Bustard Islands
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Bustard Islands, ON Lat: 45°53.8 Long: 080° 54.375 |
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Quick Reference:
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Important Numbers
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DISTANCES
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DESCRIPTION The Bustard Islands were first charted by Lt (later Admiral) Henry Bayfield. They most likely were named after a large, well-known game bird, the last of which died out in England about 1832. The island group is made up of several large islands (eg Burnt, Tarpot, Tie, Tanvat, Strawberry) and many more smaller islands, rocks and ledges. For all intents and purposes, the islands are uninhabited with the exception of a few cottagers. The scenery is outstanding. There are three excellent anchorages used by visiting sailors. And, there are many more spots where you can drop a hook for a few hours or days. These anchorages are popular and sometimes can be quite busy. |
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APPROACHES The most well-known anchorages lie at the eastern end of a channel known as The Gun Barrel. The more northerly anchorage lies between Tie Island and Green Island. The middle anchorage lies between Pearl Island and Green Island. The southerly anchorage lies between Bustard Island Harbour on Burnt Island and Strawberry Island. The preferred approach is to come around to the west side of the island group. If coming along the north side, you can take a shortcut into The Gun Barrel. Follow the Northeast Passage which is well-marked on the charts to RED marker buoy 79. At that point, turn south and follow the passage between Twin Islands on your port and Meaford Island. When you clear Meaford Island, you will be in The Gun Barrel Channel and can turn east to follow it. Moving east, keep France Island and Highland Home Island on your portside. Pearl Island will be on your starboard. Once you clear Pearl Island, you can turn northeast and anchor between Green Island and the much larger Tie Island. Alternatively, you can choose to anchor between Pearl Island and Green Island. If coming along the south side, give the islands wide berth due to the hazards (both charted and uncharted). From the west, enter via The Gun Barrel, a straight east-west channel lying immediately south of the Ridout Islands group. Following this broad channel about .75 nm will bring you to a point between Meaford Island and Burnt Island. From this point, you can cruise east keeping France Island and Highland Home Island on your portside. Pearl Island will be on your starboard. Once you clear Pearl Island, you can turn northeast and anchor between Green Island and the much larger Tie Island. Alternatively, you can choose to anchor between Pearl Island and Green Island. A third option is to anchor off Bustard Islands Harbour. With Meaford Island on your port, bend your course southeast between Harbour Island and Burnt Island. Rounding the northeast corner of Burnt Island, you can anchor between Burnt Island and the western end of Strawberry Island. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES None |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's None |
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MEDICAL SERVICES None |
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PLACES TO EAT None |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT The Bustard Islands are perfect for gunkholing in your dinghy. You always need to be aware of depths. The anchorages can range from secluded to busy but the area offers outstanding scenery and a real sense of isolation. Return from the Bustard Islands to Georgian Bay Return to Home Page |
