Sail San Juan Islands (Puget Sound), Washington

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Your dreams may include an extended sail in the Puget Sound on a charted course that includes visits to any number of the San Juan Islands. The Puget Sound is an inland salt water estuary connecting Seattle, Washington with Vancouver, British Columbia; one of the most delightful waterways in which to set sail in the world. The San Juan Islands, of which there are hundreds, are scattered about the Sound providing protection and worthy destinations for your sailing adventure. The most popular destination is Fidalgo Island and the town of Anacortes, having earned the moniker “Gateway to the San Juan Islands” since it is right in the middle of the 170, or so, islands in Washington State’s San Juan County. Other islands that are frequent ports of call for the sailing crowd include Orcas Island, Sucia Island, San Juan Island, Lopez Island and Shaw Island but there are literally hundreds of other destinations worthy of consideration. Sheltered anchorage and quaint towns are abundant and scattered throughout the islands. When sailing in the San Juans the winds are quite dependable, averaging 5 to 15 knots from southwest to southeast at most times, although northerly winds can make an appearance in early spring and during fall. Pods of Orcas (Killer Whales) are frequently sighted as they migrate through the islands from May to September with the occasional Gray or Humpback Whale making an appearance. Seals and Sea Lions regularly show themselves with large numbers of gulls, bald eagles and cormorants providing a constant aerial performance. Wildlife sightings on land include black tailed deer and red fox. Bareboat charters are readily available, launching from the mainland in Bellingham, Washington or you could consider beginning and ending your sail in Anacortes or possible Friday Harbor after making your way there by automobile, shuttle, ferry or even in a seaplane from Seattle or Vancouver. Many of the charter companies can also arrange for a skipper and crew (perhaps a cook) if that’s a requirement to round out your dream. Whether you decide to make the trip with friends and family in a bareboat charter or with a skipper and crew the delights that await you while sailing between the San Juans can be excitedly anticipated. Add the adventure of sailing in the San Juan Islands to your list and look for that perfect yacht to reserve today.

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