An American Sailing Association Flotilla enjoyed Summer Sailstice with a weeklong journey! Starting on the Friday of Summer Sailstice weekend, ten sailboats and thirty-seven participants cruised from Bellingham, WA through the San Juan Islands to Victoria, British Columbia. They made plenty of stops among the island including visits to Friday Harbor, Victoria Harbor, Roche Harbor, Reid Harbor and Inati Bay.
It was smooth sailing for the group and according to Captain Roger Phillips, flotilla leader, they encountered almost no rain and solid winds nearly every day. They had a particularly good ride crossing the Haro Strait: northbound on a close reach and southbound running.
Wildlife provided additional entertainment on the trip; two boats spotted orca whales while crossing the Haro Strait and most saw bald eagles. Sounds like a wonderful way to enjoy the beautiful northwest wilderness. And of course, seals were there to provide additional companionship along the way:
The flotilla spent two nights in Victoria, BC at the foot of the Empress Hotel and Parliament Building where they also discovered breakfast was open to the public at the Parliament Building legislators’ dining hall. Good tip for future cruisers! Talented street musicians and an incredible unicycle juggler made for two great nights in Victoria. Sounds like a fantastic city to check out!
And of course, there was some good ol’ sailing silliness; dingy races with blindfolded rowers going in wrong directions and prizes to boot. They also enjoyed a potluck beach barbeque, which also included prizes for the best dish.
Overall, it sounds like the San Juan Islands Flotilla celebrated Summer Sailstice the right way – with great company, sightseeing, food, fun, and most importantly, sailing!