Approaches To Marina

Approaches to Rossport Marina

You can approach the Rossport Marina from several directions.  Regardless of direction, it is very important to pay close attention to your charts.  There are shoals, rocks and small, unnamed islands that can pose a significant threat to an unwary sailor who is not navigating carefully.

From the East

The eastern approach to Rossport Marina is via the Schreiber Channel which runs generally east-west between the mainland and several islands in the Wilson archipelago - the main ones being Copper, Wilson and Healey Islands.  The channel entrance is marked with a GREEN/RED/GREEN marker buoy on Bread Rock. Give this buoy a wide berth. Further along lies McGarvey Shoal, marked with a GREEN buoy. This shoal is where the steam yacht Gunilda foundered in 1911 so it is wise to give it a wide berth as well.

When you approach the east end of Healey Island, you can choose to pass on either side of it.  If you go north, you will find the water is deeper.  As you reach the west end of Healey Island, you will pass between it and Boone Island. Nicol Island will be on your bow.  Alter course to the port so that you keep Nicol Island on your beam.  As you round the end of Nicol Island, you will pass between it and Whiskey Island.  Whiskey Island is marked with a Fl WHITE light.  Altering course to starboard will bring you into Rossport Marina.

If you choose to go south of Healey Island, keep its shoreline on your starboard beam for about 1.5 nm.  As you pass between Healey Island and Channel Island, be aware of a shoal and rocks marked with an unlit GREEN buoy.  When you see a narrow channel on your starboard between Healey and Quarry Islands, alter course to starboard to pass up this channel.  Nicol Island will be dead ahead.  As you approach Nicol Island, alter course to port and follow the shoreline around, past Whiskey Island and into Rossport harbour.

From the South

There are two routes into Rossport Marina from the south.  You can follow Wilson Channel north between Wilson Island on your starboard and Vein Island on your port.  Note: Vein Island is sometimes shown or referred to as Salter Island. Generally, the course to follow is approximately 345°T.  Be aware of an unmarked shoal at the north end of Wilson Channel - Tracy Shoal.  Once clear of Wilson Island, alter course to starboard to approximately 010°T for about 1.5 nm. Quarry Island will be off to your starboard and Whiskey Island will be on your starboard bow, marked with a Fl WHITE light. Pass between Whiskey Island and the mainland to enter Rossport harbour.

The other route from the south lies up Simpson Channel.  This is a wider channel, lying on the east side of Simpson Island.  The entrance is marked by the Battle Island Light, Fl WHITE and visible approximately 13 nm in good weather.  A course of approximately 330°T for about 4 nm will bring you to the north side of Vein (Salter) Island, on your starboard. Just off the NW corner of Vein Island lies Rolette Shoal, extending .5 nm offshore.  Give this wide berth as you make your turn to the NE to begin your run into Rossport harbour.  Alter course to approximately 075°T and hold for about 3.75 nm. This will bring you to Whiskey Island.  Pass between Whiskey Island and the mainland to enter Rossport harbour.

From the Northwest (Nipigon Bay)

Follow Nipigon Bay on a course of approximately 114°T. Make note of Barwiss Rock, marked with a Fl RED buoy.  Also be aware of Rollete Shoal, extending .5 nm offshore from the NW corner of Vein Island.  Once you have reached Vein Island, alter course to approximately 075°T and hold for about 3.75 nm.  This will bring you to Whiskey Island.  Pass between Whiskey Island and the mainland to enter Rossport harbour.

Magnetic Anomalies

Local magnetic anomalies have been reported in and around Rossport that can result in significant variations (5o or greater).

Navigation

As has been stated previously, there are numerous unmarked shoals and rocks in this area.  Exercise caution as you sail through these waters.  Pay very close attention to your charts and watch your depths.