14th August 2010 - Report from Prince William Sound
We had a few days in Seward before the second group of guests arrived, this time five young ladies all in their twenties. We left from Seward after they had a beautiful sunny day and visits to the Sealife Museum, which is extremely well done and a great education of the wildlife in Alaska.
On our first day out of Seward we encountered a pod of humpback whales doing their bubble feeding which we got to witness at real close quarters.
Whales Bubblefeeding
Later we saw orcas, a bear, sea otters (always a favourite) as well as catching shrimp, a salmon and a 27lb halibut – all of this in one day! The only thing we didn’t see that day was the sunshine!
In fact as good as the weather had been for our first trip it was equally as bad for the second. We had a float plane scheduled to meet us at a prearranged anchorage as one of the girls had to go home early, but we had to cancel this flight due to the rain and fog. Instead we diverted to Whittier to drop her off so that she could travel back to Anchorage by road. After that we continued on our voyage up to College Arm where we saw hundreds of sea otters and lots of good glaciers.
Glacier
Each day we were catching large shrimp in the pots that we put down in 500 feet of water. We usually drop the pots outside of wherever we anchor for the night and then pick them up again on the way out the following morning. We pull traps back onboard using a halyard from the top of the main mast so it is quite an operation each day. Occasionally all we got were star fish but usually there were shrimp, so we had some good feeds off our catch.
Salmon are still proving elusive but we do catch the odd one here and there and Penny does them justice in the galley.
We visited a fish hatchery at St Elias Island, which gave a good insight into how the whole salmon business works and it was very interesting. We stopped off at an oyster farm and got enough oysters for a good feed then down to Jackpot Bay where we saw quite a few bears and had fun following the salmon up the rivers.
Columbia Glacier was a big hit with lots of large icebergs floating around and that gave the girls an opportunity to don the survival suits for a photo shoot standing on one of them.
Girls on Ice
Time was running out very fast and we had a mad rush at the end as again the weather ruled out any flights out of Valdez. We only just made it in time for the girls to jump on a ferry back to Whittier and then they were driven into Anchorage for their flight home on July 31st.
Timoneer continued on to Cordova the following day with a few brief stops along the way. The highlight was Beartrap Bay where true to it’s name we saw a lot of brown bears feeding on salmon in the stream. Cordova was a welcome brief break and then straight down to Yakutat where we broke the journey to Sitka.
Our arrival in Sitka produced the usual interest that we get up here in Alaska and the locals are very friendly. We have there for a couple of days and then travelled south of Baronof Island headed to Juneau where we stopped off overnight at the Warm Springs – fantastic! Next day on our way again we had some of the best whale viewing ever. Humpbacks bubble feeding literally about 20feet from the boat!
Goodbye whales at close quarters
We sat with them for over an hour and then continued on our way with a small diversion to catch two silver salmon to keep the larder stocked.
We pick up the next guests on the 16th. More to follow after that trip so stay tuned!
Goodbye
20 July 2010 - Report from Alaska
Mrs G and friends, all octogenarians, arrived in Homer on the 9th July. Homer is a quaint little town on the Kenai Peninsula just south of Anchorage and is famous for it’s halibut fishing as well as salmon.
We left Homer next morning and headed across Kachemak Bay to Halibut Cove for a day before doing a night crossing to Hallo Bay on the Alaskan Peninsula to the west of Kodiak Island. Our following wind for the passage was not good for anchoring in Hallo, so we anchored in Kukak Bay with lots of protection and this is where we saw our first bears. This vast area is totally pristine with no one living there and lots of wildlife. We moved to Hidden Harbor further south which is really spectacular with a narrow passage (60 feet wide) to get in between high rock cliffs and swirling current. More bears at close quarters seen from the dinghy.
Geographic Bay, the next inlet down the coast gave us our best bear viewing yet, with over 30 bears in one day. We got very close with the dinghy to mothers with cubs digging for clams on the beach and we all took great photos. What a paradise!
The weather continued fine with sunshine and blue skies but right on cue the wind kicked in for a cracking sail across Shelikof Strait to Kodiak 30 miles away. We passed through Whale Passage with an 8 knot current behind us and saw several whales as well as a pod of Orcas on the other side which put on a show for us.
