Queen Charlotte Strait Crossing

Queen Charlotte Strait is about 15 miles wide.  The prevailing winds are from the northwestern in the summer and the southeast in the winter.  In the summer, winds are often lighter in the morning.

Typically, by late morning or early afternoon, a sea breeze will begin, and by mid-afternoon, it can increase to 30 knots with very rough seas.  The sea breeze usually quiets at sundown.

Tom Taylor, the owner of the now-closed Greenway Sound Marina Resort, has crossed the strait between Wells Passage and Port McNeil hundreds of times and tells us that in good weather he could go (in a fast boat) as late as 2:00 p.m.  Any given day can go against the north, however.  Skippers should treat Queen Charlotte Strait with great respect.

Weather information: The wind report from Herbert Island, in the Buckle Group, can be a good reference for approaching northwesterly winds.  If it’s no blowing at Herbert Island, there’s a good chance Queen Charlotte Strait will be okay.  if Herbert island is windy, however, Queen Charlotte Strait probably will be next.

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.