Pacific Swift 2009 - Trip 3

We were left wondering, "What will tomorrow bring?". How could
yesterday be matched? The answer...
Morning started at 0630 as port watched rubbed the sleep from their
eyes, to be reminded of the watchful gaze of the surrounding glaciers.
The dawn was warm and clear with sun grazing the snowy peaks of our
anchorage. There was a gentle sense of slowly awakening giants. As the
chain rumbled in the hawsepipe, a gentle breeze stirred the calm waters
of the inlet. Port watched showed great enthusiasm and no sooner was the
anchor fished aboard then the square topsail was loosed and courses
hanked on. As the squares rose, so too did the sun first fall down the
steep slopes to illuminate the billowing canvas. By the time the topsail
was sheeted home, the breeze had freshened and we were making 9 knots.
The views of sunrise under sail could not be enjoyed by port watch
alone, so all hands were roused to set the main and the maintopsail. We
were blessed with one of the finest sails of the year as we rushed down
Bute inlet´s green waters, working diligently to take advantage of the
many shifts and gusts flowing from the valleys. The views were equal to
yesterday, however the rush of handling the ship under full sail at 8-10
knots, had everyone charged up. The trainees worked exceptionally well
as a team and individuals as they became increasingly aware and
proficient in working the many demands of their speeding home. In was a
treat indeed to be able to sail both up and down the inlet. At last the
breeze dropped astern at the bottom of the inlet and the trainees
scrambled aloft alone to furl the topsails of their ship. Such good time
was made that we had some  to fill before making slack water through a
series of mid-island rapids. Gently drifting in the current the final 4
miles to the rapids, the blazing sun gave inspiration to one of the
finest swim stops of the year. With the Swift easing through the
beautiful channels, we lept overboard into the refreshingly chilled
depths. Finally the rapids approached and we scrambled aboard, many
through the headrig, like so many aspiring buccaneers. The rapids were
uneventful as planned and we have now tucked into Frederick Arm. Still
inspiring glacial views are with us as we begin to cool down in the
welcome evening shade. The trainees are growing together well through
the many new and shared experiences. Last night was spent in a raucous
game of pictionary and then a great group discussion. All are very well
and in great spirits.
Happy Birthday to Mrs.Skipper!