Waggoner Cruising Guide

10/29/2025

HUMPBACK WHALE STRIKE REPORTED

On October 23rd, a Prince of Whales whale-watching vessel collided with a humpback in Howe Sound, north of Vancouver, BC. Two days later, a deceased humpback – identified as Wisp (BCY1464), the 2021 calf of Ghost (BCX1333) – was found on an island near the location of the strike. It may be that Wisp was the whale who was struck by the Prince of Whales vessel, but that has not yet been confirmed. Less than a week before this incident, a Hullo Ferry struck a different humpback near Vancouver. Skipper, the 2025 calf of Zigzag (BCX1193), was later seen with injuries consistent with a vessel strike. With the humpback population growing steadily each year, sadly these types of incidents are becoming more common.

An increase in vessels combined with increased whale presence leads to a higher risk of boat strikes for all whale species. Boaters are reminded to be vigilant and keep watch. Vessels can monitor real-time sightings through social media or the Whale Alert App to see where whales have been reported and give whales appropriate space.

Orca Network's Whale Sighting Network contributes real-time sightings to both Whale Alert and WRAS to reduce the risk of ship strikes to whales in Puget Sound. The vast majority of strike incidents are not due to negligence or recklessness. Whales can be unpredictable in their movements and can surface anywhere at any time, sometimes with tragic consequences. This has been the case in many incidents involving ferries, large ships, and smaller recreational and commercial vessels.

When these incidents do take place, transparency is important and vessel crews are both encouraged and required by law to report. Pointing fingers of blame, accusing and vilifying may result in an unwillingness to report vessel strikes when they occur.

This Report (provided in part) is from Orca Network

10/22/2025

BC GOV NEWS – Prepare for Seasonal Storms, Heavy Rain, Winds

As British Columbia transitions to cooler temperatures and seasonal storms, people are encouraged to prepare for the shift to fall weather, including a series of storms that may bring heavy rain and strong winds to coastal areas, starting Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025.

People are encouraged to keep storm drains clear to reduce localized flooding. With wet ground and many trees still holding their leaves, strong winds can frequently uproot trees or break branches. Be prepared for power interruptions from tree damage or downed power lines. Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts show potentially significant wind and rainfall for the north coast, central coast, south coast/Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

The B.C. River Forecast Centre (RFC) continues to closely monitor forecasts and will issue high streamflow advisories, flood watches or flood warnings as conditions warrant

Learn More:
To learn more about Environment and Climate Change Canada’s up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, visit: http://www.weather.gc.ca
For more information about flood warnings and high streamflow advisories, visit:
https://bcrfc.env.gov.bc.ca/warnings/index.htm

UPDATE: Flood Warning – Coquitlam River (UPGRADE), West Vancouver Island - Flood Watch Central Coast, South Coast, Lower Fraser Tributaries, Vancouver Island - High Streamflow Advisory – North Coast, Interior Mountains Issued: 11:15 AM October 19, 2024davi 35

10/20/2025

REMINDER: LIVE PRESENTATION OCT. 28, 2025, 9am Pacific

Around the Americas: Whale Identification and Hydrophones
October 28th at 12:00pm Eastern Time

The more we understand about whales, the better we can advocate for positive measures of protection that are rooted in science. Hydrophones and drone technology to coastal marine and land-based surveys. Around the Americas has partnered with BC Whales to conduct comprehensive research on nutritional, acoustic, and social needs of whales.

Classrooms and interested individuals are welcome to signup to view this presentation via YouTube, Register at https://forms.gle/Jid159yuv4zetrmT9. This is a live presentation from the crew aboard S/V One Ocean, while underway on their Around the Americas Expedition. The production is hosted via "Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants."

10/19/2025

Gardiner Boat Launch Replacement

The boat launch ramp in Gardiner is located on the western shore of Discovery Bay. An easement allows the Port of Port Townsend to repair, maintain, and replace the facility as needed.

Thanks to funding from RCO (Recreation and Conservation Office) of Washington State and other funding resources, the 1982 Gardiner boat launch has been replaced with all new concrete sections, overhead power lines placed underground, a seasonal float provided for launching and retrieving of boats, and improvements for ADA access. The Gardiner Beach Road was paved and raised to prevent flooding. Van Ness Construction of Port Hadlock served as contractor, and Reid Middleton provided planning and design services.

The Gardiner Boat Launch has reopened after having been closed from July 14 to early October for construction.

10/16/2025

The Around the Americas Expedition has partnered with BC Whales to conduct comprehensive research on nutritional, acoustic, and social needs of whales.

