OCC CRUISING INFORMATION - ALASKA
This information has been contributed by and is intended for use by competent amateur yachtsmen as general guidance solely to supplement research of their cruising plans.It has not been checked or verified by the OCC. The Information may be inaccurate or out of date and is NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATION.
Articles in Flying Fish:Use the page search feature (Control F on PC and Command F on Apple) with the name of the Port to locate information on the port or anchorage.
Adak – Hidden Bay 51°42.51 'N 176°39.78 'W
Adak – Three Arm Bay – South Arm, 51°44.62 'N 176°49.91 'W
Adak – Trapper’s Cove 51°47.52 'N 176°49.18 'W
Kiska – 51°58.61 'N 177°32.59 'E
Attu – Casco Cove (2) 52°48.98 'N 173°09.90 'E
Attu – Casco Cove 52°49.03 'N 173°10.25 'E
Unalaska - Dutch Harbor 53°54.40 'N 166°30.60 'W
Akutan 54°07.23 'N 165°42.74 'W
Captain Harbour 55°10.09 'N 162°04.89 'W
Volcano Bay 55°13.34 'N 162°01.68 'W
Japanese Bay – Kodiak Island 56°58.02 'N 153°41.14 'W
Three Saints Bay – Kodiak Island 57°09.85 'N 153°32.23 'W
Barling Bay – Kodiak Island 57°11.99 'N 153°22.69 'W
Shearwater Bay – Kodiak Island 57°19.44 'N 152°54.08 'W
Long Island Entrance 57°46.47 'N 152°16.43 'W
Kodiak - St. Paul Harbor entrance 57°47.10 'N 152°24.60 'W
Crillon Inlet Entrance 58 36.46 N 137 39.78 W
Amalik Bay/Geographic Harbor E Approach 58°04.10 'N 154°23.20 'W
Devil 's Cove Approach 58°20.00 'N 154°08.00 'W
Lituya Bay Entrance 58°36.46 'N 137°39.78 'W
Chugash Passage 59°10.30 'N 151°46.50 'W
Port Chatham 59°12.58 'N 151°46.75 'W
Ariadne Cove west entrance 59°28.71 'N 150°31.47 'W
Crater Bay 59°41.56 'N 149°47.01 'W
Northwestern Fiord Moraine gap entrance 59°44.16 'N 149°53.54 'W
Port Clarence 65°16.00 'N 166°48.00 'W
Sunstone 's report on Aleutions and Kodiak Is
Tom Jackson, 02 August 2012
Locations
Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island
General
The Aleutians and Alaskan Peninsula are an elusive goal for most cruisers for a variety of reasons, which will be clear from the points below. However, for cruisers who enjoy visiting the distinctive wilderness areas of the world, the area has a strong attraction. When visibility is good the stark, mostly volcanic scenery is very beautiful. For those with any interest in birds there are plenty of seabirds to observe as well as bald eagles, golden eagles and sea eagles. In addition there is a wide variety of other marine wildlife, including whales, sea lions and sea otters. Though it does detract somewhat from the islands’ beauty, there is also some historical interest in the detritus left by both the American and Japanese armed forces during and after World War lI. Because the Aleutians are treeless, unlike many wilderness areas, there are many opportunities for hiking. Unlike the rest of Alaska, the islands have no bears, though there are foxes and on Adak introduced caribou.
None of the western islands are inhabited. There are only two settlements on the eastern islands, at Adak and Dutch Harbor, which offer any opportunity to fuel or get supplies, while only Dutch Harbor, right to the east has repair facilities. There are a number of small fishing ports on the Peninsula with some supplies and services. Thus, the islands are unusually isolated and demand a high degree of self-sufficiency. Many of the islands have no reasonable anchorage and many others have anchorages with protection from only limited quarters. As with much of the Pacific rim, the islands are in an area of regular seismic activity and there are quite a number of volcanoes which are potentially active if not actually smoking.
Passage Planning
The cruising season for any but the very hardiest is very short, basically June, July and early August. Even in those months, it can be extremely cold and there are often severe depressions which pass through the islands before dying out over the Bering Sea or the Alaskan mainland.
There are three possible approach routes from the south and one from the east. The former, from Hawaii, the Marshall Islands or Japan, involve longish passages which are likely to eat into the potential time for cruising. In addition, if one wishes to spend time cruising in the rest of Alaska it means rushing through the Aleutians, or over-wintering in that state or returning the next season. Approaching the islands from Alaska itself, really means spending the previous winter in a pretty inhospitable climate in that area.
Probably the majority of the small number of cruisers who visit the Aleutians and Alaska Peninsula do so following a passage from Japan. Ideally one leaves Japan in very late May to mid-June, depending on the pattern of weather. Some cruisers prefer to leave from southern Japan, taking advantage of the north and eastward set of the warm Kuro Shio current in the early part of the passage. However, this route is significantly longer than the alternative departure from the east coast of Hokkaido. However, on the latter route it is important to make good easting initially to escape the clutches of the cold, southeast setting Oya Shio which runs down the Kuril Trench along the edge of the continental shelf. This route also follows the main, great-circle ship route from North America to East Asia. With the prevalence of fog, this requires a very good and continuous look-out; radar and perhaps AIS are virtually essential.
Weather
Though our own cruise was blessed with a good deal of fairly clear weather, by Aleutian standards, other cruisers report almost continuous fog and poor visibility. In summer, there are many fairly windless days, punctuated by strong or even gale force winds when depressions roll through. Quite apart from GRIB files, there is an excellent metfax service from Kodiak and a very comprehensive text forecast for the whole of southwest Alaska also available through the NOAA service.
Navigation and Pilotage
The island chain and the peninsula pose considerable navigational and pilotage challenges. Not only can the weather be volatile, but there is a very high frequency of fog and limited visibility during the summer months. Fortunately, charting is excellent; both CMap and NOAA charts appear to be to WGS84 datum and we found them very accurate. There are no cruising guides for the area and cruisers must rely on the notes of others for any guidance. There are virtually no navigational aids in the islands and few along the peninsula. In these days of GPS caution is still required in dealing with the very strong and unpredictable currents which run around and between the islands of the chain. There is tidal information available for the area, but it must be used with caution as the resulting currents can be strongly affected by weather conditions, swell from distant depressions and other variables. In general, the tide floods north into the Bering Sea and ebbs south. Most cruisers tend to move along the chain on the Bering Sea side, which is somewhat less prone to swell.
As a comment on our own cruise, we did not stop at a number of islands we had originally hoped to visit mostly because the potential anchorages were not appropriate to the wind direction at the time. Without a long cruising season, disappointments of this kind are pretty much inevitable.
Cruising References
We found very useful the account by the Australian yacht ‘Fine Tolerance’ of their Aleutian cruise in 2003. This is documented on their website (URL=http://www.finelineboatplans.com/cpa/Aluetians/aleutians.htm ). The Smeetons account in the RCC Journal for the 1965 season, of their cruise in ‘Tzu Hang’ is also interesting and remarkable,. More recent accounts of the cruises of ‘Kokiri’ (OCC’s Flying Fish 2005/2) and ‘Shingebiss’ (OCC’s Flying Fish 2007/1) are also useful.
