Report on Cruises:
June 20-21, Fathers’ Day Cruise, Oro Bay : Memorial Day Cruise, Penrose Point : McMicken Cruise : Jarrell Cove Cruise : Hope Island Cruise : Squaxin Island Cruise : New Year’s Eve Cruise : Wine Tasting Cruise : Halloween Cruise, Longbranch : Commodores’ Cruise to Vaughn Bay : July Day After Full Moon Cruise, Frye Cove : Father’s Day Cruise, Oro Bay
No report.
Susan McRae & Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
Rod and I had every intention of getting out on the water Friday night, if only to drop anchor off Priest Point, but by the time we had packed and eaten dinner, it was dark, and I was exhausted. So, we unpacked our pillows and slept at home. Saturday morning, we woke early, and were away from the dock shortly after 0800. We raised sails just after the number 5 mark, but as the sun burned off the morning fog it also took away the wind. We furled the jib and dropped the main after passing Olympia Shoal, and motored on.
This was a low tide weekend. The reefs in Pitt Passage and Wykcoff Shoals were well exposed. Looking out across broad expanses of water, it is easy to forget that the underwater topography is as varied as the land around us. Reading and understanding your charts is a critical component of successful boating.
We reached Mayo Cove around noon. Many people were taking advantage of the minus tide and exploring the Penrose Spit. The picnic tables on the bluff were occupied, so Rod and I relaxed, read and napped. Shortly after 1700, the daytime picnickers packed up, and Rod paddled to shore and raised the SSSS burgee as a beacon. Gary and Deva Wilson, of Sidetrack, came by Pax in their dinghy, and when I asked for help with the two drinks coolers, volunteered to take both to shore.
It was a beautiful weekend and Penrose is a delightful destination. The children aboard Andiamo III, Gusto, Pearl and Pyxis spent much time exploring the cove in their dinghies. Mark Welpman's brother Lenny brought his spacious motor home, and some people slept in the campground. The potluck was its usual gastronomical splendor, with more libations than normal. Glen Hunter shared a drinks package he won at raffle. Tami Reynolds made a dangerous concoction involving lemonade, vodka and Coors Light. No one went hungry. There were 14 boats, and at least 41 people attending: Andiamo III, Chalupa, Cygnet, Gray Seal, Gusto, Kalakala, Pax the Space Spider, Pearl, Pyxis, Sassy, Sidetrack, Storm Seeker, Wind Song III, and Windswept.
Rod and I pulled anchor shortly after noon on Sunday, with the goal of sailing home. We encountered the normal fickle breezes of the South Sound, but were favored with an incoming tide, and were never totally becalmed. We arrived at Budd Inlet just as the evening shore breeze filled in, with the wonderful thermals that make Wednesday night racing such a pleasure. Rod put me on the helm, so that he could work the sails. He eases the main when there are strong gusts to help keep the boat under control. Pax had one long glorious reach down the bay, and both Rod and I saw over 18 knots. Wow.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
Cruise photos by Terry VanMeter : Mark WelpmanAnother Cruise Report:
Day early:
Lenny, my brother, and I arrived at Swantown around 1030. We quickly got to work getting ready to depart. In short order, we were backing out of our slip and heading north. As the winds were from the north, the main went up in the channel and as we cleared makers 5 and 6 we flew the headsail. Winds threaten to be moderate leaving Swantown. We made 6 kts good by GPS but soon the teasing winds died down and we were below 4 kts. By the time we breasted Gull Harbor when we dropped canvas and fired up the motor. The weather was fabulous in the seventies the only clouds to be seen laid over the Olympics and Cascades. Mount Rainer stood in her grandeur and dominated the eastern horizon.
After a quick fuel top off in Boston Harbor we motored with the wind on our nose the entire way. We chose to run Pit Passage and received no trouble here. The shallowest we saw as 18 feet beneath the keel. To our disappointment we arrived at Penrose to find all the balls taken. With the threat of a -4 foot tide, I was not about the try the dock. So Lenny and I ran Cygnet to the southern part of the cove and dropped anchor in about 25 feet of water.
My brother had brought his 5th wheel to the park the night before. So as soon as we secured the boat we made for shore and set up his campsite. When all was in order, I heading back to Cygnet for a nice quite evening.
Day One:
In the morning I woke up to a head cold. Nothing more fun than a cold on a sailing trip. Any task is a miserable undertaking. When I popped my head through the hatch noticed that the tide was out. So being a prudent sailor, I fired up the fathometer and discover that I was sitting in about 12 feet of water. As the tide was not all the way out, I did some mental math and figured the promised of a minus tide just might land my keel on the bottom. One of the balls was empty and I quickly pulled anchor and caught the ball. All is well. I rowed to the dock and went up to shore to shower. I spent most of the day with my brother and his family up in the park. Later in the afternoon I made my way back to Cygnet for a nap. Boats started to arrive late afternoon. Glen and Irina Hunter on Sassy rafted up next to us. After pleasantries I took the inflatable kayak to shore. Annette was supposed to meet up soon.