The Expedition's 14-month voyage was launched in May, 2025. They are circumnavigating North and South America aboard the 48-foot sailboat, "One Ocean." The mission focuses on scientific research, education, and community outreach to raise awareness about ocean health. Building on Captain Mark Schrader’s original 2009–2010 journey, the expedition is comparing oceanic changes over the past 15 years.

You can register to attend this live Video event by going to: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2qqrwJ0XmWj5umU22YDufVwJ_U6y5jEBK2_AfEvRx0tIT1w/viewform

10/09/2025

TUNE IN LIVE!

Live from the Research Icebreaker CCGS Amundsen
October 10th @ 10:00am eastern. Hosted by "Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants."

Hop on Canada’s only research icebreaker, the CCGS Amundsen, live from the Arctic. The Amundsen is a 98-meter-long vessel designed to navigate through thick ice. The vessel can accommodate 80 passengers and has a cafeteria, a lounge, showers and restrooms, staterooms, and even a laundry and a game room!

What makes the Amundsen unique, is its high-tech equipment to measure winds, currents, air temperatures, and to collect various marine species, seabed sediments, ice and salt water! From June to October, the ship welcomes scientists and professionals from all over the world to explore Canada’s northern seas and to better understand the challenges of the Arctic. Individuals and families as well as school classrooms can register to watch live. A link will be sent to watch on YouTube. To Register, go here:

Use the form below to sign up for the event you'd like to join. If you're hoping for a camera spot, we'll let you know if it's available and share details for joining. If you're signing up to tune in live via YouTube, we'll send you a link before the event. Lots of ways to join in whether your class...

10/08/2025

The Center For Wooden Boats, located at Lake Union Park in Seattle (adjacent to the Museum of History), is offering a "Public Sail and Halloween Bash" on Sunday, October 26, starting a 10am. Sign up for these short, fun rides at the Center, best to arrive by 9:30 am. Rides are available throughout the day until 4 pm on various craft, including sailboats, yachts, electric boats, and steamboats. For questions, call the Center at 206-382-2628.

10/08/2025

A new exhibit called "This Is Native Land" is opening on October 19, 2025, at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma. The new exhibit was created by more than 100 contributors representing more than 60 Tribes. Visitors can now discover more about Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.

10/05/2025

NEWS RELEASE - NEWEST COAST GUARD ICEBREAKER

SEATTLE — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis (WAGB 21), the service’s newest commissioned icebreaker, arrived in Seattle Friday after completing its 112-day inaugural patrol. Storis departed Pascagoula, Mississippi, June 1, transited the Panama Canal and the Pacific Ocean enroute to conduct its first Arctic patrol operating north of the Bering Strait to control, secure, and defend the northern U.S. border and maritime approaches.

09/29/2025

SEASIDE BASH AT BLAINE, WA

Come celebrate all things Blaine on Saturday, October 11, 10am to 5pm. The Bash features an Oysterfest with events for kids, live music, wood carving contest, street fair, and a beer garden.

09/22/2025

September 30th at 9:00am PST; 12:00pm Eastern

Around the Americas: Climate Change & Sea Level Rise
Around the Americas Research and Education Sailing Expedition will explore the impacts of the rising tides and a warmer world with special guest, Cameron Lee, Associate Professor from Kent State University.

The crew from sailing vessel One Ocean will talk with Cameron Lee regarding climate change and the rising sea level. As people continue to flock to coastal cities, the lives and livelihoods of over 3 billion people are now threatened by rising seas. Today, we will discuss the physical and social science behind why sea-level rise is perhaps the single most impactful consequence of our changing climate.

The Around the Americas Expedition is a 14-month voyage, that just launched in May. They will circumnavigate North and South America aboard the 48-foot sailboat, One Ocean. The mission focuses on scientific research, education, and community outreach to raise awareness about ocean health. Building on Captain Mark Schrader’s original 2009–2010 journey, the expedition will compare oceanic changes over the past 15 years.

REGISTER AT: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2qqrwJ0XmWj5umU22YDufVwJ_U6y5jEBK2_AfEvRx0tIT1w/viewform

09/20/2025

U.S. COAST GUARD NEWS RELEASE – 09/19/2025
Unified command established in response to tug sinking in Bremerton Marina

SEATTLE — On Friday, a unified command was established in response to a tugboat sinking in the Bremerton Marina. The unified command consists of the Coast Guard and the Washington Department of Ecology. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received an initial pollution report from the National Response Center regarding the vessel Dominion, a 130-foot tugboat, which sank around 4 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 17. It was reported that the tug contained an unknown amount of diesel fuel and about 200 gallons of lube oil when it sank.