The NOAA Coastal Pilot for Alaska also has much useful information, though like all such works, it is orientated to larger vessels and tends to paint the bleakest possible picture of all potential hazards. Like all NOAA publications, including charts, it is legally copiable and may even be available through the NOAA website.
Formalities
Cruising the islands from west to east is a technical bureaucratic problem in that the only port of entry, Dutch Harbor, is at the eastern end of the chain. Though we have heard of a few cruisers who have had problems with the authorities, these have mostly been because they failed to get formal visas in advance. Some cruisers have been fined for this failure. Though there is no guarantee, it would appear that the American authorities accept that yachts will enter at Dutch Harbor having stopped periodically along the chain for reasons of adverse weather or to conserve fuel. Now that there are no admitted military installations on the islands, there is less sensitivity about stopping at them. Those yachts which stop at the Sweepers Cove settlement at Adak, will have their crew details forwarded to the Department of Homeland Security (this includes Customs and Immigration) for a kind of advanced clearance, by the Harbour Master. Once at Dutch Harbor, normal formalities follow, all undertaken by the Customs Officer. Foreign yachts will have to purchase and be issued a one year Cruising Licence, the conditions of which vary from time to time, but usually involve continued reporting of movements by phone or occasionally in person at larger harbours.
Fuel, Water and Stores
As noted above, fuel and stores are only available at the Adak settlement and Dutch Harbor. Fuelling at Sweepers Cove (Dutch Harbor) is no problem, from the pier in the west of the Cove, except in strong easterlies. Fuel is somewhat more expensive than elsewhere. There is also a store which has a reasonable range of supplies and even a few bits of hardware. At Dutch Harbor there is a much more extensive range of supplies and services available. Water can be taken on at Sweepers Cove when fuelling, but good water is also easily available from streams in most of the islands.
Attu – Casco Cove 52:49.033N/173:10.249E, 3.5m & 52:48.982N/173:09.902E, 6m
There are several potential anchorages on the east and northeast coasts of the island, though two seem to have been used by most cruisers. Chicagoff Bay on the northeast corner is reputed to be excellent except in the northeast to east conditions which prevailed for much of our visit. We anchored in two places in Casco Cove, which gives the best all round protection available. There are numerous rocks and shoals in the approaches, but all are well charted. The anchorage would be uncomfortable in a strong easterly, but only become untenable if a largish swell develops from that direction. It gives good protection from all other directions depending where in the cove one anchors. Holding is very good in sand. There is some kelp, but not enough to cause problems. Casco Cove also allows good access to the various, now defunct, military installations. The former Loran station and associated airstrip are still in good condition and effectively moth-balled. The Loran tower has been removed. There is a survival hut next to the airstrip near the station. It has food, medical supplies, a small petrol generator, heater and VHF radio. Longer hikes are also possible in the open terrain. A stream which is convenient for watering comes down to the western shore of the cove.
Kiska 51:58.608N/177:32.588E, 11m
Kiska Harbor is a large bay with good protection except from ENE to ESE. Because it is large it can be subject to swell from the north through east. Approaching the bay from the north, there may be rough conditions off the northeastern point even in moderate winds. The chart indicates that much of the potential area for anchoring in the bay has a rocky bottom. The best protection for most conditions appears to be just south of the remains of the large jetty in the northwest corner of the harbour. The holding here is good in sand, though winds do appear to be somewhat accelerated and the anchorage might be subject to williwaws in strong conditions. We were unable to get ashore because of surge on the beach, however, there are reported to be numerous interesting military remains from World War II, including a Japanese two-man submarine.
Adak – Trapper’s Cove 51:47.519N/176:49.185W, 8m
Trapper’s Cove is in the Bay of Islands on the northwest corner of Adak Island. The Bay has numerous possibilities for anchoring, but Trapper’s Cove is probably the best protected except from the northwest. Though the approach through The Race sounds daunting, in fact we did not find that the tides ran excessively strongly. The entrance to the cove is shallower than the pool inside, but there is plenty of water in the centre despite considerable kelp. There are some isolated rocks on the west side of the cove, but plenty of swinging room even if one anchors somewhat to the west of the position given in order to close the entrance to the cove and get some protection from the northwest. There is heavy weed on the bottom and the anchor requires careful setting; the holding appeared to be good, though we had no strong winds to test this.
There is excellent hiking in the hills around the cove. There are also numerous opportunities to observe wildlife in the area. There are sea otters in Fisherman Cove and in the passages between the islands to the north. There are numerous bald and golden eagles as well as eider ducks and scooters.
Adak – Three Arm Bay – South Arm
51:44.622N/176:49.914W, 7m
Three Arm Bay is on the west coast of Adak Island, south of Argonne Point. The entrance to the Bay is wide and deep, however, South Arm is then approached through a narrow, but deep, channel to the west of an islet. This is well charted. The anchorage position above is appropriate for north through east to south conditions. For westerly conditions anchorage in the southwestern corner of the Arm might be more appropriate. In strong conditions there are heavy williwaws in the northern section of the anchorage. Though there is heavy weed on the bottom in the indicated anchorage, holding appeared to be good in mud. The anchor must be carefully set.
There are excellent opportunities for hiking and caribou may be spotted on the surrounding hills. During our stay there was also a group of archaeologists investigating prehistoric Aleut habitation sites near the southwest corner of the Arm. The Wildlife and Fisheries hut indicated on the chart and in the pilot has collapsed.
Adak – Hidden Bay
51:42.508N/176:39.782W, 16m
Hidden Bay is on the south coast of Adak Island. Though narrow, the approach to the Bay is clear and deep, with only a single, well charted rocky reef close to the east of the channel. The anchorage in the pool at the head of the Bay is quite deep, but holding appears to be good and the sides of the pool are mostly steep-to. Protection should be excellent, though there might be williwaws in strong conditions. It is also possible that the outer end of the entrance channel would become dangerous in conditions of heavy southerly swell, though it seems unlikely that much surge would penetrate into the anchorage itself. The anchorage is attractive and there is a stream at the western end from which it would be possible to water.
Adak - Sweeper Cove
Since it was abandoned by the US Navy, the settlement at Sweeper Cove has had varying fortunes. There are numerous buildings, enough for a town of 8,000, but most are now derelict. The current population is about 100, though this is likely to double when a fish processing plant opens in late 2011. The settlement has most basic amenities and there is a store with a reasonable range of supplies. The locals are very welcoming and helpful. The current Harbor Master, Elaine Smiloff, is very professional, but also friendly and very helpful. It is not possible to clear in at Sweeper Cove, but the harbormaster is required to forward crew and vessel details, of yachts which stop here, to the Department of Homeland Security. The fuel dock is at the western end of the harbour. It is in fairly good condition and yachts should be able to lie alongside to fuel except in moderate to strong easterly conditions.
