Comments for Tom's Log

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Brad

Brad — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:26:08 +0000

Thank you so much for your help! Definitely steers me in the right direction!

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Tom

Tom — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:31:49 +0000

Bob, I don’t know that. Is there an owner’s group for the US 25? Might be a place to start making inquiries.

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Tom

Tom — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 17:30:03 +0000

First, congratulations on the move. You’re going to see some spectacular weather and water

I don’t know about mooring your boat there. You’ll see if your neighbors do. From what I recall of that part of Puget Sound, the bottom is cobbled with rock and the bottom is mid-deep (not shallow, not deep).

If you’re going to sail with just two adults, the 19-foot West Wight Potter is one of several choices. If you’re going to have a party of five aboard…that’s a lot for that little boat. For a day sail: uncomfortable. For an overnight? Almost impossible. You’ll need something bigger.

Without pulling out my maps, I’d guess in a long day of sailing you could make it to Seattle. Definitely let the tides push you, and remember that while Colvos Passage west of Vashon looks like a short cut, the current generally flows south. It’s a good route southbound but often not northbound.

For guides, I mainly use two: A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands (http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Puget-Sound-Islands/dp/0071420398) and Gunkholing in South Puget Sound (http://www.amazon.com/Gunkholing-South-Puget-Sound-Kingston-Edmonds/dp/094425702X). And of course, carry charts and be cognizant of tides and currents!

For a weekend trip? In a power boat, no problem. In a sailboat? Marginal. If it was me, I’d try it as a three-day trip first with the first and last days devoted to travel and the middle day spent in port exploring Seattle’s waterfront.

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Brad H.

Brad H. — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:49:36 +0000

Hi Tom,

Have multiple questions. We just moved to the KP, and have water front off of Henderson Bay near the Minterbrook Oyster Co.
Question 1: Do you happen to know how feasible it would be to semi permanently moor your boat at that location. Our property extends out to roughly 100 feet from the high tidal mark. Understand if you have not idea, but you may be able to point me in the right direction. (Don’t worry, I’ll be asking nieghbors…)

Question 2: What’s a good sailing boat to have for 2 adults, three children 5, 9 and 17? Mostly going to the Seattle area.

Question 3: How long would it take to get to Seattle from Henderson Bay, and is there a good “Navigate Puget Sound Software” that is available?

Question 4: How feasible is it to travel that distance for a weekend trip?

Thanks!
Best Regards,

Brad

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Bob Mcghghy

Bob Mcghghy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:05:41 +0000

Do you know of any US Yachts groups around the Puget Sound? I have a US 25 and a trailer and I would like to find a group of trailer boat owners to cruise from Lewiston ID. to the Pacific with.

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Tom

Tom — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:35:45 +0000

Hi Nick. I’m sure there are groups who would help. One group in Olympia might be the South Sound Sailing Society. They are very active. There are also quite a few owners of West Wight Potters in the Puget Sound region, and the Northwest Potters group on Yahoo! would be a resource for help. Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nwpotters/ and consider joining in (you don’t have to own a Potter to participate!). If you’re single, check out Seattle Singles Sailing at http://www.seattlesinglesyachtclub.com/. In the Tacoma area, there are several yacht clubs that might have programs for new sailors, but I don’t know if any actually do. Hope that helps!

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by Nick Mohan

Nick Mohan — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:40:16 +0000

Tom, I’m looking at starting sailing, but have basically no on-board experience. I research all I can, but there is nothing like hands on. Are there any groups or meet-ups in the Tacoma area with people that would be willing to hold the hand of a new sailor? -Nick

Comment on My journey to Amateur Extra Class by Tom

Tom — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 06:15:43 +0000

Studying on my own for the General was a challenge. Thank goodness for the sample exams as my wrong answers helped me work on weak areas! But when I cracked the Extra book I saw a language that was foreign to me. I knew I couldn’t learn the material until I learned the language, and to do that I chose to take the class. Very glad I did! When you choose to do it, the only person measuring your progress is you. We’re just happy to have you in the amateur radio family

Comment on My journey to Amateur Extra Class by Chris Veblen

Chris Veblen — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:40 +0000

Tom, you have motivated me to resume studying for the General and Extra.

Comment on Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip by 2011 in review « Tom's Log

2011 in review « Tom's Log — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:21:00 +0000

[...] Here’s an excerpt: In 2011, there were 11 new posts, growing the total archive of this blog to 87 posts. There were 88 pictures uploaded, taking up a total of 13mb. That’s about 2 pictures per week. The busiest day of the year was September 6th with 63 views. The most popular post that day was Planning a Puget Sound Sailing Trip. [...]