It ended up being a restless night, as would be no surprise to anyone. The boat was really noisy. The lapstrakes in the hull, which give it rigidity, also give the waves something to slap against, making a loud gurgling sound all night long, a quarter of an inch from my ear. I was sure I'd get used to it eventually.
Since many cruisers were arriving Saturday morning, there were two skippers meetings. We had missed the Friday one during our long drive, but I couldn't wait for the one on Saturday. It was a big turnout, and Marty ran us through the itinerary, the route, the safety briefing, and answered everyone's questions. There were going to be support boats along with us, which was a big relief to everyone, and the sheriff's boat was also going to be following along on the first day.
The skippers meeting, with Marty Loken briefing us on the first three days itinerary
Once the meeting was over, we had about an hour to get our last things sorted out before it was time to depart. My long-time sailing buddy, Bart, came by to wish me well and see the first day's craziness. I'm pretty sure he could see the nervousness written all over my face, but I did my best to hide it and smile confidently.
That's a look of confidence, isn't it?!
It's time to depart, let's go! I fired up the motor, cast off the docklines, stepped aboard, and slowly pulled away from the dock. My Salish 100 cruise had officially begun.
I could see in the distance many small boats had already departed, and it looked like I was going to start in the middle of the pack. I had a little issue getting my mainsail up, which was embarrassing, but once I had it sorted I raised all sail and shut off the motor. I was sailing!
Vanilla looking beautiful, Cupcake giving a false sense of contentment
The first day's route was Olympia to Henderson Inlet, an easy 11 miles. Marty warned us that the wind and waves can get pretty severe in Dana Passage, so I was cautious and ready for the worst. We made our way up Budd Inlet, and jostled for position and clear wind amongst dozens of small boats. It was only blowing 5 or 6 knots, perfect for gaining confidence on the first day. I didn't see Arnie, and felt kind of bad for leaving him, but also knowing that we were each sailing our own cruise, and would see a lot of each other over the next seven days. He ended up sailing close to a new friend he had met, Dave, and the two were going to stay together for most of the cruise. Dave had a much bigger boat, and gave Arnie confidence that if he got in trouble there would be backup close by. I thought it was great that he had support so I could get the most out of Vanilla, and try to get to our anchorage early.
Passing north out of Budd Inlet, we turned east into Dana Passage. The wind stayed light, and mostly "on the nose", meaning tacking back and forth all the way. Fun sailing, and an opportunity to show your stuff as a solo sailor.
Two boats on the water is always a race
A race that Bunny Whaler would easily win
Making our war East, down Dana Passage
I followed this Penguin almost all day, but never caught them
I hope Arnie is back there somewhere!
As we approached Henderson Inlet, the wind Marty had warned us about finally materialized, making for an exhilarating sail into the harbor. Most of the boats were making their way south to the shallower end of the bay, but I saw a group of SCAMPs anchored in close just inside a protected part of the inlet on the west shore, and I decided to anchor nearby. The anchor set firmly, and peace settled around me as I watched through my binoculars the boats arriving in the bay. I must have made a good choice because I was excited to see Marty anchor his boat only 50 yards away from me.
Marty picks his spot to anchor
And surveys his flock as they arrive
Simeon, in his well known SCAMP Noddy, sails by for a visit with Marty
The view from my cramped cabin
Dinnertime! My kitchen, in all its simplicity.
I watched Arnie sail in, looking great with his new sails, and hoped he would come anchor nearby. It being his first night though, he decided to raft up with Dave, a pattern that would be repeated for the entire trip. I was on my own!
As the stress and anxiety of the day was released, I started to develop a nasty headache. I hoped that dinner would help, and cooked up my usual backpacker freeze-dried food, with a cup of coffee. As I was finishing eating, I saw Josh Colvin, editor of Small Craft Advisor Magazine, row over in the most ridiculous pool toy of a rubber raft, and visit with Marty for a few minutes. Once they finished talking he rowed over to visit with me, and we had a really great chat. Josh is one of those people who makes you feel like you are instant friends--what a great guy. Unfortunately, neither the coffee or the pleasant company helped my headache, so I once again turned in at sunset and called it a night. The boat gurgled, my head pounded, and I eventually ended my first day on the Salish 100.
Day one, estimated mileages
