On Stranger Tides …… ;^)

Standing Down

The weather has not improved and we decided to wait for more favorable conditions; however, we couldn’t wait in Santa Barbara as the harbor has a two week limit for visitors.  We called around and found Ventura to be very welcoming and, more importantly, to have a berth available. 

We set out Friday morning under glowering gray skies that immediately descended to envelop us in fog.  Nothing was visible beyond a few dozen feet,  at least that is how it appeared, distance is very tricky to estimate on water, in a mist; we became totally reliant upon the instruments.  While the compass was dependable, and the GPS unquestionable, the auto pilot continued to be erratic more often than not, turning the boat in a complete circle rather than attending to a course.  Dan worked for several days on the system so the auto pilot was ready for another go; even so, doing the trial in a complete fog-out seemed like an additional test.  So it was with some anxiety that the tryout began...... but it worked, perfectly!!  Not only did it pick up the job mid course and head to the designated destination, but it also tracked the original way point and then aligned with the projected path.  Whew! What a relief!!   It was also a relief that the fog lifted somewhat as we approached the Ventura harbor.  Instruments are fine…… but visual is reality!

So Cair Paravel is tucked in at Ventura and we have returned home to wait for more favorable conditions……