Sail & Oar Messabout--San Juan's in May

[James McMullen]

There was considerable interest expressed in a get-together for small sail & oar boats to cruise the San Juan Islands in company, starting and ending in Anacortes. This will be an utterly unstructured, un-official event with no guides, leaders, entrance fees or insurance waivers--just an invitation for others in the area with small open boats to cruise together for a weekend and cross Rosario Strait in company for the safety of mutual support.

There will be several experienced open-boat sailors along, so this is a good opportunity for a novice with reasonable skills to join the crowd, though this is, as I said, NOT a guided trip. The actual route, destination, and places where we will camp are all open to debate and change as the conditions warrant. We'll be very democratic. Lots and lots of great places to go no matter which way the tide or the wind is blowing.

I propose the weekend of May 2-4 as being likely to have decent weather by then. We would leave Anacortes Friday morning and return Sunday afternoon. I look forward to seeing you there!

[Thorne]

Sounds great! I suggest setting up a website with the pertinent info. Have very fond memories of singlehanding the San Juans and up to Nanaimo 15 years ago.

Wish I could make it, but I'll be busy working on my Big Lagoon Messabout for the following weekend. Perhaps when I get a more economical diesel tow-vehicle I'll start making events like this in Oregon and Parts North...

http://www.luckhardt.com/blmessabout.html

[Yeadon]

James,

Sounds like fun. I'll bring Big Food.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2188/2317172603_84a07acb8f.jpg

[BBSebens]

Im all up for it! Im not sure about novice with some experience, but the Matty and I are up for an adventure. I might suggest Spencer Spit State Park. It might be a bit far, but please suggest!
327

[Steve Lansdowne]

Bingo -- you're now official.

http://www.my.calendars.net/duckworks/d01/11/2008?display=Y&style=C&positioning=S

[David G]

JM - tempting, very tempting. I got to know your friend Mr. Pence a bit over the last couple years. We did some sailing last summer, and I worked on the RiversWest Long Light Dory build with him. He raves about what a beautiful boat you built, and I'd love an excuse to see for myself. And - the San Juans are on my list of places to explore in Sisu (our 3 year old Goat Island Skiff). However... looking at the Coots calendar, I see we've got the Big Lagoon messabout in Humboldt County on the 10th (which Thorne mentions above, and I very much want to attend) and an event at Fern Ridge (near Eugene) the following weekend.

Can't see myself managing that many weekends away in May, but I bet it'll be a great trip. I'll envy all who go. Hope to sail with you another time.

"Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time, it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable" -- Sidney J. Harris

[dennyinsequim]

David, I'd love a chance to see your GIS
I don't have a wood boat ready for the trip but if it won't hurt any feelings I'd like to tag along in my Pepper 15

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/olypen/memday079.jpg

[dirtsailor]

JM - tempting, very tempting... He raves about what a beautiful boat you built, and I'd love an excuse to see for myself.

David, I can say first hand that it is one beautiful boat. Some scraggly Bellingham dude drug me over to James' place a few weekends ago as a side trip while I was working on Vashon. I must say though the boat that caught most my interest was the one receiving a fresh coat of topsides paint, she'll be a scooter for sure. I may have to light a fire under the Elver and get her done so I can join in.

[David G]

David, I'd love a chance to see your GIS
I don't have a wood boat ready for the trip but if it won't hurt any feelings I'd like to tag along in my Pepper 15

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g193/olypen/memday079.jpg

Denny - don't want to hijack the thread, but you're welcome to come to any of the Coots events. Summer Solstice @ Caterpillar Island on the Columbia is right in your home state (just outside Vancouver). PM me for more details.

I bet JM's event will be a great place to meet some folks too.

"Never regret something that once made you smile" -- Ella Mental

[David G]

Dirt - just more confirmation... and additional temptation<g>

What are you doing hanging out with those disreputable Bellingham Boys? Was that BBB (aka BarBellyBill is it?)

Speaking of hanging out in disreputable company -- what are you doing here when you should be burning the midnight oil building a dinghy, or finishing your Elver, or... let's see, how many boats have you got in the works now<G>

Are you gonna go up to the San Juans to JM's messabout?

"Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends" -- H.L. Mencken

[Michael Beckman]

Totally would, but my boat won't be ready by then. (though hopefully it will be well underway. Do another at the end of summer and maybe I could make it. I will be up in the san juans in july/augest as part of a touring circus though. >_>

[James McMullen]

Yay! I'm thrilled to see such a response already!

