Serendipity strikes

Pardon My French

We left Pendrell with plans to reach the Octopus Islands by way of Hole in the Wall Rapids. On the way I noticed our second fuel tank was lower than expected, and since we wanted to remain autonomous for a while we changed course to Heriot Bay for fuel. We had never been there before, and what began as a practical detour turned into one of the highlights of the trip. The sky was gray, weather turning unsettled as we rounded West Redonda Island and passed Dean Point, a dramatic narrows at the entrance to Toba Inlet where we would return a week later. From there we slipped between the Rendezvous Islands, and ahead we spotted the tall white plume of a humpback blow. We slowed and kept our distance. The whale gave us a private show for more than an hour, long after the whale-watching boats had departed. It breached, rolled, flapped its pectoral fins, and slapped its tail in a display of power and grace. I dug out my camera and long lens, sitting on the bow, caught between watching in awe and snapping photographs I know will one day hang on our walls. We said goodbye to our friends and carried on toward Whale Passage, aptly named. There, not one but three whales breached and played off our starboard side as we crossed the short strait. By then the wind had built, and under a reefed main and full jib Pardon My French came alive, flying on a beam reach at over 9 knots with Jules at the helm. By the time we reached Heriot Bay the fuel dock had closed and we had missed our window for the rapids, so we dropped anchor in Drew Harbour. Pinot was thrilled to leap into the dinghy and lead the way ashore, bounding across Rebecca Spit. It was the perfect end to a serendipitous day, one of those rare passages where a change of plan opens the door to unforgettable moments.

Boat & Crew

Pardon My French

Jeanneau, Sun Odyssey 45

Pardon My French

Owner