Fall Cruising in Puget Sound
November is a lovely time for a cruise in San Francisco Bay — in fact, check Wednesday’s ‘Lectronic for this writer’s report on this weekend’s mini-cruise to Oakland — but sailors in the Pacific Northwest usually hang up their sea boots in early October. Not Marlene Bellman and Alberto Napuli. This rugged couple get out sailing on their Catalina 42 Mk 1 Desert Sage as often as possible, taking their four-year-old daughter Anna along for the ride.
Late last week, Marlene and Alberto sent in a report as they were sailing south from their homebase in Seattle. "It was a little rough the day we left, with 15-20 knots from behind as we headed to South Puget Sound," reports Marlene. "But today [Friday] is sunny and calm.
"We were in Colvos Passage, between Vashon Island and the mainland, when Anna and I played ‘Riding the Dragon’. This is a game where we sit in the dinghy on the bow, which acts as the saddle. Anna uses the dinghy painter as the reins. The foresail is a wing. I just love a four-year-old’s perspective!"
This is a great reminder that anyone in milder climates can set off on a fun and memorable family adventure no matter the time of year. Keep an eye on the weather for a sizable break and be flexible. Those can often be the most precious times in your life.
