Nymph

Sail the Inside-Passage - Puget Sound to/from Glacier Bay

LET'S BEGIN NOW...this cruise is postponed until 2024, but let's sail together and start planning the trip in this 2023 sailing season! Come to Friday Harbor (San Juan Islands,WA) this spring,summer, and/or fall....to visit, cruise, and day-sail. Send me a message here.
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I am seeking 'able crew' * to sail from Friday Harbor, WA to/from Glacier Bay (s.e AK), via the Inside-Passage...with some offshore passages. Go one way?...fine. Juneau airport is within a 2-day sailboat transit from Glacier Bay, the northern limit of the adventure. A one-way trip takes a month or so, without rushing.
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I am a heterosexual male. I prefer one person as crew, but 2 mellow small-ish crew may work fine. For a long cruise Nymph is really a 2-person boat.
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I've done the 1500-mile one-way trip south alone, taking 42 days, in 1996. I have a good idea what to expect, though I'm sure much has changed.
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I’ve sailed as much as possible for more than 55 years, raced one- designs extensively, but enjoyed cruising most.. I now use a wheelchair on land (last 17-years). I can’t sail alone now...I stay in the cockpit when we're under-way... and someone else needs to operate the manual windlass and change head-sails on the fore-deck.

I need minor help going ashore also....mainly just getting off the boat. I don’t need a nurse, though I'm not against a sailing nurse! My electric wheelchair folds, weighs 60-lbs, and resides in a waterproof bag on a side-deck. It is hoisted onto the dock using the main halyard. I'd likely only take it ashore in towns since it can't deal with the rough terrain at most Inside Passage anchorages (I explore in the dinghy).
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On the boat, I stay in the cockpit and pilot. I’m good at explaining what needs to be done and how. I’m very careful on the water and considerate of crew. I'm glad to share the piloting with crew after I gain confidence in them.
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I'm open to input on better ways to do things. HOWEVER, I insist on tasks be done my way FOR A WHILE. For example, I need anchoring to be done as I say because I can't see the fore-deck, and only know how anchor, chain, etc., are left if you do it my way, so I know things are shipshape. No surprises. Ready for an emergency. PLEASE READ THIS PARAGRAPH AGAIN. DON'T WASTE OUR TIME.
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This will be a challenging trip in cold water, lots of rain, with long days and short nights (high latitude in summer). Twenty-foot tides, strong currents, whirlpools, strong winds. Many beautiful days too, Awesome views. And the wood-stove burning in the cabin in the evenings to keep us dry and comfortable.
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I want to feel and see those waters again because it was a profound, life-changing experience. It reinforced my bond with, and highest regard for the natural environment. Wildlife of every kind, stunning views, and some days with never a sight of anything associated with humanity. The towns and villages are interesting too, but a day at a marina, here-and-there, is enough.

There are many aspects of this cruise which can be decided before departure. The weather-window implies a start here in Friday Harbor after May 1st, and end here before September 15th.
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* 'able crew' means - listens well, can hoist and furl sails, handle anchor and windlass, assist in docking and line handling, keep gear tidy and accessible on deck and below. Basic cooking too. And smiles!
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More details about the boat are at:
http://jackschooley.com/NYMPH/
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At the bottom of page 1 on Nymph's website, you'll find my email address. Send me a note and we'll begin.
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Thanks, Jack.

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