OF CHARTERING But like the weather, seeing them is an aspect of Puget Sound cruising which can't be guaranteed. We pulled into popular Roche Harbor in time to clear U.S. customs. A nononsense officer scrutinized our passports carefully and actually came aboard for a polite cursory inspection. As it was just a few days prior to the Fourth of July weekend, this immensely popular resort facility was decked out in red, white and blue bunting, from the docks to the rooftops. As welcoming as it was, however, we all agreed that we'd much prefer a quiet, isolated anchorage for our final night in this wondrous aquatic playground. A tiny, well-protected cove on the north side of Jones Island State Park would fill the bill nicely. We arrived well before sunset, set the hook, plus a line ashore, then were forced to finish off the last two bottles of Pinot with another
Dana, our star helmsman, was as happy as a neophyte sailor could be on this trip. The question now is, "Where to next?"
delicious dinner. The next day, as we wound our way through the verdant maze of the central San Juans we were all thoroughly relaxed and a bit reflective: Julie was ready and willing to keep cruising in-
definitely. Dana, our star helmsman, had learned to look for wind shifts on the water and play them to our best advantage. And Jenny had come to grips with the fact that the hardships Tania had been suffering would ultimately make her a stronger, more confident person. The irony of that book choice struck her yet again, though. Just as she read that Tania's hands had become "slabs of raw meat," Julie stretched out on the cockpit cushions and added a fresh coat of polish to her toenails. All in all, it was a "lovely cruise," as Jimmy Buffett would say. The only bummer was that it ended too soon — like all charter trips do. We'd loved every day of our little adventure, and every mile of the journey. And I'm certain that none of us would hesitate to return someday for a second look. — latitude/at
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Monohulls and Catamarans 33’ to 50’ BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
February, 2008 •
Latitude 38
• Page 173