Just got back from a three-day trip to Sucia island, a popular local destination. It was our first overnight this year; we'd been out on several daysails already, usually for heavy weather practice. This trip has certainly been a memorable one.
It was four of us: myself, the admiral, our most regular buddy-who-crews-with-us, and the admiral's father, who had some experience sailing from bay to bay on Lake Baikal in a lateen-rigged kayak before I was born.
Here are some highlights:
- Got to see some of the Patos Island Classic. It looked frustrating.
- Beautiful weather Saturday and Sunday, and today as well except when we were being battered by squalls. But in between squalls, the sun shone brilliantly, vivid rainbows, the works. Got the occasional reality check when thunder rolled in over the Gulf Islands.
- Docked in Fossil Bay on a mostly-deserted Sucia. Built roaring campfire. Hiked to Johnson Point and got some breathtaking views... including of a cozy little bay called Snoring Cove that I'd love to try on our next visit.
Admiral and our boat, with powered neighbors.
Admiral and crew, taking a break on the trail to Johnson Point.
Me at Johnson Point.
- Fastest ever sailing on the way back (today). Most of the trip was over six knots, and quite a bit over seven after allowing for current. Surfed to nearly nine frequently. Quite a wild ride, broad-reaching in 20 knots apparent. Wouldn't mind a third reef and a smaller jib.
- Got to feel/hear what it's like to be in a bay exposed to 50 knot winds. Got to learn how to properly arrange docklines for such conditions (second night was way, way more comfortable than the first, even though the winds were higher). We got hit by two cold fronts in quick succession.
- Got the tiller pilot working and played around with it a bit... attachment needs some adjusting before it'll steer a straight course.
- Got to experience the pure joy of knowing you simply will not get the motor to start, no matter how many times you turn the key.
- Got to experience the pure joy of sailing to the dock.
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Although, with as much rain as we've been getting, I may not need to launch the boat, just float her off the trailer.