I arrived at the back at the family campsite in time to enjoy smores. I need to ferry people and goods back and forth to the boat and a one man Kayak would not get the job done. Annette and Tami Reynolds, Andiamo, arrived at camp by car with chicken dinner. After retrieving the dingy the decision was made that the women folk would stay in the comforts of Lenny’s land yacht. Of course they had Tami and Lenny’s kids to attend to. Tami gave us a lift back to the dingy and Lenny took a turn at the oars and pulled us back to the Cygnet. On board we did a little reading and then we drifted into light conversation. We reminisced about some boyhood adventures we had as kids. One of the most precious things for me in life is to have lived and share as much as I have with my brother. Soon both of us where sound asleep in the salon.
Day Two:
I was up by 0700 enjoying coffee. I received a phone call from my Uncle Sam who was supposed to make the Cruise. Lenny woke up and joined in on the conversation. We had a lazy morning and I cooked up some chorizo and eggs. About 0900 we rowed back to the docks and made our way to the 5th wheel.
Every year that I come to Penrose Park a boat ends up high and dry on land. Last year some power boater anchored at high tide directly over the spit. I rowed over and warned the guy and he told me that he knew what he was doing and I said okay. Next morning, low and behold the fool in sitting at a 30 degree list in the sand and mud. This year another power boater decided to anchor close to shore on the southern shoreline just before you enter Lake Bay Marina. Low tide landed this guy is high and dry on the mud flats. Both outdrives were buried in the mud. He and his family spent several hours waiting for the tide to return. As I rowed by, I teasingly said to the fellow "Hey you’re supposed to start scrubbing the bottom of the boat like you meant to do that". He laughed. He told me that his chart plotter and fathometer was not working. I asked if he had charts onboard and he said no. I told him, "when in doubt anchor out"
Upon arriving back to the 5th wheel, the ladies were having sausage and grits for breakfast. Soon the family broke up and went on different adventures. Ladye, Lenny’s wife, Tami and the kids headed for the beach. Annette and I headed back to Cygnet. Annette said that the camp ground was very noisy and that she had not slept well. Annette took a much needed nap.
Around 1400 more boats started filling in the cove. Terry and Val on Windswept rafted up to Sassy and next to her Kalakala. As we were on a ball Kalakala set another bow anchor. Again pleasantries exchanged and conversations started on the boats. As the arriving boats were rigging their boats for port, we noticed a sailboat cutting across the just submerged spit. Terry and I stood on deck trying to wave off the boat. I call out on my VHF to warn the boat that they were about to run aground. It was like watching a train wreck. You did not want to watch but could not help it. Sure enough the boat bounced off a rock and then back over it again. No sooner did that boat get off the rocks than another sailboat came around the point cutting across. This boat missed the rocks and made it safely to deeper water. Always, always check your charts before entering into unfamiliar waters!
After all the excitement Val, Windswept, broke out a bottle of wine, and the folks on Kalakala broke out theirs. The cockpit of Windswept was bright and hot, so the party moved over the Cygnet to take advantage of her bimini. In the cool shade of the bimini we all enjoyed the afternoon. Soon it was time to prepare for the potluck. Our little get together broke up and everyone went off to prepare for dinner.
A small armada of dinghies invaded Mayo Cove at the coordinated arrival time of 1800 hours. South Sounders successfully invaded and took the grassy point picnic tables as in years past. As always there was a cornucopia of entrees to choose form. Tami Reynolds, Andiamo, made up some alcohol concoction that was made up of one can of frozen concentrate lemon juice, the empty can filled with Vodka and four cans of beer. This stuff was bad news. It was deceivingly delicious and quit refreshing, with quite the kick! Of course I helped myself to four of the potent potable.
The evening could not have been better. The sun was high and warm. Everyone was mingling and kids were running around having a great time together. All in all, this is one of my favorite Cruises of the year. As the shadows started to grow longer one by one the folks made their way back to their boats.
Evidently unknown to me the decision had been made that Annette and Tami were going to sleep on Cygnet. So the four kids and my brother and his wife stayed at the campsite. Now I found myself rowing the girls back to the boat. Of course I have Tami in the bow giving me stroke by stroke directions on how to get back to my boat. How I made it back to my boat before I’ll never know. Annette and Tami had evidently made a pack to give me as much hell as possible. All I could think of is how does poor Gene, Tami’s husband & Skipper of Andiamo, put up with her. I kept thinking Gene come get your wife! A side note, Gene is a helicopter pilot serving in Afghanistan and will be back from service soon. I’d like to thank Gene for his service and wish him God's speed getting home.
Soon after arriving back to the boat, the girls quickly took over the boat. I lost my quite sanctuary. I went to the v-birth to change into my comfy clothes and come back out to find that Tami had on a sweatshirt that looked very familiar to me. I said hey I have a shirt that looks just like that one, Tami said "ya, it’s yours. Annette said I could borrow it". NICE!! Now the girls had even taken over my clothes. We had a half pitcher of Tami’s grog left. Annette poured each of us a glass. By the time I finished it was time for me to go to bed. The girls stayed up chatting and laughing for some time. I’m not sure what time Annette came to bed, but it was late.
