Getting Set for Van Isle Circumnavigation

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HowLin
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Getting Set for Van Isle Circumnavigation

Getting the boat ready for a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island this summer.
We will be loosely in company with 3 to 5 other boats from Nanaimo Yacht club.
The circumnavigation of ‘the island', is an exciting, epic voyage of challenging currents, wonderful vistas, coastal rainforests and amazing wildlife.
The circumnavigation will cover approximately 625 nautical miles (730 statute miles, or 1200 kms). About 2/5 will be on the exposed west coast.
Leaving around the 3rd week in June and plan to be out for 6 weeks. Although leaving in June means we won't have the warmest weather, it also means a little less likelihood of the famous "Fogust" fog banks that cover the west coast of the island when the summer highs settle in.

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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LCBrandt
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That's going to be a great trip. But the fog can be there well in advance of August, so be sharp on radar.

Wish we were along as well.

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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deising
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Wishing you a great cruise, HowLin!

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

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HowLin
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Thanks Duane; Larry.
Yep, radar is checked and working; chart plotter, backup laptop with nav and of course paper charts and sounder. Made two passages last of year of about 50nm in 1/4 to 1/8 mile vis. around Cape Caution - love the radar, plotter with AIS combo!!
West coast passages not unusual to you either Larry, I'm sure.

Will post a summary with a few pics later.

Howard

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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HowLin
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Posts: 355

Finally got around to blogging about last summers' trip around Vancouver Island.
If you like, the blog can be followed here: [url]http://sv-silhouette.blogspot.ca/2013_06_01_archive.html[/url]

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

BudStreet
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Posts: 1127

Great pictures and story Howard, such a beautiful part of the country out there.

greigwill
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Posts: 174

Nice Blog Howard! This is a trip i would like to do one day.Nice to see you were'nt shy about showing your grounding.Have a great trip!

"Sailing Still" 1990 C36 M25 wing
 Sail Canada/Transport Canada training
Gibsons Harbour BC
www.landsendbc.ca

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HowLin
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Ha, thanks Greig;
I've been sailing the north coast since the early 80's - I'm not afraid to admit I've touched my keel a few times: Alaska, Haida Gwai, etc. Some of the waters weren't charted too well; some of the times the captain was a little too adventurous ;) Never enough to do any serious damage though...

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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deising
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Posts: 1351

Very beautiful. Must admit that your scenery beats ours by a mile. My admiral would take one look at having to wear jackets and say no way. If she can't cruise in a bathing suit, she's not that interested.

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

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LCBrandt
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Nice! And great photos: the orcas, the spirit bear, and the eagle pulling a fish out of the salt chuck…super!

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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HowLin
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Posts: 355

Thanks for the comments. Great memories of last summer...

Now we have a winter trip planned to Mexico (Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido), then, when I get home late February will begin planning for next summer's cruise - north as far as Klemtu on the central BC coast.
Boat's been put away though for a few months; not going out again until March...

---- Howard & Linda Matwick ----

--- S/V "Silhouette" - Nanaimo, BC ----

--- 1999  C36 MkII  #1776 M35BC ---

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