D12 COWICHAN BAY

1. Hatch Point – A private boat launch and dock to the north. Be careful when going over Boatswain Bank as it is very shallow and dries in some areas.

2.Patey Rock – Marked with a light and dries to 2 m (6.5 ft).

3. Cowichan Bay – Named after the Cowichan Indians who lived in this region. The public wharf is protected by a large breakwater. Available: water, lights, power, phone, washrooms and several private marinas. This bay is known for its sports fishing.

4. Genoa Bay – Named after the birthplace of Giovani Baptiste Ordano who came to Cowichan Bay in the late 1850’s. Lots of room to anchor.

5. Separation Point – Marked with a light; west is good for mooching.

6. Sansum Point – Named after the first lieutenant of the HMS Thetis, Arthur Sansum. A rocky ledge protrudes from the point and a rock with less than 2 m (6.5 ft) of water is 90 m (300 ft) southwest of the point.

7. Sansum Narrows – Currents can reach three knots and winds can be unpredictable. Watch for rips and whirlpools around Burial Islet and Sansum and Bold Bluff Points.

8. Burial Islet – Marked by a light. Watch for whirlpools and tide rips around this grassy island.

9.Musgrave Landing – When space is available, this is a popular public wharf with good shelter. Private floats to the south.

10. Cape Keppel – Named after Sir Henry Keppel, captain of the frigate Dido. Nice beaches to explore (northwest of the point) when one can anchor.

11. Mount Tuam – An ecological reserve intended to conserve an example of the coastal Douglas Fir ecosystem.

12. Satellite Channel – Named after The Satellite which carried 21 guns, weighed 1,462 pounds. There is a 343 hectare ecological preserve in the centre of the channel between the Saanich Peninsula and Salt spring Island. The reserve is only the sea floor. This is the only ecological reserve in B.C. which is entirely underwater at all times.

Boaters can see some very impressive homes along here.

Saanich Inlet – Provides the calmest waters in the Gulf Islands. Most anchorages are in the northern part of the inlet where shores are gradual.

15. Wain Rock – Marked by a light and dries to about 2 m (6.5 ft).

16. Deep Cove – Provides good, safe anchorage. Public wharf in the south part of the bay. Beacon on a drying rock.