Volume XXXI, Number 1, August 2011
Preaching to the Choir Avoiding those sour notes.
It’s time once again for the annual migration of Puget Sound
and Salish Sea sailors to cruise the San Juan, Gulf Islands, and surrounding environs. Many a winter’s night is spent going over charts, reading cruising guides, and planning the summer’s cruise, usually the highlight of the sailing year. It is truly a wonderful locale for sailing, exploring, and just kicking back and escaping the worries of the world, even if it’s just for a couple of weeks. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe the virtues of these
lovely cruising grounds, and for those that make a habit of paying attention to some of the basics of cruising, it’s usually worry free. For those that may not pay as close attention, or rely too much on technology to keep them out of trouble, their trip may wind up being memorable for all the wrong reasons. So, what are we talking about, these basics of cruising? Fundamentally, it’s avoiding surprising situations that will make you very uncomfortable or put you and yours in danger. Of course, one of the first things that comes to mind is simply keeping a close eye on the weather. Simply listening to the weather forecast in the evening and mornings can save you a lot of grief. Listening to the US or Canadian weather channels will give you an idea of what to expect so you can plan accordingly. If it’s going to be blowing like stink out of the north, life will be much more pleasant anchored on the south side of an island. Of course, living in the Northwest, weather forecasts are always taken with a grain of salt, but even so, they are an vital ingredient in your cruising enjoyment recipe, both for comfort and in safety. Know where you are. Sure, you can punch a button and have
the electronic navigator take you from A to B, but it’s up to you to know what’s in between. One fellow set his course from Sucia to Stewart Island, a nice plan for the day. Unfortunately for him, Waldron Island was in the way. Yes, it happens, and more often than you might think. What are the tides doing? This is a huge factor in our waters.
Sailing times going with a three knot current are certainly different than going against it. And of course, if you’re anchored in 15-feet of water at high tide and a low of -2 is predicted, I guarantee it’ll get your attention later, usually in the middle of the night. Throw away your timetable, or at least give yourself plenty of
slack. Too many people try to cram so much into their timetable that they might as well be at work. Relax, take your time and smell the seaweed. It’s enjoying working in concert with nature, which is what sailing is all about anyway. Basically, it’s a matter of paying attention. I know I’m preaching
to the choir, but I’m hoping this might help you avoid some sour notes at our annual concert.
Editor 48° NORTH, AUGUST 2011 PAGE 6
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Classifieds/Display Advertising Cai Weir
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