Transitions.
This is Westward sailing from Bartlett Cove in Glacier Bay this morning, after Tracie and I dropped their lines and waved to her remarkable crew and wonderful guests.
This marked our last official act as owners of Pacific Catalyst and the classic yachts Westward and Catalyst.
We leave them in good hands, and are certain that their new steward is prepared and equipped to continue their operation for this next phase.
Thanks to all of you who have sailed with us over the years, it has been an incredible 20 years, thanks to all of you.
Please continue to follow Tracie and I in our new venture at Blue Turtle Garden here on Facebook.
🇺🇸✨ **Happy 4th of July from Pacific Catalyst!** ✨🇺🇸
As we celebrate the spirit of independence, we also honor the rich history and legacy that define Pacific Catalyst. Our classic wooden yachts, the M/V Catalyst (1932) and the M/V Westward (1924), have been navigating the beautiful waterways of the Pacific coast for 100 years, offering unique and immersive experiences that connect us with nature and history. True American treasures.
This Independence Day, we reflect on the freedom to explore and the responsibility to preserve our stunning natural landscapes and historically significant ships. Our commitment to eco-friendly tourism ensures that the pristine beauty of these regions remains untouched for generations to come.
🎆 From all of us at Pacific Catalyst, Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🛳️
#PacificCatalyst #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay #HistoricLegacy #EcoTourism #SustainableTravel #AdventureAwaits
Westward arrived In Port Townsend Tuesday morning at 3:00, and after a busy and productive 32 hours, sailed this morning at 11:00 bound for Juneau Alaska.
Safe travels to her capable crew!
This is how we move Catalyst between her spot in the shipyard to the water. Busy day today!
Catalyst on her way to the boatyard. Time for her spring makeover.
It was 33 degrees that morning, and it was extremely refreshing when the water ran up my arms while pressure washing her bottom.
Extremely.
It has been a while since I have updated our FB page. A lot has happened in the last 5 weeks!
We hauled Westward on September 28, and had shipwrights, painters, machinists and crew members all prepared to go to work.
We launched her last Friday after checking off more boxes on our wish list than ever before. Tomorrow we will finish tuning the engine and adjusting the newly overhauled transmission, fuel up and head out for sea trials. The crew is ready to confront the winter ocean and begin the long run to La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico.
A spectacular day in Glacier Bay. #pacificcatalyst #woodenboat #classicyachts
We had been following the group of humpback whales for a couple of hours, as they foraged along the shoreline looking for herring and an opportunity to feed on the oil-rich fish.
Occasionally one or another would breach, or execute a series of tail throws, perhaps in frustration at the groups inability to find food, or encouragement that they soon would.
The first indication that their quest was on the verge of fulfillment was when the group coalesced, and one member made a slow lunge into a small school of herring. More whales began joining the group until it grew to about 20 animals, including at least 2 cow/calf pairs. The entire pod dove as one and a few minutes later erupted from the ocean’s surface with volcanic suddenness. A new seamount, born of muscle and need.
It was impossible to guess where the next cetaceous explosion would occur and we seldom caught the beginning of a bubble net, so we just drifted and watched, maneuvering only to keep our bow pointed at the most recent display.
Perhaps the herring sought shelter in the shadow of Westward’s hull, or it was just a coincidence, but while we were excitedly looking for the whale’s tell-tale 50 foot in diameter ring of bubbles at a range of a few hundred yards, someone looked down and saw that there were bubbles all around our drifting boat!
Before they could yell, or even lift their cameras, 20 humpback whales rose from the sea all around us, some rubbing against the boat so intent on their need to eat as much as possible to prepare for their long fall migration.
I grabbed my camera to record this once in a lifetime event but was trembling so much that I turned on the video camera as I picked it up, recording my passage from the pilot house to the side deck, where, once I had the jumble of whale backs, flukes, and pectoral fins centered in frame, I turned it off. I then held my inert camera very still, slowly panning as the whales consumed their prey and began to dissipate, then I turned the camera
Sea lion encounter in the Sea of Cortez.
We had an extraordinary sea lion encounter on our last trip in the Sea of Cortez. Our guests were swarmed by about 30 super excited sea lion pups as soon as they arrived and jumped in th water.
It helps to be the first boat there, which we do every time we visit.
#pacificcatalyst #seaofcortez #westward #woodenboats
#pacificcatalystinc #westward #woodenboat #seaofcortez
Pre-dawn as we round the southern tip of th Baja Peninsula. 122 miles to La Paz.
Water temp is now over 81!
We should be moored in La Paz by 9:30 tonight!
Point Sur in the mist.
Passing Point Sur. Wind is from the north at 24 knots. 6' northwest seas breaking occasionally. We're riding it fine and averaging 8.3 knots.
Every once in a while a wave breaks under the stern and dances us around a bit, but not too bad. These conditions will be with us until we reach Point Conception at around 02:00 tomorrow morning.
#pacificcatalyst #westward #woodenboat.
#pacificcatalyst #woodenboat #westward
Crossing the Oregon boarder and entering California waters. 13 miles off shore, making 8.5 knots in calm (finally) seas. On our way to La Paz for our winter season in the Sea of Cortez.
An extraordinary encounter with a female humpback teaching her calf her unique fishing style.
Misty Fjords Cruise on the MV Catalyst