In the past, most yachts which stopped at the Cove did not generally lie alongside the large piers, which are in reasonable repair, but pretty rough. In any case, the cost of lying at the piers is $100/night. Some anchored off, though the Cove is quite deep. Others moved to nearby anchorages in Finger Bay. Recently there has been dredging to reopen the small boat basin in the southwest corner of the Cove. There is now about 3.5 m in the entrance to the basin, with somewhat more inside and room to manoeuvre for yachts up to about 50’. There is excellent protection here and even in strong easterlies there is little surge. The cost, if collected, is less than $10/night.
The locals and fishermen are extremely friendly seeing so few new faces. We were given a 'guided car tour ', visiting many old military sites, had showers in a private house and had supper with another local.
Unalaska - Dutch Harbor
Dutch Harbor is a port of entry, though it appears on no official list of ports of entry. It is an extremely busy place, as the USA’s largest fishing port by catch size. In addition, there is constant traffic of container ships taking away that catch once it has been processed by one of seven fish processing plants in the area. Virtually all supplies and marine services are available – at a price. There are air services to Anchorage as well as a ferry service. Though it may be possible to get a berth in the inner harbour if staying for more than a day or two, it is more likely that a berth will be assigned at the Spithead Dock in the outer harbour. The latter berth is a long way from town along a very dusty or muddy road. Taxis are expensive. It is possible to rent a car or van at the airport for a price not much different from that on the mainland. It is possible to get LPG bottles refilled, though there may be some reluctance to fill bottles with no relief valve screw.
In the town of Unalaska there is free Internet at the library, though there is also Wifi in the outer harbour through KDH Guest facilities. The Aleut Museum is well planned and interesting and also has a wide range of books about the Aleutians and the Aleut people. There are a variety of hikes available on trails in the area, some of which are marked and others only indicated on maps. There are a large number of cafes and bars. The Sunday, 'all-you-can-eat brunch ' at The Grand Aleutian Hotel is well worth the price.
Akutan
In settled weather there are several anchorages in the area between Akutan and its neighbour Akun. However, in strong westerlies and southerlies these anchorages are subject to terrific williwaws coming down from the slopes of the central volcano. We found one anchorage giving adequate shelter from a strong south to south-westerly gale at 54:07.228N/165:42.740W in 7m, sand, excellent holding. Most of Akutan Bay is very deep for anchoring. When the wind went northerly and lighter, we moved to 54:07.944N/165:49.147W, 20m, in mud; however, though the anchor was in 20 m the boat was swinging over a depth of 30m. There is a new harbour being constructed at the west end of Akutan Bay. We do not know when it will be complete. It might be possible to get a berth alongside the docks at the fish processing plant on the south shore of the Bay, where there is a small settlement. We did not get ashore. When leaving Akutan by the southern route it is important to do so near slack water. The tide runs very strongly (the Coast Pilot says up to 12 knots) through the narrow pass. However, the pass is very short.
Unimak - False Pass
The small community of False Pass is at the eastern end of Unimak Island, the most easterly of the Aleutians. Until recently the only mooring options were alongside fairly rough docks or anchoring as much out of the strong tidal flow as possible. However, a new small boat harbour has recently been completed, which gives good shelter. Whether arriving from the north or the south, it is best to arrive with a fair tide, which runs very strongly in the strait. The approach from the south is straight-forward through a clear if narrow strait. The northern approach is shallow and winding, but well marked with regularly up-dated buoyage. Fuel is available, and there is a small store and Post Office.
Alaskan Peninsula, Shumigan Islands and Kodiak Island
King Cove, Alaskan Peninsula
King Cove is a somewhat larger community, dominated by the Peter Pan fish processing plant, where it is possible to obtain fuel. There is also a store with reasonable supplies. It might be possible to purchase marine specific hardware from the stores department at Peter Pan. The main harbour, called the Old Harbor, gives good shelter and has good facilities. There are showers and a Wifi connection at the harbour office. There is a travel lift for haul outs. The harbour is reputed to be very windy in strong conditions.
Captain Harbour 55:10.090N/162:04.890W, 7m
This is an excellent, completely land-locked, all-weather anchorage, with excellent holding in mud. The approach is winding, but quite clear. There is varied, attractive scenery around the anchorage and the possibility of viewing bears and deer. The wild flowers were profuse in July. It is reportedly possible to hike to Bear Bay or Volcano Bay to the east, if one is brave enough and/or suitably equipped to face the bears with which one may share the trail.
Volcano Bay 55:13.342N/162:01.677W, 6.5m
This is a large bay, open to the southeast. However, there is a hooked indentation in the northwest corner where quite good shelter can be had from moderate winds from most directions. The wind does tend to swirl around the heights to the west and north and would probably be very gusty in strong conditions. In clear weather there is very striking scenery all round the Bay with snow-capped volcanoes. Brown bears may come down to the beach at the head of the bay near the outlet of the stream.
Sand Point – Shumigan Islands
Sand Point is a busy fishing port and quite a large community by rural Alaskan standards (pop. approx. 1,000) Local fishing boats occupy virtually all the individual berths in the harbour, but there is generally plenty of space along the long wharfs for visitors. There is pay Wifi in the harbour or ‘free’ at the café, if you have something to eat or drink. There is fuel at the Trident fish processing plant and a store for marine items. There is also a store in the village for food and other supplies. There are several bars and one or two cafes. There is a travel lift for haul outs. If you visit the Trident Office, it may be possible to arrange a tour of the processing plant, which we did. It is interesting and informative about the essential economic powerhouse of the region. The plant can process up to 350,000 pounds of salmon a day during the summer season! It also processes other fish varieties during the rest of the year.
Japanese Bay – Kodiak Island 56:58.018N/153:41.141W, 9m
This is a completely land-locked bay approached through a narrow but deep channel. In strong conditions it would probably be gusty because of the heights around the bay. Holding is very good in mud.
Three Saints Bay – Kodiak Island 57:09.848N/153:32.230W, 13m
This is a well-sheltered anchorage in the southern arm in a dramatic setting. In strong conditions it would probably be gusty because of the heights around the bay. Holding is good in mud. We did not see bears here, but others have, near the river at the head of the bay.
Barling Bay – Kodiak Island
57:11.987N/153:22.686W, 12m
Barling Bay is just south of Old Harbor along Sitkilidak Strait. The Bay is quite large. There is a considerable area of silty shallows at the head. There is good protection north to east and south to west. The Bay is somewhat exposed to fetch from the southeast and is reputed to be subject to violent williwaws in strong north-westerlies. Holding is good in mud. The bay is in a very attractive setting, with a wide, low valley at the head around two small rivers and mountains further to the west. In July it was all very green. There are bears and deer to be seen, especially if one takes a dinghy up the river around high water.
Sitkilidak Passage
This relatively narrow, winding passage north of Sitkilidak Island allows transit northwards along the east coast of Kodiak Island without going seawards of Sitkilidak Island. The depths given on the chart seem to be somewhat shallower than those we saw. The large scale chart seems accurate, as does CMap. The Coast Pilot indicates than the current is rarely strong and this seemed the case during our transit.
