July 19, 2012 - Sail Home...

Well this is it... last day of this adventure... Caroline and Hank Vacation.

 

click on video link to see our movie across the Straits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7DfhGPivVw&feature=plcp

I know I was going home today... crossing the Strait of Georgia... why?

1.) Hank was checking the marine weather report on conditions in the Strait.
2.) Front hatch closed and locked down.
3.) Reefing system was checked.
4.) Fuel was checked.
5.) Little Tarkie was hauled up onto my stern and mounted securely.
6.) Checked weather report again, just before leaving Silva Bay.

Just leaving Silva Bay, motoring out.

The weather was not too bad when we left port.. slight rain, calm seas and almost no wind. However, we knew the winds were to pick up on the way over.

Relaxed having breakfast

About an hour out and the winds came from the south-east; not the best angle as I would have close starboard tack all the way across. This means we would be most-likely heeled to my rails (20 - 30 degrees). yes you have to love my 1973 design eh!

Now under full sail, sailing alone nicely

Now sailing along nicely with my full sails flying...doing around 5-6 knots. Caroline was getting use to the heel, making a nice cup of tea for Hank.

After about 1/2 hr out, the winds started to pick up a bit, Hank commented to Caroline that he was going to head me up into the winds and reduce my jib by 50%.

Reefed main, 25% jib, all hatches locked down

About 10 minutes later, Hank commented again to Caroline that he was going to reduce more sail and reef my main sail as well. (Little did Caroline know that Hank seen a major storm front closing in... a bank of white / dark clouds at the water line ... almost like a fog bank). Within 10 minutes, the winds really picked up... now doing 6.5 to 7.5 knots... close hauled under reefed main sail and 25% jib. All is well! Piece of cake for this old lady, but concerning for Caroline for sure.

We made good time going home... left Silva Bay at 9:00, arrived home at 1:00 pm... average speed 5 knots.

Made is across, great to be back in my backyard!

Almost there... note the muddy waters! from the Fraser River

Getting closer - strong wind, low tide, ferry currents.

Upon arrival at my slip, we found a older 32' power boat from Washington USA berthed in MY slip!! With the winds, tide and current from the ferrys, Hank found it extremely difficult to reverse out of the marina and tie up to the break-water. Once docked, Caroline stormed off the dock to have a few words with the owner of the "stink pot". He stated that he paid for this spot and talk to the marina, not him. However, he decided to move his boat, as I understood our position. Hank docked me without further incident.

The following day, Caroline and Hank spoke to the marina, and found out that they do NOT rent out any slip when someone is away... this guy was "stealing" an overnight spot!

Well now at rest, waiting to be cleaned up for my / our next adventure...

Tarka....... out!