Late Fall Cruising

[IdoraKeeper]

I have always been a fan of taking a cruise in November. The admiral gave me an opening for a trip down to Seattle for a dinner out with friends so I jumped on it. I re-arranged all of Idora's onboard gear for cold weather and we headed out to give it a try. The weather forecast was tracking okay so we elected to anchor out the first night in Kingston. There were slips available in the marina but all have pilings or the power box in a position that would interfere with Idora's bow sprit. All others were too short. It got down to 38F that night and the wind got up to 25kts during frontal passage. In the morning I enjoyed watching the nylon shock line on the anchor rode stretching a good 3 to 4 inches as the waves passed by.

Not much sleep that night due to anchor watch but morning coffee was a treat. We lumped our way across to Shilshole and ended up with a great slip on the new guest dock. Did the dishes and this one had a nap. Dinner out was at an excellent Greek place and all were pleased.

The trip home was a accompanied by a nice ebb and lovely low clouds and mist. Lots of sport salmon fishing going on so the radar was a great help.
Stiff and sore (in front of the fire) as I write this but what a welcome change from being house bound as winter closes in.

I saw quite a few other sailing vessels doing the same as us. Anyone else get out?

Todd

[rebel heart]

We're headed out for a week or two leaving this weekend. Of course there's a low pressure system rolling in the second we leave the dock but there you go.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

I saw quite a few other sailing vessels doing the same as us. Anyone else get out?

We've had three consecutive days of spectacular sailing here in SF Bay. The offshore flow has been flukey, but it's been shirt-sleeve sailing all three days so no complaints.

Tough to have to go back to work on a Monday when it's warm enough at 0800 to be wearing shorts.

[boatman61]

Last coupla weeks have been pretty blowy on the Atlantic coast of Portugal... even Nazare which is an alledged all weather port had serious storm damage from 7+metre seas.... but I'm now on the hard so no worries for me...lol

[Marksman]

Hi Todd,

Kingston is pretty casual and will allow some pretty large boats in the smaller guest slips. With the sprit, just back in and tie off well. A friend of mine has a boat at 40' overall and they let him back in and hang out 10'. Apple Tree Cove can get pretty lumpy at times for sure, but there is plenty of room so many who anchor there use a stern anchor as well to keep the bow into the rollers coming from the comercial traffic.

Peace,

[Pyrate]

You have warm weather gear on your boat? Lucky! Especially since I just purchased my boat, I've been doing a lot of cruising this month for day or overnight trips. Usually with a rifle so I can comb the beaches for deer. It's a great hunting cabin on the water.

Pyrate

[Dockhead]

I'm going out on Friday for three days. Yipee! Forecast is for a deep low to come in out of the Atlantic, but bringing nothing more than F7 or F8, which we can handle.

And it's quite warm for the time of year!

November cruising is great since Gore Tex was invented. And I have new Musto Gore Tex sea boots!

[IdoraKeeper]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

I'm going out on Friday for three days. Yipee! Forecast is for a deep low to come in out of the Atlantic, but bringing nothing more than F7 or F8, which we can handle.

And it's quite warm for the time of year!

November cruising is great since Gore Tex was invented. And I have new Musto Gore Tex sea boots!

I was thinking of your post last week about the shock line parting while you anchored (where you didn't want to be). I re-made mine before I left. Glad I did.(Thanks to you)

Todd

[hugosalt]

Here in New York's Long Island Sound try to sneak in a night or two away. Lots of protected spots to anchor, and not many boats out. Heater keeps the boat toasty with nights only going down to 35-40 this time of year. Problem this time of year is crew getting hard to come by...but the dog is still game until
the food runs out.
hard to come by

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by IdoraKeeper

I was thinking of your post last week about the shock line parting while you anchored (where you didn't want to be). I re-made mine before I left. Glad I did.(Thanks to you)

Todd

LOL! I have just ordered two pieces of nylon octoplait for super snubbers. One 18mm and 10 meters long for more challenging conditions; one 16mm and 6 meters for benign conditions.

I might even tie on both snubbers, after that experience.