C-Dorys sighted at Anacortes Salmon Derby

D

Doryman

New member
I dropped in on the Anacortes Salmon Derby BBQ (didn't fish, wimped out because of the 25-35 mph wind, 4-6' waves) and sighted two 22 Cruisers. One was "Work Release" out of Everett (can't determine from this website who the owner is) and the other was unnamed but had two Hondas, a 90 and a 9.9.

There may have been others there that I did not see. Good weather for C-Dorys out there!

Warren
 
Yeah, it was rough - fish all seasick :roll: -- if you saw a black trim C-Dory with a 100 Yami and 9.9 Honda, guess who.
Trailing a couple of Scotch bottles for bait.

Dusty
 
I just heard that a total of 155 fish were weighted and only 22 of those were today. The winningfish was 22 lbs and a fin clipped and nose tagged puget sound black mouth. Sure would like to find out which release site the nose tag come from.
 
I copied this from another web site. This guy had a hell of a ride getting back from the fishing in fact he did not make it back to his trailer.




I called the port yesterday around 4 and left messages for the organizers.............hopefully nobody saw our empty slip and got worried.

Thanks for a great time, met a lot of folks who had only been avatars until Friday evening.

Spent 2 1/2 hours Saturday afternoon in what undoubtably was the worst and most challenging small boat weather I have even piloted a small boat through. We left the Western grounds around 1 to top up fuel in Deer Harbor. I couldn't believe how terrrible the weather was around and through Spring Pass and it really never got much better. We pooched the kicker bracket in Deer Harbor when the wind pinned the kicker against the dock. Tried to lash it up to keep it from moving around, but (I'm real glad now) we decided to stop for a few moments and bring the Yamaha aboard.

The Arima once again Surprised Netman and myself. We ran through the islands and out through Obstruction to go across the top of Cypress, and it just kept getting worse on the crossing, finally being 6-8 foot breaking seas near the top of Cypress. Our Lowrance GPS had been "not responding" since late morning, so we were navigating by sight, which does get confusing. This even though we had three very good 'paper' charts of the area. We started down between Cypress and Guemes, and very soon decided to go up around the backside of Guemes, hoping for a lee. It really never happened, and we kept working our way down. Waves were huge, and non-stop. We took a lot of spray over the bow, often 4 or 5 'spanking' waves in a row so that the windshield never cleared and and it was impossible to see our course for a minute or more at a time. At times were were in 12 foot seas. It was a bit confusing, I've traveled the islands for 30 years, but this was a first on the backside of Guemes. We took a particularly hard 'spank' and the engine revs dropped significantly. I think we jiggled a spark plug wire loose, and there was no way in that weather I was going to lift the engine hood to check it. There seriously was no lee anywhere. For the rest of the journey, we were playing the throttle, dropping it all the way back to an idle, to try to catch an acceleration in order to get up to about 8-10 knots. It would get up and move, and then after a few minutes, drop back down. It was worrying. If the main had died, we would have been in big trouble. By this time, our VHF had been sluiced and was not working, and my cell phone, with all our local contact numbers, was also dead. Richard's cell had been in his pocket, and was fine, but if we had needed to call for help, I was only guessing at our location. After two miles short of the south corner of Guemes, with about a 1/4 tank of fuel left (it was surprising how much fuel we were burning), we were far from shore and in about 65 feet of water. This was the worst weather yet, huge huge waves flowing out of the south and I couldn't put our nose into them any longer. A short time before, we had gotten into some confused seas, and actually taken green water over our stern! Dick bucket bailed about 15 or 25 gallons with a 3-gallon bucket. Most of our water had been taken in over the weather rail as continuous spray. We were soaked and cold. One time we both thought we might have taken on too much. Arima's have a very broad bow, and crashing down into seas, are very wet but come back up quickly. A couple times we hit waves wrong, and the bow would slide to the side. One time, we came down and the boat I swear swiveled on its axis about 200 degrees, slashing to the left. Visions of turning over flashed through our minds. We were wearing flotation, but there were no other boats around. Not time to call for help yet, but would have been nice to be seeing another boat, somewhere.

I couldn't keep going towards what we could now see as the oil refinery around the corner of Guemes, the seas were too huge on that shallow ground, so very reluctantly turned our nose to the north and ran with it. this was the most comfortable journey of the trip, although we were still running in huge seas, and taking green water over the bow frequently. Throttle was still acting upl, and I was using all the skills I had to keep us on the journey. Eventually, I made out Fairhaven, entrance buoy "2", and started feeling our way into what for me was an unfamiliar harbor. Our gas gauge was reading zero when I finally entered the breakwater.

Tried to leave a couple messages with Commander X and derby organizers, hoping for some help with a ride down to pick up my car, but it was early in the day (around 5) and we managed to find a friend in Bellingham who gave me a ride down. Got the car back the B'ham around 9, loaded the boat, and journeyed home. In bed by 11:30.

