Inside Passage info request

[JeffJ]

I'm from Minnesota and just bought a boat in LaConner, WA and plan to take it up the Inside Passage to Sitka in June of 2003. I recall an organization that used to be composed of people who do this. It put out a newsletter and put people together who wanted to travel together. Does this group or anything else like it still exist? Where else could a person obtain good information about such a trip? What are the best books?

[Chuck Gould]

If you can find a copy of Walt Woodward's book, "How to Cruise to Alaska Without Rocking the Boat Too Much," it's a very good reference.

Unfortunately, it's been out of print for several years. I loaned my copy out, and am awaiting its return.

I could put you in touch with an author from Oregon that wrote a magazine article a year or so ago about a trip up the inside passage on a Nordic Tug. A charter company up in Alaska usually runs a new Nordic or two up the coast each spring, and the captain they use has made the trip dozens of times.

You might also check the Coast Pilot for sailing directions, and
Bob Hale's Waggoner Cruising Guide is a good basic reference for resources etc. as far north as Prince Rupert.

[Ian]

Jeff get ahold of DonDouglass's books from www.FineEdge.com , he is the authority on the Northwest passage and what he says is real, I have cruised from Vancouver to Juneau and it is the most incredible place on the planet. if you have questions that i may be able to answer don't hesitate to email me cheers Ian.