Halloween Cruise Report – October 29-31
The weather forecast showed the rain and wind ending on Friday morning with a promise of clear skies for the weekend. Jim and Dee Larsen (TYA), Bill and Cathy Velez (Karen Ann) and Jim Findley (Night Wind) arrived on Friday in a light breeze that was only sailed by Night Wind. The first night was an opportunity for getting reacquainted with old friends and sharing sailing stories. 
The forecast changed sometime in the night. The wind was gusting in the 15 to 20 knot range by 3 AM and the morning forecast now called for clear skies and breezy conditions (10 to 20 knots) for the remainder of the day Saturday. Debra Glasser (Liberte’) and crew arrived Saturday afternoon and reported that the winds were too high and in a bad direction for comfortable sailing.
Jim Findley took advantage of the windy marina by sailing his radio controlled model Laser sailboat as the winds whipped through the marina from the north. Dee Ann and Cathy worked on a jig saw puzzle that is a map of the San Juan Islands.
Two additional boats attempted the trip and turned back when they experienced mechanical issues. Yvonne Fish and her crew ended up anchoring at Gull Harbor near Burfoot Park where a friend met them with transmission fluid. Alan Hoffman also had engine trouble, and his boat was sailed back into the marina in the skillful hands of Meredith Anderson. Alan and his crew joined us by car. Loren Ferro also drove out to participate in the festivities.
The award for the best decorated boat went to Liberte’. Runner-up for best decorated boat was Night Wind, with a special commendation for the most creative use of pumpkins. 
Loren Ferro won for best costume and for best carved pumpkin. (I understand she shared one of her prizes with Meredith who was runner up in the pumpkin carving contest.) The trivia contest focused on place names in south Puget Sound. We had two winners who scored 100%: Jim Findley and Wendy Ekland.
~ Jim Larsen, Cruise Chair
Jarrell Cove Cruise – January 15-17
I was unable to make it to the cruise at Jarrell Cove, but Dave Brooks stepped up and provided the following roll-up of the weekend. Sounded like a great turnout even though activity might have been limited due to COVID restrictions. It’s good to see the club getting together out on the water despite all that is happening.
This is Dave’s take on the weekend:
I began the weekend leaving Swantown Marina at 5pm Friday with a planned over night anchor in Coon Cove on Squaxin Island. Woke up Saturday morning to a very clear but tranquil setting, then a thin layer of fog set in. By 11am we had weighed anchor and started motoring through Dana passage. The water was smooth with no wind in sight. As we entered into Case Inlet we enjoyed spotting porpoise rising and diving around the boat. By now the skies were clear, the sun was out, and we were rewarded with spectacular views of the Olympic mountains – but still no wind in sight.
When we pulled into the dock at Jarrell Cove State Park we were greeted by the captain and crew of the s/v Fairwind, Cabot and Kim and there four-legged crew member Minion. Also greeting us was the captain and crew of the yacht Soul Catcher, Barry and Gloria and Jim on s/v Nightwind. Soon to arrive was the s/v Noel, captained by Darris and Joleen. And later came the s/v Endurance skippered by Jim States. Along with Tami and I on Quest, we totaled six boats with crew representing South Sound Sailing Society. Saturday was a spectator day; the sun was out, and the skies were clear. A nice day to walk around the park, explore the shoreline and chat with other club members. Saturday night was quiet with each boat doing their own thing and hunkering down for a chilly night.
And then came Sunday. Sunday was raining when we left Jarrell Cove. As we motored out into Case Inlet the wind had picked up to 8-10 knots making the icy rain feel even colder as it pelted my storm jacket and gloves. The wind was, of course, blowing from the south; the direction we wanted to go. Needless to say, we didn’t feel like raising sails and beating into the wind so we motored back to Swantown to end a good wintertime weekend on the water.
~ Dave Brooks, s/v Quest
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