Summer cruise 2007

Due to the need to continue working and (with difficulty) accepting that Allymar was not ready for a lengthly cruise, our plans changed to a short month long summer cruise only. The main goal was to get her down to the coast of Oregon where we could more easily do the final fitting out.

Highlights of this summer were the opportunity to tie up in front of the Empress Hotel in Victoria B.C, finally putting Tatoosh Island to port and the trip down the coast dodging storms and crew sea sickness. We stopped at Neah Bay and Grays Harbor Washington to yearn for northwesterlies and wait out 40 knot southerlies. We were allowed to sit around with other storm bound sailors watching the weatherfax and listening to the radio. Of significant help was the one boat with a "router" to give him advise (which we all benifited from). For the first time we were really introduced to the "sailing fraternity" and how everyone helps each other. Do wonder how the trip down the coast was for the big Swan that left on the worst day as they needed to get to San Francisco for the big boat series.

The final 24 hours offshore was in the fog and to see the fog lift and the lighthouse appear as we approached the Unpqua bar was so beautiful and inspiring. We became well versed in Radar and GPS plotting. Seeing those large blips appear on the screen and to be able to plot their course and speed was an experience. You know that the ship was there, but never saw it took some getting ued to and accepting technology. Sure wish that crab pots gave a better radar image, as they are everywhere.
Allymar sits today in Winchester Bay Oregon at the mouth of the Unpqua River awaiting final fitting out.

Employers have been given notice and in late May we will be waiting for southerlies and a trip back up the coast. The plan is to circumnavigate Vancouver Island and maybe go to the Queen Charlottes before heading back down south for Mexico in the fall. We both are not really looking forward to the trip up coast (against the current and prevailing winds) as it has the reputation of being a harsh mistress.

More to come.