After a day in Kodiak town with still amazingly good weather we headed off for another overnighter to the Kenai Fjord National Park. This is a spectacular area on the east side of the Kenai Peninsula with snow capped mountains and rugged scenery. We stopped at most of the glaciers and even spent a night anchored a ¼ mile off Aialik Glacier, which is over a mile wide. The glacier put on a great show for us with huge lumps calving off and crashing into the sea.
The fishing also proved successful with a 110 pound (50kgs) halibut being caught from the stern of Timoneer.
Salmon has not been so successful as yet but we did catch two, one getting away at the last minute. The season is just starting so we are optimistic for future catches.
The weather finally broke on the last day but we were rewarded with a spectacular whale performance at the mouth of Resurrection Bay. The humpback whale was in a playful mood with lots of breaching and “finning” very close to Timoneer. Again lots of photos and video taken.
We are now in Seward and the guests have flown home. The next team arrives on Thursday and we will take off to cruise Prince William Sound.
All in all it was a fantastic trip with great weather, enjoyed by all.
Tuesday, 29 June 2010- Day 7 Homer is in sightNoon Position - 59deg 33N 151deg 30 W
Course - / Speed - 0 Knots / Day's Run - 210 Miles
Weather - Partly cloudy
Wind - 2 knots from W
Today's News
The last 24 hours of our trip was on calm seas and the sun shining. We had several whale sightings and Dall's dolphins. It is hard to believe we could go over 1800miles and not catch a fish but we achieved it. Now we are drifting about 3 miles from Homer enjoying visits from Sea Otters. We have to have a pilot on boardto go into Homer and although we booked one for midday, they decided 430pm was a better time for them. So now we just have to drift for 5 hours as we are not allowed to anchor without a pilot either. We can't even fish as we don't have Alaskan fishing licenses. At least the mountains are out and we are surrounded by snowy peaks and stunning scenery. Time for a wash down.
We are back to internet and cell phone coverage.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Monday, 28 June 2010 - Day 6 San Fran to HomerNoon Position -
Course - 310 Degrees / Speed - 9 Knots / Day's Run - 284 Miles
Weather - Sunny with cloud building
Wind - 8 knots from SW
Today's News
After lunch yesterday the sun came out and we have had glorious conditions since. We still have had no luck with the fishing but have had 3 whale sightings all from a distance though. We were very surprised to seals so far off the coast. They just stick their head up and watch us go by. We have also spotted Puffins trying to fly away from us. They take a bit to get out of the water. With just over 200 miles to go we have slowed down to try and catch a fish and also to arrive on a rising tide. We plan to be on the dock soon after midday tomorrow.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Sunday, 27 June 2010 - Day 5 San Fran to HomerNoon Position - 54deg 11N 41deg 34W
Course - 311 Degrees / Speed - 12 Knots / Day's Run - 280 Miles
Weather - Overcast with showers
Wind - 17 knots from ENE
Today's News
As you would imagine, sailing through a low pressure system would be wet, windy and rough, and it was but we had some great sailing with a top speed of 14.4 knots. The last 6 hours going across the center of the system has been very rolly with not enough wind to keep the sails full. Now we are getting in to easterly winds and have less than 500 miles to go and most of it in a NW direction. Conditions have not been conducive to whale spotting or fishing but we hope that will change as the weather improves for the final stretch.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Saturday, 26 June 2010 - Day 4 San Fran to HomerNoon Position - 50deg 03N 137deg 47W
Course - 334 Degrees / Speed - 12.5 Knots / Day's Run - 288 Miles
Weather - Partly cloudy with moderate seas
Wind - 20 knots from WSW
Today's News
