Five boats from the SSSS and OYC celebrated the Fourth of July in Port Hardy, B.C., where we met to plan our trip around Cape Scott and down the west side of Vancouver Island. Spirits were high among the crews of Balder, Flight Time, Murrelet, Second Wind, and Turning Point, as we charted our course together, meeting at Port Hardy’s Quarterdeck Pub for halibut burgers and general merriment. On Monday morning, July 5, we set out for Bull Harbour, where 30-knot winds encouraged us to stay and get to know each other better for the next three days.
Conditions were favorable on Thursday, July 8, and we set out across the Nawitti Bar and around the northern tip of the island and Cape Scott. 
Highlights included cruising with a humpback whale and orcas. We also spotted sea otters, sea lions, and many eagles. After a 10-hour trip, we arrived safely in Winter Harbour, where some of the crews fished for salmon and enjoyed a barbecue. Murrelet went on to explore Quatsino Sound, while the rest of the boats headed south, continuing their trip down the coast.
Frank Mighetto, Murrelet
top: Port Hardy
left: Murrelet at Port Hardy
below: Murrelet in Winter Harbour