During the night, Kalakala dragged anchor, and folks on the other boat got up and reset the anchor. I slept through it all. Chalupa had a raft of three boats on her and she dragged anchor as well and drifted close to a big powerboat sitting on a ball. The raft broke up. In the morning everyone was sitting on their own hook. Evidently it was a busy night.
Day 3:
I was up by 0700, having my quite morning. Soon Tami was up and about. I swear that that woman uses up her allot 2500 word per day before 1000 in the morning. So much for my quite morning! Now I know why Gene doesn’t talk much when Tami is a round. Annette was soon up. After coffee, we contemplated breakfast. But Tami had to do a kid hand off at noon. I was trying to figure out if I was going to single hand my way back to Olympia or was someone going to go with me. Lenny had to break camp by 1300 so he could not come back with me. Annette really did not want to make the trip back to Olympia with me. I think Tami talked Annette into it, so Annette and Tami were to go do the kid hand off and come back and I would ferry kids and the ladies back to Olympia and drive us all back to pick up cars. Kind of crazy if you asked me, But hey ... I did not have to sail home alone. Works for me!
I rowed the girls back to shore and went out to take photos of the exposed rock that the sailboat had hit the previous day. Sure enough the rock showed scars where it have been hit and backed over. I hope the boat fared better than the rock. Back at the raft the other boats prepared for departure. The three other boats were going to make their way to Oro Bay for the night and then back to Olympia on Monday. Mike on Kalakala is relatively new to boating and was unsure of anchoring. Terry, Windswept, and Glen, Sassy, gave Mike an impromptu to lesson on anchoring. Kalakala, Windswept, and Sassy each in turn broke the raft and set sail. I was again alone on the ball. I too made Cygnet ready for getting underway.
Steve from Damn Yankee stopped by to say hi. Will of Love Joy, the guy responsible for my reentry to sailing, kayaked out to the boat and kept me company until the girls arrived. Around 1500 the girls arrived and after a late lunch we said our good byes and let go of the ball. Again a spectacular day for being on the water. Not a cloud in the sky. The wind was very light so we motored. The tide was relatively high when we passed through Pit Passage. When we came up to Johnson Point, the wind started to fill in and we had a study head wind going up Dana Passage. The winds were very favorable for putting up sail as soon as we turned up Budd Inlet. As the girls are not too crazy about healing, I flew only the jib. The wind was building and we started to get knocked around a bit, so I dropped our swing keel and now we had nine feet of keel. Cygnet stood upright and she fared better. We were making 6.5 knots good most of the way and saw a max speed of 7.2 by GPS a couple of time. Before we knew it was were sitting back in Swantown. It was a great trip for all who attended. I look forward to the next year’s trip.
This Cruise was great because of those who attended. A special thanks to Rod and Susan Tharp to planning the trip and securing the picnic table. And I’d like to thank all the folks who showed up and made this such a successful Cruise. I know I only touch on a few of the things that happened. I know there were at least three other rafts and plenty of things happing on them. See you on the water.
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Wow, what a weekend. Saturday, Rod and I got away from the dock before 1400 and raised sails with a nice breeze out of the north. It is always good to be out on the water, and it is even better when we are sailing, listening to the water against the hulls. But the wind didn’t last, and shortly after Boston Harbor we rolled up the genoa and put down the motor. This gave me a great opportunity to take a nap in the cockpit, and I blissfully slept through Rod’s taking down the mainsail and going below to fetch his book, waking up just before we reached the island.
It was a glorious evening. The sand spit from McMicken to Harstene was exposed, great for walking and romping with children and dogs. The potluck was held on the beach, with a plank supported by a large log serving as a convenient table. As usual, the meal was bountiful and tasty, with four or five kinds of chicken, supported by salads and casseroles. The weather was splendid, and the spring evening sunset better than any picture.
Sunday, we slept late. As I was bringing coffee to Rod, I paused to wave goodbye to SideTrack as they pulled anchor. Deva called my attention to a large black dog swimming from the north end of McMicken across to Harstene Island. I watched mesmerized, wondering if its energy was flagging or if it was just the increased distance that made its progress seem to slow. Many years ago, Rod and I saw a deer swimming across Dana Passage, from the mainland to Harstene. It was exhausted when it reached shore, but it made it. So I know it can be done, but I worried about that dog. Then Cygnet, with Mark Welpman and his brother Lenny motored across. I breathed a huge sigh of relief knowing that the dog would have help if it needed it. The dog did reach the shore on its own. I am sure that Mark will send in some of his pictures.
