www.c22pdx.org

September 2008
 

From the Captain
By Dale Mack, Catalina 22 Fleet 20 Captain
Crocus, #8244, celtic-myst@comcast.net

Sailing this season has been fantastic.  The CYC Summer Series is in the books and I and my crew had a great time.  New for me this year has been  sailing the boat back to the dock.  I used to think it might not be possible because my marina (Tomahawk Bay Moorage) sits in a bowl and is pretty sheltered from the wind, but after watching the J/24s always do it I started thinking why not try.  It's become my primary method for returning to the dock now.  Although it's easier when the wind is blowing stronger, I find that if I can sail in the river then I can sail in the marina.  With the reduced wind velocity in the marina I just have to be more mindful of not slowing the boat down with unnecessary tiller or crew movement.  For the two times when the boat nearly lost headway I just used the rudder to scull the boat down the fairway and into the slip (easy to do when there is no current).

Sightings

I'm always on the lookout for Catalina 22's.  One Wednesday evening while motoring about after having made some outboard motor adjustments I spotted Fleet 20 member Chris Brown and guests aboard Ta-Keel-Ah, #108.  Chris crewed for me at the 2006 Catalina 22 National Regatta on Scott's Flat Lake in the Sierra-Nevada's of California.  We had a great week of sailing at the National's.

Speaking of the National's the 2009 Catalina 22 National Regatta is going to be held on San Francisco Bay May 30 - June 4.  Even if you don't race you've got to bring your boat to this event.  San Francisco Bay is wonderful for sailing.  Catalina 22 Fleet 9 and the Berkeley Yacht Club will be hosting the regatta.  I'll publish more details as they become available.

 

Racing

Don Woodhouse Wins the CYC Summer Series
By Dale Mack

Those of us that race Catalina 22s locally do so for various reasons, but none of us do it solely for the racing alone.  As a venue for learning, nothing has accelerated my personal understanding of how to sail faster, more comfortably, and in a wider range of conditions than racing.

It's not a coincidence that our fleet's most active Catalina 22 cruiser won the CYC Summer Series.  Don and his crew's skills steadily grew over the season.  By the time we got to August, Togarty was the boat to beat.  Early on in the season Don had demonstrated his skills downwind by frequently catching and passing his competition.  As spring turned to summer, the nuances of wind and river current began to make sense and Don started challenging for who would be first to the windward mark.

Fleet 20's use of spinnakers for racing in the last couple of years shows how much our collective skills have grown.  We are a self-taught group who have gone from knowing nothing to having the confidence to fly a spinnaker in ever increasing wind velocities.  Across the fleet we race with asymmetrical and symmetrical spinnakers and we fly them with anywhere from two to four onboard.

It has been a wonderful racing season.  I've won a few, lost a lot, and never had a bad day racing with my crew.  I'm sure Don, and all the other skippers, will join me in thanking our crews that helped make it all possible.

Congratulations Don.  Well Sailed!

    7-24 7-31 8-7 8-14 8-21 8-28 Total
Skipper  Boat 1 2 3 4 5 6  
Don Woodhouse Togarty 1 1 1 1 2 2 8
Dale Mack Crocus 4 5-DNC 2 2 3 1 17
Dan Dugan Harmony 2 2 5-DNF 5-DNF 1 4 19
Weston Becker Celeste 3 3 3 5-DNC 5-DNF 3 22

 

Thanks for the Fleet 20 Website
By Weston Becker, Celeste, #6550

For the last couple years since getting Celeste, and before racing this year, I'd read nearly every newsletter, tech tips sheet, etc. while following the races from the sidelines via the website.  The articles helped walk me through many/most of the upgrades I have put into the boat over the last three years including: lines lead aft, jib downhaul, mainsheet traveler, instrument panel, boom vang, topping lift, tiller tamer, and more.  It has been an invaluable resource and I appreciate all the effort that goes into the writing, coordination, and photography.

Weston

Editors Note:  Thanks Weston.  It's a labor of love and something I get a kick out of.

 
Cruising

Watch Out for Deadheads
By Dale Mack

Definition:  Deadhead - A water soaked log lying on the bottom of a river or lake, or a partly sunken log.

As the season winds down and the river's level drops, all kinds of nasty surprises are lurking just beneath the surface.  This time of year we experience about a three foot tidal range.  While Portland may be one hundred miles from the mouth of the Columbia River, tides still play a big role in local water levels and current velocity.

Besides the water getting thinner, we are starting to see more partly sunken logs and trees.  During my last sail I counted no less than six.  Considering that the tide was down by a foot, most would have been just under the surface at high tide.  I've encountered most of the deadheads in shallow water (6-8 feet), but the one pictured just outside the main channel leading to the I-205 bridge was resting in nearly twenty feet of water.  Unfortunately I don't have any pearls of wisdom about how to avoid them, but what I would say is be mindful of your emergency procedures and gear.  Hears some things to think about:

  • How quickly could you anchor the boat?
  • Do you know how to change the sheer pin that connects your propeller shaft to the propeller?  Do you carry a spare sheer pin?
  • Do you have a dewatering device (bilge pump or bucket)?
  • How quickly could you get the boat sailing if you lost the use of the motor?
  • Can you sail into your slip?
  • How would you call for help (VHF or cell phone)?  Do you have the contact information onboard?
  • Are your life jackets accessible?
  • If the boat is taking on water faster than you can remove it do you know what to do?  (Hint:  It's better to sink in shallow water than deep water so head for shore or the nearest sand bar.)

