Salt Water 2019 Part 2: Salt Water and Schooners

In front of the NWMC

 The show is only a single day but we received permission to stay one more night as we had reservations at the Sequim Bay State Park the following evening. Our mission at this point was simple: We were going to sail on salt water or bust. The 21st of July was to be the day. The NWMC has a coffee stand in the lower floor. And while I stayed there it was a treat to simply pop my hatch and stroll over to Velocity for a chocolate croissant and a mocha. Something I could get used to. Launching from the NWMC is reserved for the rowing club and although we may have been able to get away with it the Port Townsend Boat Haven made a far better launching point for our adventure.  
  In addition to the Palooza there is also the Pocket Yacht Crooza which follows the event. Now this year it was scheduled to be a few days of sailing on Sequim Bay. Due to a variety of reasons beyond the scope of this blog that idea fell through about a month before the event. We had booked a campsite for three nights in anticipation and decided to keep them regardless. But some hardy folks were planning a sail to the east and spend a few days exploring the area around Marrowstone Island. And because of that we were but one of a small fleet launching that day. Sailing with friends is always more fun!

A huge racing yacht at Boat Haven

Dan by the Hawaiian Chieftain

Tiny fish in the harbor

 The Boat Haven is an amazing place. And we intended to explore more once our sail was done. We paid the $10 a day fee and proceeded to get the boat in the water. It was very interesting to see the difference in ramp design a tide causes. Ahead Standard on the electric spanker made for nice steady cruise out of the marina. This is the first time I've ever navigated in such quarters and we had no problem. Once past the break water we went head to wind, raised the sail and we were sailing.
 I'm not sure what I expected once we were on the water but it was business as usual. With the exception of keeping an eye out for ferries, lobster pots, and kelp mats. These are all hazards I don't usually run into on my normal cruising waters. Eventually we made our goal to sail to the beach in front of the NWMC where we had seen the SCAMPs the day before. If they could do it so could we!
We threaded the needle and ran ashore. A brief stop to see to necessities and then a perfect beach launch. The water was just cold enough to make the process interesting.
As we headed out into Port Townsend Bay a mast hove into view. And then another. I grabbed my skippers spyglass and when it's measly half power magnification did not help I used the superzoom on my camera. It was a schooner inbound under iron spanker!
 With shouted orders the Kat Boat quickly came about on an intercept course. Surging under a growing breeze I had intended to take her in charge. Turns out a 15' catboat is no match for a 107' schooner under power. We did get to watch her undertake the dance of the anchor and we sailed close by to hail them. I do enjoy to give a hearty "Whence and wither?" Turns out it was the 1922 Schooner Merrie Ellen. We sailed close by then  blasted under her bowsprit, gave three rousing cheers for gaff rigs and began our return to port.

Such a wonderful boat! The one behind ain't bad either

Proud skipper and a fine boat

Saltwater sailors!

 Our sailing done for the day we headed for Forks to visit a friend. We checked in to our campsite at Sequim State Park and took the surprisingly long drive to the coast. Being so close to the ocean we just had to see it. And so it was on to La Push where we gazed at the mighty Pacific. I will say now that looking out across that horizon it is my day to sometime sail beyond it. But not to far.

Bring me that horizon

 There were many more adventures the next day. But that is for the next time.