Eleven boats joined the Cruise, bringing the total number of boats signing in at Club Cruises, by land and by water since September, to an even one-hundred, with fifty-nine boats represented over all. It is a great group of people, and was an awesome weekend. Boats in attendance: Adventure, Cygnet, Damn Yankee, Gray Seal, Inati, Miss Bianca, Pax the Space Spider, Pearl, Sassy, SideTrack and WindSwept.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
Photos by Mark WelpmanMc Micken Cruise: Unofficial Cruise Report
Day: Plus one, early arrivers:
Cygnet had a late start. She did not get off the dock until 1645. Weather was sunny and winds 10 to 12 kts from the south, southwest. Cygnet made the run up Budd Inlet on a port tack making 6.5 kts solid. Only two other boats were in sight. Rounding Dofflemyer Point Cygnet gibed east for the run up Dana Passage. She went wing on wing and ran east through the passage at 5.5 kts bucking the incoming tide.
One of the two boats on the water decided to give chase. The chasing boat was on a starboard tack running to intercept Cygnet. She was making good speed to intercept. Being on a downwind run, there was not much Cygnet could do other than keep the canvas full air and run like hell. The pursuing boat fell in behind Cygnet 200 yards short on over taking her. The Captain must have felt sure of his ability to overtake Cygnet. He ran everything on the starboard. The pursuing boat had a Fractional Rig. His Jib was maybe 80%, while Cygnet was running a Genoa 150%. Cygnet simply had more power and kept opening range on the pursuing boat. The Chaser made a couple of tacks to try and gain advantage but just did not have enough to close Cygnet. She finally broke off and started to beat up wind towards Boston Harbor. As the chaser retreated, the first mate dropped his pants and gave a mooning salute of victory.
After chastising the first mate Cygnet cleared Dana Passage and gibed north up Case Inlet. The run up to McMicken Island was uneventful. The wind had picked up considerably and Cygnet was making 7.2 kts good. Rounding the point of Mc Micken the Genoa was furled. Cygnet made a number turns and tacks to try and catch a ball without using the motor. After a couple of misses and some crazy maneuvering way to close to shore, the Iron Horse was fired up and Cygnet caught a ball. Shortly after tying up, Cygnet was rigged for port. The crew made dinner, had cocktails and a quiet evening. It was a perfect end to a perfect day of sailing.
Day One: Arrivals
The crew of Cygnet woke to dense fog. The island less than 100 yards way could not be seen. Around 1000 the fog began to lift. The skies opened to bright sunny day. South Sound Boats began to arrive at noon. First to arrive Saturday was Miss Bianca, then Sassy, Gray Seal, Inati, Wind Swept, Damn Yankee, Pax and finally Pearl. Two other boats not listed; one boat caught a ball on the south side of the island and the other boat was anchored on the other side of a big power boat and could not make out her name.
By 1500 the little cove was full of boats and it looked like a summer weekend. Folks were running crews and pets to shore for walkabouts. Dinghies were rowed to and fro and spontaneous gathering happen on various boat. Damn Yankee rafted up to Cygnet and the two crews enjoyed exchanging sea stories and a couple of beers. By 1700 the air in the cove was filled with the aroma of dishes being prepared for the potluck. By 1800 Tenders lined the shore above the tide line as the potluck began. Dinner appeared to be a chicken theme. There were several types of chicken, all good, two types of Greek Salad, stew, salmon casserole, and assorted veggie plates, cookies, and brownies. It was a cornucopia of goodness! Pax brought the Club’s cooler which was chocked full of beer and pop. With full bellies and beverages in hand, people split up into social groups and enjoyed the cooling evening as the sun set. One by one, groups broke up and tenders headed back to their mother ships. By dark mast headlight twinkled in the cove and boat swung gently on their lines. By 2200 the lights went out on Cygnet and by 2201 the First Mate sawing logs. I mean shut all the cabins doors and put in ear plugs loud. Even with a snoring bear on board sleep was quick for everyone.
Day Two: Departures.
At 0645 Cygnet’s hatch popped open. I was a fine morning to be on the water. With coffee in hand I enjoyed the quite cool morning. Later the fine crew of Damn Yankee rowed back from having muffins and coffee on the south side of the island. They enjoyed a spectacular sunrise looking down Case Inlet into Nisqually Reach and on to Mount Rainer. By 0900 rafts began to break apart and boats started to head home. By 0945 Cygnet let go of the ball and headed out. As she cleared McMicken Island, she could see the homeward bound boats flying canvas and decided to follow suit. The wind was light from the south. Cygnet ran at Herron Island making 3.5 to 4 kts good. Coming out of the cove Sassy was heaving canvas. Further down Case Inlet towards Dana Passage the water was going glassy. Cygnet made it as far as Hartstene Island leg of the tack and the wind died. Sails down, motor up. The sun was warm on the motor back to Swantown. By 1300 Cygnet was sung in her slip and we re-entered life. Life is good!
This was a great South Sound Sailing Society Cruise. For those of you who missed it we hope to see you and the next cruise.
Mark Welpman, Cygnet
Valerie has wanted to go on a Mediterranean cruise for a long time and although the Sunday morning snow storm was probably uncharacteristic of the Med, the great dinner we had on board Andiamo III was as close to the Mediterranean as we will get this year.
