Monday morning was a bright, if breezy day.  All morning other members of BCA departed and we helped them with their lines were we could. (as well as fending off one boat that tried to squeeze past us - a bit too tight!)  We were among the last to leave and managed to exit without drama, even with the wind blowing us steadily back towards the dock!

We navigated around the tricky islands of Preedy Harbour and then, once clear of the islets, hoisted a reefed mainsail and Genoa.  Good job it was reefed though as we were soon getting gusts of 20 - 23 knots and steady 17 - 20 knots of wind.  On a great broad reach though, and not too overcanvassed, we had a great sail up towards the narrows.  We had plenty of time as well and so managed to enjoy the sail and practicing some of our rusty sailing skills (this was the first real sailing we had done since last year!)

As we approached Dodd narrows we reminisced about the last time we went through from the north in Doubletime.  This time we felt a bit more prepared but still had a healthy dose of nerves.  Dodd Narrows has a reputation and we wanted to show it the necessary respect.  Our transit had no drama though as we hit it just about on slack.  Once through it was then a quick motor to Newcastlte island opposite Nanaimo were, after bundling around we dropped the hook in a tight spot between other boats and settled down potentially for the next few days of R&R