2011 Trip 2 - Pacific Swift

Trip 2 started well for the Pacific Swift as the forecasted rain held off through boarding and orientation. 28 trainees boarded by 1200 with the majority being first time sailors with SALTS. There were enough veterans returning to infuse the environment with excitement and expectation. Leaden skies hung low overhead as we slipped from home port by 1430. A favorable forecast had us setting sights on the proposed warmth of Desolation Sound. Sliding through the Gulf Islands we bundled up as the air grew cool and the rain could hold itself back no longer, however by the time we reached the Strait of Georgia the rain had lifted if not the cloud. The Strait was as placid as a farmers pond. Beautiful...not great sailing. We ran through the night with the trainees keeping a steady hand on the helm amidst ferries, cruise ships, tugs and fish boats. The air had warmed some by nightfall perhaps inspired by the intense fiery glow of teal phosphorescence spreading out from the bow and curling gently astern. This morning we awoke to the rising mountains standing sentinel to Desolation Sound their wooded slopes trailing tendrils of grey mist and tops hidden in heavy cloud. Lessons began in earnest this morning with terminology and navigation safety the topics du jour. Without a breath of wind seen in 24 hours our anchor came to rest in the sandy bottom off savory island by 1200 today. After lunch the ship´s dories were launched while the rain finally let go its reserve. The hands pulled merrily ashore to enjoy the sandy shores and play some games to shake out the long run. A still night at anchor after games and singing will be welcomed by all. Everyone can be seen to relax and be comfortable as the ship and her routine become familiar.

This morning brought a lifting in the cloud level instilling everyone with a feeling of hope for better weather to come. After some little debate it was decided to mount an expotition to new shores. Read island was selected and a course was set for Lake Bay hoping that it would deliver on it´s namesake. The sea´s have remained glassy calm and no opportunity has been presented to raise sail yet. However everyone was cheered by the first rays of sun breaking through the sullen cloud near noon. The mountains were visible up to their shoulders but above their mantles of cloud their dramatic peaks remained hidden.  Lake bay was very picturesque and remote but snug enough to require a dory crew to run a stern line ashore to hold station amongst the desperate arbutus inhabiting the cliffs. The watches put ashore in high spirits to blaze a trail to the promised lake. A vigorous tromp through the under (and over)brush resulted in triumph when the sun erupted over a tranquil and pristine lake. A leisurely swim stop was enjoyed before returning to the Swifts snug anchorage. All hands turned to well to weigh anchor, raise dories and retrieve the stern line as we shifted anchorage north to Burdwood Bay. The days second anchorage rivaled the first offering stunning views of the emergent mountains over Desolation Sound in the evening sun. It was a treat to eat dinner on deck and enjoy laughter games and music.

The bald eagles dipped their talons below the surface in search of fish as trainees rolled from their bunks in search of cinnamon buns. It was a tranquil morning and our first with sun as the sky cleared over the mountains and the steep wooded islands of Desolation Sound. The anchor was weighed during breakfast dishes and the Swift travelled north towards Raza Island. Raza is remarkable in the fact that it looks as if one of the great pyramids of Giza was settled on the waters and planted all over in coniferous forest. Tendrils of waterfalls marking the small contours that run down it´s sides. At last a breeze was found near Raza´s base and course sails were run up with alacrity and eager trainees leapt to the shrouds to shake free the dormant topsail. The sail was brief though as the wind was fickle, yet the sun shone warm and bright and all were in good spirits. There is an easy camaraderie on board and the trainees are creating a positive inclusive atmosphere full of fun and understanding. As we lowered sail a large splash astern caught our eye and not a moment more passed before a humpback whale launched himself in a full body breach to crash again into the still ocean. We were then treated to a 45 minute spectacle as the frisky cetacean performed all manner of jumps, splashes, tail lobs before ending with one final wave from his long white flipper. All this against the dramatic background of snowcapped mountains towering almost closer than belief. With the show and sail over we motored to Teakearne Arm to be treated to one of Desolation´s famous treasures. A tepid lake spilling directly into the anchorage over sheer cliffs in a majestic waterfall. With our ground tackle secure and a sternline ashore lessons were had to build a healthy appetite for a dip in the refreshing lake. Also ongoing is the presentation of the M.Joan Grimsdick Award to the winner of the evening cabin tidy event. The hold and focsle are deadlocked at 1 win apiece currently. Updates on future results will follow.

