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Miles sailed: 445
Miles sailed: 445
Crew: Gio, Julie, Randy, and Charlie
Crew: Gio, Julie, Randy, and Charlie
Rounding Cape Scott on the NW tip of Vancouver Island, this leg explored the wild and remote west coast for 10 days, anchoring in truly stunning locations with no other boats around for miles. Conditions ranged from dense fog, to downwind in 20 knots, to riding the edge of a gale. Killer whales, sea otters, and ocean sunfish (mola mola) were a daily occurrence!
Rounding Cape Scott on the NW tip of Vancouver Island, this leg explored the wild and remote west coast for 10 days, anchoring in truly stunning locations with no other boats around for miles. Conditions ranged from dense fog, to downwind in 20 knots, to riding the edge of a gale. Killer whales, sea otters, and ocean sunfish (mola mola) were a daily occurrence!
August 19, 2024: Leg 4 Training Expedition is Underway!
August 19, 2024: Leg 4 Training Expedition is Underway!
Day 1 of Leg 4 sail training complete! Crew of Randy and Charlie joined us this afternoon and it’s clear we a going to have a fantastic expedition!
Day 1 of Leg 4 sail training complete! Crew of Randy and Charlie joined us this afternoon and it’s clear we a going to have a fantastic expedition!
After our safety orientation, Randy navigated us out of our slip in Port Hardy and through the narrow channel past an armada of sportfishing boats and a tug with a monstrous tow. Not exactly an easy first go at the helm but Randy smoothly took it all in stride.
After our safety orientation, Randy navigated us out of our slip in Port Hardy and through the narrow channel past an armada of sportfishing boats and a tug with a monstrous tow. Not exactly an easy first go at the helm but Randy smoothly took it all in stride.
Once underway we completed the day’s orientation and dug right into learning sailing systems and terminology. Halfway through Gio sighted our first whales of the day, a very special sighting. ORCAS! A pod of eight whales including two large males and two small calves surrounded Sea Fox, feasting on salmon riding the changing tide. Tail slaps, spy hops, and even a few close swim-bys kept us mesmerized until finally we could maneuver again and continue west.
Once underway we completed the day’s orientation and dug right into learning sailing systems and terminology. Halfway through Gio sighted our first whales of the day, a very special sighting. ORCAS! A pod of eight whales including two large males and two small calves surrounded Sea Fox, feasting on salmon riding the changing tide. Tail slaps, spy hops, and even a few close swim-bys kept us mesmerized until finally we could maneuver again and continue west.
Conditions were calm and became even more calm but also foggy as we motorsailed towards Bull Harbour for the night. On went the navigation lights, radar, and bow watch post!
Conditions were calm and became even more calm but also foggy as we motorsailed towards Bull Harbour for the night. On went the navigation lights, radar, and bow watch post!
Bull Harbour is a lovely protected cove to spend the night before rounding Cape Scott. A lone sea otter greeted us as we motored in to a surprise: a totally empty public dock!
Bull Harbour is a lovely protected cove to spend the night before rounding Cape Scott. A lone sea otter greeted us as we motored in to a surprise: a totally empty public dock!
After dinner Randy and Charlie got an introduction to preparing the deck for offshore sailing. Next, armed with fresh insight on how to get weather information at sea, they got straight to work plotting our course for tomorrow’s Cape Scott rounding. Winds, waves, tides, and currents all look conducive to a smooth ride around the corner.
After dinner Randy and Charlie got an introduction to preparing the deck for offshore sailing. Next, armed with fresh insight on how to get weather information at sea, they got straight to work plotting our course for tomorrow’s Cape Scott rounding. Winds, waves, tides, and currents all look conducive to a smooth ride around the corner.
It’ll be an early morning after a fantastic first day!
It’ll be an early morning after a fantastic first day!
Julie
Julie
August 20, 2024: A Nat Geo Kind of Sailing Day
August 20, 2024: A Nat Geo Kind of Sailing Day
Day two in the books.
Day two in the books.
We started the day in full fog, radar only. We had constant bow watch as we crossed Tatnall Reefs and Cape Scott. Not much sun for the first half of the day however we saw so many otters! They look very fat and happy up here. We also say tufted puffins, a mola mola, harbor seals, and a black bear. Full on National Geographic sailing up here. We did catch a salmon, but I came off right at the boat, heartbreaking. The fog lifted around 12:30 and we had sun the rest of the day. Basically a drama free motor sailing day. Hoping for more wind tomorrow so we can have a good downwind sail. We are sleeping in Sea Otter Cove tonight. It’s very protected and pretty with 4 mooring ball to tie up to. Time for bed.
