Leg Description

Cheekee Progress

Leg 5
Date: June 18, 2003
Course: Hardwicke Island to Telegraph Cove
Distance: 40.30 nautical miles

Start: 0730 hrs. The start is in the vicinity of the previous finish line. This is a tricky leg for playing currents. Light winds and fog are common in early morning with brisk winds generally filling in after noon. This leg is started early to take full advantage of the positive current and hey there are no Tim Hortons here, so may as well go sailing.

Finish: The finish is between the entrance to Telegraph Cove and Lewis Point. The Race Committee Motorhome will be on station at Elia Point. Excellent spectator viewing.

Moorage: Moorage is “sponsored” at the Telegraph Cove Resort & Marina, courtesy of Gordie Graham of Telegraph Cove Resort. Moorage for the fleet here will be extremely tight. Boats will be assigned a spot with assistance from Jim Borrowmen. Some boats may be assigned a spot at the docks in Beaver Cove. These docks have easy access to Telegraph Cove. If you prefer to make your own arrangements you can call the new docks across from Old Telegraph Cove at 250-928-3163 where moorage is available at a cost.

Facilities: Telegraph Cove Cabins and RV Park, Water/Showers/Laundry and Gas are close at hand. No Diesel. There is also the Old Saltery Pub & Restaurant, a confectionery and souvenir shop on the dock. Further accommodations and amenities can be found in Port McNeil a 30 min drive North. See www.telegraphcoveresort.com

Awards Reception: There will be a barbecue, for the racers organized by the small business community of “The Cove” immediately following the awards. Excellent food also available at the pub & restaurant.

Special Notes: This leg is voted the most likely not to finish but the scenery is awesome and takes you past Robson Bight the famous killer whale rubbing beach.

For those interested in whales and whale bones Jim Borrowman, is a wealth of knowledge and opened a whale interpretation center on the boardwalk here in summer 2002. Nicknamed the ‘Bones Project’, there are lots of neat whale bones on display.

Proceeds from the BBQ will go towards the Johnstone Strait Whale Interpretation Center.