Ketch us if you Kan
1743UT | 55 20.73’N 131 39.64’W
In-Port
Falken is soon to carry on our preferred route of South, back to (hopefully) warmer climates. Whilst most of the staff hail from typically cooler climates, I think we’re all a bit put out having to wear more than shorts and t-shirt and are liberal with our heater use. That said, there’s no denying Alaska is beautiful- I’m particularly enjoy our resident eagle that hangs out on the pontoon next to us.
We’re all excited to set off and see more of this wild landscape as we head down to Victoria. As things stand, it’s looking like a great forecast of lighter downwind initially to get us in the swing of things, before picking up for some downwind hooning as we sail down the west coast of Vancouver Island. A thermal trough over Vancouver combined with an offshore high pressure creating funneling NW’ly winds means it is due to be pretty fruity on the 9th. We’re forecast 35+ knots and 7-8’ short period swell, but the plan is to sneak into the Juan de Fuca strait just before this and to be honest even if we catch it, it’s no biggie for Falken and we’ll just be scooting along with our snazzy new black sails.
This passage is just under 600 miles, relatively short for Falken, but I’m sure we’ll be kept entertained with dramatic scenery, wildlife and weather!
MaryM
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HMS Night Watch Party
Wing on wing worked well until the wind shifted then the helm became the cone of despair for our night watch crew of three (H, M and S) Alex made the decision to drop the pole, shifting wing on wing to a close reach. Wind increased to low teens and speed picked up to a flying pace. Day spent wandering toward Ensenada. Alex, Adam and David got us into port under another starry night.
No Kitemares Today
After a night marked by sudden wind accelerations peeling off Point Conception, and a vibrant, pulsating sky blistered with shooting stars, the off-watch woke to commotion on the foredeck. The wind had gone light and the swell had tapered just enough to raise the spinnaker. The sail filled with an urgent pop, the sheet strained and Falken charged down the face of the next wave. By mid-day, we doused the spinnaker and set our minds to the more precise task of safely punching through a gap in the notorious Cortez Bank. The border to Mexico looms ahead.
The California coast
We had a very lively first day of sailing with steady winds between 25 and 30 kn gusting to mid 30s. All of the crew got experience at difficult downwind helming as we covered 200 nautical miles in the first 24 hours. This morning brings winds in the teens and calmer seas. The sun is still shining, and the green monster has been slayed by those afflicted!