When May comes around, it's time to get the Sea Pearl in the water for a test cruise. This year, I had the boat ready to go on Sunday, May 3rd. Early Sunday morning, I gathered all my sailing gear and some lunch and headed for the Braeside launch park (just west of Arnprior on the Ottawa River). It was a very calm morning, which is ideal for putting the sailboat in the water for the first time in the spring.
After launching and paddling out, it was time to test the little Honda outboard. It started easily (as usual) and ran smoothly, even after having hibernated in the boat shed for seven months. With no wind, I motored north-west towards the Lac Des Chats' no-name islands. After passing the first red buoy (K22) to starboard, you can turn north to the back/west side of the no-name islands in deep waters -- pretty close to shore. I killed the motor and paddled to shore on the third island's southern part (C on my chart). These islands and the rocks just to the east are good bass fishing areas during the fishing season -- better in a kayak or rowboat.
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| Sea Pearl 21 (waiting for a breeze in Lac Des Chats) |
Once ashore, I had lunch and explored the island (i.e. southern part of C). There's a campsite in the middle of the island that looks occupied fairly often. As I had finished walking the perimeter of the island, I noticed a breeze coming up. I quickly installed the masts and got on the water. After unfurling the sails, I was having my first sail of 2015! But, it was soon back to the doldrums. After the required wait, it was back to Honda-san for the return cruise to Braeside.
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| Campsite on south "C" island |
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| Interesting rock formation |
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| Good bass fishing waters (watch-out for the rocks!) |
Note: There's now a fee to use the ramp at both Braeside and Bonnechere ($10).
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