Denny in Sequim, All Sail & Oar type boats are welcome--be they wooden, plastic, or ferro-cement. All you need is a boat that can operate by both wind and human power, but let's keep this a "No Octane" event. Washington Water Trails has sites reserved for "Human Powered Beachable Watercraft Only"--a fine sentiment!

Ben Sebens, Spencer Spit on Lopez is certainly one of our options for camping and we'll definitely get at least that far--unless we decide to go in a completely different direction. There are so many options, so no matter the tides, the currents, and the winds we'll have a great place to go. . . . .

Dirtsailor, I enjoyed meeting you. Did you know that BarBoatBilly actually has his very own sail & oar boat himself? A Calkins Salmon Wherry. . .and he might need crew if Sandy can't get away that weekend. I'm just saying. . . .

Michael Beckman, if you don't make it to this spring messabout then perhaps we'll just have to do another one in the fall. . . .

[dirtsailor]

Yay! I'm thrilled to see such a response already!


Dirtsailor, I enjoyed meeting you. Did you know that BarBoatBilly actually has his very own sail & oar boat himself? A Calkins Salmon Wherry. . .and he might need crew if Sandy can't get away that weekend. I'm just saying. . . .

James I enjoyed meeting you and hope to get to see your other shop next time I'm up that way.
You must mean this boat:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3231/2308121976_8ec853e011.jpg

I have been drooling over it since it was acquired by the Bartender Barista. I might mention that I've been drooling over the lines drawings on the BT website for all the Calkins sailing craft, I fear another plans purchase in my near future. There was no mention of needing crew, I best get on that soon. Might be a fair way to get out there and make this trip.

[dirtsailor]

Dirt - just more confirmation... and additional temptation<g>

What are you doing hanging out with those disreputable Bellingham Boys? Was that BBB (aka BarBellyBill is it?)

Speaking of hanging out in disreputable company -- what are you doing here when you should be burning the midnight oil building a dinghy, or finishing your Elver, or... let's see, how many boats have you got in the works now<G>

Are you gonna go up to the San Juans to JM's messabout?

"Conscience is a mother-in-law whose visit never ends" -- H.L. Mencken

Well like I said I was working on Vashon....... Was only a bit out of the way to go up and visit. Yes I let BBB drag me around the underground of Bellingham, he really had to pull my leg. Did some island hopping too, just couldn't wait until May.

I may look into this trip, I had considered Thornes Gig too, both are about the same distance for me to travel, the trip southwest is a bit nicer than the I-5 gut to the Northwest, well see, if there's crew needed that very well might make up my mind.

[Eric Hvalsoe]

I'd like to jump in but have a schedule conflict May 3rd. Way to get the idea out! Hope there is another opportunity to participate in something like this. Cheers,

[BBSebens]

I mostly just want to keep this thread up in the new stuff. Please come!! And suggest destinations!!


"go in a general... that way direction."

[Yeadon]

On May 2, it appears that the tide is flooding into Anacortes/Guemes/Rosario, as in moving north, from mid-morning until mid-afternoon.

Any wanna bet the wind will be screaming in from the north? (Hahaha. Just joking.)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2349201308_2955abf6b6_o.jpg

[James McMullen]

I'm thinking right now that we should launch from Bowman Bay and either strike out across Rosario towards James Island and then into the inside towards Spencer Spit, or Shaw (Indian Beach), or maybe ride the flood up the straits past Blakely towards Orcas which will give us options for camping at Obstruction Pass, Doe Island,or maybe even Clark or Matia Islands the first night. Alternatively, we could strike up Bellingham channel and head for Pelican Beach on Cypress (best stash of skippin' stones in the known world!) We got lots of options depending on the wind. . .

It looks like I'm going to catch that break in the weather this weekend and sail my Ericson 23 from Bellingham to Anacortes this saturday, so I'll likely be anchored off Pelican beach on saturday night. . . .I'll check it out and make sure it's ready for us.:D

[bumpus]

Very much like to join you 2 May.Please keep me posted.Robbie Bumpus
206 729 7416

[James McMullen]

Great! Welcome aboard!

