We had a torrential downpour the day after our last entry's Sea Trial. It was no weather for sailing so we sat it out onboard doing some internet activities through StarLink.
The next day we may have been a bit overanxious to depart . It also made us more tolerant of the weather. Onn the way down from Toronto last autumn weather was a major factor to me, some stops lasting as long as 5 days while awaiting the right weather window. The sailing life, for a large part, is waiting for parts and good weather.
Other issues were taking priorities this time. The weather was overcast with some sunny breaks and the wind was expected to turn to a headwind once we left Halifax harbour and rounded Chebucto Head. It was also forecasted to expect strong gusts with a 26 km/hr steady breeze.
Sailing up the North West Arm we made a nice broad reach.
Leaving the North West Arm with the Dingle Tower in the background.
Once round Chebucto Head the wind did hit us head on and the swell was a good three meters. We did a broad reach heading pretty far offshore and then attempted another tack landward yet it would have meant loosing too much ground so we turned on the engine and headed into the opening of Mahone Bay. The intention was to take anchorage in Peggy's Cove, a Nova Scotian tourist destination. The sun was setting as we were still on route.
Approaching Peggy's Cove, NS
One thing that was on our side was the moon. It was the night before full and it gave us some visuals after the sun went down. It was somewhat comforting to see it replacing the sun in the early night sky.
Moon rising as the sun sets on route to Peggy's Cove, NS
What we were not prepared for was the minimal markers off Peggy's Cove. It seemed dangerous to venture into those unknown waters. We decided that we should pass on it as our port of call for the night and press on across the Bay to Northwest Cove and glad we were that we did.
We awoke to our picturesque dock at the government wharf.
Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia
There was a well marked and lit Government Warf there. They are kept by the Department of Fisheries, primarily for the inshore fishermen; however anyone is welcome to dock there providing there is space. There was one spot available among the other 4 or so fishing vessels docked there when we arrived the night before.
It was surprising how calm the sea had become during the night which is visible in the pic above. The wind was in our favour as well and we made Lunenburg by mid-afternoon after a very pleasant sail.
Sailing to Lunenburg, NS
This was the first time approaching Lunenburg by sea and it became obvious why it was chosen as a UNESCO Site.
Entering Lunenburg Harbour
We checked out my new mooring ball. If Armdale Yacht Club membership does not happen this year for me (there is a long waiting list) then this will work as a great HQ for the summer and the folks renting the morring have a yard where Makina can be brought ashore to have her bottom done. It is approaching a year that she has been in the water.
Attaching our mooring ball in Lunenburg Harbour
With three guests/crew it seemed better to get a berth on the docks with shower and easy access to the town. They have a great one at Zwicker's.
After such rough seas during the passage it seemed only fitting to take the crew out for some fresh fish chowder and double paddy organic burgers.
Me and my Daughter waiting for the arrival of our chowders.
We took a walk to pick up some beers for the crew and some THC for the Captain and then headed back to Makina for some hacking and slashing on Ashes of Creation. It had been a long couple of days so everyone turned in about 23:00.
May the wind be at your back!
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