salts   sailing

 
Enter what you want to search for, to search for an "exact phrase" by enclosing it in quotes. You may search for a combination of words and phrases

en

Learn more about our "How to Tie Knots" DVD/CD
December 14th 2024 - 08:02

Pacific Odyssey - Leg 7

Honolulu to Victoria - for more information see http://www.salts.ca/010_SALTS_odyssey.htm
tracking Pacific Grace: 35 recorded positions
Last Position:
48°27'18.00 N 123°17'24.00 W
  on June 13th 2008 @ 22:30

Ship's Log:
For the first time this offshore we sailed in hard to the harbor and anchored under sail; it was exhilarating and everyone was working together
top-notch.  It was incredible and we all knew it.  The wind picked up south of Pender Island; when we got to Kelp Reef we called ´all hands´ and raised the mainsail, the foresail, the jumbo, and the jib.  Initially we ghosted at a few knots but within an hour we were roaring along at 7.5 knots . . .
wonderful . . .

It was special, some of the best sailing this leg.  When we neared Baynes Channel the wind picked up considerably and the sea was choppy and waves were big.  We lowered the jib; Raven and Emily with Susan lowered and furled the jib for the first time, they did a great job.  Everyone else was lowering the main and setting a double reef in the mainsail.  It´s fun when everyone has been on the ship long enough and understands how sail handling works.  All sailing procedures went quickly and smoothly with everyone wanting to help out, knowing it would possibly be the last chance to sail and be a part of it. Once the main was reefed and the jib furled we headed back into the wind and tacked our way through Baynes Channel and into Cordova Bay, where we anchored under sail . . . superlative . . . an amazing ending to the day and to the leg.   We were heeled hard over, making up to 8 knots, water was coming up through the scupper and wetting the decks, and we were having to place cups, bowls, dishes etc. carefully again to prevent spills.   It felt great to feel the ship sailing the way she is intended to, something we miss already.   A gale is forecasted for tonight and it may be windy tomorrow; another great sail looks possible, we are excited.  Our plan was to anchor at Chatham Island but because of weather we´ve ended up here. We left Campbell Bay this morning after breakfast.  Some trainees started thinking about packing, often an ominous undertaking.  James had stuff spread all over the hold table, organizing it and getting rid of as much as he could.  Jordan worked with Adam, Raven, James and Skipper bending the mainsail back onto the boom.  Elske climbed out onto the furthest end of the main boom to finish painting the black on some ironwork.   Work watch gave another coat of oil to the cabin house rails and the cap rails.  There is an increased sense of ownership as everyone knows now where all boat supplies are kept and can recognize what still needs doing.  Jacob started making a leather pouch for the marlin spike he bought himself in Port Townsend.  Lisa unraveled her wool and is knitting steadily on her scarf; it looks nice. Tristan, Bec, and Jacob checked over all the signal flags and the systems for raising them. Skipper had ´heaving line´ throwing practice for those trainees managing mooring lines when we come to the dock tomorrow.  Trainees are squeezing in a few more climbs up the rigging, viewing their life from a different angle.  During lunch, watches enjoyed their final meal together around the table.  In both Jose and Antony´s watch, trainees shared with their watches what they appreciate and have learned from each other.  It´s a great exercise that builds everyone´s sense of self and part in a community.

Tonight we will see a slide show of this leg put together by Jose; it´s always wonderful.  We sit spellbound, reliving our 37 days together. There´s no need to say anything, we know it all, we were all there together . . . lots of laughing and remembering.   Christina, Arwen, and Adrienne made donuts as a final mug-up, delicious. Tomorrow we enter Victoria Harbour.

We have very mixed feelings; we are both excited and hesitant.  It will be a wonderful but overwhelming day.  We are looking forward to seeing family and friends; be patient with us.  We have hundreds of stories and they´ll come out as the time passes.  Small things will remind us of something that happened at sea or in a village . . . and the story will be told.  Some of us may need some time to be quiet, to reflect, to ´transition´ from our time on the ship to a completely different life, away from the community we have come to know so well and depend on so wholly.  On the other hand, there are others who are waiting to spill out everything they have experienced and need only ears that are eager to listen and hear of amazing adventures and changes made.  Thank you for all your support and encouragement; I have enjoyed communicating the details of our amazing offshore voyage.  Tomorrow will be my final log.  Many of you will have met your kids and will begin to hear their stories. Enjoy your kids, we sure did, and we will miss them. I´m sure many of them will keep in touch with each other; many wonderful friendships have been created along with all the memorable times.  This adventure isn´t really over at all . . .

until tomorrow, good-night,
Bonice.


Observations:
mostly sunny, cold, windy

Readings:
Pressure
Wind
Temp
Email processed: 2008-06-14 03:12:03

salts
Copyright © 1987-2024 The Bosun's Mate