The sun came out this morning after 2 grey foggy days. Still no success on the fishing front as I think we may be going a bit fast. Everyone is enjoying how comfortably we are knocking off the miles. The seas are picking up a bit today as we head into a low pressure system. We managed to time it just right so as to get get favorable winds from the low. The sea and air temperature have both plummeted to around 50 degrees (10 Celsius ) and we are enjoying the luxury of an inside helm.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Friday, 25 June 2010 - Day 3 San Fran to HomerNoon Position - 45deg 47N 134deg 23W
Course - 331 Degrees / Speed - 12.5 Knots / Day's Run - 262 Miles
Weather - Overcast but pleasant
Wind - 11 knots from SW
Today's News
The fog stayed with us until early evening yesterday which made for a very dull day. The sea has been fairly flat and we are making good progress motor sailing. The days are getting longer and the sun is setting about 30 minutes later each day. Well, at least it would be if we could see it. This morning has been much brighter but still overcast and we are starting to see marine life. So far today we have seen 3 groups of dolphins and they have been too busy hunting to bother coming over to play with us. Now that we know there are fish in this sea we are hoping they might start biting. We have also had 2 whale sightings this morning. The first was over a mile away but the 2nd, a Humpback, was only 200 yards off our bow before finally lifting its tail and diving. At the moment we have the genoa out and 2 reefs in the main and are cruising along at a very comfortable 12.5 knots. Long may it last.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Wednesday, 23 June 2010 - Day 1 down. San Fran to Homer, AlaskaNoon Position - 38deg N 127deg W
Course - 315 Degrees / Speed - 10.5 Knots / Day's Run - 255 Miles
Weather - Grey with very low cloud
Wind - 8 knots from NNW
Today's News
After a very bumpy evening yesterday, conditions have been getting better. We have managed to keep motor sailing at 10 knots or more so are making good progress. As of yet the conditions have not been conducive to spotting marine life. As today goes on we will be getting lighter winds and the seas should flatten for whale spotting and hopefully some fishing.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Tuesday, 22 June 2010 - Timoneer is underwayNoon Position - 37deg 47N 122deg 36W
Course - 288 Degrees / Speed - 10 Knots / Day's Run - 7 Miles
Weather - Low cloud and very grey
Wind - 3 knots from S
Today's News
We spent last night on anchor off Sausalito. We left the anchorage about 11am and headed on out under a cloud covered Golden Gate bridge. At the moment the conditions are much more pleasant than forecasted so we will enjoy it while it lasts. The trip to Homer, Alaska, is about 2,200 nm and if we can maintain 10 knots of speed should take around 9 days.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Thursday, 10 June 2010 - Timoneer is in San FranciscoNoon Position - 37deg 51N 122deg 28W
Speed - 0 Knots / Day's Run - 165 Miles
Weather - Sunny and cool
Wind - 7 knots from S
Today's News
Yesterday afternoon was a slow slog with wind up to 40 knots on the bow and rough seas. Things calmed down early evening and then picked up again around midnight making for another bumpy night at sea. We saw a few whales blow at a distance but no other sightings.
This morning in big seas we headed into San Francisco with the sun behind Golden Gate bridge. Through the Gate we headed north and dropped the anchor off Sausalito Point about 7.45am, until our berth is ready at Pier 40.
We will be in San Fran for 10 days before heading to Alaska.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Wednesday, 09 June 2010 - Day 2 S.D. to San FranciscoNoon Position - 35deg 27 N 121deg 05 W
Course - 322 Degrees / Speed - 9.5 Knots / Day's Run - 238 Miles
Weather - Sunny and chilly
Wind - 20 knots from WNW
Today's News
Yesterday afternoon we spotted our first whale. After looking through the whale identifying books we were very excited to find it was a Blue whale. Later in the afternoon we saw common dolphins and more whales but could not identify them. Once we were out of the lee of the Santa Catalina Islands the night turned a bit bumpy and not a great deal of sleep was had.