What sort of boat are you bringing? I'll be bringing that white one with the blue stripe, and that green one of Bill's will hopefully show up as well. . . .
http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/26318/2544936000088484686S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2544936000088484686MYWIVB)

[James McMullen]

I hope someone brings a genset and a portable television along to entertain us because we're gonna be stuck camping in boring, dreary hellholes like this:
http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/5220/2904751420088484686S500x500Q85.jpg (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/2904751420088484686RrKuuD)

[Bob Triggs]

Maybe I can row up from Port Townsend.

Maybe...if I get the rudder, tiller, centerboard, trunk and spars and paint done by then...

Geez, it never ends.

[bumpus]

12' lug rigged version of I. Outred's guillemot.Suspect I'll be bringing up the rear.

[Yeadon]

Hi bumpus, I'd love to see a photo of your guillemot.

I saw a fellow with one on Lake Union about a year ago. Maybe that was you?

[James McMullen]

Weather's finally turning nice again after that crazy patch of snow and hail last week. Saturday was a fine sail from Bellingham to Cypress Head, but I spent all Sunday morning lying inside the cabin hanging off a mooring bouy while waiting for the icy rain to stop before heading on to Anacortes.. I'm glad I packed all sorts of extra food so I had plenty to keep me warm.

This week has been much better. I was somewhat tempted to launch a boat and go for a sail today. . .but too much work at the moment. We should be pretty much fine weather-wise for open boats by the start of May--I hope--, but maybe we should have a more conservative flight plan figured out in case the weather looks questionable and we don't want to get too far from home. I think a circumnavigation of Guemes Is. might be a decent choice for a cautious trip, with overnight camping available at Saddlebag Is., Pelican Beach and/or Cypress Head. The only trick there is to make sure to stay clear of the nasty tide rip that can appear in the south end of Bellingham channel sometimes...which should be no problem at all for us in rowing boats using foresight to set ourselves in the proper part of the current stream.

[Yeadon]

It's probably smart (safe) to design a lot flexibility into the schedule. So ... I guess I'm okay with not making it clear to Skagway and back over the coarse of the weekend.

[Eric Hvalsoe]

My advice is to make crossing Rosario Straights a third or fourth choice. Conditions would have to be very promising coming and going. If there is no mothership - when you are pinned on the far side, you're out of luck.
Should be a little early for heavy fog - that is a significant hazard with morning crossings. Rosario is a serious deal for a small boat. There is strengh in numbers, there can also be chaos. I know you are not trying to organize this too much, but consider if things go 'south'. At this point you don't know exactly who you are cruising with. I certainly want to make that crossing sometime - three days seems a minimal window of time to touch the slands west of Rosario.

As James says, there are possibilities on the east side of Rosario Straights, such as Cypress and Guemes Islands. Wierd currents and rips too. I almost bought the farm in a sailing canoe through the rips off those rocks between Cypress and N end of Guemes.

There is still a possibility I will be available for this trip, just dunno yet.
Good Luck,
Eric

[Yeadon]

I'm sitting here staring at Map 18400, and wondering ...

If we kept the trip a bit more conservative, would we still launch from Bowman Bay? Or move north a bit, up toward Anacortes or the area around Padilla Bay?

Guemes Island looks pretty interesting in this Seattle PI story (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getaways/291418_guemes09.html).

After all this rain and gray, I'm up for any type adventure.

[James McMullen]

For a very conservative trip we could launch at Washington Park or even maybe in Anacortes itself (Emerald Marine can likely try to arrange a deal for us to use North Harbor's private ramp if they're not too busy) and go up Guemes channel to Saddlebag and then back again.

I myself am fully willing and indeed expecting to leave our actual ultimate destination up for debate and decision until the morning we leave so we can check the most updated weather forecast for our weekend. There are so many good possible options that we really have no reason at all to lock in to one particular itinerary just right now.

Eric, I hope you can make it after all. I'd really like to see a Hvalsoe 16 under sail--I've only seen your boats tied up to the dock at the CWB till now, never out sailing, though they look like they'd be great!

[BBSebens]

All this talk of destinations is great, but im curoius about supplies. Im assuming we all bring enough for ourselves and wing it from there? just want to make fure we are all taken care of.

my stomach needs to know...

