Waggoner Cruising Guide

Waggoner Cruising Guide Welcome to the Waggoner Cruising Guide. To purchase your copy visit https://www.waggonerguidebooks.com Follow us on Twitter

The Waggoner Cruising Guide provides essential cruising information for Northwest waters from Olympia, WA to Skagway, AK, and displays it in an easy-to-use format. We encourage all boaters, regardless of experience, to explore these beautiful Northwest waterways. With the right information, anyone with a boat and the piloting skills can do it.

America250 History Weekend at Coupeville Sat & Sun, June 6-7The vessel Chatham will visit Coupeville, WA over the June 6...
06/02/2026

America250 History Weekend at Coupeville Sat & Sun, June 6-7

The vessel Chatham will visit Coupeville, WA over the June 6-7 weekend. Coupeville is hosting Revolutionary War era military demonstrations, fife and drum music, and an 18th century living history camp at Coupeville Community Green (788 NW Alexander Street) located behind Coupeville Library.

Chatham will be at the docks downtown. She was a Royal Navy survey brig that acted as a consort vessel to HMS 'Discovery' with Capt. George Vancouver's exploration of the West Coast of North American during the 1791-1795 expedition.

Chatham also led Robert Gray's Columbia River exploration reaching today's eastern Multnomah County.

For more information, go to https://spiritof76livinghistoryassociation.org/coupeville-2026-event

Southeast Alaska Waggoner FlotillaDay 02 | Allison Harbour to Pruth BayBefore sunrise, coffee cups were full and weather...
06/02/2026

Southeast Alaska Waggoner Flotilla
Day 02 | Allison Harbour to Pruth Bay

Before sunrise, coffee cups were full and weather forecasts were being checked one last time. The window we'd been waiting for had arrived.

Crossing Queen Charlotte Sound and rounding Cape Caution is one of the major milestones of any Inside Passage journey. While the conditions were favorable, there was still plenty to consider—currents, swell, debris from nearby rivers, and building afternoon winds. Fortunately, everything aligned.

The crossing rewarded us with gentle swells, calm conditions, and a coastline full of boats finally emerging after days of weather delays. It seemed every cruiser on the coast had been waiting for the same opportunity.

By afternoon, we slipped behind Calvert Island and back into protected waters. One by one, anchors dropped in Pruth Bay, bringing with them a collective sense of relief. The biggest hurdle of the trip now sat behind us.

The evening included a special visit to the Hakai Institute and time to explore the beaches and trails surrounding the bay.

Tomorrow we continue north.

-Ashley Ripley

Waggoner Flotilla to SoutheastDay 01 | Port McNeill to AllisonAfter several days of weather watching and waiting, today ...
06/02/2026

Waggoner Flotilla to Southeast
Day 01 | Port McNeill to Allison

After several days of weather watching and waiting, today was finally the day we left the dock.

One by one, the fleet slipped lines and pointed north across Queen Charlotte Strait. The crossing rewarded us with calm seas, whales, sea otters, and plenty of reminders that patience often pays off.

By early afternoon, anchors were down in Allison Harbour. The evening's Captain's Hour included a hands-on rope braiding workshop. Dog leashes, anchor bridles, and plenty of laughter were created as flotillians learned new skills and helped one another through the process.

Tomorrow brings Cape Caution. Tonight, we're grateful to be out of the marina and officially underway.

Over and Out,
Lagoon explorer, rope wrangler, Cape Caution dreamer.
-Ashley

Purchase this Fishing Vacation to Support Around the AmericasThe Around-the-Americas Expedition is pleased to announce a...
06/01/2026

Purchase this Fishing Vacation to Support Around the Americas

The Around-the-Americas Expedition is pleased to announce a remarkable donation from Langara Fishing Lodge in support of the Expedition. It is a 4-5-day all-inclusive stay at this first-class resort. Experience pristine waters, incredible fishing, and one of the most spectacular and remote destinations on Earth—all while supporting ocean science and education!

