EASTER CRUISE.
We were treated to some great sailing weather for the Easter Cruise. Alphie (Yves et Marie-Germaine Chartrand, with Belle), Executive Curl (David and Barbara Cooke with daughter Kathleen aboard for the day), Canada Goose (Dave and Jeannie Deeks), Good Fight (Don and Kim Leduc with their two dogs) and Shark 212 (ex Monkey Mia) (Alex and Mike) left CFSA Friday 10 April at noon to take advantage of the wind. We got in about five hours later at SNSYC after a great day on the water. Then it was off to dinner. Craig and Cherrie Dunn were already there along with Ed and Pauline Haines. Then we had road travelling visitors: Fern and Mike Beattie, Lesley Quin, Doug Wright and his guests, Dave and Mary Gasser, Dee and Dana Govang with last but not least Chris Daley and Laura Bolen. Overall we had 27 CFSA members and guests taking advantage of the great Prime Rib buffet. Isabelle, Kevin and the rest of the staff at SNSYC outdid themselves again. What a feast.
Secured at SNSYC
Saturday, we planned to sail to Bedwell harbour for an anchorage or moorage buoy tie-up. Thetis Cove Spirit did not like the low mid-day tide, so they departed early in the rain. The rest of the boats left around low tide in clearing skies with a good breeze from the South-East. Another great sail by all that day and we were ready for a beach party. In Bedwell harbour is where the boats split in two groups: the Dock Gang; Raven’s Garden, Canada Goose, Good Fight and Shark 212, with the Boat People consisting of the crews of: Alphie, Executive Curl and Thetis Cove Spirit. Except the Dock Gang wanted a dock party and they proceeded without the rest of the boats. The Boat People joined them later just in time to bring new food for all to share.
Sunday was a blustery day with gale force winds forecast from 0800 to 1600. Perfect timing for most of the Dock Gang to leave for Sidney. Go figure, they must not have believed the forecast. Canada Goose stayed behind to allow the Boat People access to the hot tub, which was rather deserted due to the inclement weather. It turned out not so big a deal to have forgotten one’s bathing suit! At 1700 the skies cleared, the wind dropped and most of the crews went in to the pub to enjoy not cooking Easter dinner.
Monday’s plan included an early departure to take advantage of the ebb current. It worked pretty well but the wind was on the nose, as usual, so it took quite a bit of time to get home.
- Reefed Executive Curl
South of Discovery Island the winds increased to 25 knots which meant putting those reefing systems in use. Lots of fun beating up wind and dodging those large merchant vessels. Belle was not a happy puppy. She is definitely a fair-weather sailor. The last boats came in around 1600, wet, tired but very happy about a great cruise.
And now it is time for this Cruising Class Captain to retire. Alphie should be leaving CFSA shortly to settle as a live-aboard vessel in West Bay marine village. Time for someone else to take over. Dave Deeks has shown interest but who knows when he is serious anyway! Sure would be an entertaining cruising schedule with Dave at the helm. Thanks for all the support over the past three years.
See you on the water.
EASTER CRUISE PREPS.
Alphie, Executive Curl, Eden, Good Fight and Canada Goose will join Spirit of Thetis Cove out of CFSA Friday 10 April at noon to sail to SNSYC to renew our great reciprocal moorage. We should meet Raven’s Garden at SNSYC. Dinner will be Prime Rib buffet with many other CFSA cruisers joining us by road. Those unfortunate to be able to be aboard their boats, but still willing to join the fun.
Saturday we are off to South Pender Island to explore Beaumont marine park and just spend time enjoying our boats and the company of our boating friends. See you on the water.
Easter is fast approaching. Let me know who plans to attend, especially the Roast Beef Buffet dinner at SNSYC. If you can not be there with your boat you could still join us by road and enjoy great food with your fellow cruisers. If you are interested, E-mail me at bonvoyageboating@mac.com. Once I have some numbers I will make reservations at SNSYC.
MARCH SHAKEDOWN.
Alphie went alone for a shakedown on 21 Mar to Oak Bay, spent the night at a friend’s mooring ball and sailed back the next day. Everything worked, got shaken and stirred and the new galley should be all ready for Easter.
A March cruise is in the works. It will be short but sweet in that we’ll leave CFSA on Saturday, March 21st, sail to RVYC, spend the night there, and return the next day. It is a great opportunity to get some of the bugs out of our boats in preparation for the Easter Cruise.
Speaking of the Easter Cruise - let me know what you would like to do. Under threats of keel-hauling I promise we will keep it close to home. How about Sidney Spit for a final destination? Or maybe even Portland Island marine park? With the, never disappointing, Friday night dinner at SNSYC, for sure. Easter is 10 to 13 April this year so hopefully the weather will co-operate.
Yves
