Circumnavigation Day 3: Around the East End
09 December 2014 | Cat Harbor to Avalon, Catalina Island
Tom, sunny with nice following wind and seas
I'm a few days behind updating the last bit of our circumnav of Catalina Island, and am doing so from my home port of Cabrillo Marina.
Day 3 started out warm, sunny, and only a very light breeze. Having not sailed the first two days due to wind conditions (strong on our nose on Day 1, and no wind on Day 2), we decided to put up the sails and see if the wind would pick up as we headed out of Catalina Harbor.
It turned out to be a great way to show Michelle some of the more subtle aspects of wind/sail dynamics. Our route had us going DDW (dead down wind), but the wind was so light and the swell following so that Windrunner would, with the slightest of breeze, begin to move as fast as the wind, emptying the sails and stalling the boat. So, we discussed true wind vs. apparent wind, and shifted course so the wind would come off our stern quarter. In essence, we changed the direction the boat was going so that each bit of wind would make it move through the wind faster, thereby actually generating apparent wind, and enable us to sail faster.
It was very cool how Michelle got it in her own way that was not at all how I have ever heard it explained nor understood it, but she got exactly the essence of it. In all the years I've known her as friend, one of the things I've most enjoyed in our conversations is how she is consistently like the kid in math class who comes to the right answer in a way that is unlike it is taught. One of the many ways I feel expanded through conversation with her, and one of the many reasons I enjoy her company so much.
The south side of Catalina really is much more rugged and wild and primitive looking than the much more accessible north side. It is really striking, and it was great to be able to turn on Otto the auto-pilot as the wind built up to 13kn, and sit on the deck together talking and taking in the stunning beauty of that side of the island. It was one of those afternoons that makes sailing beyond so much more special than sticking to the normal routes, coves, anchorages and moorings. We felt very lucky for the experience.
The sun began to set just as we rounded Church Rock and the east end. I was at the helm of Winerunner for the rounding of the west end, so this was Michelle's well deserved turn to round the other end. With the sun setting on the south side of the east end, we came around the north side to an absolutely stunning moon rise; massive and orange and slow-rising, it was a spectacular way to enter into the busy port town of Avalon.
After mooring, we took the dinghy into the town of Avalon and hit the famous Marlin Club for a couple of beers, a game of pool (she beat me again!), and a pic with our heads through the holds of the famous Marlin Club "Mermaid and Merman" paintings (which you will not see posted here or elsewhere...). While Avalon is a nice and fun town, my previous visits have always made me appreciate and miss Two Harbors that much more. Michelle agreed, and we were both thankful that tomorrow we would be completing our circumnavigation back at the Isthmus.