We were looking for luck in the derby, and we found it on safely returning from the grounds. I have a sprained wrist, and both a huge 'schooling' in late winter San Juan weather, as well as a newest appreciation of the qualities of my 17 foot Arima.

Thanks you all for a wonderful time. We'll be back. Oh, yeah, we had a 6.5 pound fish we kept from Waldron. Would have entered it, but obviously didn't get back in time. Didn't even get our raffle tickets in the box, but we had to be there to win? Thanks again
 
Caryn & I were at the Anacortes Salmon Derby. It was the worst weather we have ever encountered in our C-Dory but C-Dancer handled it like a champ. Friday afternoon and evening, the wind was gusting all night. It was at least 30 mph if not more, definitely close to gale winds. But everyone kept saying the winds would die down to 10 mph on Saturday. They were right, for the first two hours that is. We took off for Eagle Bluff on the west side of Cypress Island to take advantage of the incoming tide at 6:45 am. Things were going well for the first two hours. Didn't catch a fish but heard lots of reports of fish being caught on the west side of Blakely Island, which for those not from these parts is the island in the San Juans immediately west of where we were. It was tempting to cross Rosario Strait, the absolute worst body of water in the San Juans, so that we could catch us one of those beautiful Blackmouth. But I didn't want to chance going on that side of Rosario because I knew we would have to cross back over to get back to Anacortes.

That was the best decision I made all day. Despite not catching a fish and hearing about all the fish people were catching, the weather conditions by 10 am were really bad, extremely windy and getting worse. Caryn and I decided to go over the top of Cypress, down through Bellingham Channel between Cypress Island and Guemes Island, staying on the lee side of the island. It was a good decision. By the time we rounded the corner into Guemes Channel, the water wasn't too bad at all, only about 2-3 foot wind waves. However, once we rounded the final corner around Cap Sante to the entrance of the marina, we were headed directly into the near-gale force wind opposed by the outgoing current. There we encountered 6-foot wind waves but despite all the bouncing and rolling, we made it in safely. We were one of the earliest to come in but after hearing the nightmares of others who stayed out to fish and then had to cross Rosario Strait, we felt extremely fortunate. People were telling horror stories of crossing 12' - 17' seas, saying that it was the worst and scariest experience they'd ever had in their boats. This was the common theme of everyone recounting their stories on Saturday night.

For us, the nightmare just began. We were on the wrong side of the dock and it was nearly impossible to dock C-Dancer but somehow we did it. We were kept up all night in the gale force winds trying to sleep on our boat and were very unsuccessful as we were rocking and rolling all night while listening to the wind roar. This morning, after seeing the boats that had gone out at 7 am to fish come back around 11 am, we decided to try to make it back to Twin Bridges Marina, normally an easy 1/2 trip around the corner and down Swinomish Channel. Easy it definitely was not! The entrance to the marina wasn't as bad as we anticipated so we figured that the rest of the trip would be uneventful. We were very wrong. Once we turned the corner into the dredged Swinomish Channel, which is about 5 miles long, the first 4 miles was the longest and most harrowing trip we've ever taken by far. We were encountering wind waves of at least 6 - 8 feet but the worst was easily a 10 foot wave as it splashed over the bow, over our cabin roof, over our dinghy on top the roof and splashed down into the cockpit. Scary! What made it so bad was like the other report mentioned, there would be 2-3 big waves close together, barely giving us time to go down the trough and up the wave.

But C-Dancer handled it like a champ, our Suzuki was quick and responsive at the throttle, allowing us to go down int the trough and up over the next wave with no problems and luckily and the crew made it home. We've heard reports of 60 mph winds in that area, I'm not sure how bad the winds were that we encountered but I'm confident they were over 30mph. I'm just proud to say that we survived those.

BTW, I did have a chance to speak to Jim of Work Release, they were able to catch a small blackmouth but unfortunately were one of many, many boats that had to cross Rosario at it's worse. All I can say is, it's great to be back home and I'm sure glad we have a C-Dory.

I love my C-Dory. I love my Suzuki 90hp.
 
Peter & Caryn,

We've just read your post and we're most happy and grateful that you made it back safely. Having been in what I refer to as 'a trip from hell', we can relate to your adventure in the fullest degree.

Joe feels that having had an encounter like this can be a positive experience. It sharpens your boat handling and seamanship skills. Sometimes it seems that bad weather arrives just about the same time as the forecast and being out 'there' when it does can be a totally unexpected situation. We feel most confident about our C-Dory. Not only will it get you out there but it will get you home. We're happy that we have a C-Dory and we're glad that you do too!

Ruth and Joe
R-Matey
 
Sawdust":35qpczkg said:
Yeah, it was rough - fish all seasick :roll: -- if you saw a black trim C-Dory with a 100 Yami and 9.9 Honda, guess who.
Trailing a couple of Scotch bottles for bait.

Dusty
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With that for bait, sounds like someone as trolling for one of those "Dusty" fish.
 