The weather forecast was not promising, other than promising rain and maybe snow, when we got underway from Martin Marina around noon on Saturday. Winds were 10 to 15 from the southwest but with intermittent squalls of rain, we chose to keep the sails furled and dry. With the last hour of the ebbing tide, we made good time through Dana Passage. Turning north in Case Inlet, the winds became stronger and the rains steady. Although they were from the south, we still got pretty wet.
We entered Jarrell Cove at 1530 expecting to be the lone boat. We had seen no one ahead or astern for the entire trip up. We were pleasantly surprised to see Andiamo III and Cygnet tied to the state park dock. Shortly after we tied up Mark and Gene came walking back from the park with Toby on leash. We weren’t sure who was walking whom. After exchanging greetings and stories of the trip up; Cygnet had sailed up Friday and Andiamo III on Saturday morning; we settled into the galley to prep for dinner.
At 1800 we met aboard Andiamo III for great pot luck. Did I mention that this was a Mediterranean cruise? Mark had prepared a great Greek salad, Gene and Tammie made pasta with a sauce, and we an Italian sausage, zucchini and sun dried tomato sauté. We visited into the evening and returned to our respective vessels about 2100.
Sunday morning surprised us with 2 inches of snow which continued until nearly 1030. Hoping to catch the last of the flood tide through Dana Passage, we got underway about 0830. Visibility was less than half a mile but yesterday’s tracks on the GPS were easy as bread crumbs to follow. As we turned south into Budd Inlet driving rain with 20 to 25 knot winds made the heat below extra welcoming as we took turns on helm watch.
This was a very different cruise to Jarrell Cove than last year’s sunny day and star-gazing night. But, a great adventure with wonderful company made it all very worthwhile. Boats in attendance were: Andiamo III, Cygnet, and WindSwept.
Terry and Valerie VanMeter, WindSwept
Photos by Terry VanMeter
Photos by Mark Welpman
Friday March 13, 2009 Day one early arrival:
The Cygnet departed port at 1400. Weather was sunny and warm and wind was out of the south. The Cygnet was moving up wind at wind speed, so the cockpit was warm and the sun was hot on my face. The Cygnet made 6kts good on the motor up to Boston Harbor. When Cygnet arrived at the fuel dock, she had to loiter for a bit as a big power boat was fueling up. The power boat pulled out and Cygnet slid into her spot. The guys at the dock tied her up and 13 gallons of diesel later Cygnet was on her way.
In Dana passage Cygnet was bucking the currents, so I ran as close to shore as I could. In short order she was heading up Case Inlet and Cygnet surfing the currents. The winds picked up, so of course the sails went up too. To my surprise Cygnet was making a solid 7.4 kts. I think it was the fastest run Cygnet made up Case Inlet. Nothing like a clean hull to make a boat go fast. Cygnet made the run up Case Inlet in less than an hour.
Making the turn into Pickering Passage and then wind was on Cygnet’s nose. So I thought that I might drop the sail and run on the motor the last bit up to Jarrell Cove. That’s when things got interesting. I put the bow into the wind and started to pull on my furler line. About half way in the furler jammed and I could not roll the jib. As I was fighting the furler the port jib sheet came loose and did a knot dance with the starboard jib sheet. The port sheet was coiled up tighter than an eight day clock around the starboard sheet.
So I had to start the motor and lock the wheel. I went forward and noticed that there was as knot of some sort jamming the furler drum. So I pulled all the line off the drum and then let it reel itself back in. No problem after that. I took me a while to uncoil the sheet lines. Before long the emergency was over. Lesson learned, it’s always a good idea to provide a little drag, one wrap around your winch, on the furler line when deploying a furling Jib. This will not allow the line to back spin on the drum.
The run into the Jarrell Cove was uneventful. Cygnet made a great landing with the wind doing all the work. She was tied up and stowed for port in no time at all. Cocktail in hand and I enjoyed the evening.
Day 2: Saturday March 14, 2009.
Weather: Rain and wind 15 to 25 kts.
Andiamo III arrives at noon. Crew reports windy conditions and Andiamo sailed the entire trip up from Olympia. WindSwept arrives at 1530 and she to sailed most of the way. Both crews were wet and cold on arrival. Dinner was at 1800 and included a wonderful sausage vegetable medially, Greek Salad and Spaghetti with gravy, sauce. Good friends and conversation were had all around. By 2030 the dinner party broke up and everyone headed to their boats for a quite evening.
Day 3:
WindSwept makes an early departure. Terry’s crunching footsteps wakes me. I pop open the forward hatch to see four inches of new snow. Terry explains that he wants to make it through Dana Pass before the tide changes. He also warns of bad weather coming, winds with gusts up to 50kts. WindSwept was off the docks by 0730.
