Our southbound journey began on September 22, 2025, departing Maple Bay aboard Swadeshi, our 1971 Spencer 44, with my sister Annette on board. That same morning, we picked up my dear friend Nick, who had flown into Victoria from San Francisco. A late-September family wedding pushed our departure into what is normally considered the end of the weather window, but after watching PredictWind closely, conditions looked favourable.
As it turned out, we had an excellent passage. At one point we were about 140 nautical miles offshore before looping back in and passing under the Golden Gate Bridge at exactly 23:23:23 (really!) on day six. We logged approximately 40 hours motoring in light air, with the remainder under downwind sail. Remarkably, we had no rain for the entire six days.
Having single-handed our Spencer 44 for much of the past 13 years, I can’t say enough about how great it was to have Annette and Nick as part of the team. We all collected the mandatory bruises and bumps, but managed decent rest between watches. Our two little pups, Bear (2 kg) and Bitsy (4 kg), were less impressed and only relaxed once their paws were back on solid ground.
It was great to have Nick and Annette aboard
In retrospect, this journey really began in 2023 with a voyage to the Goose Group, and continued in 2024 when we and Swadeshi joined our friends Mary and Robert aboard Silken for a trip to Glacier Bay and back. These passages were long enough to properly test our systems, sails, rigging, spares—and ourselves.
You’ve likely heard the saying: it’s not if things will break, but when. Preparation cannot be overstated, both in terms of carrying spares and having the ability—or willingness—to make repairs. Since 2023, our more significant failures have included a transmission, drive shaft, head gasket, impeller, transducer, water pump, hatch coaming, cutlass bearing, raw water pump, blackwater tank hatch, anchor windlass deck switches, and even a main engine mount stringer.
Oddly enough, these experiences have strengthened my confidence—in the boat, in our inventory of spares and tools, and in my ability to deal with the inevitable wear and tear. In a way, they even add to the richness of the journey, deepening our appreciation for the incredible creatures, landscapes, and people we encounter along the way.
Bitsy – happy to be on land
Now in Baja California Sur, Mexico, as we plan our Pacific crossing, I’ve compiled a detailed list of additional spares. In my experience, you are far ahead, both financially and in terms of time, by investing in comprehensive spare parts, tools, and repair materials rather than relying on local availability, shipping timelines, or haul-out schedules.
From here, Swadeshi will be placed in dry storage in San Carlos, Sonora, while we prepare her this winter for a Pacific crossing planned for March, 2027.
Currents PDFs
Comments