The infamous Brooks Peninsula, and close call with another whale!

Billy&Lizzie

We set off nice an early this morning, with beautiful views of our anchorage -looked like a mirror. But we knew it would change once we started rounding the Brooks Peninsula! With high winds forecast, we were ready for a wild day of sailing! All in all, it was a very comfortable passage, with winds not reaching the forecast numbers, we sailed with our Genoa, main and mizzen all the way up. Crossing the top of the peninsula, after some back and forth with the wind direction not making its mind up, we set the Genoa on our whisker pole with the main initially to make most of the wind we had on a deep broad reach. Eventually narrowing it down to just the Genoa for the final part of the journey. But I can’t leave out the important parts… We had a couple of orcas passing through our path a few times, but they didn’t get too close luckily. But then the final hour or so of our journey, Lizzie was on helm when the sound of a wave came. Upon looking- a mid-size humpback whale surfaced, touching side to side with our boat! We had no idea he was here! It happened to fast but by the time Lizzie could call ‘BILL THERES A WHALE’ the whale resurfaced. Still touching the boat and sprayed, soaking us and the cockpit. Luckily, I think it was coincidental that we both crossed paths as he continued his path immediately! Now we are anchored in another beautiful spot of Vancouver island, we are going to have a proper shower with fresh water, after the whales unexpected salty shower!

Boat & Crew

Steph'Ney Thames

Pearson, 365 Ketch

Billy&Lizzie

Owner