On the High Seas – Part I

Well, it sounded like a fun idea…

We planned a family sail to Sucia Island last weekend. The whole gang went -my wife, my daughter, her husband, and the grandkids. The boat was stuffed to the gunnels with food, firewood, more food, clothes, more food, camping gear, and more food. We headed out with high hopes.

Inside the harbor the water was smooth and the wind light, but once we cleared the point that all changed. We were headed south but the strong winds, fast current, and 3 foot choppy seas were headed north against us. We tacked back and forth against the wind. I manned the sails while my son-in-law and daughter took turns at the tiller.

We had several hours of this mean weather between us and Sucia. The trip would have taken a lot longer than planned. That was bad enough, but some of the crew made the mistake of going below deck – in rough water that’s a sure formula for motion sickness. So…

I watched as faces started turning green; three of the crew were seasick.

It was time to head back. Sucia suddenly seemed not such a fun idea after all. But for the poor crew our return meant another hour of sailing.

As we approached the harbor we dropped sails and prepared to motor in.

Then the outboard motor decided to threaten us…

To be continued in my next post…