The reaming two boats had a casual morning. Breakfast was on Andiamo, with Gene and Tami hosting a wonderful breakfast. No one left hungry. After pushing snow off boats, the Cygnet and Andiamo cast off lines at 1130. The winds were calm running up Pickering Pass. Rounding Dougall Point the winds were coming from the south. Both boats motored south into the wind. Passing Herron Island Cygnet flies her jib. Andiamo continues running on her motor. Due to poor wind direction Cygnet douses her jib and runs on her motor again. Nearing Fudge Point the winds becomes favorable and Andiamo flies her head sail. Cygnet follows suite. The winds went from as study 10 to 12 kts to gusting 25 kts plus. All 45,000 pounds of Andiamo was on her rail. Things got exciting fast on Andiamo. The head sail came down as fast as it went up.
Cygnet was struggling to keep up right. She kept shrinking the jib until there was not much out. Still rounding the gusts and being pushed over on her rail, the jib was hauled and put away for the rest of the trip.
Entering Dana pass things became very exciting. Wind gusts up to 45 Kts. Cygnet ran on the north side of Dana Passage trying to dodge the wind that was nearly on her nose. Andiamo ran mid channel. The closer to Boston Harbor the stronger the winds blew. At one point a squall blew down the passage. The tops of the waves were blown off the raging white caps. The water was very mixed up. Cygnet was making 5 kts good into the melee. As soon as the squall hit, Cygnet speed dropped to 1.5 kts. It was a struggle for boat boats to buck the wind and tides.
Andiamo now had a considerable lead over Cygnet. Rounding Dofflemeyer Point, the sun came out and warmed out wind chilled faces. Andiamo radioed ahead to Swantown for assistance docking as winds gusted at 35 kts. As Cygnet pasted the Guest Docks, Andiamo was backing down and lines were across. Cygnet’s slip is more or less wind protected but the winds did cause a more difficult landing than normal. All in all it was a great trip. Good company, an opportunity to experience every type of weather and feeling like you lived a mini adventure. Hope to see you all out there next time.
PS. We’d like to express our well wishes to Rod Tharp. Rod and Susan did not make this trip due to Rod having knee surgery. Though he is up and about, the meds he’s on were not conducive to sailing. We’re sure will see Rod and Susan on Pax soon. Get well Rod!!!
Mark S Welpman, Cygnet
February is for intrepid cruisers. Saturday was cold, but the threatened rain did not materialize, and the day was clear with some sun. WindSwept joined us at a Hope Island buoy in the mid afternoon. They did some sailing on the way, we were content with slowly motoring, taking the time to check the underwater topography along the Squaxin shoreline. We’ve seen more than one boat ground on the long ridge extending from one of the points.
Terry, Val, Rod and I shared a stir fry potluck dinner in WindSwept’s cozy cabin, and talked about cruising the San Juans and Gulf Islands. We fell asleep to the patter of rain drops, and woke to a fairly steady downpour. I made coffee and went back to bed. The rain stopped by the time WindSwept disengaged, but I was in cruising mode and in no hurry to leave. I love sleeping on the boat, over water, didn’t wake up again until after 1100, and it was after 1300 when we finally headed home. A mini vacation on the water, in the middle of the winter. Life doesn’t get much better than this.
Boats in attendance: Pax the Space Spider, WindSwept.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
It is a good thing for me to have cruises scheduled on my calendar. It gets me out of my warm and cozy house and onto the water, where life slows down and I relax, even in cold weather. Rod and I saw a pelican, that marvelous bird, near Boston Harbor on our way out on Saturday. Well worth the price of admission!
Two boats joined us at Squaxin Island this chilly weekend. Actually, both of them were there before us. Sidetrack, a Passport 42, arrived first, and had dropped their heavy anchor with lots of chain, making it easy for Windswept and Pax to raft to either side like baby ducklings.
Sidetrack, with exquisite, spacious accommodations below, envision lots of beautiful teak, hosted the potluck. Terry on Windswept has perfected his pressure cooker pot roast, and Deva and Gary, on Sidetrack have an oven and produced perfect lasagna. I cook on a camp stove, and warmed up the mostly-veggie chili I’d put together the day before. It was a relaxed and delicious meal, with lots of conversation, and we discovered those distant connections that link us to our fellow human beings and sailors.
We fell asleep to gentle rain pattering on our boom tent, but the weather pattern had blown through by Sunday morning. It was cold, but dry, and we motored home slowly, looking for the pelican and enjoying the sky and the fresh air. Boats attending: Pax the Space Spider, Sidetrack, Windswept.
Dinner aboard, photo by Deva Wilson
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
New Year’s Eve was dark and cold, but other than a light mist it wasn’t raining or snowing, and Members are intrepid sailors and up for adventure. Rod and I arrived well after the sun went down, but there were friendly faces on the dock, and the earlier arrivals established cozy havens. Andiamo III and Pearl were the mother ships, with plenty of space below for visitors. We hosted a few guests on Pax before moving on to the larger boats. Lots of good conversation, tasty bites and old and new friends, with bubbly and fireworks at midnight made for a full evening. I crashed shortly after midnight, but I know that others partied on late into the night.
