Yuk, what a spring break cruise. Drove to the boat last Friday, readied her for departure and cast off to catch the remaining ebb current out the north channel. Moderate southeasterly breeze, so up with the genoa once entering the channel at Shelter Bay. Could feel the breeze building as time passed, but had to do about four tack changes due to a dead down wind sail.
Belle-Vie doing 8.5 knots toward the north entrance with just the genoa, then made the turn to Cap Sante. Time to stow the genoa before entering the marina so I sail over to the lee side of one of the large oil tankers and roll up the furling drum in its' wind shadow. Anacortes Yacht Club reciprocal dock is open offering a nice respite from the sail. By now the wind is blowing like stink. Sail plan includes Roche Harbor, but the weather forces us to make other plans.
NOAA forecast includes unsettled weather through the coming week. Wind howls all night, then Saturday and Sunday. No letup. Tuesday the sail plan for Roche Harbor gets dashed and we're heading back home. Having trouble getting away from the dock with the wind pushing Belle-Vie against it. Wait some time for a lull, then away and homeward bound in a blustery southeasterly on the nose.
Once back in the home slip there is time to deal with several minor adjustments. John comes over to hoist me to the first spreaders to retrieve the signal flag lanyard that broke during the wind surge. Repaired the anchor warp splice that had become a bit ratty after several years of use, plus a few other odds and ends.
June 26th our last day of school, so little chance to get out until then. Our two older sons and their families from Texas will be spending time this summer; one late June and the other early August, so July will be open to PNW cruising. The August family wants to cruise into BC for a couple of weeks and do Capilano Bridge plus a few other venues. Sounds like a plan to me.