Those are just some of the things you might assess in determining you preparedness for a close encounter with a deadhead.

 

Like many sailors on the west coast, Laura and I dreamed of cruising the San Juan Islands shortly after we got our boat.  A baby, a move from California to Singapore, followed by a move to Boise, and then finally a move to Vancouver sat between that dream and our first trip to the San Juan and Gulf Islands in 1999 with Fleet 20.  During our time in California, Laura and I cruised a lot.  Places like San Francisco Bay, Monterey Bay, Lake Tahoe, Lake Oroville, Folsom Lake, Clear Lake, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were just a few of our regular destinations.  As trailer sailors we got real good at packing light and rigging and de-rigging the the boat quickly.  All those overnight and long weekend cruises helped us learn what we wanted on the boat and what we did not.  The Fleet 20 Cruising Checklist represents what Laura and I found useful to have aboard.  So why all this background information?  If you too dream of sailing up north, you really need to be doing overnighters on your current body of water because being on a small boat for seven to ten days can test your person need for "space".

As our sailing season slowly comes to an end, now is a good time to start thinking about venturing north in 2009.  July and August tend to be the driest months, but June avoids a lot of the crowds.  I recommend cruising in the company of another boat, particularly if you've never been before.  While it might take a little effort to coordination the vacation plans of two or more boats, the effort is while worth it.  Some of the benefits include help if you experience a breakdown, local knowledge if another boat has made the trip before, and the joy of a shared advantage.  Fleet 20 has many alumni who have formed solid friendships that endure today because of their time sailing together.

In 2008 Laura and I were in the San Juan Islands the last week in June through the July 4th weekend.  Our previous trips typically started during the third week in July, so we didn't know what to expect departing a full month earlier.  We'd never visited some of the most popular locations in the past, since we tended to cruise through the San Juan Islands on the way to the Canadian Gulf Islands.  For 2008 we choose to stay with an all U.S.A. itinerary.  Here's a list of the destinations we visited:

  • Anacortes, Fidalgo Island
  • Rosario Resort, Orcas Island
  • Fisherman's Bay, Lopez Island
  • Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
  • Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
  • Deer Harbor, Orcas Island

Anacortes - Gateway to the San Juan Islands

Anacortes sits on the northern tip of Fidalgo Island.  The city marina, Cap Sante Boat Haven, is my favorite place for starting a cruise of the San Juan Islands.  The trip from Vancouver, WA to Anacortes (via I-5 and Hwy 20) takes about 5.5 hours depending on stops along the way.  The City of Anacortes continues to make improvements to this gem of a marina.  One of the nice features is the lift for launching and retrieving boats which keeps your trailer out of the salt water.  Another benefit to the marina's location is that a Safeway grocery store is located across the street, a well equipped hardware store is two blocks west, and West Marine is about 2-3 blocks away.  At the north end of the marina is a long-term parking area for your tow vehicle and trailer.

Anacortes is a worthy destination in its own right.  Its old town section lies within easy walking distance of the marina, and the district has several blocks of charming shops and fine restaurants.  Laura and I always spend one day in Anacortes exploring before setting out on our cruise.

Rosario Resort & Spa - Well Worth the Stop

Nestled amongst the trees, Rosario Resort & Spa features casual and fine dining, a first class spa, swimming pool, a sheltered harbor, and shuttles to some of Ocras Island's other delights.  Located on the eastside of East Sound in Cascade Bay, this destination had remained a mystery because our previous cruises never seemed to leave time to visit it.  In 2008 it was our first destination after leaving Anacortes.  We traveled across Rosario Strait, through Thatcher Pass and then north to Rosario Resort.  As always, in the San Juans it pays to be mindful of the current's direction when planning your departure times.

Once a private residence, the resort has a proud history and a unique charm.  If you're ready for a night off the boat, accommodations are available at the resort.  If you plan to visit Rosario Resort I recommend you get a slip in the marina.  While the guide books talk about anchoring outside the marina, the southeast wind can develop quite a swell in the sound that could leave you bobby uncomfortably all night.

Fisherman Bay - Undiscovered Beauty

I'd always overlooked a visit to Lopez Island.  The entrance to Fisherman Bay sounded scary and there didn't really seem like much to do once you got there.  Laura insisted we give it a try and she was so right.  It turned  out that the entrance to Fisherman Bay wasn't bad at all.  I just followed the charts and found we had plenty of water despite not coming in on a high tide.