New Year’s Day, Windswept raised sails shortly after leaving the dock, and I believe that Andiamo III had plans for several days of winter cruising. What a great way to start the new year!
Boats by Water: Andiamo III, Cygnet, Murrelet, Pax the Space Spider, Pearl and Windswept. Boats by Land: AeroDancer, Gray Seal, Inate, Janson, Nightwind, Penguin, Perseverance, SeaBear and Sonia.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
Despite a gusty wind at the start of the evening, the weather for the Wine Tasting Cruise at Swantown just after Thanksgiving was relatively balmy. My candles wouldn’t stay lit, but fortunately, Pete Judd brought a Coleman lantern to illuminate the tables so that we could see as we grazed the bounty of appetizers and sampled the many bottles of wine.
As usual, the SSSS Cruises succeed because of the Members who participate and share their experience, comradery and equipment. Pete brought his lantern, in addition to a delicious Dungeness Crab Chowder. Don Waterhouse brought a propane heater, that helped keep people warm. And at least forty-two people, representing nineteen boats, brought food and wine to share as we all relaxed after Thanksgiving.
Once again, awarding a prize for the best dressed bottle was a difficult decision. After three rounds of voting, the lighted Christmas tree from Pearl, came out on top. A very close second was the Peacock with colorful feathers from Andiamo III. Also appreciated were the Lighthouse and the Vampire.
Boats in attendance: Andiamo III, D’Lauicea, El Gitano, Gray Seal, Grendel, Gusto, Kekailoa, Liberty, Miss Conduct, Murphy’ Lawyer, Neptune’s Court, Night Wind, Pax the Space Spider, Pearl, Penguin, Storm Trooper, That’s Life, The Filthy Whore and Windswept.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp, Pax the Space Spider
We’re writing this Cruise report under sail, returning to Olympia by a favorable NE wind and sunny skies. We’re surrounded by SSSS boats, all returning from a fabulous Halloween Cruise. It is a beautiful sight, all these boats under sail, taking advantage of perfect weather. Who could ask for more on a Sunday afternoon in late October?
The Cruise was a great success, owing to the work of many volunteers. The party began early this year, with lots of boats arriving on Friday. More than 40 boats attended, with additional crews arriving by car. We enjoyed traditional festivities, including pumpkin carving, potluck, lots of kids trick-or-treating at the dock, and of course, much socializing. We also began what we hope will become new traditions, such as a group viewing of a scary, water-themed movie in the shelter. This year’s film was The Creature from the Black Lagoon, a classic that inspired many boos and hisses from the audience, some of whom, we suspect, were rooting for the creature. We’re certain that the beer and wine helped with audience participation. This year’s Cruise also included a haunted boat, which featured the theme Bates Boatel."
We are grateful to West Marine, Port of Bremerton, and Longbranch Marina for donating generous prizes for best decorated boats and potluck entries. We also appreciated assistance from Terry and Val of WindSwept for the costume certificates and the awesome costumes they wore themselves; Richard and family of Osa for the SSSS bookmarks given to all pumpkin carvers; Richard and Barb of Inati for help with transporting pumpkins and handing out prizes; Rod, Susan, Thera, and Don of Pax the Space Spider for the efficient and cheerful assembly line producing delicious waffles on Sunday morning; and Don Waterhouse for serving as such as such a skillful and dedicated dockmaster. Special thanks go to Dave and Linda Knowlton, who kept things moving and on track. Well, we’re rounding Devil’s Head now. Perfect for Halloween with its spooky currents. So we’d better pay attention. Hope to see you all at next year’s Cruise!
Frank and Lisa Mighetto, Murrelet
What a weekend! Don Waterhouse, Docking Coordinator, counted forty-two SSSS boat in the rafted maze at Longbranch. Only thirty-six boats, some arriving by land, signed in, so we don’t really know everyone who came, but a great time was had by all. This kind of event takes a tremendous amount of cooperation and participation. Great thanks are due to many people : Lisa and Frank Mighetto, who handled all of the logistics, from arranging our space with Longbranch through the pumpkins, decorations, prizes and movies; Don Waterhouse, who figured out how to shoehorn all of these boats into the marina; the Cruisers on at least three boats who dug into their boat stores to supplement the flour for the waffles when our container spilled; people who brought waffle toppings, and those who brought spray oil for the waffle irons when our canisters ran out; Suzie Shaffer, who helped tremendously by washing the waffle making dishes and utensils; the Adairs, Brays, and Hansens, represented by their loaned waffle irons and camp stove; Dave and Linda Knowlton, who created this delightful, family oriented event for the Club; and all the other unsung heroes. Thank you all!
Boats signed in: Adios, Balder, Banana Split, Boru, Columbia Transit, Cygnet, Dawn Treader, D'Lauicea, Gray Seal, Gusto, Inati, Isostacy, Kalakala, Koosah, Manta, Murrelet, Neptune's Court, Oddessy, Osa, Outward Bound, Pax the Space Spider, Pearl, Pegasus, Penguin, Pyxis, Singing in the Rain, Spinner, Spirit, Stardrifter, Storebjorn, Storm Trooper, Sugar Magnolia, The Stargazer, Touchrain, Veveri and Vintage.