We started the day in full fog, radar only. We had constant bow watch as we crossed Tatnall Reefs and Cape Scott. Not much sun for the first half of the day however we saw so many otters! They look very fat and happy up here. We also say tufted puffins, a mola mola, harbor seals, and a black bear. Full on National Geographic sailing up here. We did catch a salmon, but I came off right at the boat, heartbreaking. The fog lifted around 12:30 and we had sun the rest of the day. Basically a drama free motor sailing day. Hoping for more wind tomorrow so we can have a good downwind sail. We are sleeping in Sea Otter Cove tonight. It’s very protected and pretty with 4 mooring ball to tie up to. Time for bed.
Love to my girls. Thank you for reading.
Love to my girls. Thank you for reading.
Charlie
August 21, 2024: Offshore Sailing and More
August 21, 2024: Offshore Sailing and More
What a day! It all started with a low tide departure from Sea Otter Cove, where the sun was already shining as we dropped our mooring. It was a little tense motoring slowly out of the cove in almost no water, but we made it out the north exit where the waves that typically break along the shoreline were completely flat. Randy did a fantastic job on the bow alerting Charlie at the helm to clumps of kelp that were concealing uncharted rocks and we made it out unscathed.
What a day! It all started with a low tide departure from Sea Otter Cove, where the sun was already shining as we dropped our mooring. It was a little tense motoring slowly out of the cove in almost no water, but we made it out the north exit where the waves that typically break along the shoreline were completely flat. Randy did a fantastic job on the bow alerting Charlie at the helm to clumps of kelp that were concealing uncharted rocks and we made it out unscathed.
We were greeted with clear skies and more sunshine, a stark and welcome contrast to the dense fog we had all day yesterday. Motor sailing downwind gave us a chance to review whisker pole protocols and rigging, plus stop to appreciate a group of humpback whales that appeared quite close off our starboard bow.
We were greeted with clear skies and more sunshine, a stark and welcome contrast to the dense fog we had all day yesterday. Motor sailing downwind gave us a chance to review whisker pole protocols and rigging, plus stop to appreciate a group of humpback whales that appeared quite close off our starboard bow.
After that, it was time to sail! The wind filled in from the NW as forecasted, and after setting the headsail out on the pole and adding a preventer to the mainsail, it was off to the races. With a break to watch another mola mola (ocean sunfish) and brown albatross cruise past at close range. Charlie and Randy had the pole set in record time and we made great time sailing almost the entire way to our anchorage for the night, deep within the Klaskich Inlet.
After that, it was time to sail! The wind filled in from the NW as forecasted, and after setting the headsail out on the pole and adding a preventer to the mainsail, it was off to the races. With a break to watch another mola mola (ocean sunfish) and brown albatross cruise past at close range. Charlie and Randy had the pole set in record time and we made great time sailing almost the entire way to our anchorage for the night, deep within the Klaskich Inlet.
Several narrow passes preceded our entrance and into the main cove where we found excellent holding and depths with not a single other boat in sight. No bears tonight, but we’ve been seeing and hearing jumping salmon in every direction. Now we just need one to jump in the boat!
Several narrow passes preceded our entrance and into the main cove where we found excellent holding and depths with not a single other boat in sight. No bears tonight, but we’ve been seeing and hearing jumping salmon in every direction. Now we just need one to jump in the boat!
Julie
Julie
August 22, 2024: Around the Brooks Peninsula
August 22, 2024: Around the Brooks Peninsula
Clear, sunny skies and a very well dig in anchor are wonderful prizes to wake up to on a crisp early morning! The inlet anchorage that Randy and Charlie picked for lastnight had exceptional holding, as evidenced by the clumps of sticky mud and clay that came up with the anchor as we departed. Sea otters waved their farewells as we carefully transited the narrow passage back toward the open ocean.
Clear, sunny skies and a very well dig in anchor are wonderful prizes to wake up to on a crisp early morning! The inlet anchorage that Randy and Charlie picked for lastnight had exceptional holding, as evidenced by the clumps of sticky mud and clay that came up with the anchor as we departed. Sea otters waved their farewells as we carefully transited the narrow passage back toward the open ocean.
Surprisingly, the forecast was slightly conservative and we found a fresh NW swell plus a fresh breeze that had us sailing around the infamously treacherous Brooks Peninsula in splendid conditions on a close reach for most of the morning. Humpback whales frolicked around us and Charlie spotted another albatross that buzzed us. He probably remembers Gio from last year. Those two had quite the rivalry going on, with the albatross creeping closer to the fish hanging off our stern but backing off innocently as soon as Gio turned to look at him.
