Swift Stories | Summer 2018

By: Becca Hedley
Photos: Elana Wood, Saidy Coyne, Leticia Taylor, Andrew Huggill

Another summer season has flown by on us, and how to adequately describe the adventure and relationships that unfolded over the past two months?  The Pacific Swift welcomed aboard 140 trainees and 20 volunteer crew these past trips and it is these individuals that make the boat thrive in community and adventure.  Many of the trainees that sailed with us this year had already sailed with us previous years and brought along their excitement and investment for the program and provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and deepen pre-existing relationships. This balanced with many trainees who had never sailed before and the chance to build new relationships and new memories with them as well.  A theme that seemed to be predominate throughout our trips as conversations were had between individuals and amongst the larger group was a shared joy in celebrating each other for what they brought to the community onboard and where ever and whoever they were, regardless of life circumstances. It was inspiring to see young people embrace this mentality and really invest in supporting one another, taking the time to know each other, and build each other up.

Exploring the Coast with these young people makes the adventure even more satisfying.  We were fortunate this summer to enjoy the coast under predominantly sunny skies and strong NW winds.  To briefly summarize some highlights, we had the opportunity to visit the very southern point of Haida Gwaii.  We climbed to the light on Cape St. James and had a stunning view of the wild West Coast contrasted with the somewhat more docile East Coast. 



We swam in the tropical feeling waters in Woodruff Bay while enjoying the beautiful beach after a long and lumpy crossing of Hecate Strait.  We visited historic Haida village sites and the watchmen we have come to know over the past few years. It is always an honour and joy to see them again and show our trainees a glimpse into such rich history and beauty.  We had wild fishing success, catching 6 salmon within the span of an hour, which we enjoyed along with 200 Spot Prawns! We scoured beaches and coves for garbage and marine debris, collecting over 440 Kg worth! Some even found an old fridge door to attempt surfing on at Brooks Peninsula before adding it to the collection pile. The Northern Lights danced across the sky one evening as most lay on deck enjoying the beauty late into the night.  Many many whale shows, including a few lucky trainees on anchor watch treated to a breaching show in the sunrise. We swam in many lukewarm lakes, as well as many less warm ones.  Enjoyed community with the Pacific Grace as we came alongside for raft up mug-ups and rope swings.  Sang many many mug up songs, washed many dishes and ate many cookies. 
 

The sailing this summer was also wonderful! its quite something to see the whole boat come alive with sail handling and excitement and see the deck humming with activity as trainees become more comfortable with what needs to be done to make the Swift sail! Our sailing is summed up well by our final sail down the Strait of Juan de Fuca and around Race Rocks.  The breeze was building as we headed south and everyone was involved as we reefed, lowered, swapped to square sails and eventually were left with just a fore sail and staysail set to carry us around the corner, our top speed that day was 12 knots!