Shearwater Bay – Kodiak Island 57:19.439N/152:54.083W, 11m
Shearwater Bay is a large Bay, somewhat exposed to the southwest, but otherwise giving adequate protection. In fact, the anchorage position above is for a small, virtually land-locked cove in the southeast corner of the bay. The entrance to the cove is narrow, but deep, with a least depth of about 6m. The pool inside has 11m. This anchorage gives almost all-round protection, though there might be a little wave action in a strong northerly. Holding appears good in mud. There may be hiking opportunities ashore in the immediate vicinity, if you are willing to brave possible bear encounters.
Kodiak
Kodiak is a large town by rural Alaskan standards with all facilities, supplies and services, including regular air services to Anchorage and other towns. Approaches to the harbour from both north and south are encumbered by rocks and shoals, but channels are clearly marked. Visitors are normally berthed in St Paul Harbor, the northern of the two harbours, which is closest to the town. The other harbour, on Near Island, is some distance from the town by road. However, space is at a premium during the fishing season. Charges are reasonable, with a step up in rates at 40’. There are two fuel docks as well as a nearby petrol station. A supermarket is close to the harbour, as is a hardware store. There are other stores further out of town. There is free Wifi at McDonalds and at the Public Library, both close to the harbour. There are a number of hikes in the area, with information at the Visitors’ Centre or very well appointed Wildlife Refuge. The small Alutiiq Museum is interesting. Quite apart from the cruising to be had on Kodiak Island itself, Kodiak town is an excellent jumping off point for cruising the Alaska Peninsula, Kenai and Prince William Sound. Several cruisers each year arrive from Hawaii, for this reason, as we did in 2002. We know of several cruisers who have also wintered in Kodiak.
Amalik Bay/Geographic Harbor
Contributed David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations E Approach – 58°04.10'N, 154°23.20'W [GPS WGS84 position]
W Approach – 58°01.70'N, 154°29.30'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Entrance – 58°05.10'N, 154°32.10'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 1 – 58°05.10'N, 154°29.09'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Rock awash – 58°06.13'N, 154°33.89'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 2 – 58°06.03'N, 154°33.90'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 3 – 58°06.34'N, 154°33.59'W [GPS WGS84 position] Anchorage 4 – 58°06.61'N, 154°33.88'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 5 – 58°07.06'N, 154°35.75'W [GPS WGS84 position]
A "must see" place! Once through the Entrance, head NE and then SE to Anchorage 1, in 16m, the easiest one to reach.
Go through the narrows into Geographic Harbor, noting that there is a Rock awash in mid-channel, but deep water on either side.
A small boat could find a very secure heavy weather anchorage at Anchorage 2, in 3.4m, through a very narrow Lagoon Entrance.
Numerous bears along the shoreline.
Ariadne Cove
David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations west entrance – 59°28.71'N, 150°31.47'W [GPS WGS84 position]
anchorage – 59°28.50'N, 150°30.63'W [GPS WGS84 position] Hidden dangers that do not show at LW are charted in both the W and N entrances, but a straight line from the west entrance to the anchorage in 10m passes clear of them.
Crater Bay
Contributed David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations Crater Bay – 59°41.56'N, 149°47.01'W [GPS WGS84 position] There is a sheltered anchorage behind the headland on the S side of Crater Bay, but the holding is doubtful.
Devil 's Cove
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Cruising areas Alaska
Locations Approach – 58°20.00'N, 154°08.00'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage – 58°21.00'N, 154°11.50'W [GPS WGS84 position]
wilderness lodge – 58°21.00'N, 154°07.50'W [GPS WGS84 position] Version
Many sea otters around. There is a wilderness lodge just east of the cove that operates some aluminium launches for wildlife viewing around Kukak Bay and Devil 's Cove. Bears on the beach.
Dutch Harbour/Unalaska
1) Information Submitted by Willie Ker - Assent
2) Date 1993
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Dutch Harbour/Unalaska 53° 53 ’N 166°33’ W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Dutch Harbour is the principal harbour in the Aleutians. It is said to be the busiest fishing harbour in the USA, if not the world, with a turnover in 1992 of US $4.8 billion and has therefore all the facilities one would expect with prices to match. The main processing factories are subsidiaries of Japanese conglomerates.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage The small boat harbour is in the corner behind Expedition Island (now a peninsula), and the normal heavy marine type floats. Sheltered anchorage would be possible in the channel south of the bridge connecting Amaknak Island with Unalaska but it is rather deep and the approach would have to be via Captains Bay.
6) Entry Ports Dutch Harbour
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country Telephone US Customs
b) from/to abroad If entering from outside the USA it is essential to clear in at a port of entry. A Cruising Licence should be obtained on entry. You may, or may not, be asked for $ 25 ‘Processing fee’.
c) visa requirements Yes, required, find out more before arriving.
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master The Harbour master is mobile - call him on VHF Ch 16.
b) customs/immigration A Customs Officer is sometimes stationed at Dutch Harbour, check with the Harbour Master.
c) health authorities
d) police
9) Control of Foreign Yachts
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities Almost any repairs could be carried out here at a price. Around US $40 for welding etc, US $100 per hour for electronic repairs.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts BA 3334 (small scale), US 16528 (adequate), 16529 (large scale plan)
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail
14) Port Radio Services
15) Weather Forecasts NOAA forecast by Peggy Dyson on 4125 khz at 0800 & 1800 local time, coverage includes offshore areas so useful for approaching the coast. VHF continuous forecasts announced on Ch 16 and broadcast on Ch 22A, also on Weather l & 2.
16) Yacht Club(S) None
17) Other Facilities: drinking water At present no water laid on in the small boat harbour but there are taps outside the hotel at the head of the gangway and at the fuel dock. fuel At least two fuel docks in the main harbour. gas (propane)/gaz Propane gas and kerosene available at fuel dock chandlers Several hardware outlets, A good selection of charts at ‘Carls’ over in Unalaska but no specialist yacht chandlery bank Close to Small boat harbour shops/market Close to Small boat harbour restaurants/hotels Very good restaurant close to SBH post office/telephones including mobile facilities Close to SBH internet cafes best mailing address showers laundry transport/air services There are several flights a day from the airport to Anchorage with connections to the rest of the USA. Around US $500 return to Anchorage. medical facilities/hospital There is an excellent modern medical facility in Unalaska.
18) Recommendations or Warnings The Grand Aleutian Hotel which has just opened (1993) is 4 Star with prices to match. Service and decor are excellent, food rather pretentious. There are plans to make a small boat harbour in Margaret Bay behind the hotel but whether this will be attractive to cruising yachts remains to be seen.
