Sailing to New Channel and Flattop Island

Sept 14, 2025 – Moderate winds for sailing on what felt like an autumn day. Clouds came and went with occasional sprinkles. We were temped to go south but being against the current and the wind we sailed north. Hugged the Shaw Island coastline before cutting through the Wasp Islands. Had a great sail up to Spieden Island and enjoyed drifting through New Channel. Harbor seals were resting, Steller sea lions patrolled the shoreline foraging, Bonaparte’s gulls stood on the bull kelp forest, belted kingfishers called out. Next we cut through the pass by Ripple Island and scanned into Boundary Pass before coming about to sail to Flattop Island. Had a great sail down to Jones Island and enjoyed cups of tea with lighter winds before returning to Friday Harbor. Other wildlife sightings included great blue herons, harlequin ducks, and cormorants. A fabulous full day sailing