Rod Tharp & Susan McRae, Pax the Space Spider
Photos
by Lisa Mighetto
by Suzie Shaffer and Alex Bromen
Saturday morning, we woke to rain, but with a Cruise on the calendar, we shrugged off the weather. The brief rain spatters as we left the dock weren’t a problem. It is always good to be out on the water. We motored through Dana Passage, but when the wind picked up in Case Inlet we raised sails and did a lovely spinnaker run past Heron Island, where the wind changed. We doused the spinnaker, pulled out the jib, and sailed on to Vaughn Bay. Discretion over valor, we dropped sails and motored into the bay to drop anchor.
This year, there were three SSSS Commodores present. Thera Black and Don Waterhouse, Past Commodore and Vice Commodore sailed with us on Pax, and Alex Bromen, Commodore, came on Nightwind. Boats with dinghies helped ferry the club’s ice chest, a table and awning to shore. Don built a wonderful beach fire, and we all enjoyed another SSSS potluck on the beach, greeting old friends and meeting new ones.
An extremely low tide in the night and a 180 degree wind shift resulted in two boats contacting the bottom, one just touching and the other with a hard list. Vaughn Bay has some deep pockets, but your anchor rode needs to be short enough to keep your boat in them.
Morning dawned windy, but without rain. Again, we had help to ferry supplies and people to shore. The awning was reset as a wind shield, and Rod and Don started cooking waffles on camp stoves from the yeast raised batter Rod started the night before. These melt-in-the mouth waffles are a treat, and the sausages and waffle toppings provided by the cruisers resulted in a totally satisfying breakfast. Note: the waffle recipe is available at the SSSS web site.
Returning to Olympia, we motored, then raised sails when the wind came up. Rod and I both took naps on the nets while Thera and Don sailed. When a rain squall blew through, I retreated to our berth to continue my nap, while Rod, Thera and Don took Pax home. They out ran the rain, reaching 11 – 12 knots at times. I had a great nap. Nothing so good as sleeping over the water!
Boats attending: Balder, Dawn Treader, Inati, Maranatha, Murrelet, Nightwind, Pax the Space Spider, Wind Swept, and the boats formerly named as Altair and Krru.
Rod Tharp & Susan McRae, Pax the Space Spider
Photos by Don Waterhouse and Thera BlackIt is over now. As these are not officially hosted SSSS Cruises, we may or may not get a report. Watch this space.
A low tide at 1000 delayed our launch, and we didn’t get away from the dock until after noon. Little wind, strong incoming tide, we motored. It didn’t take me long to opt for a nap on the nets. When I woke past Devil’s Head, Rod declined my offer to take a turn at the tiller, and I was quickly asleep again, awakening when we entered Oro Bay. We motored slowly, watching the depth meter, to within hailing distance of the folks on shore at the Engvall property, and then retreated to a more prudent anchoring depth.
When we paddled to shore, the tide was high, and we climbed from our keowees to the grassy bank. The Engvall property was homesteaded by Kris’ great grandfather Frank Engvall, who inherited the land from his In-Laws, built the buildings, and developed a small farm. Kris says “The old timers were tough; they frequently rowed from Anderson Island to Dupont. In fact my Grandfather, Leonard, rowed to Dupont with two of my Aunts one day when he was in his 70’s.”
This grassy and sylvan paradise now serves as the family summer encampment. Kris’ mother, brother, cousin and their families, three generations of Engvalls, were all out for the weekend. They mowed paths and a picnic area, erected sun shelters and provided chairs and a picnic table. Lisa brought a book detailing the history of Anderson Island to share, and Kris and family led several tours through the property. It is a beautiful place to wander in. The potluck was stupendous: good food, in a relaxed setting and congenial company.
The tide turned, and leaving was a bit more problematic than arriving. Jim Lussier left before I started paying attention to the issue. Mark Swarthout wore boots, but then spent time rinsing the mud off. Mark Welpman was pragmatic, took off his shoes and pulled the dinghy with Annette and Chloe through the mud. I followed this example, and towed Rod in his keowee when Rod’s scooting attempt failed to move him through the mud to the water. Bob Buelt was the hero, and carried each member of his family, including Tabor the dog, to their kayak and dinghy. Applause!
The Buelt’s of Pearl and the DeLeon’s of Gusto have children of similar ages. Gusto was not able to make the Cruise, but motored down after dark so the kids had a chance to visit before Gusto headed back north for other commitments. What an awesome cruising community!
Nine boats attended the Cruise. By land: Chicken of the Sea, Frederick, Magic, and Sugar Magnolia. By water: Breezin’, Cygnet, Dawn Treader, Pax, and Pearl.
Susan McRae and Rod Tharp Pax the Space Spider