Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 2

We are currently in Victoria Harbour awaiting the arrival of many trainees tomorrow.

The first two days of the trip have flown by, drenched in sun and full of the complexities and rituals that are part of adjusting to life onboard a working tallship.  28 trainees boarded the Swift in a sunny Inner Harbour yesterday, bringing a wealth and variety of experiences with SALTS and in life. After we got underway the weather looked optimistic for making a night run up to Desolation Sound. Winds were calm as we slipped out of Active Pass into a glassy Strait of Georgia, painted with all the magnificent purples and oranges of a setting summer sun. The night was warm, starry and pleasant with a southerly breeze rising and falling through the night. We set the courses and squaretopsail a couple of times in the night, when the wind came up strong enough to take advantage. Today junior and intermediate lessons got underway in earnest as we sailed up the Malaspina Strait with a freshening breeze. Everyone is quick to turn out and keen to help with whatever work needs to be done.  The anchor finally sunk into the sandy grip of Keefer Bay, Savary Island at 1345 and all hands looked longingly ashore for a chance to stretch their legs on the fabled beaches. After becoming familiar with the ship´s dories rowing ashore, we trekked across the island to play soccer, "Land", and to swim in the warm waters. A hearty dinner awaits along with the prospect of a rousing mug-up of games and singing. All hands are in good spirits and looking forward to the adventures ahead.

A blustery night at anchor gave way to a whisper calm morning under overcast skies. With the heavy hills and mountains in the distance one could see how Vancouver was inclined to give the name Desolation Sound. However, the crew of the Swift was more optimistic and we laid plans to dive deep into the sound and find some of the beauty and treasures that are there behind the name. We set a course for Grace Harbour, a seldom visited anchorage, in hopes of rediscovering some forgotten treasure. We weren´t disappointed. The anchorage is beautiful and pleasantly free of the many yachtsmen that can crowd some of the more popular spots in Desolation. Rocky and treed shores slope down to the warm waters where small jellyfish drift idly bye. With hopes set on discovering an unvisited lake the dories headed for the distant shore of the inner basin.  The way to the lake was spectacular as the sun broke through the canopy to dapple amongst the lush greens of the temperate rain forest.  The lake was very warm, and the fresh water was a welcome diversion after several days at sea. The afternoon was spent swimming and playing group games by the undisturbed and wild lake shore. Dinner time featured a contest to name the new lake which is unnamed on any chart or local knowledge. The trainees are meshing well as group and becoming more comfortable with each other and life aboard. Secret friends were picked last night, where all on board will take the next 7 days to surprise and care for their secret friend.

Today´s adventure and destination are a true SALTS classic. We departed the glassy waters of Grace Harbour shortly after breakfast to press north to Teakerne Arm. The sea and wind were calm as we motored north, while the trainees were below learning chartwork. Similar to yesterday the day started gray and calm, but warmed up nicely when the sun broke through mid-day. After lunch we anchored in Teakerne arm with the cascading falls of Cassel lake visible off the stern.  It is a dramatic anchorage where one is forced to anchor close to the rocky cliffs due to the very deep waters in the arm. Port watch took out the sailing dory and did a couple laps around the anchorage while dishes were finished up and general preparations made for exploring the nearby waterfall and lake. The first stop to the waterfall was a spectacular treat. The mid-afternoon sun penetrated the already warm waters of the falls, allowing for a most pleasant shower.  All hands were able to slip beneath the falls to have a delightful (and needed) power wash. It was warm enough that people were able to stay in the falls for 30 minutes or more. After being  scrubbed fresh there was no rest as a trip to the source of the falls was launched to float in the clear, warm waters of Cassel Lake. It´s now obvious to see trainees relaxing and beginning to build relationships with others on board. Tonight more games, singing and discussions are planned to continue building the community on board.

We bid farewell to the warm waters, lakes and peaks of Desolation Sound today and started to slowly make our way south back towards Victoria. Hoping for some wind we ducked out into the northern portion of the Strait of Georgia. Unfortunately there was not a breath of air, but the rare sight of the open strait with not a ripple but our wake was very beautiful nonetheless. The day was spent playing secretive strategy games and finishing up the majority of lessons. The highlight of the day was encountering a widespread group of Pacific White-sided dolphins mid-strait. The playful swimmers dashed, darted and leapt around the Swift and seemingly across the entire breadth of the strait. The brought a lot of joy and excitement to our day. The atmosphere on board has changed dramatically in the last 2 days as the trainees have developed, recognized and communicated about the way they have created a caring community or "family." Last night was spent in discussion communicating and relating the things we have learned about/from each other over the last 4 days. We have anchored in Tribune Bay, Hornby Island for the night with a view stretching down the still glassy strait and the promise of a beautiful sunset.

Last evening´s highlight was undoubtedly the opportunity for a swim
stop in the tepid waters of Tribune Bay. What started of as a hesitant
trickle of swimmers turned into a veritable flood. Once the first
intrepid souls dove into the clear green waters and proclaimed them fit
for bathing, others rushed to their swimsuits. The sea was without
imperfection and the view south into the Strait of Georgia and her
mountainous shores made the dip that much more delightful.  It was a joy
to see trainees and crew alike crowded into the headrig to jump and dive
into the waters and swarm back aboard like marauding pirates. After a
good night´s sleep the dories where launched and the ambitious row into
the beachhead started. It was a fine time for intermediate trainees to
try their hand at steering a dory and all aquited themselves admirably.  
Tribune Bay has a lovely flat and sandy beach backed by trees and was a
perfect venue for a spirited game of ultimate frisbee. The anchor was
hove up and the course shaped south, after returning to the Swift around
noon. Unfortunately the wind still offers no favours, as she remained
light and variable. The positive side is that the weather has been very
pleasant and a very comfortable temperature out on the water. This
afternoon the juniors reviewed and then tested, covering areas such as
chartwork, collision regulations, sail theory and terminology.  By all
indications they have done very well on the test. Approaching our
picturesque anchorage in  Nuttal Bay, the bosun took charge with his
mate and intermediates to "heave the lead". Using an old fashioned lead
line to sound the bottom and determine bottom type. With a final cry of
"By the deep 18, and sand ho!" The anchor was dropped and we have
settled down to another delicious meal. Tonight will feature some skits
and some further talks or raps to build community.

Day 7, otherwise known as boat Sunday, awoke as beautiful as could
be imagined. Starboard watch rose early, greeted by the iridescent blues
and pinks of calm sunrise on the strait, to weigh the anchor for our jog
down to the gulf islands. During the long motor some of the diversions
included; deck bucket basketball, tight rope walking, swinging on the
outhaul in a bosun´s chair skimming over the water, studying, backgammon
and the ever-present guitar and singing as preparations are underway for
tomorrow night´s talent show. It was also another day of beautiful sun
and calm winds. Fortunately tomorrow´s forecast should allows to put in
a good sail for most of the day. The engine finally stilled to silence
after anchoring in Ellen Bay, Prevost Island. It´s a beautiful spot,
south facing, densely wooded and very little sign of humanity. It´s
perfect spot to stop for the much anticipated Sunday roast beef dinner
(with all the fixin´s),quick cool down on the big rope swing and a
sunset service. We have continued to grow into an amazingly supportive
and caring community on board.The only complaint is that the trip ends
seems to be tumbling closer.