19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Cruising grounds around Dutch Harbour could be interesting with plenty of fishing. Assent visited the sheep and cattle ranch in Chernofski Harbour at 53°24’ N 167°35’W (US chart 16575). This is situated in a beautiful landlocked bay and is a secure anchorage. It is possible to get mutton and possibly beef at the ranch house and to fish for ‘Dolly Vardens’ and halibut in the vicinity. In the NW corner of the bay there is a large Aleut midden of great antiquity which is worth investigating The Aleutian Passes. All the passages between the Aleutian Islands require care and the Tidal Current Tables should be consulted. When approaching Dutch Harbour from the south, it might appear logical to use Unimak Pass, since the tides appear weaker than either Akutan Pass or Unalga Pass. However Unimak Pass is wider and much longer and it is not possible to get through at slack water. Thus Unimak pass is lit and used by big ships and is therefore best avoided. From experience Unalga Pass is to be preferred since the potentially dangerous section is very short and, if timed right, can be entered to wait for the optimum moment and coming south it is only 15 miles around from Dutch Harbour so it should be possible to time it correctly. There is an excellent anchorage at the head of English Bay if conditions prove unsuitable.
Fords Terror
David Tyler, 31 December 2009
Locations Fords Terror – 57°38.00'N, 133°10.00'W [Approximate]
Bergy Bits in Tracy Arm
Brown Bear in Ford 's Terror
The anchorage in West Arm, Ford 's Terror
West Arm, Ford 's Terror. "Tystie" is the tiny dot on the water.
Extract from report by David Tyler and Fran Flutter in the OCC September 2008 Newsletter
Approaching the Tracy and Endicott Arms, we started to encounter ‘bergy bits’ of ice, getting thicker as we went into Tracy Arm Cove. The very active glacier here brings day trip boats down from Juneau and even the large cruise ships can go in.
The famous Glacier Bay, further north, is regulated and permits are needed. Here, anyone can give it a go and the scenery is just as mind blowingly dramatic. We decided to make this our major ‘ice experience’ and to miss out Glacier Bay.
The trick for yachts is to make a very early start, before the trip boats get down from Juneau and start churning up the ice. As we went further and further into Tracy Arm, so the bergy bits got thicker and thicker, until full concentration was needed to steer between the bigger chunks, which are as unyielding as a rock, whilst deciding which bits were small enough to nudge out of the way.
About four miles from the face of the glaciers, the ice got pretty well impenetrable for a yacht. A small day trip boat was barging a way through and two small cruise ships seemed to be struggling to find their way out of the pack. We turned around. On the way back out, I launched the dinghy, and collected a bucket of ice.
Back in Tracy Arm Cove, we had a bottle of properly chilled white wine to celebrate.
Next day, we motored into the Endicott Arm, encountering ice as we went in. It’s longer and the glaciers aren’t as active, so it doesn’t attract any casual trippers. Which is good, because off the Endicott Arm is an inlet and anchorage that I place in my top three in the world (so far) – Ford’s Terror. Mr Ford took a ship’s boat in from the Patterson in 1889 and spent several hours clinging to the side as the 15kn flood hurtled past, thinking he’d really blown it this time. Then the tide turned, and he got out.
However, at slack water, it’s an easy entrance and once you’re in, the scenery is astonishing. The anchorage is off the delta of a small river, and it’s necessary to lay one anchor in very deep water and another right on the sandy beach, so that the pull is only "uphill" on the main anchor. Then you can relax.
I spent a day climbing up slabs and snow slopes of ever increasing angle and difficulty, until I reached my limit of competence at 3000ft and took a photo of the anchorage below me. Most of the time we were there, a brown bear, and then a black bear, were browsing on the meadows by the river. They don’t mind if you approach as close as 30-40 yards by dinghy, not seeing this as a threat. But it’s not at all a good plan to approach this close on land. Not if you want to remain in one piece.
Out of Ford’s Terror on the morning slack, we motored out of the Endicott Arm (all the time we were in the Arms, it was sunny and calm – quite remarkable for Alaska at this time of year) and sailed by way of Taku Harbour to Juneau, the capital of Alaska.
Hallo Bay
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Locations Anchorage 1 – 58°28.75'N, 154°02.34'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 2 – 58°27.20'N, 154°01.10'W [GPS WGS84 position] Extensive sand flats mean that anchorage is a long way out and shore access is at HW only. Good views of Devil 's Desk mountain, but otherwise little to attract a cruiser. Anchorage 2 is OK in a fresh easterly.
King Cove
1) Information Submitted by Willie Ker - Assent
2) Date 1993
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long King Cove 55° 04’N 162° 20’W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts An excellent small fishing harbour with the usual heavy marina style floats. Approach is simple under sail since it lies at the head of a deep bay ¾ mile wide. It is the base for a dozen or so 50’ ferries as well as a number of smaller “gill netters” The Peter Pan fish processing factory lies also at the head of the bay.
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities There is a 150 ton travel lift and modest repair facilities are available at the fish factory.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts US Chart No 16549 at 1:80000 covers the area with an inset of King Cove Harbour at 1:5000.
14) Port Radio Services The harbour master listens on Ch 16 as well as 4125 kHz during normal working hours.
Other Facilities:
drinking water Water by hose on the pontoons
fuel Yes gas (propane)/gaz Yes
chandlers Alaska Ship Supply have opened an excellent new store 50m behind the Harbour Masters’ office with a very comprehensive stock of tools and fishing boat chandlery. Credit cards accepted.
shops/market There is a small store over in the village with a liquor store attached. All the normal groceries and frozen goods. They do not take credit cards.
restaurants/hotels There are a couple of bars and a small restaurant.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities US Post Office will hold general delivery or address c/o Harbour Master
best mailing address showers There are a very clean
showers in the Peter Pan accommodation – ask at the Peter Pan store.
laundry It might be possible to get clothes washed at the Peter Pan Laundry
transport/air services There is a light airstrip with daily services to Cold Bay with interruptions due to bad weather.
medical facilities/hospital Medical Centre in the village
18) Recommendations or Warnings 19) Other Information – please include here general impressions, opinions, comments or any other matter which might be of use to those visiting. Salmon run in the river by the harbour and can be caught on a spinner. In early September the ‘silver ‘is highly regarded.
Kodiak Island
1) Information Submitted by Kitty van Hagen Mike & Pat Pocock Blackjack Geoffrey Nockolds Juno I
2) Date 1989, 1991, 1999
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Kodiak, Alaska. Kodiac Harbour: 57°46.9 N 152°24.5W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts St Pauls harbour. A natural port to stop in en route from Hawaii or the Aleutian Islands. St Pauls harbour is a commercial fishing port but the welcome for visiting yachts is warm. They see only 4 yachts per year so expect a lot of interest. Good starting point also for cruising the Kenni peninsula . Average wind speed 20 knots. Frequent depressions, mist, rain & cold weather, but on clear days, superb scenery & good sightseeing. Almost complete lack of visiting yachts. Fishermen extremely helpful and friendly as is everybody else. If you are prepared to take the rough (and the cold) with the smooth then Kodiak, the Kenai Peninsula & Prince William Sound are superb cruising grounds.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Try to moor in the Kodiak Small Boat Harbour on Kodiak Island. This is much nearer the centre of the town than the small boat harbour between Uski and Near islands which is about 3/4 mile across the bridge from the Town centre. There are small boat harbours, primarily for fishing boats, but laid out like marinas, at Kodiak, Seldovia, Homer, Seward, Valdez and Cordova. In between are the most beautiful, remote anchorages imaginable., but depths can be great, it was necessary to anchor in 35 metres on one occasion.
