Sailing Passing Cloud
Hoping for Wind For the Upcoming Day of Sailing
Tansy and her favourite photographer helped out with sailing the schooner Passing Cloud when they weren’t just gawking at the scenery or sharing their archaeological expertise with the passengers. Tansy was detailed to inspect the smaller bits of rigging as she has a keen eye for making sure the smallest things are in their right place and in good order.
Inspecting the Foresail Boom Prior to Releasing it From its Cradle and Raising the Foresail.
As you can see she was very thorough in her inspections, making sure everything was ready in advance of raising sail.
Preparing the Foresail Winch for Sail Raising
She helped with the lines, which in her mind are similar, though much larger, than the sewing threads that all the Quimper Hittys are so familiar with.
Setting the Foresail
The foresail was frequently raised as it helped stabilize the boat even when motoring to give the passengers a more comfortable ride.
Securing the Foresail
While underway, Tansy would occasionally check the details to make sure all was well.
Foresail Raised to Stabilize Passing Cloud in the Swell
Tansy was very pleased when it was possible to raise more than one sail at a time, though there was always concern for the passengers comfort so raising all the sails was a rare event.
Foresail and Genoa
Tansy does not mind though as even with just these two sails raised in a brisk wind the Passing Cloud was exceeding 9 knots which is faster than the engine can manage. However, she very much would have liked to voyage with the Passing Cloud during the years she spent sailing the South Pacific.
Below is a video of the Passing Cloud sailing in Juan Perez Sound in Gwaii Haanas. Click on the image to launch the video.
Tansy Inspects the Lazy Jacks
At the end of the day Tansy would inspect the furled sails to make sure nothing would come astray in the evening. This includes an inspection of the Lazy Jacks to make sure they are ready to guide the sails up and, more importantly, down during the next day of sailing.
Tying Down The Main Sail for the Night, with Skipper Matt
Tansy completed her evening preparations by ensuring the sails were well secured to the booms, and discussed with captain Matt any details from the day that she thought he might want to know about.
A day under sail was always invigorating and Tansy knew she would sleep well on these nights. She has never slept better than when she is aboard a wood boat, sharing wooden dreams with the hull, deck and masts.
I can see why the favorite photographer likes to take Tansy along! She is quite the precious little helper. What a wonderful excursion she was on…and we could be part of it thanks o the video! What a treat!!! Thanks to all of you for the sail!
Tansy loves to help – she was longing to climb up into the rigging, but there were no ratlines!
Tansy sure makes me nervous climbing all around on her inspections. Sure hope she is a good swimmer.
Tansy would love to learn to swim, but though her spirit is willing, her pegs prevent any usuful locomotion in the water. She is quite adept at floating though, and isn’t afraid to get wet!
The lines look like a warped loom! Wow…. what a delightful adventure- thank you for sharing! I always love seeing what Tansy and her Best Friend get up to. 🙂
They do have fun together! Tansy was eyeing all the threads and textiles on this voyage, she saw quite a few different materials and uses of fibres!
This wonderful picturesque adventure put me in mind of Hitty sailing on the “Diana-Kate” with Captain Preble and Phoebe. I must confess that seeing Tansy hoisting herself up so high was a wee bit scary. I’m sure the passengers felt they were in good hands with Tansy aboard and keeping her keen eye on things. Wonderful story. Loved every bit of it.
Tansy is not a daredevil, and wouldn’t go anywhere that was really dangerous, except in an emergency that required very tiny hands! She made friends with some people that had actually heard of the original Hitty, and regaled them with tales of her previous adventures.
Very enjoyable for one who infrequently sees bodies of water.
We are glad you enjoy seeing our part of the world! I quite enjoy the view too, as I haven’t had as many chances to spend time on the water as Tansy and her Favourite Photographer have had.
Tansy and her photographer definitely have an eye out for photographic opportunities. I have so much fun seeing and enjoying the photos!
We are glad! We love to have fun and love to share it, and really love to hear from people who enjoy our offerings!
What a post…both wonderfully entertaining AND informative! Always a treat to see Tansy in her adventuring gear..and she is such a natural on that boat. Great photos.
Tansy was very happy to have her raingear, especially on the first week-long stint on the boat when the weather was mostly inclement!!
You will never know how much I enjoy your adventures with your Hitty doll. Thanks so much
I am so glad you enjoy our musings and meanderings! You are very welcome!
And you know how I love all of this. Thank you once again!!! Billie
Always a pleasure, Billie! It is so nice of you to say so.
What a wonderful adventure, on the Passing Cloud in Juan Perez Sound. It seems to me, by looking at the maps that our cruise ship took this route going to Alaska. In Ketchikan, we had the honor of meeting a Haida woman, Merle Hawkins. She told us about their culture which had me spellbound. I love the sail upon the Passing Cloud, which could get much closer to the seals than we did. I can’t imagine the smells, though, closer up! And they are a loud bunch of animals, too! Thanks for the reminder of our wonderful Alaska trip, through the seas in British Columbia. Tansy’s rain gear is adorable and perfect for the trip.
Celia C
Tansy is glad these pictures remind you and your Hittys of your special trip! She is sorry that she was out of town when your ship stopped in Victoria, as she would have liked to compare notes with your girls!
Tansy is quite the traveler and Hitty Vestavia missed meeting her. Although meeting Hittys Constance, Rose, Grianne, and the human was a wonderful event. Thank you.
Tansy would like to have met your girls, as she doesn’t know any other sea-faring Hittys!
Did Tansy get to dine at the Captain’s table?
Indeed she did! Tansy and her favourite photographer were seated with Captain Matt at every meal, where they ate fabulous food, and shared her knowledge and experiences with all the guests!