Sailing from BC to San-Francisco in September

Created by doina. Last modified on 2008-01-24 14:44:52
Topic: Routing
Countries: Canada, USA

We plan to sail from Victoria to San Francisco in mid/late September 08. We would choose to go 50-100 mi offshore. We have a Hanse401 and a reduced (mom & dad) crew with limited offshore experience. Any advice on the weather or other concerns at that time of year.

Late August or early September is still ok to head south, but you need to keep an eye on the weather. You are absolutely right to go immediately offshore and stay in deep water.

What concerns me is the comment that your crew has limited offshore experience. How limited is... limited? Under good weather conditions this should be an easy trip but what concerns me is that if the weather deteriorates and you are under pressure from your crew to run for shelter, most ports along that coast are dangerous to enter and you may be much safer staying offshore... but, as I said, your crew may not like that option. What then?

Jimmy Cornell, noonsite