South Pender Island to West Vancouver by boat

Pilotage Plan: South Pender Island, BC, CA to West Vancouver, BC, CA

Trip Overview:
This journey from South Pender Island to West Vancouver offers both a serene cruising experience and a chance to explore the stunning landscapes of British Columbia. While prioritizing safety, this route will also lead you past several beautiful landmarks, potential anchorages, and enjoy a myriad of local attractions.

Start Point: South Pender Island, BC
Coordinates:Longitude -123.229190, Latitude 48.746742

End Point: West Vancouver, BC
Coordinates:Longitude -123.272256, Latitude 49.377340

Route Description:

1. Departure from South Pender Island:
   Begin your trip from the picturesque South Pender Island. Before setting off, check weather forecasts and ensure your vessel is equipped with all necessary safety gear, including life jackets, flares, and a fully charged VHF radio.
2. Navigational Considerations:
   As you leave South Pender, maintain a course SSW towards the Gulf Islands, being mindful of the local tidal flows which can be strong during certain conditions. Use navigational aids such as buoys and local charts. The Canadian Hydrographic Service charts are particularly useful for the changes in depth due to strong currents in this area.
3. Potential Stops on Your Journey:
   Bedwell Harbor:A great first stop, Bedwell Harbor on Pender Island offers a beautiful view, calm waters, and good shelter from westerly winds. You can also explore the nearby Pender Island trails or grab a bite at one of the local eateries.
   Salt Spring Island:Famous for its artisan markets and beautiful landscapes, Salt Spring Island provides excellent opportunities for provisioning or enjoying local wines. The anchorages can be crowded, so careful navigation is necessary, especially during weekends.
4. Continuing the Journey:
   After your stopovers, steer through the picturesque waters toward the Strait of Georgia. Here, you'll enjoy stunning vistas of the coastal mountains. Keep an eye out for charted hazards, such as rocks and reefs, especially around Mayne Island and near the southern tip of Saturna Island.
5. Final Approaches to West Vancouver:
   As you near West Vancouver, pay special attention to navigational markers. The waters can be busier here with mixed traffic, including ferry routes. The area around the Lions Gate Bridge also requires caution due to the swift tidal currents and potential ferry traffic.

Navigational Aids and Restrictions:
Buoy Markings:Ensure you are familiar with the local buoy system (IALA Region B), allowing you to navigate safely through potentially tricky areas.
Tidal Currents:The tidal range in the Strait of Georgia can significantly impact your docking times and speed. Check the local tide tables before you depart.
VHF Channels:Use Channel 16 for distress and safety communications and monitor channels to stay updated on local traffic and weather conditions.

Safety Equipment:
Life Jackets:Ensure all passengers have a properly fitted life jacket.
Flares and Fire Extinguishers:Check that your flares are within the expiry date.
First Aid Kit:Have a stocked first aid kit and know its location.

Recommended Boating Apps:
Savvy Navvy:A great tool for route planning, including tidal information and navigational aids.
Navionics:Perfect for detailed mapping and depth soundings.
Windy:An excellent resource for real-time weather conditions.

Conclusion:
This trip from South Pender Island to West Vancouver presents a delightful blend of scenic cruising and opportunities for exploration. While prioritizing safety and navigation considerations, the journey is absolutely well-suited for the recreational boater, family outings, or anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of British Columbia's coastal waters. Always keep a watchful eye on the weather and have your safety protocols in place to ensure a smooth trip. Enjoy the journey ahead, and may the winds be in your favor!