Day sailing on Puget Sound, Sunday, June 16

What was expected to be a boring day turned out exhilarating

The marine forecast of a southerly of 5 knots and a chance of rain didn't sound very promising for Sunday's sail on Puget Sound. Regardless, the crew from OutVentures showed up enthusiastically and prepared the boat for going out. After completing the pre sail checklist via QR code and phone thanks to Glen, all systems were go. Astraea, a J35c, backed into the freeway cautiously allowing for a much larger sailboat motoring out. Paul began gathering lines and stowing fenders as they motored past Shilshole's docks.

Oops! Noting that the fuel gauge indicated Empty, Glen signaled Millie to come below. Handing over the helm to Don, Millie headed down the companionway. Indeed the fuel needle appeared to be stuck on the E. This was impossible. The engine was running strong and cooling exhaust was burping from the stern as it should. From the phone in the Club office, Josh agreed that the gauge must be broken or at least malfunctioning. “Just use the engine as little as possible,” he advised.

Assured there was enough fuel for getting in and out of the marina, Millie re-took the wheel and soon the Astraea emerged from the seawall into Puget Sound. A light northerly with some blue sky greeted them. As the J35c headed into the wind, the three crew began unfurling the sails and soon the sailboat fell onto a starboard tack for open water.

Giving way to racing boats, the OutVenturers made for points west. While taking turns at the wheel and trimming sails, lively conversation ensued. Race boats gave way to small fishing boats and a few scattered sailboats. Zigzagging across the Sound continued through the afternoon. With Glen at the wheel, Millie focused on the changing sky. Solid cloud cover filled in from the north. “It looks like a front is moving in, “ pointing at the distinct line engulfing blue sky. Shortly, the wind increased and white caps crested the waves.

Then the ubiquitous cruise ship emerged from Elliott Bay. Astraea's crew watched intently for the ship to swing east for the northbound lane, but the Majestic Princess continued to plow north. Millie continued steering their westerly course. But alas, the ship didn't swing east as was typical so it became apparent that the J35c would have to change course. With an eye on the increasing wave height, Millie urged easing out jib and main to slow Astraea's forward progress and to enable a tack without having to jibe. The cruise ship surged ahead and Astraea's crew came about.

Wind and waves continued to build as the day progressed. Cloud cover spread south. Wind surfers and sail boarders though finding the conditions exhilarating, were often overpowered. Accepting the signs of deteriorating weather, the crew tacked Astraea eastward to return to Shilshole and home. What a great day it was! They weren't just bobbing out there! Checking later, the windspeed had increased to 15 knots!


Submitted: 06/20/24
Article By: Magner, Millie