Strong winds and a sail around Henry Island

May 18, 2021 – Winds were forecast to be sustained at 20 mph today so we left Friday Harbor cautiously with the mainsail at second reef. It turned out that winds were typically fluky and we interchanged from beam reach to wing on wing. Strong gusts followed by calm followed by strong gusts.

We heard that the T46B matriline of Biggs Orcas who were Westbound had stalled off Henry Island so we picked up speed to motor sail to Limestone Point. Close hauled on a strong ebb we had a fast sail down Spieden Channel. Cutting through Battleship Island and the orcas were still off Kellet Bluff.

Conditions became more challenging as wind hit current and we followed the Henry Island shoreline. A short hail storm and ice was landing on the boat. The orcas had now gained on us and were approaching the border so we circled Henry by way of Mosquito Pass. After the challenge of Kellet Bluff the downwind sail towards Roche Harbor was blissful.

We crossed to Spieden Island seeing bald eagles tucked into the ancient Gary Oaks and birds riding the backs of Mouflon sheep. Stellers sea lions were resting at the surface of Green Point. The wind in Spieden Channel had dropped considerably but by San Juan Channel picked up again for a fast sail home.