Caught off Guard Around the Cape! Spicey Start Sailing to Alaska | A&J Sailing S4E2 Cape Caution

Caught Off Guard Around the Cape! Spicey Start Sailing to Alaska | A&J Sailing S4E2 Cape Caution

Join Allison & James on their thrilling journey as they set sail from Washington State towards Southeast Alaska through the Inside Passage. As professional marine documentalists, they have decided to undertake this ambitious expedition circumnavigating the Pacific Northwest in order to explore the vast and unique landscape of the Great Bear Rainforest.

Their first destination: Cape Caution, known for its notorious reputation as the gateway along the Inside Passage. With a history of intimidating even seasoned mariners, they are prepared for anything that might come their way!

Starting off Strong

Upon departing from Washington State, they were eager to begin their journey but quickly discovered a minor issue with their electrical system catching fire. Despite this hiccup, they remained undeterred and continued sailing under the power of wind alone.

After arriving safely in Blundon Harbor for some R&R before tackling Cape Caution, they enjoyed protected anchorages where they slept peacefully knowing their anchors were firmly anchored in thousands-of-years-old mud providing super holding.

Cape Caution: The Final Frontier

Knowing that this notorious cape must be navigated correctly to reach Alaska, timing becomes critical. With favorable conditions on hand such as diminishing wind at 10-20 knots and slack tides around 10:30 am, they felt confident enough to proceed.

With a bit of coffee downed and nerves set aside, the intrepid sailors headed out towards Cape Caution with hopes high, ready to take on whatever nature had thrown their way!

The Harrowing Experience at Cape Caution

Navigating around Cape Caution proved to be an arduous task due to several factors including exposed Pacific swells coming in from the West, quick rising sea floor causing confusing waves, and strong winds pushing them further into treacherous waters. Despite having everything align perfectly – currents, wind, and swell – it was clear that navigating around this notorious cape would prove to be no walk in the park.

As they pushed forward with determination, a surprise twist came when they realized just how shallow some parts of the sea could get near Cape Caution. Recalling how shallower than Bass Strait down in Tasmania adds intensity and unpredictability to even experienced sailors like themselves, they knew this added level of difficulty was something new for them.

Through it all, however, they remained determined. With a mix of fearlessness and calculated caution, they sailed through these treacherous waters until finally emerging victorious on the other side.

The Arrival at Alaska’s Doorstep

Humbled by their experience navigating around Cape Caution, Allison & James took advantage of good holding ground at Fury Cove to drop anchor and regroup. Reflecting back upon this journey thus far, they had successfully covered quite a bit of ground within just one day – despite the lack of strong winds initially anticipated.

Looking forward towards further exploring remote archipelagos along Southeast Alaska’s coastline as well as embracing any unexpected adventures that may come their way. As we follow their journey in this mini-adventure, it is clear that no matter how much experience you have under your belt when venturing into nature’s domain – there is always room for the element of surprise.

In the end though, whether catching off-guard by shallow waters or facing unpredictable currents head-on, what truly matters is staying vigilant and seizing each opportunity presented. So let us continue to sail onward with Allison & James as they chart their course towards the majestic landscapes and uncharted territories that await them in Alaska.