6) Entry Ports Official entry is at Anchorage up the Cook Inlet. Both yachts in this report had already entered the States elsewhere but one had no Cruising Permit, this was sent General Delivery to Seldovia.
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country None
b) from/to abroad Not a port of entry, call Anchorage by phone
c) visa requirements Normal for USA
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master Harbour master: in office close to marina TEL: 486 8080
b) customs/immigration None
c) health authorities None
d) police Yes in town, a few minutes walk
9) Control of Foreign Yachts Cruising Permit for 6/12 months easily obtained
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen Harbour Master very friendly
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities (1999 Info) Grid. There are two, but this is all geared up for the commercial fishing fleet. No lift. Repair facilities fairly basic. (1991 Info) A grid, but timber baulks too far apart for the average sized yacht, however there is a 50 ton travel hoist at a boatyard to the E of the town.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts Refer to NOAA Kodiak and Afognak island 16594. US charts & Coast Pilot, Tide Tables and Tidal Current tables are much the best. Available on arrival.
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail The Alaskan ‘Harbour & Boating Facilities Directories’ can be obtained from Dept. of Transportation Public Facilities, Maintenance Operations, Southeast Region, \\\\Box 3-1000, Juneau, Alaska 99802, USA
14) Port Radio Services VHF CH 12 & 16 All harbour masters monitor Ch 16 in working hours. Change to 12 or 14 and you will be directed to a berth.
15) Weather Forecasts (1999 Info) Weather channel 1 continues forecasts or weather fax Kodiak NOJ 25* (1991 Info) NOAA forecast by Peggy Dyson on 4125 khz at 0800 & 1800 local time, coverage includes offshore areas so useful for approaching the coast. VHF continuous forecasts announced on Ch 16 & broadcast on Ch 22A also on Weather l & 2.
16) Yacht Club(S) None in Kodiak. One in Seward, not open during our stay, said to be one in Homer.
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water All marinas, taps on pontoon
fuel Yes
gas (propane)/gaz Propane at fuel depot, paraffin not known
chandlers Yes, mainly as applied to fishing boats. US Charts available..
bank Yes, several
shops/market Yes, excellent
restaurants/hotels Plenty of restaurants & one good hotel, several adequate. Hotel has good restaurant. Henry’s on pier not worth it. Solly’s, a good but cheap restaurant, near the harbour landing - fish dishes excellent.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities Yes, efficient telephones
internet cafes
best mailing address c/o Harbour Master or General Delivery but Amex only in Anchorage.
showers Yes/expensive
laundry Yes/ very expensive. Laundromat close to Small Boat Harbour
transport/air services Ferry to Anchorage or Seward. Airport and seaplanes. Flights through Anchorage.
medical facilities/hospital Yes
Kukak Bay
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Locations anchorage – 58°17.40'N, 154°15.85'W [GPS WGS84 position] Inside Aguchik Island, there is a a sheltered anchorage which I found useful during two days of strong NE wind and rain.
Kuliak Bay
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Locations Sandbar – 58°11.09'N, 154°15.46'W [GPS WGS84 position] Anchorage – 58°11.72'N, 154°16.42'W [GPS WGS84 position]
The approach is close to the NE of the rocky, wooded promontory that divides Kuliak Bay in two. Extending across the channel from this promontory is a Sandbar, 4m, which is a good place to anchor temporarily to reconnoitre by dinghy. The entrance channel through the drying gravel bar is narrow and deep, 4m. However, just inside, there is another Sandbar, less than 1m. It is best to go in at half-flood, when the position of the channel can still be seen, but there is adequate water over the inner bar. Then proceed to the head of the lagoon between the drying flats on either side, and anchor in 15m. Bears on the beach.
Little Raspberry Island
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Locations Approach 1 – 57°58.44'N, 152°54.43'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Approach 2 – 57°58.97'N, 152°54.00'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage – 57°59.37'N, 152°54.65'W [GPS WGS84 position] Good Anchorage in 2m, lots of sea otters around. Local fishing vessels may pass through at HW.
Lituya Bay
David Tyler, 10 September 2013
Last updated David Tyler, 10 September 2013
Locations Entrance – 58°36.46'N, 137°39.78'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 1 – 58°37.30'N, 137°39.70'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchorage 2 – 58°38.85'N, 137°34.00'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Leading marks, Lituya Bay
Entrance, first hour of flood
Crillon Inlet, blocked by moraine
Entrance 58 36.46 N 137 39.78 W
Anchorage 1 58 37.30 N 137 39.70 W
Anchorage 2 58 38.85 N 137 34.00 W
"On the night of July 9, 1958 an earthquake along the Fairweather Fault in the Alaska Panhandle loosened about 40 million cubic yards (30.6 million cubic meters) of rock high above the northeastern shore of Lituya Bay. This mass of rock plunged from an altitude of approximately 3000 feet (914 meters) down into the waters of Gilbert Inlet. The impact generated a local tsunami that crashed against the southwest shoreline of Gilbert Inlet. The wave hit with such power that it swept completely over the spur of land that separates Gilbert Inlet from the main body of Lituya Bay. The wave then continued down the entire length of Lituya Bay, over La Chaussee Spit and into the Gulf of Alaska. The force of the wave removed all trees and vegetation from elevations as high as 1720 feet (524 meters) above sea level. Millions of trees were uprooted and swept away by the wave. This is the highest wave that has ever been known." - from the geology.com website.
It is worth making the effort to enter Lituya Bay. Remembering that the explorer La Perouse lost two boats here, entry should not be attempted against the ebb, when the current sets up standing breakers as it encounters the southerly swell. Identify Cormorant Rock, a large boulder on the east side of the Entrance, and approach it quite closely, when the lighted, red and white leading marks will become visible. The channel is only 50m wide, between boulders, so stay close to the leading line. The US Coast Pilot says that there are boulders and snags close to shore in Anchorage Cove, but there is a large area with a depth of 9 - 10 m with good holding, not far to port of the leading line. However, the southerly swell reaches this anchorage on the flood, and a more comfortable anchorage can be found to the NE of Cenotaph Island in 14m, with a good clean mud bottom. The shores in most of the rest of the bay are steep-to, and foul with rocks and snags.
As regards the Gilbert Inlet and Crillon Inlet, at the head of the bay, the chart and pilot are not up to date. Both inlets are now blocked off by terminal moraines, with the glaciers close up behind them. It is possible to anchor temporarily on the edge of the moraine, where the chart shows 120m of water!
Long Island
David Tyler, 04 July 2013
Locations Entrance – 57°46.47'N, 152°16.43'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Anchor in 10m, sand and weed.The nearest sheltered Anchorage to Kodiak. Hikes ashore on old military tracks.
