Sea Day 1

Sea Day 1 09/14/2016 Alameda, CA to Ayala Cove, Angel Island

Finally we left! We went from the slip to the gas dock. We fueled up, 10 gallons; picked up more oil absorbing pads; pumped out the holding tank and then left. We went out into the bay where I formerly drove the boat. Turning donuts in the water, 90* port, 90* starboard (simulating a tack or jibe). I sped up, slowed down, full stop, reversed. Tim and I practiced anchoring after we ran through the whole with without anchoring. That is motor into the wind, slow down, stop the boat, then reverse to set the anchor. We anchored for lunch. To our surprise, the windlass did not work under load and Tim had to haul the anchor up by hand. Thankfully he only paid out about 40 feet of chain rode and the anchor is a 35 pounder. I guess we will have to keep that in mind if we decide to anchor on this trip.

We motored from Ballena Bay to Ayala Cove on the north side of Angel Island. When we got there it was crazy-town! We circled around the mooring buoys to read them. Then we decided to dock at the 15 minutes dock to pay for the mooring. The waves and current made it so we couldn’t safely dock after a couple attempts on the 15 minutes unloading dock, so we chose another one to tie up to. The wind was blowing us onto the dock along with the current. We were pushed up hard onto the dock. I was concerned about our boat even though we had fenders out. We finished up the permit details and left the rough dock for find our mooring balls. We were very grateful for the happy hookers that allowed us to harpoon the ring on the mooring balls. This park requires bow and stern ties. We have been messing with them all evening. We are currently fighting some mosquitos that got in while we were watching the moon and cooking our salmon. There’s what appears to be a full moon this evening. 

I drove a lot today, just getting used to the boat and how she handles. The current, wave action and wind really made confused seas. Our boat handles very well. We are pleased. So I am very tired and heading to bed shortly after we settle on our leave plans for the morning.I feel accomplished having done all we did today. All is well.

​Lynette

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