We stayed at the Lopez Islander Resort.  The marina was very nice and nearly new.  Anyone staying at the marina has access to the resort's new showers, Laundromat, pool, and Jacuzzi.  The Islander Restaurant was incredible and I'd recommend it to anyone.  The seafood was outstanding.  You can also rent kayaks, sailboats, or bicycles.  In fact Laura and I rented bikes and rode the short distance over to the village of Lopez.  From dining to gift shops, and art galleries to a grocery store, the village had a little for everyone.  We particularly enjoyed taking in the scenery while savoring some locally made ice cream.

Friday Harbor - Tourist Mecca

"Everyone goes to Friday Harbor...", but Laura and I hadn't.  Our previous cruises avoided many of the most popular destinations in the San Juan Islands, but not this year, we wanted to see them all.  Friday Harbor is a good provisioning stop with a well stocked grocery store that reflects the eclectic tastes of its island and boating customers.  If you need a break from boat prepared meals, you're going to enjoy the wide variety of dining choices surely to please any palate.

Friday Harbor is fun to see afoot.  There are lots of shops to visit and sights to see from beautifully restored residences to watching the buzz of activity that surrounds the ferry landing.  Laura and I can highly recommend a harbor tour via your dinghy, kayak, or your boat.  The homes along the shore are gorgeous, the vessels anchored out are an interesting blend of new and old, big and small, and the scenery is not to be missed.  Another fun activity to do from Friday Harbor is to take the interisland ferry and visit a couple of the other islands before returning to Friday Harbor.

Roche Harbor - New England Charm in the Northwest

If Friday Harbor is the economic center of San Juan Island, Roche Harbor is the embodiment of what a boater's haven can strive to be.  Reclaimed from the scared landscape that once served as home to extensive lime mining and refining operations, today Roche Harbor hosts a first class marina, a protected anchorage, an excellent fine dining restaurant, and a charming cafe famous for its breakfast and homemade donuts.

Roche Harbor always strikes me as this wonderful blend of Maine seaport and Disney World.  The setting is unbelievably beautiful with some of the most extraordinary sunsets.  You can rent kayaks, take sea kayaking tours, enjoy the pool, play tennis, throw horseshoes, catch a Kenmore Air Float Plane, go whale watching, relax at the spa, explore the trail hiking, browse the shopping, or arrange for a rental car to be delivered so you can explore San Juan Island.  The staff at Roche Harbor is attentive and famous for being very internationally diverse seeing that many foreign exchange college students are attracted to the unique summer experience.  The staff is easy to identify because they are typically dressed in khaki shorts or pants and a polo top with the Roche Harbor logo.

Deer Harbor - Enjoying a Slower Pace

Our final stop before leaving the San Juan Islands was Deer Harbor located on the western side of Orcas Island.  The marina is excellent and offers showers, a Laundromat, a small dockside grocery, fast food, boat rentals, fuel, and guided tours.  Deer Harbor is exposed to the south so if the wind is blowing you can expect a swell through the marina.  The further north in the marina you are the more calm you will find it.

If you wish to explore the island, a shuttle stops at the marina or you can arrange to have a rental car delivered.  Laura opted for the shuttle which makes stops at East Sound, the golf course, West Sound, Moran State Park, Orcas Ferry Landing,  Rosario Resort & Spa, and the airport.  There is so much to do and see on the island that you could easily spend a week and still have sights you hadn't visited.

Reflections

I've never had a bad cruise in the San Juan Islands.  Most of my experience has been in sunshine, but occasionally we've had to deal with rain, fog, and an overcast day.  While Laura and I tend to gravitate to destinations with docks, there are lots of anchorages if you want to avoid crowds and not pay moorage fees.  Some of the anchorages you might consider include:

  • Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island
  • Fisherman Bay, Lopez Island
  • Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
  • Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
  • Garrison Bay, San Juan Island
  • Cascade Bay near Rosario, Orcas Island
  • Reid Harbor, Stuart Island
  • Double Island in West Sound, Orcas Island
  • Blind Bay, Shaw Island
  • Jones Island
  • Sucia Islands

Regardless whether you anchor out or tie up to a dock, the San Juan Islands have a lot to offer.  The vacation can be done on a shoe string budget or treated as a no expenses spared indulgence.  It's a wonderful part of the country and just waiting for you to plan your next adventure.

 

Technical Tips

Upgrading Your Sail Cover for Better Protection
By Dale Mack

The typical main sail cover doesn't have enough twist-lock fasteners installed along the lower seam to prevent the sail from falling out.  The sun's UV can destroy sail material pretty quickly so it's not too hard to get motivated to want to do something about the problem.

I upgraded my sail cover by installing additional cloth-to-cloth twist lock fasteners between all the factory installed fasteners.  The result is no more sail falling out problems.

 

Catalina Newsletters of the Northwest

 

Checkout these links to Northwest Catalina newsletters and local racing:

 

Upcoming Events

 

September

October

  • Banquet:  18, SYSCO Awards Banquet

See the calendar

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The Fleet 20 newsletter is published online once a month.  Articles are the opinions of the
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