On the 45-mile long Grenville Channel, it's all about the current. The flood current rolls in from both the south and north entrances, meeting "somewhere" in the middle. Likewise the ebb starts "somewhere" in the middle and moves out against both ends. It can reach 3 or 4 knots in the narrow sections, so finding that "somewhere in the middle" is critical to getting a boost, or a bust current. We have it marked at just about the entrance to Klewnuggit Inlet and by exiting Lowe at 5:30AM we made the best of both the ebb and the flood.
We came out the top of the Channel and Arthur Passage into open ocean expecting big swells. It was flat water with 5-10 knots of southeasterly wind. As always it's best to go when you can, and we should have, but opted instead to what we hoped was good wifi in Rupert. We arrived at the Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club at 1PM and tied up behind True North, the original Nordic Tugs 52. Later Miller Time, an Ocean Alexander 70, and Miss Ann Marie, a custom 78, tied up as Environment Canada warned us of another gale. We planned for at least two days in PR.
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| Flat seas greeted us upon exiting the Grenville Channel. |
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| A commercial crabber works the waters just outside Prince Rupert. |
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| We counted 11 ships waiting to load grain and minerals at the bulk loading facility on the way into Rupert Harbour. |
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| Prince Rupert is now accepting Far East shipments for rail transport directly into the US Midwest saving almost 3 days transit time, much to the detriment of the Ports of Seattle and Vancouver. |
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| The Canadian CG Gordon Reid spent most of the evening loading fuel just next to the PRRYC. |
On Tuesday Captain Jeff from True North came over and invited us to happy hour. He invited the crew from Debra Lynn as well. We enjoyed snacks and drinks. Then Captain "beam me up" Scotty from the Debra Lynn said his corned beef was almost done and he had enough for us all. It's great to be invited for drinks and yet not leave without dinner. We agreed to team up with True North for crossing the Dixon Entrance tomorrow.
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| The Admiral and Captain of Wild Blue aboard True North |
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| Homemade corned beef and cabbage form the yacht Debra Lynn. It's vegetarian corned beef....... |
We came for drinks and left with dinner!
Alex, Your repair comments on the impellar and after cooler are very helpful and will be tucked away.
ReplyDelete/wow/ I am 99% positive that 'Captain Jeff' of 'True north' is jeff smith from Vancouver wash.in 06 or 07 he wanted to buy Ina Marie, our Selene 4704 in the worst way but I could not get comfortable with taking his Carver in traede and he could not get comfortable with my offer to carry some credit for him as an alternative. He gave me a great tour of his company, Smith Root, and if you see him tell him I still wear my SR hat all the time..Do not know whether he still has a passion for Selenes. I crossed paths a couple of years back and I think he was driving something else. Anyway tell him Hello, if you see him again.Safe travels to both of you. Dave and Ginny Morthland, 'Ginny C' Selene 4025
Hi Dave and Ginny: Yes Jeff is from Vancouver, WA and sure likes his Nordic Tugs 52. It was originally built by the owner of Nordic Tugs for himself, so has some neat stuff inside. Seems like a very nice guy. He plans to take True North south to Portland. Hey maybe see you guys soon in AK. Have a nice cruise..... Alex
DeleteHi Dave,
DeleteYep, that was me that wanted to buy your Selene. In looking back I should have but fate had other ideas on my boating. The Nordic Tug may not be as pretty as the Selene but it is very seaworthy and comfortable.
We're back in PDX but will be making some summer shorties so perhaps we will see you and Genny on the water.
Jeff Smith
Oh by the way, thank you Alex for this great blog. I bookmarked it so I'll be checking in from time to time. Good seas!