Pierless Blog - 2026-05-24 - Ford Cove to Von Donop Inlet (Cortez Island)

 May 24th - Departure Time 5:30 a.m.

We left the breakwater at 5:30 a.m. expecting favorable currents all the way to Seymour Narrows.  In reality, the helpful current did not materialize...  We kept on course in the hopes that conditions would change, but to no avail.  After considering our options for moving north, we decided to go NE using the smaller waterways among the islands to work our way north. 

   Route to Von Donop Inlet

This put us on a path between Quadra and Cortez islands.  We cruised this area last year, so were in familiar territory.  We headed to Heriott Bay Marina near Rebecca Spit for fuel but they closed shop at 3 p.m., so we were too late.  The winds were picking up and predicted to rise to gale force in some areas.  We raised the main and jib and headed NE to Von Donop Inlet, arriving about 7:00p.m.  Von Donop is a great area to explore and is quite protected from winds.  We spent 2 nights there last year and had a great time.  

    Sailing to Von Donop

 When the wind fails...

We anchored at a small cove near the entrance to Von Donop.  It is next to a salt water lagoon which can be reached at high tide.   We plan to explore it tomorrow.







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