Will Rogers Swim - June 23, 2011
Will Rogers is an old friend of mine who has undertaken to raise funds for a charitable organization. His site will provide further information.
On June 23, I had the pleasure of offering the support boat for the swim part of his triathlon. I didn't know too much about the job, but I think that everything went well. Certainly, Will reports that this year was the smoothest of his three successful attempts at crossing Georgia Strait from Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island to the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal on the mainland. We first checked into the Galiano Inn at Sturdies Bay and then "checked out" the Port Nut, had lunch aboard at Whaler Bay where she had been left berthed and then repositioned to Sturdies Bay. The winds were strong and promising to be problematic for the day of the swim.
On the morning of the swim, Will was checked out medically by the local ambulance service. Marika and Paula, members at Galiano Station, got up early for this. I hope that the coffee and muffins were reward enough (along with our heartfelt thanks for their participation). Will jumped into the water at 0540 hrs in calm winds but as it had blown all night, there was a steady swell. Half-way across, a southerly breeze of 10+ knots set in making the last half of the crossing a bit rough. Will persevered and we landed just before 1530 hrs. A paramedic volunteer met Will as he staggered ashore and he was again checked out, fed and watered.
Meanwhile, I was anchored in shallow water on a lee shore with an outgoing tide and only took the time to ferry the spotter and all the gear ashore in the dinghy before taking off. It was another hour and a half of rough water til I reached my home port, which made it thirteen hours on the water. That is my longest day on the water to date. The Port Nut isn't even down a quarter of a tank. Enjoy the photos of the trip.
On June 23, I had the pleasure of offering the support boat for the swim part of his triathlon. I didn't know too much about the job, but I think that everything went well. Certainly, Will reports that this year was the smoothest of his three successful attempts at crossing Georgia Strait from Sturdies Bay on Galiano Island to the Tsawassen Ferry Terminal on the mainland. We first checked into the Galiano Inn at Sturdies Bay and then "checked out" the Port Nut, had lunch aboard at Whaler Bay where she had been left berthed and then repositioned to Sturdies Bay. The winds were strong and promising to be problematic for the day of the swim.
On the morning of the swim, Will was checked out medically by the local ambulance service. Marika and Paula, members at Galiano Station, got up early for this. I hope that the coffee and muffins were reward enough (along with our heartfelt thanks for their participation). Will jumped into the water at 0540 hrs in calm winds but as it had blown all night, there was a steady swell. Half-way across, a southerly breeze of 10+ knots set in making the last half of the crossing a bit rough. Will persevered and we landed just before 1530 hrs. A paramedic volunteer met Will as he staggered ashore and he was again checked out, fed and watered.
Meanwhile, I was anchored in shallow water on a lee shore with an outgoing tide and only took the time to ferry the spotter and all the gear ashore in the dinghy before taking off. It was another hour and a half of rough water til I reached my home port, which made it thirteen hours on the water. That is my longest day on the water to date. The Port Nut isn't even down a quarter of a tank. Enjoy the photos of the trip.