Surprisingly, the forecast was slightly conservative and we found a fresh NW swell plus a fresh breeze that had us sailing around the infamously treacherous Brooks Peninsula in splendid conditions on a close reach for most of the morning. Humpback whales frolicked around us and Charlie spotted another albatross that buzzed us. He probably remembers Gio from last year. Those two had quite the rivalry going on, with the albatross creeping closer to the fish hanging off our stern but backing off innocently as soon as Gio turned to look at him.
As we moved past the Peninsula, we covered navigation essentials, which both Randy and Charlie have already mastered and are actively applying everyday as they chart our course and research the anchorages that lie ahead.
As we moved past the Peninsula, we covered navigation essentials, which both Randy and Charlie have already mastered and are actively applying everyday as they chart our course and research the anchorages that lie ahead.
We arrived at the Bunsby Islands just in time for a quick fishing stop before heading to Hollywood Cove for the night. Charlie started us off by, for the first time anyone of can remember, catching a sea anemone. It held on so hard we were positive it was either a chunk of a fish or a rock! His next drop was wildly successful, pulling up a perfect lingcod which Gio grilled up for dinner.
We arrived at the Bunsby Islands just in time for a quick fishing stop before heading to Hollywood Cove for the night. Charlie started us off by, for the first time anyone of can remember, catching a sea anemone. It held on so hard we were positive it was either a chunk of a fish or a rock! His next drop was wildly successful, pulling up a perfect lingcod which Gio grilled up for dinner.
Tonight we practiced stern anchoring as the cove has many rocks, both charted and uncharted, which we’d prefer not to wake up on top of tomorrow. Randy and Charlie did an excellent job working their way through dropping the bow anchor followed by the stern anchor and then balancing Sea Fox between the two. After dinner Randy practiced his new PredictWind weather sleuthing skills while Charlie selected our next stunningly picturesque destination. And there are even more sea otters here!
Tonight we practiced stern anchoring as the cove has many rocks, both charted and uncharted, which we’d prefer not to wake up on top of tomorrow. Randy and Charlie did an excellent job working their way through dropping the bow anchor followed by the stern anchor and then balancing Sea Fox between the two. After dinner Randy practiced his new PredictWind weather sleuthing skills while Charlie selected our next stunningly picturesque destination. And there are even more sea otters here!
Julie
Julie
August 23, 2024: Nuchalitz
August 23, 2024: Nuchalitz
Overcast. Great motor sailing. Sea otters. Fish!
Overcast. Great motor sailing. Sea otters. Fish!
Randy
Randy
August 24, 2024: Sea Otters, Lighthouses, and Downwind Sailing
August 24, 2024: Sea Otters, Lighthouses, and Downwind Sailing
Great day of sailing. Got an early start and we did some good beam reaching followed up by some amazing downwind sailing. Very calm seas today offshore. We followed that up with a dingy row to shore where we toured a wood carvers studio, looked at a Native Museum, and went up to the lighthouse where we met the light keepers and their sweet dog. Great dinner of black rockfish we caught yesterday, along with amazing sourdough the light keeper baked and gave to us. Off to an early bed for a big day tomorrow. Showers!!!
Great day of sailing. Got an early start and we did some good beam reaching followed up by some amazing downwind sailing. Very calm seas today offshore. We followed that up with a dingy row to shore where we toured a wood carvers studio, looked at a Native Museum, and went up to the lighthouse where we met the light keepers and their sweet dog. Great dinner of black rockfish we caught yesterday, along with amazing sourdough the light keeper baked and gave to us. Off to an early bed for a big day tomorrow. Showers!!!
Night
Night
Charlie, Crew, SV Sea Fox
August 25, 2024: Southbound and Upwind
August 25, 2024: Southbound and Upwind
Our delightful stay at Friendly Cove came to an end around 0300 this morning when we raised anchor and Randy piloted us out of Nootka Sound back to sea. This was our first early morning of passage watch rotations, which meant three hour shifts on watch and resting during off watches. For watches, we alternate between helming (steering the boat) and scanning the horizon for fishing buoys, logs, boats, and other potential navigational hazards.
Our delightful stay at Friendly Cove came to an end around 0300 this morning when we raised anchor and Randy piloted us out of Nootka Sound back to sea. This was our first early morning of passage watch rotations, which meant three hour shifts on watch and resting during off watches. For watches, we alternate between helming (steering the boat) and scanning the horizon for fishing buoys, logs, boats, and other potential navigational hazards.
Conditions were largely calm and cool through sunrise, which brought an abundance of seabirds and fishing boats. Not to be left out of the fun, Charlie put a line out to see if any fish wanted to come over for dinner. Motorsailing at 6 knots we were all totally shocked when we hooked up with a chunky salmon! It was a catch and release sort of deal though as he/she apparently did not want to join us for dinner and somewhat rudely declined our invitation, actually.
