Spring repairs

The working genoa was ripped and a few reinforcements needed to be re-glued. It is amazing how the Cuben Fiber sails survived 8 years of heavy usage. Compliments to the sail-maker, Roger Hall in NZ. A new set of grommets had to be inserted to the trampolines. The cleaning will be next, and then LAUNCHING!!!

watching birds while ...

... waiting for the sailing season to begin in the Pacific Northwest. Sure, others are already out on the water, ... and freezing their but off ...

killer whales again ...

This time no photo, no video, just words. It was unbelievable: We crossed the Boiling Reef, south of Saturna Island, Canadian West Coast. All of a sudden we were in the midst of a 40, 50, or 60 Orcas of all sizes: high back fins were sticking out of the water and little tails splashing on the surface. We had never experienced such an intensive spectacle! We can only say, you had to be there.

down by the bay

... let's go to the river ...

A leisurely summer outing on Saturday with pictures from Yinlan and Johannes can be watched here.

fall is coming ...

Sea Vampires?

Before you know it, it's getting cold in the Pacific Northwest. One of the last sails with YinLan, Max, Johannes, and Sigi. Not too much wind, just relaxing. A few animals around like dolphins, sea lions, herons, and the always present Canada geese ... 

cruising Desolation Sound and beyond

start: Vancouver
intended target: Broughtons
most northern point: Shoal Bay
finish: Vancouver

We started out with three boats (two F33s, one F31) from Cowichan Bay. North! In a couple of days we reached Desolation Sound. We hung out in Grace Harbour for a day, enjoyed superb seafood at the Laughing Oyster in Okeover Inlet. The two F33s continued: First to Octopus Islands, then to Shoal Bay. At that time we had to realize that the allotted days for reaching the Broughtons would not be enough.  Probably one should have gone up north via the Discovery Passage and the Johnson Strait. This is much shorter although may turn out more challenging. Photos: click here. A longish video: click here.
Nevertheless, it was a superb cruise with exercises in patience, safety, and relaxation, with long stretches of motoring and exciting sailing passages. Our F33s have proven again to be the ultimate cruising machines.

how to ....

... get the bottom scrubbed by "volunteers":

You convince two hard working students that they need a break, wait for sunshine, look for a very low tide in the afternoon, provide the scrubbers, and spread relaxed atmosphere ... voila, the bottom of all three hulls is done in a jiffy.

Location of the crime: in front of Centennial Beach, Twawwassen, B.C., Canada