Today has been more pleasant once we got clear of Point Conception and all the oil rigs in that area. This morning we have seen Humpback whales and Northern Right Whale dolphins, a small dolphin with no dorsal fin. We are following the mountainous coast up trying to stay away from the stronger winds and bigger seas further out. If we can keep up this pace we should be in San Fran just after dawn tomorrow.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Tuesday, 08 June 2010 - Timoneer has left San Diego for San FranciscoNoon Position - 32deg 49 N 117deg 40W
Course - 301 Degrees / Speed - 11.5 Knots / Day's Run - 27 Miles
Weather - Overcast and chilly
Wind - 9 knots from SSW
Today's News
We left Kona Kai Marina at 0830 and passed a submarine in the channel. Once out of the channel we slowed down to put all the battens back in the main as all the sails have been away at the loft for servicing. It took us about an hour to complete this task. A large group of dolphins came and checked us out and then took off chasing the submarine we had seen earlier. Now we are heading towards the Santa Catalina Islands off Los Angeles. It is about 440miles to San Francisco and should take us about 48 hrs with the weather ahead of us.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Wednesday, 14 April 2010 - San DiegoNoon Position - 32deg 27 N 117deg 19 W
Course - 023 Degrees / Speed - 11.4 Knots / Day's Run -236 Miles
Weather - Sunny and slight sea
Wind - 5 kts from S
Today's News
The last 24 hours has gone well and we have made great progress. We are now only 12 miles from the entrance of San Diego Harbour. The last 3 hours we have been seeing a lot of Resso Dolphins which have a very high fin like an Orca but only 15 feet long and white or grey. We have also seen seals as we passed Coronado islands. Now it's time to get ready to enter the US.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Tuesday, 13 April 2010 - Day 3 Cabo to San Diego Noon Position - 28deg 42N 116deg 07W
Course - 311 Degrees / Speed - 9.8 Knots / Day's Run - 220 Miles
Weather - Sunny, cool and rough
Wind - 17 kts from N
Today's News
The last 24 hours have been wet and wild. We are starting to wonder if we are on a submarine or a yacht. It has been a slow bumpy ride but we are still making progress and hopeful of arriving in San Diego tomorrow afternoon/ evening.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Monday, 12 April 2010 - Day 2 Cabo to San Diego Noon Position -25deg 48 N 113deg 27 W
Course -321 Degrees / Speed - 9.1 Knots / Day's Run - 265 Miles
Weather - Mostly cloudy with messy seas
Wind - 18 kts from NNW
Today's News
Yesterday afternoon the sushi was provided in the form of 2 yellow fin tuna, one 12lb and one 18lb. We caught these while going through a huge group of spinner dolphins. After dinner we were once again surrounded by spinner dolphins and the line went again. This time it was a 28lb yellow fin. We now have enough tuna in the freezer to last quite a while.
After dark last night the wind picked up a bit and so did the waves. This morning is even worse but we are still managing 9 kts most of the time. If we can keep up this pace we should arrive in San Diego Wednesday afternoon.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Sunday, 11 April 2010 - Day 1 Cabo San Lucas to San Diego Noon Position - 23deg 00N 110deg 11 W
Course - 309 Degrees / Speed - 10 Knots / Day's Run - 23 Miles
Weather - Sunny and moderate seas
Wind - 10kts from N
Today's News
We headed off this morning with enough fuel now to motor all the way to San Diego. The forecast is for 20 kts of wind on the nose most of the way and 6-10 foot seas. This part of the trip is not going to be as pleasant as the rest so far. We have the fishing lines out and are hoping for some sushi. We have yet to catch a good tuna. We just had our first whale sighting as it dived. Hopefully we will see plenty more.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Saturday, 10 April 2010 - In Cabo San Lucas We arrived safely in Cabo just after midnight and anchored in the bay. Today we came in for fuel and clearing customs. We are tied up on the dock until tomorrow when we will head off for the last 740 miles to San Diego. Everybody is enjoying stretching their legs this afternoon.
"JC" John Cornish
Yacht Timoneer
Ph +1 410 733 6180
Friday, 09 April 2010 Noon Position - 21deg 31N 108deg 01 W
Course - 309 Degrees / Speed - 10.4 Knots / Day's Run -260 Miles
Weather - Overcast and 10 foot swells
Wind - 5 knots from the NW
Today's News
It has been another uneventful 24 hrs. Still no fish and very little wind. We have 0.5 knot current against us. The water temperature is dropping and so is the air. Everyone is digging deep in there draws to find long sleeves. It has been a long time since we last needed them.
Due to the lack of wind so far we will be stopping in Cabo San Lucas to take on some more fuel to get us to San Diego. We will get there early tomorrow morning.
JC
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