July 10, 2011 Prinyer Cove

We planned to leave at 9:00. I was somewhat concerned about the leaving maneuver. My plan was to back into the empty dock behind Excalibur, then head out into the channel from that dock. This would be easy if there was no wind blowing, harder if the wind was up.

At 8:00 there was no wind. At 8:20 a little breeze was developing. Since I was ready to go I was stressing myself waiting, so I decided to leave. I went over to Windchaser and said I was leaving and that I had lined people up to help us and Windchaser leave when they were ready. Poor Gretch. She had finally been able to reach the internet. She really did not want to leave and said they had just planned to follow us. I told them that was no problem and would just wait for them out in the bay, even if they waited until 9:00 to leave. Two fellow boaters helped us leave with no incident.

When we got in the channel the wind was behind us at about 10 knots. I opened the jib and started sailing slowly down the bay. We would end up sailing the entire way. Shortly after that Windchaser appeared around the bend. We both sailed with jibs until I noticed that we were marking big fish. Lew got his trolling rod out and we sailed slowly to try and land a big one. No luck, so we continued sailing along. After a mile or so the channel bent to the left and our following wind became a beam reach. Lew put up his main and sailed off. I was delighting in the best sail of our trip and just kept sailing with the jib. It was so pleasant that I did not want it to end, and was in no hurry. Our speed ranged from 1.2 knots to 6.6 at the end. The trip was about 12 miles, took 3 hours and 45 minutes and we ran the engine only .6 of an hour, just entering and leaving the channels.

We anchored in 30 feet of water with 100’ of chain. Kerry and I enjoyed a rum and tonic after we were secure. We took bearings on landmarks to ensure we were not dragging anchor. I decided to wash the diesel smoke off the stern and also ended up washing the sides. I found a crack in the side of the transom door and a couple of small gouges on the hull I did not know I had. Bummer. As I was finishing, Lew showed up ready to go fishing. Off we went. He caught one keeper perch while I was skunked again. Lew saw one huge fish swim by, threw his worm at it, had it hit the bait but was unable to hook it.

I grilled potatoes with onions and peppers and a pork loin with a very spicy rub for dinner. Gretchen brought over a fruit salad. We were having a great time when the mosquitoes attached from all sides. Party over! I am not sure if we will stay here tomorrow or move on.