Stella Maris
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 1,500
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Helmsman PH38, 11' Boston Whaler, 9' Boston Whaler
- Vessel Name
- Destiny
It has been four weeks since we took delivery of Destiny. With her being pulled apart to install all of the Nav gear and stereo equipment, we had not yet taken her out for an overnight trip. This past weekend, we were finally able to make our first overnight voyage. While we did not go far, we did have obstacles most people would not want to encounter on their first voyage with their new boat.
The morning broke with a south wind blowing at 20 to 25 knots. This would make clearing the locks with a number of other boats interesting. And, then backing down into a slip once we reached our destination in these same winds would be interesting.
Once we cleared the docks at Waypoint Marine, we hurried as best we could as the lock was open and we hoped to make it. It was not to be though. We rounded the corner and saw that the lock was already full. We would have to stand off in the gusty winds and wait for the next locking. The lockmaster closed the upper gates, dropped the boats that were already loaded and then proceeded to refill the lock for our passage through. Once the lock lowered and re-filled, the gates opened and we were given the green light to proceeded in. We were the first vessel to load so we were directed to go into the very end. Once secure, a smaller vessel was secured to the starboard side of the lock opposite of Destiny. Then things started to look ugly. An elderly couple came into the lock in their 62 foot Connie Chris Craft. I was at the bow making sure all was secure when Maureen started to yell STOP!!!! I hurried back through the pilothouse to see what was going on. The Connie was quickly approaching our stern. The lady on the bow of the Connie was yelling REVERSE Bill, Reverse! Just as I thought they were going to hit, they came to a stop. Their bow hanging over our swim platform. The leading edge just inches from it. Slowly “Bill” backed the big Connie up. Our first disaster averted!
Once we cleared the locks, the cruise to Bell Harbor went uneventful. While we had stiff winds, the chop was relatively flat. We cruised past “Moore Manor” so Bruce could capture some pictures of Destiny on the water.
We entered Bell Harbor with Maureen at the upper helm while I was on deck ready to handle the lines. As we turned down the fairway to our slip, a gentleman on a 41’ Searay came out and offered his assistance. By now, I was on the swim platform to be Maureen’s eyes. I thanked him for his offer and said I thought we would be fine but it would be great if he could stand by just in case. I then added, “its our first time docking”… His eyes widen as he stood back.
Maureen proceeded down the fairway coming to a complete stop parallel to the slip. She then put the helm over hard to port (our slip was on the starboard side) and using the throttle, bumped Destiny forward. As she approached the vessels on the far side of the fairway she went into reverse. Destiny backed down at a 45-degree angle to our intended slip. Back into forward we went. This time as we came to a stop, Destiny was lined up for a straight shot into the slip. Back we went. When we got to within a foot of the dock, I simply stepped off with the stern line and walked beside Destiny as Maureen eased her in. At just the right moment, I gave Maureen the go ahead to give her a shot of forward to stop our momentum. She was now perfectly positioned in her slip. It now just a matter of securing all of the lines. The gentleman from the Searay just stood by looking at us with this very bewildered look on his face. I then explained it was our first time to really dock this boat but we had docked many boats before…
Just as we finished securing Destiny, Scott and Lisa from Waterline Boats stopped by to see her new systems. While the Nav System is complete, we are still waiting on the cube speakers for the salon. Once these arrive, Waypoint will install them and the stereo will be complete.
Saturday morning broke to reveal a beautiful sunrise over downtown Seattle. The winds had abated and it appeared that we were going to have a beautiful day in Seattle. We were excited that the weather was so nice as Saturday was to be Destiny’s Christening Party.
By 11:00, John and Laurie had joined us on the Laurie Ann. Maureen’s cousin and husband had also driven up from Battle Ground for the day. Once they were aboard and given the safety briefing (all this flying has taught me how to do this quite well, “in the event life jackets should become required, you will find these located…”), we headed out for a short cruise up the Duwamish Waterway. It is pretty incredible that you are in this major metropolitan area yet there is this very large industrial area. The weather was incredible making it a pleasure to operate from the fly bridge. At 1:30 we turned our bow back towards Bell Harbor as we were expecting more guests. Maureen once again made a flawless landing in our slip.
At three, our guests began to arrive. We headed to the fly bridge as it afforded the best view of the cityscape and the weather was incredible. In all, we had ten people comfortably seated on the fly bridge. The wine flowed and the snacks were consumed. Everyone talked of their upcoming summer cruises. What a way to celebrate the purchase of a new vessel.
