May 13 - 15, 2014 - Sail over to Gibson to see Robert McDonald

Weatherman predicted great weather for the next few days... time to sail! Hank and I are off to Gibson to see Robert McDonald.

The motor/sail over was the standard... nothing exciting... motor to Hood Point, then a light breeze to Collingwood Channel, then moderate winds across the Channel, then motor the rest of the way.

By going up Howe Sound, you are always on the lee-side of the Bowen and Keats Island (no winds to speak of).

Going across Collingwood Channel

When we arrived at Gibson, we notice lots of slips available. They have opened their marina for transient moorage. I guess local community got involved. :)

We met Robert at the marina... then norm... Hank left me at the marina, and he took off with Robert.

I understand he had a great time... drinks / dinner at the Blackfish pub, then off to Robert place to help him with his computer.

The following day... all three, sorry, four of us (his dog lucky came along too!) went for a sail to Elliott Bay.

Having a dog aboard a boat a sailboat has a major draw backs... namely... the owner is constantly involved looking after it. But it was nice have Robert aboard.

Deck hand / helmsman Robert McDonald working the jennaker

ah... lets see... nice shoes eh!

Just me (Tarka) on just a beautiful day at Elliott Bay

We spent most of the time just hanging around marina... then back to Gibson.

Hank decided to stay an extra night over at Gibson, returning home the following day.

In the morning, hank and robert took a nice walk along the ocean side, just up from Gibson...

a view along the boardwalk at Gibson

a stroll on the beach near Gibson

Hank's tour guide

After the walk, Hank and I took off for home. The trip back was a bit much... winds 15-25 knots, gusting to 30. the first leg from Gibson to Collingwood Channel was nice with a moderate breeze, but as we were heading towards Collingwood Channel, Hank noticed that all the water was WHITE! extreme winds coming down the Channel.

Staying nice and close behind Keats Island, Hank got prepared for the worst...
don spinlock life-jacket and tether in... close all hatches tight! reef the main sail, reef the jib to 25%, check

Too bad the camera battery packed it in... would of have some nice shots.

Average speed across the Channel was 7 knots, heel was constant at 30 degrees. We were doing a beam reach part of the way, but due to Bowen Island, the winds were going over Bowen and coming down to the water... gusting and changing direction all the time.

the winds got less as we entered behind Bowen, but still make for same interesting time... the main problem was the wind gusts and changing direction.

As we approached Hood Point... the seas were again WHITE!

When we passed Hood Point, the winds were around 25 knots, but no gusts and steady direction... One tack from Hood Point to Home... not bad eh.

We arrived save! Only Hank over strained is chest muscle... not good... having a second person aboard would of been nice.

Now Hank and Tarka are resting... until the next time.

I understand the Hank is racing the Swiftsure Race 2014 next week, but in a Leopard 44 catamaran, her name is "Snow Leopard", should be a good experience for him. As for me... resting....

Tarka out!