Jun 17, 2016 | Flotsam
We are now in an area of the Saint Lawrence where tides and currents will be a major factor. Each day we calculate times of high and low tides, and pick at least three possible locations to stop if and when needed including optimal anchorages.
Just to give you an example, we departed at 09:00 at the calculated high tide to give us the maximum push. We covered 39 nautical miles. Our usual travelling speed, sail and/or motor, depending on the wind conditions, is 6 knots. But because of that ‘push’ of the retreating tide water we travelled (actually surfed) at times 11 knots and arrived 1.5 hours in advance of our usual travelling time.
The force of the water is impressive.
…and even when very little wind exists the water swirls as if boiling.
We face 10′ – 11 ‘ rise in tidal waters now but will be dealing with a full moon soon.
Imagine that!
Jun 14, 2016 | Flotsam
We’ve reached an end point in our trip. Up to now we’ve retraced our steps from our trip last summer. Tonight our anchorage is Île aux Cochons exactly where we stopped before continuing on down the Richelieu River (story here).
Tomorrow will be new waters covered.
But this is about today, a very fine day spent sailing, and fishing…
…and inflating Ballon de Rouge.
She trailed very well motoring.
She trailed very well under sail.
Good night from the crew of R.E.D.
Jun 13, 2016 | Flotsam
Weather report – severe wind warning. What should we do?
Options:
1. Leave the Lachine Marina and anchor out somewhere on the Seaway.
2. Head out to clear the two locks then find a secure anchorage past Montreal.
3. Enjoy our morning coffee, review our anchoring options on the charts and discuss.
4. Have another morning coffee and discuss further.
See where this is going? By 10:30 listening to the winds buffeting R.E.D., straining the dock lines like a tethered bronco. Winds gusting 50 knots. Rain pelting. 11 ° C. Why don’t I cook us up a hearty breakfast, make another coffee and we stay one more day?…which is what we did.
The weather forecast for today wasn’t much better but we headed out anyway with a belly full of ‘hearty breakfast leftovers’ and freshly brewed coffee to go. It turned out to be a good idea. There were only two BFB’s to dodge (what we call Big Fleuvial Boats – I cleaned the term up a bit for you)
The winds were much less feisty than day two. Locking through Sainte-Catherine and Saint-Lambert was a breeze…east-bound 30 foot and 16 foot drop, respectively.
But oh was it was cold!
Monkey Socks, not just for safely storing scotch bottles.
We found a great little anchorage at Iles de Vercheres at the end of the day, threw together a supper feast…
and settled in for the night with a rainbow to the east…
and a sunset to the west…
Winds are still howling but the anchor is holding fast while R.E.D. does her dance,
