Circumnavigation of Vancouver Island ….. check

The wind had settled by morning, but was still blowing 15 knots from the west. We decided to hoist the main sail and put a reef in while still at anchor. As the anchor came up off the bottom, we were sailing. When we cleared the shoreline that had been giving us some protection we unfurled the jib and we were off toward Race Passage and Victoria at about 6 knots.

Race Passage is another area where the current can run at up to 5 knots or more, so we had timed our passage to be close to the slack. Even so, as we approached, the ebb current was about 1.5 knots on the bow. Even though we were under sail, we started the motor and powered forward to ensure we had plenty of forward momentum to get us through. About the time we made it to the other side of the passage, the current flipped and started flooding back into the strait carrying us all the way to Victoria. The wind had picked up to about 20 knots and it was a wonderful, fast downwind sail into the harbor.

When we arrived at the harbor the BC Dragon Boat races were being held and races were under way as we came into the inner harbor. The Harbor Patrol came out to meet us and explained a modified approach that needed to be carefully followed. Once through that mess, we entered the marina and secured the boat to the docks. To our surprise, our friends from s/v Ka'sala, Doug and Lyneita, were tied up to the docks just across from us. We made plans to rendezvous later in the afternoon for cocktails. To our surprise they produced a bottle of Champagne to help us celebrate our anniversary. After that, we headed out to the Superior Restaurant for dinner. Thanks to mom and dad for the gift of cash to help us cover the cost. It was an incredible dinner with entertainment to boot.

We have now completed the rounding of Vancouver Island. Looking back at the experience, it was quite a challenge. First was Cape Scott, followed by Brooks Peninsula, then Estevan Point and finally, the run back up the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Each had its unique challenges of wind, current, fog and sea swell and required considerable planning and evaluation of weather and sea conditions. We made a few minor mistakes or shall we say errors in judgment, but overall mostly made all of the right decisions that enabled us to safely complete the circumnavigation.

Tomorrow morning we leave Victoria and head across the strait to Port Angeles, Washington. We will clear customs, ready Talos IV for the next passage and await friend and crew member JP for the trip south to San Francisco. The expected date of departure will be on or around the 27-28th Aug, weather permitting.

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