|
Author
|
Topic: May Two-Four weekend update(long!)
|
Eric
Member
|
posted May 24, 2004 08:42 PM
 
Well, it was a great weekend of sailing, albeit a bit short and soggy! 
I took Ken's recommendation and went to Bayview Marine Resort in Honey Harbour. Thanks Ken!
My two sons, 8 and 10 were my crew.
For those unfamiliar, Honey Harbour is about 40 minutes north of Barrie Ontario, on the southern end of Georgian Bay. This "resort" (I'm amazed at what get's labeled a resort  )is at the southern part of the Honey Harbour area. There are many rocky outcroppings, and shallows to watch out for in the area, especially to the north. You have to stay in the marked channel, which can be quite narrow. More conducive to stinkpots!
From Bayview, its a short motor south, then a right turn to more open and sailable water!
Very nice topography!
We sailed on a reefed main, on a reach toward Beausoleil Island, a Canadian National Park. The island is only accessable by boat. After turning due north toward one of the park entrances, I was having trouble keeping the rudder blade down, and in that time I had a hard accidental gype The wind wasn't very strong (luckily), and I jury-rigged the kickup line. No damage, thankfully, although, there was 4 other sailboats anchored there, so I gotta believe all eyes where on me!! D'oh!! 
It had started to lightly rain at that point, and the other sailors weighed up anchor and motored off in their foulies! I had listened to the Wx, and it was a bleak forecast. The kids and I had a quick peak around that part of the island, and pick up a pamphlet on the park. One day we'll go back, do some more exploring and maybe camp as well.
I put on my foulies, and we all had a bite, then cast off south toward Midland. Wind was now more south easterly so we beat all the way, still with reefed main, and storm jib. Thunderstorms where predicted, so I didn't want to be overcanvassed. Turns out my sail set was good! I hit 6knots speed over ground on the GPS!! We were very comfortable, with little heel. The #1, and full main would have made for a fun ride  , with the rail down, but since the boys where down below, dry, I didn't need the extra effort to sail the boat! Did I mention it was POURING!! My oldest popped open the hatch just enough to get a pic of me, hunkered down in the cockpit, steering to weather! Aye, she was a wet one laddies!!
It was really a great sail. Steady wind, nice scenery, great company, just a little wet! Got to Midland, and if it weren't enough already, the rain intensified. We docked, and I struggled with the blue plastic tarp of a cockpit cover. Can't overnight without it! Even with the pouring rain, we can open the companionway, and not soak the cabin!
Went up the street to downtown, where the shops are. I finally picked up the chart for the area! We sailed the day without one!! Not really too difficult as the area is well marked with bouys. I couldn't locate one at 0730 before we left Honey Harbour. The locals gave me the verbal directions before we left!
We had dinner at Scully's, and turned in early, as it just kept raining.
I'll save the return journey, and real life "boat ramp follies" for another post!Eric [This message has been edited by Eric (edited May 24, 2004).]
|
whited
unregistered
|
posted May 24, 2004 10:37 PM
Good to hear you got out. We had the rain most of the weekend also.
I hope things improve soon.
|
Hyprstitch
Member
|
posted May 25, 2004 12:54 AM
It sounds like you had a good time, even with the so so weather. One day mabe I'll find my way up your way and go sailing on some big water. Sid
|
Darcy
Member
|
posted May 26, 2004 09:26 AM
Our club opening was great. Although cool the rain held off during the sailpast activities. Nice breeze. We were moving along beautifully under 120% jib and partially reefed main. The thunder squalls that came through in the early evening were observed from the warmth of the club bar where we met up with old sailing friends.On sunday the weather was extreme. I haven't been so wet for a long time. On the holiday Monday we poured a concrete shore pier for a new floating dock we're constructing at the cottage. Four of us lugged, mixed and placed about 2 tons of concrete. I'm still feeling stiff. Weather was misty; reminding me of my days on the West Coast in the rain forests. The dock should be in the first week in June so Shortwave will have a truly fine berth. It's a bit decadent but I'm looking forward to being able to just walk out to the boat, hoist sails and go. D'Arcy
| |
CL Sailboats Online Forum
UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone!