McCarty Fiord
David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations McCarty Lagoon – 59°32.00'N, 150°21.40'W [GPS WGS84 position]
James Lagoon – 59°33.24'N, 150°24.18'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Midnight Cove – 59°30.40'N, 150°21.00'W [GPS WGS84 position]
McCarty Lagoon
The US Coast Pilot says "McCarty Lagoon has not been surveyed. The entrance nearly bares at LW, but shallow-draft vessels can enter at HW. The tidal currents in the entrance have an estimated velocity of 8 - 12 knots, so that high water slack is the only time to enter". This is a rather pessimistic picture. In July 2013, a least depth was found, at the inner end of the entrance, in excess of 1m at datum, with currents of somewhat less than 8 knots. The channel is close to the rocky S shore until a creek on the N side is passed, and then moves over to follow the steep-to gravel bank on the N side, as a lower gravel bank develops to the S. On reaching the deep water of the lagoon, anchorage can be found on the inside of the gravel bank, to port. It is advisable to enter and leave within an hour of HW. The chart is inaccurate as regards the N shore. The creek on the N side comes from a small lagoon, which in turn is fed by a creek from Delight Lake. Bush planes and helicopters land on the beach near this lagoon to fish for salmon. Google Earth gives a good picture of this, but not of the channel.
James Lagoon
The chart is inaccurate. The survey was done before 1939, and it is possible that the 1964 earthquake has caused some upheaval. At any rate, what the chart shows as a group of islands and foul ground, NE of the entrance channel, is now a peninsula, and more importantly, what is shown as a spot depth of 0.9m, at the inner end of the channel, is now a bank, with large stones on its seaward side, that dries at half-tide. The channel is divided by this bank. The W channel is extremely narrow, and nearly dries at its inner end. It cannot be recommended. The E channel is wider, but is still nearly dry at LW. The channel passes to the E of a shoal off the entrance, then turns towards the W rocky shore. After a creek is passed, the channel narrows, then divides, and the E channel then turns to the E around a steep-to gravel bank.
approach 59?33.24 ' N 150?24.18 ' W
channel 1 59?33.46 ' N 150?24.65 ' W
channel 2 59?33.55 ' N 150?24.70 ' W
channel 3 59?33.70 ' N 150?24.69 ' W
channel 4 59?33.75 ' N 150?24.65 ' W
channel 5 59?33.80 ' N 150?24.59 ' W
channel 6 59?33.91 ' N 150?24.47 ' W
Head towards a rock and scree scar on the steep eastern hillside and anchor off the mud flats in 10m. It is essential to enter and leave within an hour of HW.
Of the two lagoons, McCarty Lagoon has the easier, deeper entrance.
Midnight Cove
Entrance 59?30.40 ' N 150?21.00 ' W
This is the all-tide anchorage in McCarty Fiord. Head into Moonlight Bay, and round a rock awash to enter Midnight Cove and anchor in the centre of the cove, just inside the bend, in 16 - 20m, or in the NE corner with a line ashore, 10 - 15m. The mountain sides are very steep and williwaws are likely in strong NE weather. There is an attractive waterfall in the SE corner.
Nome
1) Information Submitted by Willie Ker - Assent
2) Date 1993
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Nome, Alaska 64°31’ N 165°25’ W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts It is the most northern, reasonably accessible harbour with good facilities, however weather conditions may preclude entry.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage There is a mole about 1000 metres long running more or less due south, about half a mile west of the inner harbour. There is a wharf on the east face at the seaward end for barges and it offers fair shelter but with the wind anywhere in the south soon becomes untenable.
The inner harbour at Nome is relatively shallow but it should be possible to find a berth with over 6ft at LW alongside the wharf or outside a barge or tug. When Nome becomes untenable the only shelter is under Sledge Island 64°30’N 166°11’W.
The small inner harbour is in the Snake river which flows out through a dredged channel between training walls and is subject to silting. In Aug 1993 the depth in the channel at H.W. was about 7ft but the height is very affected by the wind and if there is any swell running it is best to check first. If the worst comes to the worst it may be necessary to sail to Port Clarence and take a taxi/mini bus from Teller 75 miles from Nome by road.
6) Entry Ports Anchorage is the principal Entry port, but there are sometimes Customs officers stationed at Nome and Dutch Harbour. If an officer has to fly from Anchorage, the cost can be considerable, so if planning to arrive from outside the USA, this should be checked in advance.
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country Having obtained a Cruising Licence it is only necessary to contact the area officer of US Customs by phone when entering subsequent ports.
b) from/to abroad There is normally a Customs/Immigration officer stationed here, otherwise the senior Police officer acts as immigration officer. Ensure that you obtain a Cruising Licence. You may, or may not , be asked for $25 ‘Processing Fee’, the ruling is not entirely clear.
c) visa requirements Normal US rules
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master The harbour master appeared somewhat inactive.
b) customs/immigration At Police station in centre of town.
c) health authorities Health centre in town d) police In town
9) Control of Foreign Yachts A Cruising Licence is normally issued for 6 months but can be extended.
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen All very friendly, efficient and helpful
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities Heavy lift crane owned by Crowley Maritime. Welding & simple repairs only.
12) Sailing Directions or Charts US chart 16200 & 16206 (large scale). See Alaska notes
13) Cruising Guide and where Obtainable. Include Phone and/or E-Mail
14) Port Radio Services Call Nome Radio on Ch 16 or 26. See Alaska notes.
15) Weather Forecasts Continuous weather forecast on WX1 (162.55 mhz). See Alaska notes
16) Yacht Club(S) See Alaska notes. Two locally owned yachts. Best contact Ramon Gaudia (Tel [907] 443-2437) who is a keen sailor & bush pilot & extremely helpful.
17) Other Facilities:
drinking water (only fair) from hose at wharf
fuel Enquire at Crowley Maritime office
gas (propane)/gaz Enquire at Crowley Maritime office
chandlers Several hardware stores - only small boat gear but see Alaska notes
bank In town
shops/market In town
restaurants/hotels Nome has an active tourist industry with two or three hotels and several bars.
post office/telephones including mobile facilities In town. See Alaska notes on telephone facilities
best mailing address Either General Delivery, Nome, AK 99762 or c/o Jim Stimfle (see No 18 below)
showers At the Recreational Centre
laundry Private arrangements
transport/air services Daily air service to Anchorage. This would not be a good crew change port owing to the uncertainty of being able to enter the harbour but it would be possible to use Teller. medical facilities/hospital Good medical facilities
18) Recommendations or Warnings The chairman of the Nome Chamber of Commerce, Jim Stimfle, has built up a good relationship with the twin port of Provideniya in Siberia and is able to obtain invitations and hence visas for a visit. The situation regarding Russian visas is somewhat fluid and it may shortly be possible to visit without a visa but he is best contact we have at the moment (Aug 1993). See Alaska notes.
Northwestern Fiord
David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations Moraine gap entrance – 59°44.16'N, 149°53.54'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Moraine gap entrance 59?44.16 ' N 149?53.54 ' W
Northwestern Lagoon bar 59?43.60 ' N 149?57.19 ' W
W Inlet anchorage 59?45.65 ' N 150?04.36 ' W
This fiord has only recently been surveyed, so the chart should be reliable. A terminal moraine almost blocks the fiord but leaves a gap, 8m deep. There are appreciable tidal currents here.
