Tag Archives: Sailing

Neah Bay to Newport Oregon?

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Making the big Left Turn

Proper signaling before making the Big Left Turn

Melissa and I have not had any true bluewater cruising experience and this is a concern for us. Stories abound of folks setting off on a long dreamed of cruise only to find out they are either terrified, constantly seasick or simply incompatible with the lifestyle. While I feel confident we will do well cruising, I know that both of us could use real experience with a multi day passage on open water.

I proposed last week that we consider a trip to Newport, Oregon or some other similar coastal port for our vacation trip next year. Neah Bay to Newport is about 270 Nautical miles if we go offshore 50 to 75 miles. This is a distance that we could fetch with Moonrise in three or four days, with the return trip taking a day and a half longer. All estimates are based on leaving around June and should be taken with a shaker of salt. On top of those times, we of course must add our transit time to Neah Bay itself. From Tacoma that can take three good days in Moonrise.

Moonrise is reasonably well set up for such a trip but she lacks any self steering gear which would place the burden on two people to steer her 24 hours a day.  While we have vowed not to make any more large cash outlays on moonrise, I would sure love to have an autopilot aboard for such a trip. It is possible I could rent a unit for a month to satisfy our need for a third crew member.

If any of you have suggestions or advice about such a journey, we would love to hear from you. Newport looks like it would be fun destination, with lots of beaches, restaurants and trails for hiking. If you have a favorite Newport hangout, drop us a line.

Carpe diem, right? What the….(insert curseword of choice here)??

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So today was a work day. I work downtown, Tacoma, on the waterfront in a lovely office. After walking the dog briskly around the neighborhood, I take off to work in a pretty good mood considering all the dark rainy days we’ve had lately. I get downtown and see that the sun is shining and it’s fairly warm, plus the wind is blowing. The discerning reader will understand what this means: we must go sailing.I call Mike.
“Hey, baby, what time do you get off of work today? Can you leave early? The sun is shining, it’s fairly warm, and there is good wind.”He knows exactly where I’m going with this.“I can get off around 5:00. How about I get gluten-free burgers and meet you at the Moonrise for a dinner sail?”

We agree easily and decide to meet at the boat at 6:00. Time’s a-wasting and dark days are upon us. Carpe diem, as it were.

Fast forward to 3:30. It’s now pouring rain. I mean it. Sure, the wind is still blowing, but there’s a deluge out there. I love to sail, but give me a break!

Fast forward to 6:00. The rain has cleared but the atmosphere is threatening. I can feel it in the air, it’s coming back. But we’re going to brave it. I meet Mike at the boat with dinner in hand from Freisenburgers in Tacoma (best gluten free burgers ever). The engine is already running as I climb aboard. I take the wheel while Mike casts off.
Fifteen minutes later we’re sitting on Commencement Bay with the genoa up. Let’s be clear: Sitting is a word which here means the boat is not moving.

What I was hoping for today.

Carpe diem, my ass. What’s the Latin for ‘seize the hour’? I think it has come to that.