2010 Trip 3 - Pacific Swift

Today has been an excellent day so far. Everyone awoke refreshed
from a still night at anchor ready to make the most of the day. After
breakfast fore watch got the ship underway and we headed north into
Desolation Sound. Shortly after entering the Sound we picked up the
breeze and set courses, square top, main and main top to take full
advantage. It wasn´t long till we were sailing nicely and it was a great
challenge for everyone to work together handling all the sails. Trainees
did all the work aloft with the topsails which was fantastic. Behind us
we saw the Pacific Grace set sail as well as a smaller schooner from
Port Townsend and we sailed in company up to Teakearne Arm. It was a
great sail and the intermediate and senior trainees did an excellent job
of taking leadership with the sail handling. We are now anchored
alongside the Grace with the waterfall off our quarter. We have also
been joined by the Alcyone and it is a treat to see the 3 schooners
anchored together in such a scenic locale. Desolation Sound is always
stunning with the distant sharp peaks raking the sky and dense wooded
hills dipping into the water´s edge. We have just returned from a
refreshing dip in the warm waters of the waterfall and it´s lake source.
Tonight we will have mug-up with the Grace and enjoy a big game and
singing together. All are very well and meshing together well as a
community.