2011 Trip 4 - Pacific Grace

A very full day today. We weighed anchor at 0600hrs and began the run south towards Hesquait harbour which from Rugged Point lies about 50 miles down the coast. Our run was initially under power with glassy calm seas. It was breathtaking watching the sun rise above Vancouver Island as we motored down the coast. Our crew took advantage of the relatively calm sea and decided it would be a good opportunity to have a man overboard drill in the open water. Two professional crew members " fell" overboard (in immersion suits) at the agreed upon moment and sure enough our trainees picked up on the situation immediately and sprung into action. Throughout the voyage trainees are being verbally tested by crewmembers on what to do if we ever did have a real man overboard situation. Today their practice was evident in the rescue drill´s success. Trainees had our two crew members back on board the Grace in under 8 minutes. Not bad for a west coast situation. Once our drill was complete the typical NW breeze began to fill in so up went the sails. We continued under sail down the coast and right up into our anchorage for the night in Hesquait Harbour. Today we had topsails flying, fisherman staysail as well as all lower sail driving us at speeds up to 9 + knots. Again we were blessed with clear skies, whales (Gray and Humpback today) and warm temperatures. After anchoring we were off to the beach as tonight was Paella night. All the fixings went ashore with our 40" Paella pan and supper was prepared and enjoyed around a bonfire on the beach as the sun set. Tough I know. Our trainees loved every part of this wonderful day, especially Stephen cooking on the beach. It is now 2200hrs and we have just returned to the boat and clean up has begun. Everyone is helping cheerfully and reminiscing over the days events. Tomorrow is our sleep in day so breakfast at 0900hrs then testing and off to Hotsprings Cove for a hot bath.