[James McMullen]

I'm going to be self-contained. That's the best way to make sure you've got plenty of food that you yourself like to eat. Then we can do some trading around, of course, but I think everyone should be prepared to be mostly self reliant within reason. Coordinate with someone else if you want, though. I'm not telling anyone what to do. I might even share my whiskey if you ask nicely. . . . .:D

If you don't have all the right gear for open-boat camping yourself yet then speak up on the forum and I'm sure amongst all of us we'll find extras and spare gear to fill any gaps. You've got a tent and sleeping bag and outdoor clothing and stuff like that already, right? Changes of clothes, a warm hat, and NO COTTON CLOTHING, but fleece or wool and polypro and capilene or maybe even a wetsuit for ultimate safety, typical northwest camping stuff, ok?

If you're not familiar with open boat cruising, then might I suggest you stop by an REI or a kayak store? Everything used for sea kayak touring is every bit as applicable to our sort of boat cruising as well, and there are a bunch of good books available on sea kayaking that will tell you about everything you might need. All of the stuff I carry on Rowan, from PFD's to drybags to camping stove are all things I originally bought for sea kayaking.

[BBSebens]

Hello all, I hope preparations are going well.

MY wife is wondering if there will any other women coming along, as she doesn't want to be the only girl. If she doesn't want to come, I'll coerce my brother into this little adventure.

roll call please? ;)

[James McMullen]

Katie isn't coming along, but my brother might bring his wife Allison. . . .maybe--unless she decides to hang out with Katie for the weekend instead. Women in general are certainly welcome as far as I'm concerned--though for some reason there just don't seem to be as many who are interested in this sort of thing.

On another note--it was SNOWING this weekend! If it looks like we are going to continue having marginal weather like this, shall we push the trip back a week? I don't know how flexible anyone else's schedule is, but I can do it whichever weekend looks better.

So as far as a Rollcall so far:
Rowan and James
Heron and Chad (and Allie and Finnegan maybe)
Matty and Ben and wife or brother
who else?

[Yeadon]

Big Food - Tim (that's me) and a friend of mine, Mike.

I think that my girlfriend, Kerri, would happily make the trip if it was late August and much, much warner. For her, the temperature has everything to do with happiness.

[Eric Hvalsoe]

I definitely would not be joining you all next weekend, gonna stick with my mountainering commitment. Several commitments of that nature in May. A quick jaunt weekend of the 10th or 24th is not out of the question for me. Kinda tough, you know James, how Spring madness goes with boat clients and thier projects. It has been damn cold. May be away a couple of weeks in July. Saddlebags is kind of a nice idea for its relative simplicity.

[James McMullen]

All right everybody, it looks like we may be shaping up for some not very nice weather for the weekend of May 3rd. Shall we make plans to postpone our trip until the next weekend so we don't have to camp in the rain? What do you all say?

[BBSebens]

After a few conversations with much wiser folks, I think I have to bow out. I really haven't made a trip in the Matty before, and need to put some more time in in so I have a better knowledge base before attempting a multi-day trip. Perhaps at the end of summer. I hope to get a few trips in between now and the end of season.

I still hope to get together with all of you and go for an adventure sometime!

[Yeadon]

All right everybody, it looks like we may be shaping up for some not very nice weather for the weekend of May 3rd. Shall we make plans to postpone our trip until the next weekend so we don't have to camp in the rain? What do you all say?

I'm the eternal optimist when it comes to weather ... I think the forecast might chill out a touch by then. However, if we go the following week and Eric can go, then that would be great, too.

I'm alright whether we go this weekend or next, though any weekend after that is going to be pretty tough for me.

[Yeadon]

It's only Monday ... but the weather forecast isn't that bad. I say it's early, let's see what happens.

For Anacortes ...
Friday: A chance of rain. Cloudy, with a high near 57.
Friday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 55.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41.
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 55.
Sunday Night: A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45.

The Marine Forecast is available for Friday and Saturday...
Se wind 10 kt. Wind waves 1 ft.

NOAA says a high pressure area is moving into the area later in the week. Also not a bad sign ...

[James McMullen]

Next weekend will be better for a lot of the folks I have been in touch with by e-mail. Let's officially set it for later.

[CharlieCobra]

This weekend's weather looks promising. Either way, I'll run out and meet up with y'all on Oh Joy if I know where you're gonna be.

[James McMullen]

It looks like we made the right choice in postponing the trip: it has been raining pretty much all day long today. Here's hoping for some sun in our future!

[bumpus]

Hasnt a rendevous been established ?