The gentle sound of the waterfall and a dramatic moonrise watched over the sleeping Swift. Awaking to another sunny dawn fore watch and the cooks set out to test the water pressure of the local shower. The cascading waters of the falls didn´t disappoint providing a dramatic and powerful scrub to the ship´s company. By the time all the watches returned from the waterfall a breeze was beginning to build down the arm. In good order dories were weighed, anchor hove up, stern line slipped and the mainsail raised with vim and vigour. The breeze switched from an outflow from the sound to inflow early in the sail which had us running every sail up in short order. It must be said that this group of trainees does an excellent job when it come to handling sail and the physical work of the ship. The breeze built nicely through the day and we beat south under full sail with the trainees bringing the ship about like clockwork. We sailed for 8.5 hours watching the full glory of the pyramidal peaks and lofty glaciers emerge from the cloud and then slip back under their covers tinged in the orange glow of sunset. After dinner, around 1930, using the last whispers of the wind the Swift glided into Stag Bay on Hernando Island anchoring under sail  as crepuscular rays illuminated it´s wooded shore.  It´s been a good day the trainees being knitted together through the good work of handling a large ship through her paces and bringing her to gentle rest in a peaceful bay.

We woke up early this morning to make some distance south before the SE wind picked up. Unfortunately the wind Woke up early as well. We faced a stiff breeze all day but people had fun playing music, learning the Thriller dance And working on secret friend gifts. The sun was with us most of the day but gradually shifted to the rain that´s now coming down. We motored past the long verdant shore Of Texada Island all day and ended up tucked Into Quarry Bay on the "sunshine" coast. To pass the time Today a stealthy game of assassins was launched some faring better than others at the art of secrecy and cunning. Standings for the M.Joan Grimsdick Award stand at 2 victories for the focsle and 1 for the hold.

A 0545 wake up saw port watch weigh anchor with cheer and diligence. The weather was very unsettled this morning but provided some dramatic sights. For starters the forecasted nw was idle and a fresh SE breeze prevented an early sail. The shores of Texada were dappled with bright bands of light and the sky provided stark contrast as heavy low clouds battled the sunrise. Several waterspouts could be observed snaking their way down from the clouds before being drawn back up as if by an invisible puppeteer. Rainbows arched across the waters and squalls of rain would suddenly sweep past.
And then it changed.
Suddenly the heavy sky departed and sunshine and a rapidly building nw filled in. No time was wasted as hatches were slid back and all hands called on deck from their breakfast to hoist sail. The joy and enthusiasm was infectious and main, maintop, courses and square top were shaken out in quick order, just in time to catch the emergent golden rays of a belated dawn. A dory sail was even rigged as a cro´jack of sorts to spread every inch of available canvas.´The good ship Swift picked up her heels and was dancing at 8.5 knots in no time. The sun and surging sail with water hissing rapidly astern set smiles upon the faces of all aboard. Great time was made south and the day continued to trend towards warmth. We sailed almost to the entrance of Active Pass, the breeze dying right off as we crossed into the silty waters of the Fraser River which lie atop the southern strait. Trainees are now very comfortable aloft in the hounds and out on the yards, furling topsails with confidence and proficiency. The juniors wrote their exam today as eagles wheeled close overhead and intermediates toiled below with chartwork problems. Timely anchorage was made at 1745 in Montague Harbour, just in time to enjoy a full roast beef dinner in the sun and still waters of the bay. Dark clouds still lurk on the fringes of Trincomali Channel but a feeling of contentment reigns after a full and diverse day. Day seven is regarded as ship Sunday and this evening will include a simple service.
N. B.
M.Joan Grimsdick Award Report.
Last night saw a special presentation of the award involving some aerial acrobatics and choreography by the crew , for the hold to claim it´s second win based on a creative wax museum theme.

Last night provided a perfect sunset, bathing the bay in deep purples and oranges as the sun was extinguished in the placid waters. Of note, several crabs were caught before service and in the quiet time following, under starlight, one crustacious Houdini escaped his aquarium and conspicuously squelched his way down the afterdeck towards the freedom of the scuppers. the long runs of the past two days provided opportunity for a bit of a sleep in this morning. Sleepy eyes greeted the sun and rhubarb crisp during breakfast on deck. After dishes we rowed ashore and played a great game of frisbee tag and then combed the white midden beach for tidal treasures. The famous rope swing made an appearance this afternoon and trainees realized how good they had it in the warm waters of desolation sound. A short run south has us settled in the secluded splendour of Ellen Bay. Likely a fun evening of skits and music awaits us. All are well and enjoying life.