Wow!!!! These reports are amazing! I think I know the "trip from Hell" that Ruth is referring to, I think we made it too...the 2005 trip back from Sequim, they went to Bellingham, we went to Everett - but sounds like it does not compare to these reports. While all the fishermen were out getting tossed about and scared spitless, we spent the afternoon, nice and cozy, in the Crab Palace in Birch Bay, enjoying the company of Ruth and Joe, who came over for lunch and great conversation. Some days it pays to just stay home!!
 
I had to read the Arima story a couple of times, and reference a map to grasp this ordeal. He must have started the day at Cap Sante (derby start Anacortes). Completed his rough ride in Bellingham (Fairhaven), unplanned.

I also had to see the different 17' Arima models (EQ site was good for that). I see no Arima 17's with a cabin. Must have been exciting.
 
Pat Anderson":12h7cfqe said:
Wow!!!! While all the fishermen were out getting tossed about and scared spitless, we spent the afternoon, nice and cozy, in the Crab Palace in Birch Bay, enjoying the company of Ruth and Joe, who came over for lunch and great conversation. Some days it pays to just stay home!!
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A great meal (prepared by Patty who just had her gallbladder surgery Friday!), delicious coffee brewed by Pat and good conversation made for a nice Sunday afternoon as we visited and watched the storm. The wind gusts were so severe as I drove back to Bellingham I thought I might lose the windshield wipers. Most happy that we were on land no matter how nasty it was......sure hoping that by the Poulsbo weekend that all this miserable weather has gone somewhere else!

Ruth and Joe
R-Matey
 
Ruth and Joe, thanks for the kinds words. I agree, experiencing rough water in severe conditions really sharpens your skills.
Joe feels that having had an encounter like this can be a positive experience. It sharpens your boat handling and seamanship skills
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We have been in a few other bad situations so I felt confident in the boat and in my increasing seamanship skills but still, a few of those waves were kinda scary.

Pat, I remember your trip back from Sequim, it sounded very scary. At least ours was a short trip back, both Daydream and R-Matey had very long trips back. Most boaters at one time or another experience the trip from hell. It's just nice to know we will get back safe and sound and be able to recount our trip to others. I would have much rather been in your situation. Pat wrote:
While all the fishermen were out getting tossed about and scared spitless, we spent the afternoon, nice and cozy
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I agree, I'm hoping the Poulsbo weekend is much calmer and nicer. Our fingers are crossed.

Peter
 
Peter,
Sounded like "The rest of the story" about your trip back to Twin Bridges to get your trailer. Glad you made it back alright.
I'll have to say it was a relief to get back to Cap Sante marina Saturday afternoon. This story was pretty well told by the Arima boat. We were over in Thatcher pass when the wind started to kick up after we boated a small blackmouth. We decided to head back to Anacortes around the southeast end of Cypress Island. It didn't take long to decide this was a bad mistake so we turned and headed to the west end. When we got to Eagle point the water was much calmer so we decided to fish a little longer. About 30 minutes later one of the Derby officials got on the radio and said if anyone wanted to get back to the marina they better do it now, it was about 1 pm.
A 26' Osprey, 24' Seasport, and I pulled our gear and started around the west end of Cypress to go down the channel between Cypress and Guemes. As soon as we rounded Cypress it was like the movie "The Perfect Storm", We were in it and there was no way to turn around. The waves were between 10'-12' and no pattern (some bigger), was more like a washing machine. I tried to follow the Seasport but he was going to slow and I could not keep my boat straight, so I moved over to his right. It was hard to see through the windshield since the water was non stop. My friend was making sure we were keeping our distance from him since the Seasport kept moving towards us. I looked over and saw him come nearly all of the way out the water and when he can down he went 90 degrees to the waves and at a 45 + degree angle. I thought for sure he was going to roll over, but somehow he didn't. There was no way I could have done a rescue. I then wondered what my boat must of looked like, my buddy said that we were totally out of the water about four times. My buddy asked me if my bilge pump was working (it was) because I had about four inches of water over my floor boards. It was pretty much this was all the way through Cypress and Guemes until we got some shelter from Anacortes. I thought we had it made until we rounded the corner to get to Cap Sante then we were in it again all the way to the Marina breakwater. The 22 C-Dory got me through the worst seas I have been in a small boat. I gave her a big kiss on the bow after we tied her up, and then poured a large brandy. Needless to say we did not go out Sunday morning along with a lot of other people. I would like to say that PSA Chapter really put on a great organized derby, very friendly folks. Wish the weather would have been more coopertive. I'll be there next year.
Jim
 
Jim, thanks for sharing your story. It sounds pretty much like everyone's story who was out there.

My sentiments exactly:
The 22 C-Dory got me through the worst seas I have been in a small boat. I gave her a big kiss on the bow after we tied her up, and then poured a large brandy.
Click to expand...

I'll be up there again next year, IF and that's a big IF, the weather cooperates, i.e. normal wind conditions.

Peter
 
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