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Adventures in Glacier Bay

Tim Sell’s Lucky Star anchored in an idyllic cove in Glacier Bay.

© 2008 Tim Sell

Last spring, longtime Sausalito diver Tim Sell sailed his Brent Swain 36 Lucky Star to Juneau, Alaska, spending the summer exploring the area and the winter trying to stay warm. While that’s easier said than done in a steel boat, Sell and his faithful pup Jack made it through, eager to continue their explorations. On the schedule for this spring was famed Glacier Bay.

Jack had a great time guarding Lucky Star from marauding moose.

© 2008 Tim Sell

"We left Juneau on May 20 as a permit isn’t needed to enter Glacier Bay National Park before June 1. My crew for the trip were Shelagh More, Leslie Vianne, and Jack, of course. The day was bright and sunny when we left Juneau — and stayed that way for most of the trip, something that’s unheard of in Southeast Alaska — and the humpbacks went off like fireworks.

Leslie and Shelagh usually kept a sharp eye out for icebergs – except when someone said “Cheese!”

© 2008 Tim Sell

"As we entered Bartlett Cove, the ranger station advised us to stay in the center of the channel to avoid the feeding whales. At the dock we had the pleasure of meeting David Brewster who had just solo paddled his kayak from Juneau. He looked a little ragged so I invited him to join us for a ride up the west arm. We made it as far as John Hopkins Inlet before the ice became so thick we had to stop. We sat there in the sunshine, ate lunch, and then enjoyed a leisurely sail through the bergie bits all the way to North Sandy Cove. It was a wonderful 10 day trip, and we plan to do the east arm in the fall.

Shelagh and Dave were only chased by bears once while out paddling.

© 2008 Tim Sell

"We said goodbye to part of our crew in Bartlett Bay and headed back to Juneau. On our way in, the humpbacks welcomed us home with another show! As you pull into this first rate marina in downtown Juneau, you notice that many of the slips are empty. The city recently raised their rates and many fishermen moved to a cheaper marina. I pay $130 per month."

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Little Wing sailing off St. Barth on New Year’s Day ’04. Has any Bob Perry designed boat sailed as fast as this 52-footer with a complete cruising interior?