The goal this week has been to get some sail practice. West Sound of Orcus Island was chosen for this as I’ve explained in a previous post. It hasn’t disappointed. A mile across and nearly three long, no ferry traffic and little of any other kind. With 10 knots of wind down the bay and little tidal flow, West Sound is a playground for those who wish to practice sailing. I’m pleased to report we are taking full advantage of this fact.
At the head of this sound is Massacre Bay with it’s famous Skull Island. We moved in for a photo shoot to record the momentous occasion, but I’m sad to say the names are only images for the imagination. Mown lawns, the sound of weed eaters, civilization abounds here. In a distant past this area may have moved the explorer’s heart, but no more.
We pulled about, heading downwind so as to put the town of West Sound in our sights. We first played with the head sail, seeing what power she had, then tacking and jibing, looking for any problems. We found a few. The head sail was furled and up went the main. Again we learned so much, both good and bad. The sail held light wind well but was difficult to raise.
At the head of this sound is Massacre Bay with it’s famous Skull Island. We moved in for a photo shoot to record the momentous occasion, but I’m sad to say the names are only images for the imagination. Mown lawns, the sound of weed eaters, civilization abounds here. In a distant past this area may have moved the explorer’s heart, but no more.
We pulled about, heading downwind so as to put the town of West Sound in our sights. We first played with the head sail, seeing what power she had, then tacking and jibing, looking for any problems. We found a few. The head sail was furled and up went the main. Again we learned so much, both good and bad. The sail held light wind well but was difficult to raise.
After tacks and jibs we raised both sails as the wind started to fade. Amazing. Three knots in less then five. We sailed this way to the bay just south of Victim Island, dropped the cloth and were anchored in 20 feet in less then 30 minutes.
I think these are the days sailors dream of and remember when too old to pull a sheet. Dolphins and seals, sunburns with raccoon eyes.
We will continue practice for the next week and then sit tight for the holiday weekend. We hear it gets very busy and like where we are right now. When June arrives we move on. I’m not sure where, North of course. We have our Nexus cards so Canada awaits. Who knows.
Those who know how to sail and have a sturdy ship travel where they wish. We wish to head to where our imagination takes us.
I think these are the days sailors dream of and remember when too old to pull a sheet. Dolphins and seals, sunburns with raccoon eyes.
We will continue practice for the next week and then sit tight for the holiday weekend. We hear it gets very busy and like where we are right now. When June arrives we move on. I’m not sure where, North of course. We have our Nexus cards so Canada awaits. Who knows.
Those who know how to sail and have a sturdy ship travel where they wish. We wish to head to where our imagination takes us.
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