It is wisely said that the most dangerous thing on a boat...is a calendar. The truth being that if you can travel based on the forecast and not on the calendar you can avoid a very large percentage of troubles at sea. Being weekend warriors, more or less, until we retire, we still boat too much by the calendar.
This weekend we got aboard Aeolus despite the SE 25-35 forecast and headed to Jones and the north cove. Leaving Friday Harbor around 1:30 pm was in the midst of the ebb, flowing against that SE wind, so the seas were quite choppy. About as choppy as they get in San Juan Channel. Winds were 35-40 at Smith Island. But once you turn out of Friday Harbor it's on your stern and we rolled our way easily north to Jones. Seas were maybe 3-4 feet at most. We went ashore and walked over to the south side to stretch our legs, and by the time we returned to Aeolus, the sun was trying to break through. We ended up having some nice time in the cockpit with the sun streaming nicely.
 |
| This rock formation in the north cove is so spectacular. |
Instead of staying the night, like always, we actually headed back to Friday Harbor a few hours later since we were eager to see one of our sons back home, who had just returned from a backpacking trip, and the forecast was for more storms and rain Sunday morning again against the ebb. By leaving that evening, we had flood going with the ebb.
What a difference those few hours made! Seas were practically calm, despite the wind remaining stiff. Never ceases to amaze the difference current has on wave behavior.
An out and back. You might think this would be too short to be satisfying, yet it isn't. Just being out is such a washing clean of the civilized life. We got to see an old friend that night in Friday Harbor, a town so greatly reduced in options compared to a few years ago.
Aeolus is in fine shape and we had a great little voyage. Anxious for our return to Desolation Sound this summer!
2 comments:
Hi Brian,
I really enjoy reading about your adventures and envy the fact that you can do so year round. thanks for the Blogs.
Would you happen to know who manufactured the mast for the Gulf 32, I am replacing rigging and am considering replacing the masthead toggles for the forward and backstays. The toggles attach to the marine eye of the stay. It was recommended that I consider replacing them.
Hope all is well
Don Keller
Hi Don,
No, I don't know that but it was certainly some place in SoCal where the boats were built. But regardless of that, I would think you could replace any of that with standard equipment from one of the big companies like Harken or such. If not, any of the rigging companies should have good advice. I've not replaced mine and they appear unchanged since new as far as I can tell. I'm getting near to replacing my standing rigging again myself. It's been a while. When I do I will get new wires and reuse the Haynes Hi Mod I have down below and buy more to go that route with the upper fittings as well.
Good luck.
Post a Comment