2012 Trip 2 - Pacific Swift

Trip 2 - Looking forward to welcoming trainees aboard between 1100 hours and 1200 hours on Friday, July 13, 2012 at Ship Point in Victoria´s inner harbour!

Trip 2 - Day 1. The sun came out and the rain showers cleared as the Pacific Swift slipped lines and cleared her berth in Victoria's Inner Harbour at 1430. All 28 trainees were busy with learning one another's names, ship routines and safety procedures. Following lunch Andrew Sadler aided by our Bosun's Mate, Rowan Stewart, loosed the square tops'l while the rest of the trainees set the two courses and main sail to make use of a 10kt SE wind. We enjoyed the following breeze in the late afternoon sun as we viewed flashes of lightening to the south and listened for distant claps of thunder. A full rainbow added to the beauty of the ominous sky. Dinner took place on deck which afforded further opportunity for the group to bond. Following dinner sails were doused as we kept pace for the change of tide at Active Pass. Clearing the pass and entering the Strait of Georgia we were greeted by the red hues of the the setting sun. As I write the sounds of singing and laughter escape the hold skylight. All is well.

Trip 2 - Day 2. As seen through the eyes of the Swift´s cook, Melanie Wubs. The dark silhouettes of the rigging against the midnight blue starry sky faded to a brilliant sunrise as daylight illuminated Texada Island. Following breakfast trainees embarked upon their first formal lesson - ship terminology as taught by First Mate Sam. First sitting sat down to lunch and the roar of the engine gave way to the blessed sound of silence with the anchor down in Keefer Bay along the shores of Savary Island. All hands launched dories as we headed for the sandy shores. Lexi and Assistant Cook Sarah worked on their intermediate requirements by filling the role of coxswain steering their watches ashore. A rowdy game amphibious ultimate soccer and swimming in the warm water was enjoyed by all. Once back at the Swift the anchor was weighed and a knots lesson was taught in the sunshine as we headed deeper into Desolation Sound via Thulin Passage. The water here is deep blue and warm, the islands green and the towering peaks snow-capped. We are currently anchored between the cliffs in Tenedos Bay. Cookies are baking and Tristan is executing routine maintenance for the anchor windless. Names for Secret Friends have just been picked and trainees are excited at the prospect of finding ways to surprise and encourage their new found friends. All are settling into ship life and already the bond of community is evident. All is well.

Trip 2 - Day 3. Despite the early morning cloud cover, post breakfast, dories are launched in preparation for a trip to Unwin Lake. Once there the clouds begin to clear, the sun shines and we are serenaded by two very large loons, seemingly undisturbed by all our splashing and laughing in the beautifully warm water. After lunch and the anchor weighed we set sail in a light NW breeze, making our way to Eveleigh Anchorage while a Rules of the Road lesson was conducted. By the time we are anchored all hands are feeling the effects of the summer sun so the “pool” is declared open and a swing is rigged from the course yardarm. Mackay is awarded for having the best belly flop off the swing! All is well.

Trip 2 - Day 4 dawned sunny, warm and windless in Eveleigh anchorage. After breakfast all hands set to work on learning the fine art of chartwork. Once the anchor was weighed we set our course for one of our favorite anchorages - Teakerne Arm. Cassel Lake provided deliciously warm water for our afternoon swim before a trip to the invigorating waterfall. Rafted to the Pacific Grace we collaborated on mug-up games and singing. All are well.

Trip 2 - Day 5. Once again we awoke to the intense sunshine of Desolation Sound; perfect weather for the celebration of Anthony´s 15th birthday! We bade farewell to our friends on the Pacific Grace, slipping lines and heading South in Lewis Channel. Aided by a northerly breeze the square sails were set with Andrew, Franziska, Anna and Rowan jumping aloft to loose gaskets. We gain as many miles as possible before the wind died, the engine was started and our course shaped south in the Strait of Georgia for Tribune Bay at Hornby Island. A sun awning was rigged to create some shade and reprieve from the relentless sun. The full afternoon at sea was spent in the comfortable rhythm of shipboard life. Knot and safety tests were completed; friendship bracelets made, a MOB drill well executed and a Jeopardy style review of ship terms was organized by Lexy. Once at anchor the day was rounded out with swimming, games, singing and journal writing. Hard to believe we are at the half way point in the voyage. All are well.

Trip 2 - Day 6. The greatest feature of Tribune Bay is the expansive white sandy beach, fabulous for soccer and an extended game of “bean the guy with the Frisbee.” After our games on the beach all hands took advantage of the close proximity of the Hornby Island store before returning to the Swift. Post lunch it was review and test time for those completing Junior´s requirements. The day has been virtually windless and so our move to the north end of Lasqueti was accomplished under engine power. Once anchored adjacent the Fagen Its. we were treated to an exquisite sun set as three Orca whales made their way around the ship. Trainees participated in the Swift Olympics with Starboard Watch posting the best time in the relay. All are well.

Trip 2 - Day 7. Today´s breakfast of pancakes, sausage, berries, and whip cream was made by First Mate Sam, Rowan, Franziska, and Michelle - giving the cooks a well-deserved sleep in. During our passage down the remainder of Strait of Georgia it was once again necessary to rig a sun awning as the heat of the relentless sun threated to turn our bodies to dust. Roast beef dinner and Sunday service took place at anchor in North Cove, Thetis Is. after passage through the picturesque Gabriola Passage.  All are well.

Trip 2 - Day 8. Finally some wind! Setting the Main, Fore, Stays´l  and Jib off of Pilkey Pt. we beat our way south down Trincomali Channel in a freshening SE wind. With the Jib lowered we weaved our way through the traffic that naturally occurs off Porlier Pass at slack water, including a tug and tow, and numerous pleasure craft. All hands did well in handle the heads´l sheets through multiply tacks and in dousing sail once we could no longer make due to the tide. At anchor in Montague Hrb. the trainees participate in skits and the usual hearty singing. The group has bonded well and has been wonderful to be around! All are well.