Rendezvous at Marina Jechica

44 25.150 S, 073 51.588 W

This morning we were anchor up at 7:20 am and we thought we would have a long day motoring across Canal Moraleda. The winds were light as we left the anchorage but as we turned the corner to head into the canal, the winds jumps to 20-24 knots and from the south, southwest, just the direction we wanted to go. As the tide was flowing to the south we had wind over tide which caused the seas to be sloppy and choppy, 1 meter seas, 5 foot chop and wind waves. So we had to change our original plan to sail south-southwest to almost directly west to cross to the west side of the of the canal before turning south. It was nice to have the tide with us to push us along but it was a bumpy ride. When we had to turn south our speed over the ground went from 6 knots to 2-3 knots. When we turned west again the seas flattened and the winds decreased as we were behind some islands and our speed over the ground went to 8 knots. Unfortunately all of the bouncing around caused some junk in the fuel to get stirred around and we had to turn off the engine while Rich drained the gunk and water from the fuel filter and bleed any air out before we restarted the engine. Of course at this point I was trying to sail in 3 to 4 knots of wind. But, all turned out well and we made it safely to Marina Jechica.

We are here with Ned, Carol and Rachel of SV Frannie B, Don and Lauren of SV Limbo and Chris and Margie of SV Storm Bay of Hobart. The marina has not officially opened for the season so no restaurant but we were able to have a potluck anyway. It is good to see everyone and to exchange stories and information. We are all excited and anxious about heading south. Do we have enough food? Do we have enough fuel? Have you been watching the weather? Will it be clear or raining? Do you plan to stop at this or that anchorage? Universal cruiser conversation, the same around the world.

It is great to get together and share these experiences plus the safety of others going the same way. We have decided to stay here tonight and tomorrow night as we need a little rest from today and to do a few chores, including a little internet time.

We will let you know when we leave. We still have plenty of miles to go.

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