We made an early departure for Waypoint on Sunday morning, as we had to fly that afternoon. We wanted to allow enough time to get things put away once we were secured once again as the team at Waypoint would be back on Monday to complete the installation of the stereo and tie up a few lose ends. The “lock up” went off without a hitch. No close calls, no one yelling to stop.
Life is good!
The morning broke with a south wind blowing at 20 to 25 knots. This would make clearing the locks with a number of other boats interesting. And, then backing down into a slip once we reached our destination in these same winds would be interesting.
Once we cleared the docks at Waypoint Marine, we hurried as best we could as the lock was open and we hoped to make it. It was not to be though. We rounded the corner and saw that the lock was already full. We would have to stand off in the gusty winds and wait for the next locking. The lockmaster closed the upper gates, dropped the boats that were already loaded and then proceeded to refill the lock for our passage through. Once the lock lowered and re-filled, the gates opened and we were given the green light to proceeded in. We were the first vessel to load so we were directed to go into the very end. Once secure, a smaller vessel was secured to the starboard side of the lock opposite of Destiny. Then things started to look ugly. An elderly couple came into the lock in their 62 foot Connie Chris Craft. I was at the bow making sure all was secure when Maureen started to yell STOP!!!! I hurried back through the pilothouse to see what was going on. The Connie was quickly approaching our stern. The lady on the bow of the Connie was yelling REVERSE Bill, Reverse! Just as I thought they were going to hit, they came to a stop. Their bow hanging over our swim platform. The leading edge just inches from it. Slowly “Bill” backed the big Connie up. Our first disaster averted!
Once we cleared the locks, the cruise to Bell Harbor went uneventful. While we had stiff winds, the chop was relatively flat. We cruised past “Moore Manor” so Bruce could capture some pictures of Destiny on the water.
We entered Bell Harbor with Maureen at the upper helm while I was on deck ready to handle the lines. As we turned down the fairway to our slip, a gentleman on a 41’ Searay came out and offered his assistance. By now, I was on the swim platform to be Maureen’s eyes. I thanked him for his offer and said I thought we would be fine but it would be great if he could stand by just in case. I then added, “its our first time docking”… His eyes widen as he stood back.
Maureen proceeded down the fairway coming to a complete stop parallel to the slip. She then put the helm over hard to port (our slip was on the starboard side) and using the throttle, bumped Destiny forward. As she approached the vessels on the far side of the fairway she went into reverse. Destiny backed down at a 45-degree angle to our intended slip. Back into forward we went. This time as we came to a stop, Destiny was lined up for a straight shot into the slip. Back we went. When we got to within a foot of the dock, I simply stepped off with the stern line and walked beside Destiny as Maureen eased her in. At just the right moment, I gave Maureen the go ahead to give her a shot of forward to stop our momentum. She was now perfectly positioned in her slip. It now just a matter of securing all of the lines. The gentleman from the Searay just stood by looking at us with this very bewildered look on his face. I then explained it was our first time to really dock this boat but we had docked many boats before…
Just as we finished securing Destiny, Scott and Lisa from Waterline Boats stopped by to see her new systems. While the Nav System is complete, we are still waiting on the cube speakers for the salon. Once these arrive, Waypoint will install them and the stereo will be complete.
Saturday morning broke to reveal a beautiful sunrise over downtown Seattle. The winds had abated and it appeared that we were going to have a beautiful day in Seattle. We were excited that the weather was so nice as Saturday was to be Destiny’s Christening Party.
By 11:00, John and Laurie had joined us on the Laurie Ann. Maureen’s cousin and husband had also driven up from Battle Ground for the day. Once they were aboard and given the safety briefing (all this flying has taught me how to do this quite well, “in the event life jackets should become required, you will find these located…”), we headed out for a short cruise up the Duwamish Waterway. It is pretty incredible that you are in this major metropolitan area yet there is this very large industrial area. The weather was incredible making it a pleasure to operate from the fly bridge. At 1:30 we turned our bow back towards Bell Harbor as we were expecting more guests. Maureen once again made a flawless landing in our slip.
At three, our guests began to arrive. We headed to the fly bridge as it afforded the best view of the cityscape and the weather was incredible. In all, we had ten people comfortably seated on the fly bridge. The wine flowed and the snacks were consumed. Everyone talked of their upcoming summer cruises. What a way to celebrate the purchase of a new vessel.
We made an early departure for Waypoint on Sunday morning, as we had to fly that afternoon. We wanted to allow enough time to get things put away once we were secured once again as the team at Waypoint would be back on Monday to complete the installation of the stereo and tie up a few lose ends. The “lock up” went off without a hitch. No close calls, no one yelling to stop.
Life is good!
