Main Menu -> SALTS -> SALTS 2011 Summer Programme -> 2011 Trip 3 - Pacific Swift -> July 30th 2011 @ 16:00
2011 Trip 3 - Pacific Swift
tracking Pacific Swift: 7 recorded positions
| Last Position: 49°36'55.80 N 124°9'32.40 W on July 30th 2011 @ 16:00 |
Ship's Log:
Trip 3 aboard the Pacific Swift started under sunny warm skies. Many familiar faces and new trainees boarded in Victoria Harbour by 1200.
After a safety orientation, lines were slipped by 1400 and we bade farewell to our home port to start the annual circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. It was a delightfully warm day even if the winds were light and we motored north through the Gulf Islands as trainees settled into their home for the next 10 days. Everyone seemed very relaxed and comfortable with a palpable air of excitement present, encouraged especially by our returning trainees. We decided to forgo the usual option of running through the first night as strong SE winds were forecast for day 2. The sun dipped below wooded islands bathing Trincomali Channel in an oily light, as oranges and purples smeared the still sea and enthusiastic singing drifted up from the hold. The last glows of twilight brought us to anchorage in North Cove, Thetis Island around 2300.
Today dawned bright and warm as the waking sun dried the fresh scrubbed deck. Anchor was aweigh by 0815 as we motored north to catch slack water through Gabriola Pass. The pass was beautiful with eagles and turkey vultures wheeling over the narrow gap between the islands. It was evident as we emerged from the pass that the forecast SE was already rustling the waters of Georgia Strait. The timing was perfect as terminology lessons finished just in time to set sail before the building breeze astern. At 1030 courses were spread while trainees laid aloft to loose the square topsail and the mainsail readied to be shaken out. Excellent teamwork was displayed setting the rest of the sails and soon we were accelerating under main, main top, courses and squaretop.
We were making a respectable 6 knots but a desire to run off the miles up to Desolation Sound inspired a flurry of improvised sail making led by trainees and soon a croījack and spritsail were set to get every tenth of a knot from the wind. Whether it was the new sails or a building breeze we have been sailing the majority of the day between 8 and 9 knots. Everyone has been enjoying the day and the surging sail, taking time to make friends, play guitar, help the bosunīs, journal and learn about the sailing of the vessel. We are now in Malaspina Strait and even though the sky has clouded over, the distant peaks that watch over Desolation Sound are becoming visible. Some are brightly illuminated where gaps in the cloud allow the sun to set the glacial peaks ablaze. We hope to make anchorage near Savary Island by 2000 if the wind holds. We plan to set up our secret friends programme this afternoon and have another evening of singing and games.
After a safety orientation, lines were slipped by 1400 and we bade farewell to our home port to start the annual circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. It was a delightfully warm day even if the winds were light and we motored north through the Gulf Islands as trainees settled into their home for the next 10 days. Everyone seemed very relaxed and comfortable with a palpable air of excitement present, encouraged especially by our returning trainees. We decided to forgo the usual option of running through the first night as strong SE winds were forecast for day 2. The sun dipped below wooded islands bathing Trincomali Channel in an oily light, as oranges and purples smeared the still sea and enthusiastic singing drifted up from the hold. The last glows of twilight brought us to anchorage in North Cove, Thetis Island around 2300.
Today dawned bright and warm as the waking sun dried the fresh scrubbed deck. Anchor was aweigh by 0815 as we motored north to catch slack water through Gabriola Pass. The pass was beautiful with eagles and turkey vultures wheeling over the narrow gap between the islands. It was evident as we emerged from the pass that the forecast SE was already rustling the waters of Georgia Strait. The timing was perfect as terminology lessons finished just in time to set sail before the building breeze astern. At 1030 courses were spread while trainees laid aloft to loose the square topsail and the mainsail readied to be shaken out. Excellent teamwork was displayed setting the rest of the sails and soon we were accelerating under main, main top, courses and squaretop.
We were making a respectable 6 knots but a desire to run off the miles up to Desolation Sound inspired a flurry of improvised sail making led by trainees and soon a croījack and spritsail were set to get every tenth of a knot from the wind. Whether it was the new sails or a building breeze we have been sailing the majority of the day between 8 and 9 knots. Everyone has been enjoying the day and the surging sail, taking time to make friends, play guitar, help the bosunīs, journal and learn about the sailing of the vessel. We are now in Malaspina Strait and even though the sky has clouded over, the distant peaks that watch over Desolation Sound are becoming visible. Some are brightly illuminated where gaps in the cloud allow the sun to set the glacial peaks ablaze. We hope to make anchorage near Savary Island by 2000 if the wind holds. We plan to set up our secret friends programme this afternoon and have another evening of singing and games.
Observations:
Sailing (main, maintop, courses, squaretop, spritsail, croījack), overcast, 2 foot SE swell, warm
Readings:
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