Endorphin Marine

Sailing in Howe Sound

Sailing in Howe Sound is a great area to get you feet wet for those new to sailing. Although, it may seem to be a remote area it is surprisingly close to Vancouver and the scenery is remarkable. In the southern end of the sound there is are varying challenges to the new sailor but there is a lot of leeway if you get into trouble. On the west side of Queens Charlotte Channel there are numerous bay that you can drop you anchor. There are three Royal Canadian Marine Secure and Rescue Stations, one on the southern west side, one on the southern east side and the third in the farthest north area of the sound. Each station can has small, fully equipped, multi-mission rescue craft. There is a few commercial vessel assistances companies that also operate in the area as well. For most of the Sound cell coverage is very good, on the western side behind so of the larger island is can be spotty as well as radio communication it is recommended to have the both radio and satellite communicate as on the eastern side it is very mountainous and difficult to get a signal out.

The northern section of the sound usually is the most challenging as far as weather and wind changes, however it is easy enough to dip in to one of the numerous bays and protected coves. Usually you can sail your way out of trouble with in the sound northern section of the sound. It is important to note the geography of the area most of the time the wind blows in from the south for the southern area but in the north is subject to heavy out flows. As with any sailing area tide is your friend and your enemy, use the tide to your advantage, if you sail around Bowen is land the best strategy is to go with the flow as the tides can be quite strong unto 5 knots in some areas on some tides.