Having passed through, turn to port, and give the foul ground of the moraine a good offing before entering Northwest Lagoon. There is a bar with least depth 0.6m on its inner edge. This is no problem with sufficient rise of tide. Anchor anywhere around the edge of the lagoon in 10 - 15m. Good shelter and holding.
In July 2013, there was only a small amount of floating ice, though the glaciers further up the fiord were calving. The high rocky island near the head of the fiord can be rounded, with good views of Northwestern Glacier.
There is a further anchorage in the inlet W of this island, where there is a good view of the head of the fiord.
Palisades Lagoon, Surprise Bay
David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations Palisades Lagoon – 59°31.07'N, 150°29.06'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Keep in mid-channel through the narrows, then 30m from the W shore until a vertical cliff is abeam, to avoid a boulder bank. The lagoon is deep. Lay an anchor in deep water, then take a second anchor onto the mud flats. Favour the W side of the flats, as the E side is stony.
Port Chatham
David Tyler, 19 July 2013
Locations Chugash Passage – 59°10.30'N, 151°46.50'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Port Chatham – 59°12.58'N, 151°46.75'W [GPS WGS84 position]
Port Chatham is a well sheltered inlet, and is a good place to wait for a fair tide through Chugash Passage, where the north-going flood runs at up to 4.8 knots, and the south-going ebb runs at up to 2.7 knots. Chrome Bay, 7m, could be used in a northerly wind, or go further inside, leaving Chatham Island to starboard, for a choice of anchorages in about 10m, in a southerly/easterly wind. There is a CG mooring buoy that might be used, if vacant.
Port Clarence
OCC legacy data,
Locations Port Clarence – 65°16.00'N, 166°48.00'W [Approximate] 1) Information Submitted by Willie Ker - Assent
2) Date 1993
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Port Clarence, Alaska 65° 16’N 166° 48’W
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Port Clarence offers the best sheltered anchorage north of the Pritdrop on the East side of the Bering Strait and was used frequently by whalers and RN ships (HMS Plover entered here in 1850/1) The outer harbour of Port Clarence is enclosed by a long spit on which is a CG Loran Station is about 10 mile across and there is better shelter for small boats in Grantley Harbour which is entered through a narrow channel (not now buoyed) close to a spit which runs SE from the NE corner of Port Clarence.
5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage Grantley Harbour is rather shoal and some silting has occurred since the last survey so care in needed. It is possible to anchor in 1 ½ fms fairly close E of the village of Terrer (65° 15’ 166° 18’W) by closing the southern shore before turning in towards the village.
17) Other Facilities Facilities are fairly minimal as you would expect from a small village (pop 200+) mainly of Eskimos (Inupiat/Upik) origin. There is a small store and post office as well as telephones. Communication with Nome is by light aircraft or by taxi/minivan (US$40 one way 1993) Many of the locals set up camps out on the spit north of the village where they set salmon nets and dry or smoke their catch.
Prince William Sound
LocationsPrince William Sound – 60°00.00'N, 149°00.00'W [Approximate]
1) Information Submitted by Kitty van Hagen Mike and Pat Pocock Blackjack
2) Date 1999 and 1989
3) Harbour or Area Covered Include Lat & Long Prince William Sound - Alaska 61°N 147°W approx.
4) Suitability and Attraction for Yachts Scenically it is the most spectacular area. Snow covered mountains ring Prince William Sound and great tidewater glaciers creak and groan their way down the slopes. The Sound is very sparsely populated - Whittier, Valdez and Cordova are the main and only towns. There are also Indian settlements at Sawmills Bay which we visited and at Tatilek which we were advised to avoid. We experienced reasonable sailing winds, certainly much better than in SE Alaska. We hear that we were exceptionally fortunate with the weather, having only two wet days in four weeks, it could, it seems have been exactly the opposite.
1989 was the year of the Exxon Valdez disaster which caused serious contamination but the sound is huge and by following good advice we avoided any contact and still enjoyed the delights of the Sound. Sadly we never saw a brown bear in the Sound but early in the year they are more likely on higher ground and come down to the shore later when the salmon are running. We saw lots of sea otters with their young, bald eagles, deer, foxes, sealions, whales and many unusual birds including the tiny rufus humming-bird which commutes annually from Mexico.
The highlight of our visit was quite definitely a day spent in the Harriman Fiord and the Barry Arm where no less than nine superb tidewater glaciers can be seen and admired. We used Hobo Bay as “base camp” very successfully. Valdez is a convenient stop in Prince William Sound for re-stocking. Good crew change place with a Marina with all facilities, water, electricity. 5) Marinas, Berthing or Anchorage There are marinas at Seward, Whittier, Valdez and Cordova and a government float at Sawmills Bay. We used all of these except Valdez . Whittier has a rail connection with Anchorage and there are a some yachts based there. Whittier is not a place of great beauty to put it mildly but none the less has some useful facilities.
The majority of our anchorages were solitary and very beautiful. We found many a land-locked bay with only the resident seals for company. Spruce trees come right down to the water’s edge and in most cases walking ashore is a rugged and difficult affair.
1.ainbridge.
2. 60°01.0N 148°26.0W. Auk bay
3. 60°13.9N 148°.15W anchor in15meters Orca cove – good for black bears
4. 60°15.6N 147°46W anchor 12meters Snug harbour
5. 60°58.2N 1 46°47W anchor 10m clay jade Harbour – pretty bay nice view of Columbia Glacier
6. 61°00.N2147°.00W anchor 16m number 1 river- excellent for Columbia Glacier and dinghy ashore for good walking.
7. 61°02N 146°47W anchor 15m Saw Mill bay
8. 60°42N 146°05W anchor 8m Comfort cove
9. 60°20N 146°32 W anchor 6m Garden cove.
6) Entry Ports Blackjack is British registered and we held UK passports with US visas. Having already entered the USA in Hawaii we telephoned Anchorage from Kodiak (300 miles SW of PWS) and they were kind enough to post our Cruising Permit to us c/o General Delivery in Seldovia our first settlement after Kodiak. We were asked to keep them informed of our progress from the major ports that we passed. When we departed the USA for Canada at Ketchikan we surrendered our Permit.
7) Formal Requirements for Yachts Entering/Departing:
a) from/to same country none
b) from/to abroad proceed to Valdez otherwise enquire in Kodiak or Seward
c) visa requirements A requirement for all non US nationals.
8) Location/Existence of:
a) harbour master In Whittier, Valdez and Cordova. In Valdez, yes close to dock . Tel: 835 4981
b) customs/immigration
c) health authorities No contact d) police
9) Control of Foreign Yachts depending on nationality 6/12 months Cruising permit obtainable
10) Attitude of Officials to Visiting Yachtsmen couldn’t have been more helpful
11) Repair/Hauling Facilities Repairs could be effected at Whittier Valde