Sailing Log

The beamy design of Singawing makes her very stable in all kinds of weather.  The original owner, Mr. Antle, asked architect Grahame Shannon to design a boat that one or two people could sail with ease.  Following the completion of the boat, Mr. Antle was so pleased with the vessel’s smooth sailing, that he wrote the following letter to Mr. Shannon.  Almost thirty years later, Great Bear Charters confirms Singawing’s amazing abilities.  Just last summer, returning from a charter to Alaska, crossing the straits at 10 knots, Singawing cut through the wind while other boats turned around to protected coves.

The letter to the Architect, Grahame Shannon, in appreciation for the smooth sails aboard Singawing.

In the winter, Gray Whales migrate south from the Arctic Ocean to Mexico.  In the safe warm waters, many bear calves before returning on a northerly journey in the spring.   This time of year, as the Gray Whale migration turns towards the west coast of United States, Alaska, British Columbia and Canada, many people look forward to the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures.  Their complete trip is believed to be the longest annual migration of any mammal, between 10-14,000 miles long.  In March, the Gray Whales will begin to pass through the Puget Sound and Everett, Washington.

Great Bear Charters witnessed Gray Whales spouting everyday on their last trip up the Inside Passage and offer the same unique opportunities on charters to Alaska.

Here is a video by National Geographic showing the risky nature of such a lengthy trip for these animals; Gray Whale Migration

As well, a film premiered in January titled “Big Miracle“.  It is a true story about three Gray Whales that became stranded in Alaska during their migration south.  What makes this story remarkable is the diverse groups that become involved in an attempt to save these large beautiful whales.   An oil tycoon, environmentalists, Inupiat native people and the Soviet Union come together to rescue the whales.

Whether Great Bear Charters is sailing to Alaska or other Pacific Northwest and BC destinations, they always prepare the most fresh, organic and local foods available.  Mt. Townsend Creamery‘s artisan cheeses are always onboard.  These award winning European style cheeses are made using traditional methods with local milk from the Olympic Peninsula.  We visited this week to pick up the latest tasty treat.  Cristina Widman is a fabulous hostess.  She provides tastings of all their delicious cheese options and is willing to share details about the cheese making process, which one can view through the glass windows behind her.

Seastack is named for the pilar-like rock formations of the Pacific Northwest shores. It was awarded Best in Class 2010 by the American Cheese Society.

Cristina Widman provides tastings at Mount Townsend Creamery.

Tina Christine sails in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands.

We are lucky to have a local visit by the renowned author and wildlife photographer Matthias Breiter.  On Wednesday at the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend, he will be speaking about his new book titled “Inside Passage”.  His work has been published internationally, including the National Geographic Magazine, and he is completing a doctorate on brown bears in Alaska.  The lecture is free, beginning at noon, however, you must call to reserve a spot.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Breiter’s first hand experiences and to view his photographs.  The beautiful images are reminiscent of what you would find cruising with us on an Alaska Yacht Charter, Broughton Archipelago, Great Bear Rainforest, or Inside Passage to Princess Louisa Inlet.  View Matthias Breiter Gallery on his website as well.  We hope to see you there!

Whether you are sailing up the Inside Passage to Alaska, Broughton Archipelago, Princess Louisa Inlet or towards Great Bear Rainforest, there is nothing more spectacular than cruising aboard Singawing on a beautiful windy day with blue skies abound.

Paul Nicklen’s photograph of a Kermode Bear in the Great Bear Rainforest made the cover of National Geographic in August.  The opening sentence for the article reads; “In a moss-draped rain forest in British Columbia, towering red cedars live a thousand years, and black bears are born with white fur.”. The cover is a stunning photograph of a black bear with white fur, called a Spirit Bear by native tribes.  Paul’s intention by photographing these mysterious and unique spirit bears is to raise awareness and further protection of these extremely rare animals.  The photographs also demonstrate the majestic beauty of what is often referred to as the “last frontier”, the Great Bear Rainforest.

View Paul Nicklen’s photographs of the Spirit Bear: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/nicklen-photography

Read the complete article: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/08/kermode-bear/barcott-text

Pacific Wild is an organization committed to protecting the Great Bear Rainforest.  If you would like to learn more about the fantastic wildlife and scenery existing there, refer to their website for photographs and videos:

http://www.pacificwild.org/

Their “Great Bear Blog” has regular updates as well.  They posted this month about working with a local elementary school, providing students with motion-centered infra-red cameras and education for further research.  What an amazing opportunity for these children, made possible by World Wildlife Fund.

Learn first hand why so many people are working to educate about and protect the Great Bear Rainforest aboard a Pacific Northwest Charter!

A documentary film titled “The Whale” premiered last week in Ohio.  The story takes place in Nootka Sound, off of Vancouver Island, where a young Orca lost it’s pod and sought companionship from fishermen, loggers, and other locals.  All Things Cleveland Ohio Blog says ”The film invites us to reexamine our preconceived ideas about these amazing marine mammals and consider the many complex effects of our interaction with wildlife.”.

The film was named Critics’ Pick by both the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Great Bear Charters can attest to the fact that Orca’s traditionally travel in large pods.  During the last Alaska Yacht Charter, the schooner was surrounded by 20 Orcas, half of them swam underneath the boat and resurfaced at the bow.  It was a memory of a lifetime for the guests aboard.

Learn more about the Great Bear Charters’ Alaska Yacht Charters!

View the trailer for “The Whale”: http://www.thewhalemovie.com/

In July we traveled aboard Singawing with Andrea and Matt.  I found myself peeling off the layers of everyday concerns, while melting into the visual beauty of the surroundings.  Each morning began with my one year old son and I sitting quietly in the cockpit watching and listening to the early morning fish leaping.  The smell of rich coffee brewing and then a mug delivered through the porthole at my feet.  It was the first taste of relaxation in years.

During the day, we were exploring islands, kayaking, hiking, sailing, observing wildlife, and watching sunsets.  Both adventurous and high-spirited, Andrea and Matt have an incredible understanding of the seas we traveled.  Matt was raised on these waters and is impressive with his depth of information and passion to impart.  They introduced us to Tamar Griggs, a Photographer from Salt Spring Island, who invited us to tea at her home on Bold Bluff.  Andrea and Matt provided every detail imaginable and beyond.  Here are some highlights from the trip.

My son, Morgan, peeking through the porthole into the galley.

Singawing docked at Bold Bluff on Salt Spring Island

Tamar Griggs, Bold Bluff

One of many delicious meals prepared by Matt and Andrea.

My husband, Leigh, dropping crab pots.

Leigh and Chris taking off in the Zodiak at sunset.