This opportunity includes the greatest fishing and wildlife adventures in the world in British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii archipelago – a spectacular destination that belongs on the bucket list of every angler and world traveler!

The Package Includes:
• 4- or 5-day trip to Langara Fishing Lodge for 2 people in the 2026 or 2027 season
• Return air travel from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii, British Columbia
• Scenic helicopter flight to Langara Fishing Lodge
• Accommodations and all meals, including alcohol with meals
• Private 19-foot boat, all necessary fishing equipment, and marine clothing

This incredible setting plays host to the greatest abundance of migratory salmon on the West Coast of North America, as well as large populations of Humpback and Killer whales, and a countless variety of fish, birds and marine mammals.

The floating lodge is anchored in sheltered waters, with close proximity to the fishing grounds, and the option of fishing with expert guides, make this an unforgettable adventure for both serious and novice anglers, and any outdoor enthusiasts.

This package valued at $15,000 is open for an offer! We are willing to negotiate! But most importantly, 100% of the proceeds will directly support the Around the Americas Expedition, helping fund critical research and education outreach.

Interested parties or have more questions, please contact Jennifer Dalton directly at: Jennifer Dalton, [email protected]

Waggoner Flotilla, Day 15 | Alert Bay & Farewell DinnerDay 15 marked the official close of our 2026 Broughton Flotilla.W...
06/01/2026

Waggoner Flotilla, Day 15 | Alert Bay & Farewell Dinner

Day 15 marked the official close of our 2026 Broughton Flotilla.
We started the day with a ferry ride to Alert Bay, where many of us spent time exploring the U'mista Cultural Centre, learning more about the history of the community, and reflecting on the stories that have shaped this place.

By evening, we gathered one last time for our farewell dinner. No daily brief. No route planning. Just a chance to sit together and reflect on the last fifteen days.

We taught. We learned. We voyaged. We shared. Shared meals, stories, laughter, dock lines, challenges, and friendships.

Watching confidence grow throughout the trip is one of the greatest privileges of leading a flotilla. We saw people tackle new docks, navigate currents and rapids, build new skills, and support one another along the way.

As the evening drew to a close, departure plans were exchanged, hugs lingered a little longer, and one final group photo captured a journey none of us will soon forget.

Some boats are heading home. The rest of us are heading north.

Day 15 for the Broughtons.
Day 00 for Alaska.

Waggoner Flotilla, Day 14 | Waddington Bay to Port McNeill:Day 14 reminded us of one of boating's most important lessons...
06/01/2026

Waggoner Flotilla, Day 14 | Waddington Bay to Port McNeill:

Day 14 reminded us of one of boating's most important lessons:
It's not always what happens—it's what you do next.

The day took an unexpected turn when one of our flotilla boats found itself gently perched on a reef near the entrance to Port McNeill.

Groundings happen fast. Good decisions happen one at a time.
What followed wasn't dramatic heroics. It was calm communication, careful assessment, preparation, and perhaps the most difficult skill of all: Patience.

Bilges were checked. Running gear inspected. Contingency plans made. A kedge anchor deployed. Lines rigged. Local resources contacted. And then we waited for the tide to do what tides do.
Hour by hour, the water returned.

When the time was right, the boat floated free exactly as planned.
No damage to the running gear. No water ingress. No vibration during the sea trial.

A very happy ending to a situation that could have gone differently.
One of the greatest advantages of traveling together is that when something unexpected happens, you aren't facing it alone. Many lessons were learned that day. The most important one? Patience.

Waggoner Flotilla Day 13Day 13 marked the last of our days spent adventuring together.Just 21 nautical miles separated S...
06/01/2026

Waggoner Flotilla Day 13

Day 13 marked the last of our days spent adventuring together.

Just 21 nautical miles separated Sullivan Bay from Waddington Bay, but the journey felt bigger than the distance.