Conditions were largely calm and cool through sunrise, which brought an abundance of seabirds and fishing boats. Not to be left out of the fun, Charlie put a line out to see if any fish wanted to come over for dinner. Motorsailing at 6 knots we were all totally shocked when we hooked up with a chunky salmon! It was a catch and release sort of deal though as he/she apparently did not want to join us for dinner and somewhat rudely declined our invitation, actually.
As the morning turned to afternoon the wind piped up and shifted until it was right on our nose out of the south, making for a lumpy, bumpy journey to the town of Ucluelet on the northern shore of Barkley Sound. After a brief stop at the fuel dock where we learned proper fueling technique we headed in to the harbor for our first showers of the trip. What a treat! Then it was on to a dock walk to check out all the other cool boats in the marina (two Swedish Hallberg-Rassys!) and to try a pizza place that turned out to be quite divine.
As the morning turned to afternoon the wind piped up and shifted until it was right on our nose out of the south, making for a lumpy, bumpy journey to the town of Ucluelet on the northern shore of Barkley Sound. After a brief stop at the fuel dock where we learned proper fueling technique we headed in to the harbor for our first showers of the trip. What a treat! Then it was on to a dock walk to check out all the other cool boats in the marina (two Swedish Hallberg-Rassys!) and to try a pizza place that turned out to be quite divine.
Tomorrow we point our bow south again to round the final corner of our expedition!
Tomorrow we point our bow south again to round the final corner of our expedition!
Julie
Julie
August 27, 2024: Across the Finish Line
August 27, 2024: Across the Finish Line
Departure: 0948 Ucluelet, BC Tuesday
Departure: 0948 Ucluelet, BC Tuesday
We’ve just finished practicing docking, close quarter maneuvering and overboard Lifesling retrieval.
We’ve just finished practicing docking, close quarter maneuvering and overboard Lifesling retrieval.
Somehow, our departure from Ucluelet beckoned the rain as we navigated the narrow channel south toward open ocean. And it came. Lots of it.
Somehow, our departure from Ucluelet beckoned the rain as we navigated the narrow channel south toward open ocean. And it came. Lots of it.
Our intention was to sail to Port Renfrew, a respectable 50 mile passage, and get a short siesta before starting our overnight 75 mile passage to Sidney heading east through the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Our intention was to sail to Port Renfrew, a respectable 50 mile passage, and get a short siesta before starting our overnight 75 mile passage to Sidney heading east through the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Sailing will humble the most prudent planner. As we were solidifying our plans for anchoring once we reached Port Renfrew, the US Coast Guard issued a warning of a developing gale at the opening to the Straits with west winds to follow. Our onboard Ports and Passes book of tides indicated an aggressive ebb tide throughout the evening that would slow our progress by as much as 3.5 knots.
Sailing will humble the most prudent planner. As we were solidifying our plans for anchoring once we reached Port Renfrew, the US Coast Guard issued a warning of a developing gale at the opening to the Straits with west winds to follow. Our onboard Ports and Passes book of tides indicated an aggressive ebb tide throughout the evening that would slow our progress by as much as 3.5 knots.
After a collaborative think, it was easily decided that a stopover in Port Renfrew would be an unnecessary exercise in taking down the mainsail and anchoring in heavy weather. We collectively committed to making the passage to Sidney in a single bound. That’s when we met more rain and had yet another intimate encounter with resident killer whales feeding at the entrance to the Straits.
After a collaborative think, it was easily decided that a stopover in Port Renfrew would be an unnecessary exercise in taking down the mainsail and anchoring in heavy weather. We collectively committed to making the passage to Sidney in a single bound. That’s when we met more rain and had yet another intimate encounter with resident killer whales feeding at the entrance to the Straits.
Cue the torrential downpours, pea soup fog, killer whales in every direction, minimal sleep, massive cargo ship traffic, breaking following seas, and frigid 25 knot winds; all culminating in the best downwind sail into an impressive Puget sound sunrise. Awesome and exciting! And just another day at the office for the sturdy seakindly Sea Fox.
Cue the torrential downpours, pea soup fog, killer whales in every direction, minimal sleep, massive cargo ship traffic, breaking following seas, and frigid 25 knot winds; all culminating in the best downwind sail into an impressive Puget sound sunrise. Awesome and exciting! And just another day at the office for the sturdy seakindly Sea Fox.
Arrival: 1534 Sidney BC, Wednesday.
Arrival: 1534 Sidney BC, Wednesday.
139 NM.
139 NM.
Go Team Sea Fox!
Go Team Sea Fox!
Gio
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