Pacific SwiftTrip 2 2008

Another early morning with a 0500 start in hopes of catching the
promised NW wind and making haste for the Gulf Islands. However despite
the valiant effort of port watch´s early morning sail handeling, with
squares up and down, braced and clewed and a determined mainsail and
topsl set with fore watch, the breeze never delivered on promise. We
sailed patiently from 0515 till 0930 averaging about 3kts, but the need
for southward progress forced us into firing up the engine. However the
sunrise and rest of the day have been spectacular. The sun dawned crisp
and clear with crepuscular rays reaching down to the topsails and
lighting the western mountains. We´ve spent the afternoon testing the
intermediates and the juniors playing a rousing game of Silent Football
as we motor down the Strait of Georgia. Its amazing to cross the line
where the Fraser River meets the open salt water. There is an incredible
distinction between the deep blue of the salt and the turbulent mossy
green of the Fraser outflow. We hope to find anchorage in the Gulf
Islands shortly after dinner. There is a fantastick roast beef, mashed
potatoe and yorkshire pudding feast planned for this "boat sunday" with
a service later in the evening. All are well and in good spirits,
trainees and crew alike, if a littled tire after a busy week aboard