As we departed Sullivan, it struck me how natural it had become to wander the docks and chat with my boat neighbors as if we had known each other for years. Somewhere along the way, a collection of boats became a community.

The run through the Broughtons was smooth and reflective. We all knew this chapter was nearing its end, but none of us felt like it was truly goodbye. The boating world is too small, and the friendships formed out here run too deep.

Waddington Bay greeted us with stillness. As the anchors dropped, so did the rain.

The evening became a tour of the fleet—one final daily brief, one final round of visits boat to boat, and the beginning of our goodbyes.

The rain never stopped. Neither did we. As I stood in it, face turned toward the sky, I let it wash over me. A cleansing I didn’t know I needed.

Some days stay with you. This was one of them.

AROUND THE AMERICASThe Crew of s/v One Ocean has announced a live presentation scheduled for June 2 at 9 am PDT via YouT...
05/31/2026

AROUND THE AMERICAS

The Crew of s/v One Ocean has announced a live presentation scheduled for June 2 at 9 am PDT via YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/D0ZQ9izlj3s?si=YoRLtmZUdwWTNVe4

You can register your classroom or register to watch as an individual by going to https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2qqrwJ0XmWj5umU22YDufVwJ_U6y5jEBK2_AfEvRx0tIT1w/viewform

Title of the presentation is "Motivating Meaningful Change" which will feature crew members from the original 2009-2010 Around the Americas Expedition. Sixteen years ago, a dedicated group of sailors scientists, educators, and photographers decided to join a 24,000-mile/12-month sailing expedition to circumnavigate North and South Americas. The purpose - to emphasize we live on one island surrounded by one ocean and the importance of conservation.

At the conclusion of that voyage, all agreed a follow-up voyage to study ecosystem changes and environmental changes since that previous voyage would be telling and important.

Sign up for the presentation and listen to David Rockefeller Jr. (ocean steward and founder of Sailors-for-the-Sea), David Thoreson (photographer, storyteller, and sailor veteran of extreme adventures), and Herb McCormick (writer, adventurer, and veteran of sailing races). Hear from Mark Schrader (current captain of the 2025-2026 Expedition and member/sailor of the previous Around-the-Americas Expedition.

Waggoner Flotilla ReportDay 12 | Echo Bay to Sullivan BayIt was a slow morning, and we all seemed to need it. The magic ...
05/31/2026

Waggoner Flotilla Report

Day 12 | Echo Bay to Sullivan Bay

It was a slow morning, and we all seemed to need it. The magic of Echo Bay still lingered as we peeled ourselves away from the docks and pointed our bows toward Sullivan Bay. Just 16 nautical miles away, it was the perfect short run to settle into the rhythm of the day.

Sullivan Bay greeted us with its floating community, dockside charm, and even a floating gym—something many of us were excited to discover.

That evening, we gathered under the happy hour tent to share leftovers from our incredible dinner at Echo Bay. Two fellow boaters happened to be dockside with us, so naturally, they were invited to join us. That's just how boating with the Ripleys works.

The night also brought a surprise birthday celebration, complete with candles, desserts, and not one—but two—renditions of Happy Birthday.

As the sun set, conversations lingered on the docks. It became clear that somewhere along the way we had stopped being a group of boats traveling together and had become something more.

Friendships had formed. Connections that will last long after we stop floating side by side.

Butedale Dock News - Northern BCA broken strut affecting the dock alignment and shore access ramp is under repair. Repa...
05/30/2026

Butedale Dock News - Northern BC

A broken strut affecting the dock alignment and shore access ramp is under repair. Repair may involve removal of the ramp and perhaps installation of a new landing float. Owner of the private property wishes that traffic not increase here, but will try to allow courtesy overnight stays (at your own risk) by permission if needed – contact Shawn Kennedy at [email protected] for permission.

Address

910 25th Street
Anacortes, WA
98221

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Friday 12pm - 2pm

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+13602998500

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http://www.waggonerbooks.com/

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