Newport to San Francisco - What we need, when we need it!

There is a saying that the universe will provide what we need, when we need it.  The wind has been at our backs, as far as getting the boat in position and ready for our great family adventure!


Before we even left Nelson, things started falling into place, firstly Carrie got a locum to cover her practice for 4 months.  The Scotia bank in Nelson was a big help.  Our friend's Deb and Rob will take care of the house.  Todd and Tara will take care of Joanna (our "lake" boat).  Dr Murray agreed to cover Carrie's CoS job.  Dave (me) got a leave from work.  Seth, Sophie and Yael were all keen and excited. Finally, Robert will come join us as soon as he is finished his exams!

Oso Negro, our favorite local coffee company helped us select the best coffees blends and roasted up enough beans to keep us in delicous coffee for the trip!

After hectic weeks of pre-planning Carrie and made it down to the boat in Oregon.  Shipments of equipment and parts had all safely arrived in Newport, Oregon and our lovely boat, the Merry Dolphin was in good shape awaiting us.

Carrie and I cleaned, provisioned and packed furiously.  After I said bye, following a few very busy days, Carrie headed back to Nelson to take care of business at the home front while I stayed to work on the boat and sail her down to San Francisco where the family would ultimately join me.

One of the items on my work list was to get the ship's radio transceiver working.  I had googled HAM radio in Newport and found out there was a club.  I went to the meeting and some members told me about Joe.

They said Joe had had an operation and might not be able to help but I still called him and Joe said: "come on over."  Although Joe had found out, that day, he had cancer, he still wanted to help us, and what a wonderful help he was!  After he fixed the radio and taught me about operating it, he came down to the boat twice and shared stories of his sailing and offered lots of great suggestions.

Finding a weather window to sail from Oregon to California in March turned out to be more of challenge than I expected, but again, things worked out.  Our friend Dave showed up to crew the boat with me and fortunately a weather window appeared :)  Off we went

Leaving Newport

Dave at the Helm on the chilly March Coast

I was so happy Dave had made the effort to come to Oregon and help me sail, he always has so much to offer, he is a great sailor because he is always thinking.  

The the US west coast is challenging...there is nowhere to stop if things get nasty, as the harbours all close when the swell gets big because the entrances start to have waves breaking at the bar.  We had some strong winds, we had some light winds and with some motoring we made good time.  Thank you goodness for good friends, good luck, a good boat and my family to look forward to seeing,

Arriving in San Francisco just after night fall

Heading into the straight that goes under the gate we decided to drop the sail as the winds can be a bit confused there, so we did and motored along.  Just as we approached the bridge I heard the engine room door swing open.  I asked Dave, "Can you go shut that?"  He came up a bit wide eyed, "There is smoke coming out of the engine room!"  

I said, "Dave, can you take the wheel please?  I will go look."

I went down and it was steam, not smoke.  I cut the motor and said, "let's put the sail back up."

Dave asked, "Do you think we should notify the Coast Guard, not ask for help, but let them know our situation?" 

I said, "No Dave, we are on a sailboat, we don't need an engine, there is no problem yet." 

I went below, changed the alternator belt and added 4 L of coolant, came up and started the engine.  By that point Dave had already sailed under the bridge... not exactly what I had envisioned of sailing into San Francisco under the bridge, but it was an adventure, and we were learning every step of the way.

Beautiful Richmond Marina

Link to boat position:

http://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/MerryDolphin