S/V INTREPID II - Cape Dory Intrepid 40

My photo
Intrepid II is a Cape Dory Intrepid 40 sailboat, hull #2, designed by Chuck Paine and discovered by the Captain in Blue Hill Maine in 2006. The crew are Kelly (Captain) and Carol (Admiral and Blogger). In 2009 INTREPID II embarked on her West Coast journey from Victoria to San Francisco, the Baja Sur Peninsula and into the Sea of Cortez. In 2010/2011, we sailed from Guaymas, south to Bahia Banderas and back. In 2011/2012 we left Guaymas, headed south to La Paz, spent three weeks at anchor on our northward journey and rested on the hard in San Carlos. Her 4th, 5th and 6th seasons were Boat Projects related. Season 7 - an incredible amount of boat work - but no cruising. Season 8 - Tropical Storm Sergio toppled Intrepid II in San Carlos dry storage. A disappointing season of serious and costly repairs. Season 9 - continuing those repairs and still hopeful for cruising.

March 9, 2010

Isla San Francisco - Mar. 1- a very long day!

Our forecast was for NW - N winds in the 15 - 20 knot range, which we knew INTREPID II could handle very well, so Snow Goose and INTREPID II headed out at 09:30.  There was a small glitch with the windlass and then we moved out into the channel.  The pleasant parts - a ray or skate jumping out of the water, clear sunny skies, and wind.  The less fun parts - the wind was much stronger than forecast, we were heeled far more than the Admiral likes for her vertigo and it was a beat for almost 6 hours, not 4, to cover the 21 nm to Isla San Francisco. Snow Goose had her main up and pointed higher, we had our jib out - easier to control from the cockpit.  At times we were making 6 - 7 knots, at times we were being pushed south by current and 3 - 4 foot waves - not quite 'bufalos" but close.  This became a motor sailing journey to keep making headway and at long last about 3 nm away, the dolphins Keetya I had radioed us about came for a welcome visit to take our minds off the pounding. 

Snow Goose anchored about 14:00 and we got in just before 15:00 to a very welcome anchorage - the one we'd popped into a few weeks ago to check out.  A 'cactus party' was being planned by a few cruisers - a beach party we assumed, but we decided we had earned a rest and wouldn't put the dinghy and outboard in the water until the next day.  That night was rolly but we were tired sailors and slept fairly well.
SVs Snow Goose and INTREPID II anchored in Isla San Francisco
Time to explore the isla
Next morning it was time to see the sites.  We made an early trip ashore to check out the salt flats, walk along the fine sand dunes towards the south ridge and find the 'path' that led to the ridge to take those necessary pictures of one's boat at anchor from a high vantage point.  We had a great morning, meeting folks along the way and spending time on the east beach  - more surf, "chattering" rocks, shells and oyster catchers for our amusement.  A wonderful anchorage which we thoroughly enjoyed.  

Oyster catcher patrolling the beach

Rob and Kim of Keetya I with Kelly - we meet up at last