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MOSQUITO PASS
- Follow the channel markers (or other boats)
- No short cuts
- Avoid the S. End of Henry Island
The genesis for this article began in a friendly disagreement with a well respected charter operator. He claimed he does not allow his first year charter customers to transit Mosquito Pass from Roche Harbor to visit the beautiful Westcott and Garrison Bays. In his experience there have been too many groundings in the past. Other charter operators agreed, thus typically denying their customers the chance to visit two of the most scenic and popular anchorages in the San Juan Islands. The answer is really vigilance and better local knowledge. In "Exploring the San Juan and Gulf Islands" cruising guide, Don Douglass shows a curving route which if carefully followed will avoid the problem areas. Positioning oneself on the proper course in the fairway through the pass is relatively easy as the shore line on both sides allows for easy reference. The key is follow the curved route to the R "6" buoy and not navigate directly to it. Likewise, if you are headed to Westcott and Garrison Bays, do not cut the corner to the left side of R "6" when headed south, and avoid the fouled end of White Point. Likewise, use vigilance when entering Mosquito Pass from the south by Hanbury Point using a curving route that threads a course through R "2" to G "3", to R "4". It sounds like basic navigation, but you would be surprised how many boats cut the corners and run aground.
While the diagram shown on this page illustrates this route very clearly looking at the different charts in the sidebar on
shows you how one could become confused if quickly referencing the charts with an occasional
glance, while underway. Also, as you will see in the sidebar, the charts can each present a different view based on the map
making style of different cartographers emphasizing some areas and presenting less detail in others. As you will see in the
examples, referencing the charts may not be quite enough and local knowledge from your favorite cruising guide may be
the best assistance.
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