The Shakedown Cruise

The Shakedown Cruise

This was to be our shakedown cruise where my Humans take me out to the water and tested all the systems; all the bells and whistles. We would see what works, what doesn’t; what breaks, what doesn’t; and very important, how we all communicate with each other. The shakedown cruise is not only a test of endurance, speed, and mechanics; but also a test of character, resolve and attitude. I believed we were ready.

My Humans had purchased me a year before and I had a major renovation, both interior and exterior.

If I was a human, this would be akin to ‘having work done’; and boy, did I have work done.

They pulled out my spine (mast), replaced all my nervous system (rod rigging to wire); converted me from DC lead batteries to lithium, and added solar arches and a cradle with a snazzy pully system for Enzo. They replaced my leaky hatches, made curtains, varnished my exposed wood, fixed my toilet (head), added new sails, installed a shiny new Maxwell Windlass coupled with an Ultra Anchor, upgraded every electronic system there was and added many ones that I have never had before. They gave me new lifelines, serviced my winches, rebuilt my transmission, painted my bottom, and lit me up like a Christmas tree. They had procured the best surgeons around and had worked diligently for the past many months.

It was like a grand wedding, that spared no expense.

When the shakedown cruise arrived, I felt like I was on a first date—and I was nervous.

Will they like me?

Will I like them?

Does my hair look all right?

Am I too fat for this dress?

After being stuck under the bridge for a few hours, we were on our way. It wasn’t far away—but it was away.

The sun broke through white clouds, while the water shimmered and danced around us. Dolphins tried to race us and birds tried to dive-bomb us.

We put up our Genoa, which is the sail that lives in the front of my bow. Once my Humans put the battens in my new mainsail, it too will be hoisted; but even though my Genoa is smaller than the Mainsail, we still caught over 6 knots in a very light breeze.

We were free!

As we were heading to our nights’ lodging, the radio crackled to life. Channel 16, and the US Coast Guard could be heard hailing; “All vessels, all vessels, all vessels in vicinity of Peugeot Sound.”

There had been a report of a plane crash and they were asking for information and assistance. As the afternoon progressed, more information was relayed.

It was sad news. An astronaut, from Apollo 8, was killed. His name was William Anders, and he was famous for taking the “Earthrise” photo in 1968, which shows the planet as a ‘shadowed blue marble from space’.

My Humans exchanged looks, bowing their heads in a moment of silence. Life can turn on a dime, as they say.

We made it to Cypress Island, and after a bit of challenge—we found ourselves securely tied to a FREE DNR (Department of Natural Resources) mooring ball—which I can only describe as being in a whirlpool washing machine. The ocean tides created a tidal flow that whooshed into the bay and just as quickly whooshed out. This sort of tide movement is a common occurrence in the Pacific Northwest, as there can be a 20-foot difference between high and low tide; and that is a lot of moving water.

The mooring ball kept banging into the side of me, and the Halyard line was whipping in the wind, hitting my mast. My male human would learn to locate that line differently in the future, but he had not learned it on our first night.

As I rocked in the waves, I gazed at the blanket of star-dotted sky. The island had once been a fishing hub for the Samish tribe. Like me, it had a different name then.  When Captain Vancouver came upon this little landmass in 1791, he thought the island was covered in Cypress Trees, and renamed her to reflect that. They are Juniper Trees, but Cypress has a nice ring to it.

The next morning, a Seattle boat arrived, and dropped his anchor straight down! No scope, no setting, no testing of the anchor. I knew right away, that would never work in this whirlpool and I was right. His anchor came loose and he drifted right into me. My male human was hot as a hornet, instructing Seattle on the necessity and etiquette of using a mooring ball. He hopped out to look me over, and I didn’t even have a scratch. Seattle found a ball to attach to.

We stayed here for three nights. My humans needed rest and respite.

On Day 4, we headed to Blind Bay, and it was Enzo’s turn to get his bottom wet.

And if you like this story, check out our entire circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.

Until Next Time……

Fear-Less/Adventure-More!

S/V Gypsea Explorer and her Humans: Heather & Chris

5 Shakedown Cruise Songs!

“Brand New Day”  Trevor Hall

 “Happy”  Pharrell

“Traveler”  Chris Stapleton

“How Bizarre”  OMC

“Today My Life Begins” Bruno Mars

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