Mile 740: Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

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Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Current Location: Marina Sainte-Anne-des-Monts Date: June 17 Mile:  740 Locate: Ramble On Locate: Finnish Line 2.0

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Cold at night, yup.

We left Rimouski yesterday at 3pm for an overnight sail to Sainte-Anne-des-Monts. The conditions were all favourable: Navigation straightforward, nearly full moon, following winds of modest strength and favourable currents. The only thing that wasn't in our favour was the temperature. There is nothing to be done about nighttime temperature on the water. The water is <= 9 degrees, and eventually so was the air temperature. A following wind meant less apparent wind, so that was nice, but we were dressed in all our layers.

MANY wind turbines on the coast

Finnish Line in good form

Our passage was mostly uneventful. We spent some time on the radio with the "Frontenac", a freighter crossing out the of the shipping lanes and on its way to a port were were passing. His course was a perfect intersecting course with Finnish Line or Ramble On (or both). We all saw each other on AIS, so it was not a big deal, but the captain was wanting to "make sure we're all on the same page".

Moon rising at 730pm

At another point in the night, a "Spanish" vessel heading upriver inshore of us (appeared on AIS, but with no boat details) hailed us asking for information about the current as they were surprised that were only making 4 knots. Bob told them what we knew, but it's a bit of a mystery at this point as the tides seem to play less of a role in the currents, or at least have a more mysterious impact.

Rainbow with out a "bow"

Eerie red glow around the moon

We were treated to rainbows, stunning cloud formations, some clear skies, and Finnish Line reported a shooting star.  The moon was so bright, it was like someone shining a light on the sail once it rose.

As we approached our destination, we ended up slowing our pace in order to arrive in daylight. We had either helpful or neutral currents all night long and made better progress than expected. When we pulled into the harbour, about 6:30am, we found the harbour mostly empty, and again, most sailboats still in their cradles. We chose a slip to our liking, and left room for Finnish Line who arrived a while later. Eventually, once the place opened, the marine operator came to greet us, and we got properly signed in, with keys and wifi codes.

Spotlight!

Within the next two days, we will reach maximum northern apogee (Cap Gross Morne, a little over 300nm north of Kingston). Hopefully we can now look forward to warmer days, though water temperatures along the maritimes and the east coast only get about 5 degrees warmer. 

Sunrise

Cap Chat in first morning light 

We should be in Gaspe by the weekend where will will take a few lay days, and meet up with friends.