What's the Irreantum? The boat we owned. I know it's a strange name. It comes from the Book of Mormon (yes I'm LDS) and it means "many waters". I named it that because I hoped to sail many waters. But I digress. I just wanted to explain the name.
I sold the boat on ebay. It's a great little boat, but it didn't sell for much. I think the fact that it didn't come with a trailer, and has the fixed keel scared a lot of people off. I think the new owner will be very pleased with her.
AFter cleaning her out, I decided I had, ahem, better take her out for one last shakedown cruise to make sure everything was okay right? And besides, it was my birthday on Wednesday; what better present to sailor than to go sailing. So....
I took the afternoon off. The weather had been mixed all morning with scattered sunshine, clouds and even some rain. I expected to get rained on so I dressed dry and warm, taking my s
tocking hat instead of my aussie hat (such a mistake). The wind was also quite calm, and I anticipated drifting and bobbing around for a while and then just coming in.
It only took me a bit to get things ready and off I went. This was the first time I'd taken her out of the slip by myself, but with the winds calm, and the currents light, it went really well. I decided to motor out of the harbor and then to set the sails and see what came.
(photo1 - Looking back at Gig Harbor)I motored out, put up the sails and drifted for a while, but I was in no hurry. It gave me time to think and to enjoy. The sky cleared and the sun stayed out, and after about 30 minutes, the wind started sputtering and coughing and I was able to start moving about.
I had left just before high tide so the currents were heading south. I decided to head that way as well and then use the returning currents to help me on my way back. As I headed towards the bridge, the winds picked up and I had some nice spot
s of sailing. I also had some visitors. Several seals were bobbing around and swimming in my direction. In fact, I have never noticed seals swimming along the surface. Usually they just look around and then disappear. A couple of them even barked and that was unusual in my experience as well. In the lame picture, I circled the head of one of the swimming seals. I was sailing closer to get a better picture and he dived.
(photo2 - Friendly seals)
With better winds I made it to a point where I could see the Tacoma Narrows bridge. The winds were light again and the current was changing so I started north. It is so amazing to see the land sweeping by when you think you aren't moving (at least from the wind). Tides and their affects never cease to amaze me.
A tug was coming up from the south pulling a large barge with a crane on top. I
wasn't really moving much, and I wasn't sure how to let him know my intentions. Technically, I have the right of way, but as a rule, I like to give large ships a wide berth. I was also getting antsy because by this time the current at swept me north past the point and it was time to start heading towards the harbor. What to do what to do. At the last moment, a really nice wind drew up and blew out of the way toward the harbor. I think the tug was relieved because they immediately changed course to where I was (in his desired path past the point).
(photo3 - Point Defiance)
It was a beautiful fall day to have my final sail on the boat. I"m anxious for the buyer to pick it up so I can move on to the next phase of my sailing adventure.
Woody
I have had a request to post some pictures of what our little sailboat looked like. You'll notice that it is laid out like a daysailor, but remember that it is just under 20' long and has a fixed lead filled keel. It handles like a large boat, and stores like a large boat, but it has all the comforts and limitations of a small boat.
The cubby (covered area in the front) was very handy for stowing gear and whatnot. There is also room under the benches and in the stern. Even with all the room, it's amazing how small a boat can start to feel after 4 or 5 hours in it. Our trip to Blake Island was like that.
