WINDS The winds in the Islands can vary a lot.   The surrounding mountainous landscape tends to determine the wind direction more than the specific location of highs and lows, as the wind is set more through the path-of-least-resistance than the direction of isobars and the coriolis effect.    Also,  the thermal effects of the many land masses and bodies of water in this island region can be significant.  We've noted on the map a few channels and bays that often seem to make for nice sailing.   Some interesting wind statistics and predictions are available at www.windfinder.com. Cowichan Bay is a good example of thermal wind effects, where you can almost count on a good onshore wind in the late morning as the land heats up.   The photo below shows the boats assembled for the annual Cow Bay Regatta to take advantage of this affect.