Cruising Forums

EdHand · 03-01-2010, 01:34 AM

Hi all, just found this forum. My wife and I purchased a 10.5 meter (34 feet plus) Beneteau Idylle a couple years ago. I am entirely self taught, my wife took one of the ASA 101 classes several years ago. We are definitely still working on learning the finer points, especially when it comes to sail trim. Our longest trip so far was a ten day trip from Juneau to Glacier Bay last summer. It was a great trip, though surprisingly warm.

Nausikaa · 03-01-2010, 04:58 AM

Welcome to our friendly, cruising community.

There's beer in the fridge, and steaks on the BBQ! Pull up a pew and tell us all about your experiences, hopes and cruising aspirations.

// Stephen

Lighthouse · 03-01-2010, 07:16 AM

Welcome aboard - good to have you here.

Boomerang · 03-01-2010, 04:12 PM

Welcome, Ed. There are many cruisers here from that area, and we are looking forward to your contributions.

Best,

C

redbopeep · 03-01-2010, 08:48 PM

Welcome! What lovely local waters you have

Looking forward to hearing about your experiences there.

Fair winds,

Livia · 03-02-2010, 01:31 AM

We are getting a late start this summer (mid-June) so I don't know if we'll make it to Glacier Bay but I really want to. It looks amazing. Did you post pics anywhere you might share?

EdHand · 03-02-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livia

We are getting a late start this summer (mid-June) so I don't know if we'll make it to Glacier Bay but I really want to. It looks amazing. Did you post pics anywhere you might share?

Thanks all for the welcome. I did of course post a few photos from the trip for our famillies back east. They can be found here...

http://cid-27996034482d4a7d.skydrive.live....20Glacier%20Bay

We only went about half way up Glacier Bay and did not get into any icey waters. If you are anywhere in the area it is definitely worth the trip; though you do need to request entrance well in advance. Despite all the things we read about the potential for crowds at some of the anchorages it really wasn't that bad. In fact, except for the two nights we spent at Bartlett Cove, we spent the nights inside the park bounday anchored by ourselves.

Definitely pay attention to the tides though, you really don't want to be trying to go against the tide through the Sitakayday Narrows. Also, make sure your depth sounder is functioning well and turn on a warning when approaching the ends of inlets and arms. The charts are, in some cases, waaaaay off due to the silt buildup.

We saw quite a variety of creatures, but the one thing we never did see was a bear. We saw evidence of them, but they stayed well hidden. The breaching whales though... that is always fun to see. I just need to get better and faster with the long lens.

Ed

ps. Just read the story on the boat name, that is great! The route looks fun as well, so how did you grade the palm tree?