First long sail after launch, Mahone Harbour to Stonehurst.

Elvee From Video

 

Nov 9, 2017

In earlier OnBoards we covered the building of the Cape Henry 21 Elvee by Keith Nelder in his Martins River boat shop and her subsequent completion and launch by owners Anne and Ryerson Clark. The Clarks have been busy with fitting out details but have still managed a few cruises in their new boat. Here is Ryerson’s description of their first long sail accompanied by a nice video to put you in the mood for small boat sailing.

“Mahone Harbour to Stonehurst out on the coast is about 17 kilometers as the crow flies, but being sailors, we know we seldom go in a straight line.

Elvee 1

The day is perfect for this sail with our friends Shane and Jaye-Marie. Light north wind to start that carries us out the harbour into the bay and almost to Covey Island before dying completely. We motor along in bright sunshine for around 20 minutes until the south sea breeze fills in. Soon time for snacks and food is passed around and enjoyed by everyone. Sea birds and seals keep things interesting and we watch for “Hilton” the Great White shark that has been tracked into the bay.

Elvee 2As we beat out into the more open sea we rise to the gentle 2-foot swells and before long the usual sea breeze builds to about 10-11 knots, right from our destination direction. We enjoy the sail but soon heave to and tie in the first reef in the main. Elvee is a very gentle boat when hove to and minds her manners. Even with the reefed main we still maintained 4.5 knots as before but now there was less strain on gear and bashing around.

Elvee 3

From here it is tack on tack, going very well and avoiding the shoals in closer to the Stonehurst side of the bay. We line up with the green buoys marking the narrow channel into Howard and Donna’s place and have a quick reach in past very close rocks on either side, but deep water under our keel. We lower sail and moor under motor. Howard came along side and ferried us all ashore.” Ryerson Clark

Video: https://vimeo.com/229386682
Photo Credits: Ryerson Clark

Related Articles

Swiftsure 70

Swiftsure Marks 70

With its 70th edition this May, the Swiftsure International Yacht Regatta is the longest running cross-border race on the West Coast, and the Pacific Northwest’s premiere challenge of sailing skill, endurance, strategy…and luck.

The race began in 1930 as a weekend challenge among three Northwest yacht clubs – Seattle, Royal Vancouver and Royal Victoria – and is now a week-long sailing celebration in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, hosted by Royal Vic. Organizers hope for a record turnout of competitors on three major courses – Swiftsure Lightship, Cape Flattery and Juan de Fuca – and are staging a variety of public events in the Inner Harbour.

Video Gallery

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Throw away the box, this is some fresh thinking

Seemingly part sailboat and part spaceship, the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 just busted through the boundaries of traditional yacht design. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bubble hardtop that met me at the dock and I stepped aboard with trepidation. A few hours later, I was planning how to spend my not-yet-won lottery winnings.

Read More

Destinations

Paving the Way to Cleaner Boating – How a Commitment to Reducing our Environmental Impact is Inspiring Cleaner Boating in Ontario

By Dave Rozycki

Over the past seven decades, Ontario’s marina industry has developed alongside some of Canada’s largest freshwater lakes. Boaters have been able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories on the water, with certain marinas dating back to the 1960s. As we reflect on this rich history, we can begin to see trends in how our footprint may have had an effect on the environment, in not-so-positive ways. However, by embracing innovative solutions and adopting sustainable practices, both marinas and boaters hold the key to preserving and enhancing the quality of our lakes and marine life for generations to come.

Read More

Lifestyle