2012 Trip 1 - Pacific Grace

Yesterday the rains lifted in time for the trainees of Trip 1 to board the Grace at 1100. The vast majority of trainees aboard are joining us for the first time which provides a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning. Lines were slipped from Victoria Harbour at 1415 and we were on our way to Desolation Sound. The weather proved fickle all day, starting with chill air and misty breath as we rounded the Victoria waterfront. The afternoon was brushed with showers and the occasional ray of welcome sunshine. The winds were calm and we motored through Active Pass and out into the Strait of Georgia. Once in the strait, it was as if Summer remembered she should make an appearance and the air appreciably warmed while leaden skies gave way to blue. The forecast drew favourable for passage north through the night and we rambled on beneath a waning gibbous moon. The night was uneventful except for some dense fog which accompanied us past Nanaimo, casting swirling halos around the running lights. Trainees did a wonderful job steering the ship safely by compass through the night. At 0745 all hands still abed were roused to set sail before a building northerly breeze. Sails and trainees were shaken out and we beat our way north towards Savary island beneath a clearing sky. The Grace's anchor settled into the sands of Savary island at 1130 as the last of the sails were being furled away. After lunch dories were launched and the watches pulled ashore in search of the fabled white sand beaches. Games of soccer, frisbee, land and volleyball followed by a refreshing dip in the tepid waters that fringe Desolation Sound. Everyone is settling in nicely and it is apparent that many friendships are easily forming. The other nooks and crannies of the day were filled with lessons on terminology and knots.