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The annual cruising rally hosted by Ullman Sails and 48 North is designed to give boat owners more confident in cruising to locations off the beaten path and explore places that have great anchorages.

This year at the 2023 48 North/ Ullman Sails Cruising Rally there were 10 boats that met in Anacortes on July 23^rd, and headed out to the San Juan Islands on July 24^th.

The first stop was Garrison Bay by English Camp on San Juan Island, the home of the “Pig War”.  This is a great history stop if you have not been there, and a fun look back at how the San Juan Islands became part of the United States.

We encountered a summer rain squall the first night that went away fairly fast and left us with a calm clear anchorage and a peaceful night at anchor.  Crab was caught the first night with pots in the water for only 2 hours. Many of the rally participants went ashore for hikes and sightseeing, including great hill top views of the anchorage.  Two boats got a later start due to mechanical and logistical issues.

The second stop was a quick trip through the Canadian Customs and onto Winter Harbor on Saturna Island.  The entire fleet made it to this second stop.  This amazing cove has great anchor holding and protected from all sides.  The shoreside walks and trails are great with incredible views of a small boat passage to the northeast and local fauna.  A few picked wild blackberries and some rode bikes.

The usual beach game of the rally “Kubb” was a big hit again.  There is nothing like throwing lumber.

The following day the trip was short so the fleet left later in the morning and early afternoon heading to Annette Cove, a little narrow cove with great protection and the ability to stern tie at anchor.  This is a technique the rally uses every year to help people understand the benefits and basics of how to do it.

On the way to Annette Cove just outside of Winter Harbor, the Orcas came by for a visit and nearly the entire fleet were front row for a show.  This is always something people want to see on the rally but is nearly impossible to promise.

Once in Annette Cove most of the fleet rafted and others came by dinghy for a cocktail get together and share stories of the Orcas, and other great moments of the rally.

The final anchorage on the last night of the rally was in Parks Bay on Shaw Island back in the USA.  The entire fleet cleared customs on the CBP Roam app and were free to reprovision in Friday Harbor or head straight over to Parks Bay for an incredible night aboard Frolic the Jeanneau 440 for Tacos and cocktails with an amazing sunset once again.

Friday most of the fleet headed home with the mother ship “Blackbird” and “Stargazer” met up for a final dinner in Anacortes.

The 48 North/ Ullman Sails Cruising Rally is an annual event where cruisers are guided along through the San Juan Islands and Gulf Islands.  It is designed to encourage gunkholing and visiting places off the beaten path to expand the enjoyment of northwest boating.