Despite a strong effort to get everything ready before hand, we missed the 6:00 o’clock goal of being on the water. Finally was moving through water at 7:30, leaving from Everett. The weather was prime, although the sunlight was fading. Many boats were on the water, most were heading back in by the time we headed out.
There was a decent breeze, so what the heck, lets put up those sails! AnnaJo took the rudder and kept us heading into the wind as I raised the main sail. No problems, but getting the jib up was a different adventure. By this time, the water was a bit rough due to large boat wakes and the ferry, crossing against the wind blown waves. No biggie, just was taking my time. Jib nearly all the way up, just a few lines to route left, then whoops, hey my legs are wet! I was overboard, didn’t take much. Slid just a bit as a wave rolled in, but nothing that alarmed me to lunge for a hold. I think it was more of the water level coming up so high that plucked me right off, kinda unexpected. Nonetheless, I was overboard, hanging on the side.
I had my inflatable life vest on, but it had not gone off yet as I was trying to keep my upper body dry. I worked towards the back of the boat and AnnaJo handed me a rope, while keeping the boat into the wind. Throughout all this, all was fairly calm, and she did awesome of helping me while keeping the boat in irons! I learned that getting back in wasn’t going to be easy, no ladder. And the boat is curved, so no foothold. I ended up getting my chest wet, and yup, POOF, the jacket inflated. Good it works, but also made me a little bulky for climbing in. My ski pants I was weary didn’t help, very heavy when wet – so I had to take those off. Ah, much lighter. Finally was able to climb up the back, using a very small lip on the kicker motor as a foot hold, with AnnaJo pulling me in.
So, not in the clear quiet yet. Still had that jib halfway up. So it was decided to just take’em down and motor for the night. Figured I’d better not change yet, in case I went in again. So, there I was, scurrying around in just my underwear, taking down sails. It’s funny now, but was kind of cold at the moment. All was well after that. Continued on with the motor. Oh, it did decide to take a break on us, but just chalking that up to a fluke at the moment. Though, Mom did call during those few minutes to see how things were going, instinct I guess. Wisely I left out mentioning our practiced rescue. Motor kicked back on after a short rest, worked fine ever since.
We motored to Edmonds marina, let the dog go pee. Ended up mooring there for the night. First night on the boat – woowhoo! Actually was pretty comfortable.
Pat joined us that morning for the second leg of the trip – to Alki for the Sounders game. We had the sails up and tacked all the way south. We were going up wind and against the current, so we had to power sail most of the way in order to make our time schedule. Only had to run the kicker at 1/4 power to boost our speed from 3 knots to 6. Now we were flying! What a fun trip, tacking from shore to shore, just kicking back. Even had a dolphin (porpoise) swim with us a bit.
We made it to Alki, pretty much right on schedule. Got some fish and chips from the local shop on the dock, just prior to taking the Water Taxi into downtown Seattle. In Seattle, walked up to the Stadium and rendevous with Christian. Sounders controlled the game and easily won 2-0. Twas a good day. Me and AnnaJo returned to the boat, Pat rolled with Chrisitian. Puddle didn’t seem to be too terrified of guarding the boat on his own.
The dock was a bit harsh, beind parrellel with the bay, so we unlatched and went a short ways and anchored. Second night on the boat!
Sunday turned out to be an awesome day weather wise. Sunny, but no wind. We had the sails up, but motored the whole way back north. It was a nice relaxing day, and very warm. Got a red face to show for it. Sunblock in the boat is not the same as sunblock on the face. Around Edmonds, the wind picked up a bit and we were able to sail some. Not anywhere in particular, just out and in and around, just playing with the boat. Made it back to the Marina around 5ish, which was great to have some time to unload, unpack, and unwind a bit in the hot tub.
The same day we picked up our sailboat, Jim picked up his new 17′ Lund aluminum fishing boat he had been impatiently waiting for after ordering it. Pretty awesome boat, came fully loaded with canapy, live bait wells… all setup and ready to go with fishing in mind. 90 horses on a light boat, should pull skiers just fine too.
