~ DAY three ~ notes from the crew on INTREPID  IV ~

Contrary to our expectations, last night was dead calm. We slept well, awakening early with the sun at 0430. Corus called on the radio at 0600 and all the boats checked in.  We left the anchorage at 0630 and motored up through the Lower Rapids.  Currents ran up to five knots against us and we were stalled down to a knot or so some places, but got through in short order.

From there, the group motored into fifteen knots of wind on the nose until we arrived at Port Neville.  A few tied up there, but the rest of us went on to Baresides Bay and anchored. Port Neville is not much, just a dock and a small historic store.  The whale watcher tours from Campbell River show up here sometimes.
Some in the group dinghied back to see the historic site.  Others enjoyed the day on deck and on the beach.  There was even a report of a cougar sighting.

Predictions are for strong winds again tonight. This time, maybe they will be right.  As sundown approaches, we find we're anchored out in the wind and waves on the exposed side of the channel. We let out two hundred and forty feet of chain for 7:1 scope and set an anchor alarm.  I see others letting out more chain, too.  I expect to sleep well after a day in the fresh air and rocked by the swells coming down the channel.

Tomorrow, Port McNeill.

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DAY two ~ notes from the crew on INTREPID IV ~
 
After a quiet night at anchor we cast off, one by one, around 1100 hours bound for Surge Narrows.  Our plan was to meet at the entrance to Beazley Passage and proceed through at slack, predicted to be after 1300, as a group.
 
Intrepid found good wind, and we sailed some of the way, but motored a fair bit to meet the schedule and because we encountered unpredictable gusts from all directions as we got into the narrower sections.
 
Most of us arrived early, so we drifted and had lunch while the stragglers caught up, then proceeded through as a group, one after another.  One sailboat went through an hour early and reported on the radio that they encountered four knots maximum current, but most of us stuck together and waited for slack. 
 
We all entered the sheltered bays of the Octopus Islands Marine Park, anchored near shore and stern-tied, well protected from the gale-force winds predicted for Johnstone Strait late tonight or tomorrow.  The depths along shore in spots were such that some were able to back right to shore and step off.  The afternoon was spent exploring this enchanting spot and visiting other boats.
 
At present, our plans for tomorrow are uncertain due to predicted gale-force winds ahead.  We have a net on channel 68 tomorrow at 0600 to decide, once the day's forecast is available and in time to make the Upper Rapids at slack if all is clear.
 

the main gate to the boat show floating venue is between our office and clubhouse - you can't get any closer than that - check out the new web functions including a WEBCAM that looks exactly at the boat show docks… setup happening NOW... show opens WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 8

  

we've freshened both the website and office last while and hope you enjoy some of the new functions including secure booking engines and simplified browsing of courses - check out the new course showcase - shopping for your next course should be as much fun as the course itself!

Join us for our season-opening festivities this MAY 14th 11-5 PM at Cooper Boating, Granville Island (1815 Mast Tower Rd., Vancouver)!
Boats will be open for viewing *PLUS* boat rides and informative clinics will be offered throughout the day!
**Last chance** to take advantage of yacht charter and boating school specials *AND* last but not least... the BARBECUE will be up and running!
Come see what Cooper Boating is all about, meet our Jibset Sailing Club members in the new Jibset Crow's Nest and check out the offerings at Blast Sailing!
We can't think of a better way to start the season off!
See you this Saturday!
- your friendly Cooper Crew! (crew@cooperboating.com 1-888-999-6419)