Sailing

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Mon 20 Oct 2014 00:30
1500 Position: 59 51.5 N 149 12.5 W
Course: East Nor' East Speed: 5 knots
Wind: North, F3 gentle breeze
Sea: slight Swell South East 1 meter
Weather: sunny, cool

After completing quite a number of last minute chores, including purchasing a small snow shovel, we eventually got under way at 11.30. A fresh northerly was blowing, pressing Sylph firmly on to the dock, so I was grateful for Tim's assistance in casting off dock lines and fending Sylph off as I backed Sylph out of her berth. Once clear of the small boat harbour I rounded Sylph into the wind, raised the mainsail with two reefs, bore away, and then set about two thirds of the jib. With the nice fresh northerly blowing it was mostly a run down Resurrection Bay, wing on wing, and with Sylph's nice clean bottom we were easily making good seven plus knots.

Consequently it has only taken three hours to clear the Bay and to be once more out on the open ocean. And now that we are here the wind has faded to a light breeze and Sylph is down to less than two knots. It is only about 25 miles to the entrance to Prince William Sound but the forecasts for the region we are in change dramatically over relatively short distances, so it is anybody's guess as to when we will arrive. For instance there is a strong wind warning out for Prince William Sound but the forecast for West Prince William Sound, which as far as I am aware is not even a recognised meteorological area, is for variable winds of about ten knots for the next several days. I would certainly prefer the latter to the former, which it would seem is what we are currently experiencing. Not to worry. We will press on, take what winds we get, and see where we end up. Along those lines my broad plan for now is to make for the south western approaches to the Sound, where I expect to arrive sometime tomorrow morning, and there find an anchorage where we can stay for a couple of days prior to moving into the Sound proper.

It is good to be at sea and sailing again. Even RC seems pretty content. He has been sleeping peacefully on the V-berth since our departure from Seward.

All is well.