The typical summer weather pattern calls for calm conditions in the early morning, with a westerly sea breeze building by afternoon, often to 30+ knots.

Currents in the Strait of Juan de Fuca can be strong.  This can speed up the passage, especially for sailboats.  Or, they can substantially slow the trip.  When the wind blows against the current, steep, sometimes-dangerous seas result.  Pay attention to the current when planning to transit the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Several weather resources make the trip less nerve-racking.  Lighthouses at Cape Beale, Pachena Point and Carmanah Point provide regular weather updates.  Automated stations at Shearingham Point and Race Rocks report hourly wind speed and direction.  The Neah Bay weather buoy (46088) provides regular wind speed updates, and the New Dungeness buoy (46088) provides wind speed, direction, and sea state.  Put together, you can get a picture of conditions on the Strait before venturing out.

For more information visit our partner site Waggoner Cruising Guide.   For all your yacht provisioning and marina reservations call our main desk at 778-432-0477.   If you’re looking for a superyacht marina we accept 65′ to 180′ vessels.  Phone or book online to reserve your slip or book the ultimate yacht Rendezvous.