2012 Trip 4 - Pacific Grace

A gradual sunrise above the steep wooded hills of Quatsino Sound brightened the placid waters of our quiet anchorage. Port watch had the anchor aweigh by 0900 and we motored out of the sound towards the open ocean once more. A gentle swell and a drowsy NW breeze drew us seaward. After a mid-morning lesson the breeze had filled and we set a reefed main, fore and jumbo. Sheets were eased and we rolled away at a handsome 8.5 knots. Today's objective was to round the Brooks Penninsula with a favourable forecast. We made quick work of the passage even when temporarily bound by dense fog. We dashed out of the fog and made a top speed of 11.5 knots as we closed on the south side of the penninsula. The wind grew wonderfully warm and tree scented as we passed in the lee of Brooks. The rest of the coast was laid out to the south of and we were the only souls in sight as 3 orcas welcomed us to Checleset Bay. Our rushing sail came to a natural conclusion when the wind died close in  shore and we motored the last half mile to our snug anchorage at Columbia Cove at 1600. The air was still and pleasantly hot, so a refreshing swim stop was called for as a reward for the enthusiastic sail handling of the day.  All in all a wonderful day of sailing on the west coast.