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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People Get Ready!
The last three days have been an intense (and intensely hot) period of discovery, practice, and planning. Because Adrienne II is not a 59N boat, there's been some extra setup and coordination needed including rigging all the sails that were out for repairs before we arrived. Its been a blast working alongside the 59N team getting to help them work things out on a less familiar boat in real time. Tomorrow morning we'll run through our Person Over Board training as the final pre-departure task, cast off and head out. Can't know all that it will be, but its going to be a great adventure out in the vast world with some pretty fantastic people.
Among the Channel Islands
In the wind shadow of SoCal we had a restful night with calm conditions ghosting through smooth seas. We’re getting ourselves in position for spicy weather tonight once we round Cape Conception, the seas build and the breeze freshens. It will be an upwind sail into an acceleration zone along a formable coast with few bailout points, Morro Bay being one. The crew is really gelling with lots of smiles and laughter on deck. Monterey is in our sights!
Day Two Delights
The seas were completely glassy with a gentle swell as we approached San Clemente Island, the southernmost of the Channel Islands. Everyone jumped in and marvelled at the lovely temperature and crystal clear, indigo-colored water. Before long the wind started to pick up, and we happily unfurled the jib and were sailing again. The afternoon has been gorgeous, cruising along at 5-6 kts, close hauled on a port tack in a gentle breeze, Catalina Island in the distance on our starboard side, and everyone is happy.