Run to Lasqueti Island
08 April 2007 | False Bay, Lasqueti Island
Morgan MacKay
Anchored in a little bay around the corner from the Government dock in False Bay.
Weather is crummy. Rain started about midday. Wind from the south 15-25 knots. Had a good sail overall; reach then wing-on-wing. Had a couple hiccups. Got a little overwhelmed in the gusty winds of the top of Thormanby Isl. Was having a blast doing a solid 7.5 knots and felt it was time to bring in some sail. Well of coarse, now it was too late. I got the Genoa wrapped and had to do a full 360 to untangle it. Under full main alone, we were doing 6.5 knots in 22 knots of breeze. This boat's power is still surprising me.
Went straight to the third reef and slowed down to a manageable 5.3 knots.
I had now reached my last waypoint before Smity Bay, and thought better of entering a tight harbour with a 3 foot following sea and over 5 knots of boat speed. I figured I'd end up somewhere on the beach with the kayaks.
Made the logical decision to go around the island to False Bay.
Hoisted the staysail and beat into the weather to gain some sea room before the next point. That little staysail is awesome. It stabilizes, points and gives good lift.
Came around the corner and ran wing-on-wing with triple reefed main and staysail with the autopilot. What a balanced boat straight down wind. Finally had time for some lunch. Ate a bagel and beer on the foredeck watching the islands and water run by.
Wind dropped to 13 knots and dosed the staysail and opened up the Genoa. The Genoa is a much better wing sail that the little staysail.
The government dock in False Bay didn't look to friendly, so we're anchored in bay around the corner with a wooden ketch and another sloop.