LW Says So Long to The Dalles

The crew on the Lady Washington sent this report about their visit to The Dalles June 4-6.

Good day ladies and gentlemen,

We fondly say goodbye to another port. This last weekend, we spent five days in the Dalles, Ore. This brought us lots of sailing, with LOTS of wind. Lady Washington carried both topsails under double reef, which at first was thought to be prudent, but was also done for training purposes. With the wind blowing at 25 to 30 mph, she could've carried her topsails with just the single reef, but the majority of the crew having been taught how to tie in a single reef, and some saying they’ve never seen a double reef tied in to the topsail, had the opportunity to learn it was done. And it worked fantastically. We carried just enough canvas to move 2-3 knots against a 2-3 knot current, which would make our speed thru the water 6 knots. WOOOOW

The Dalles Yacht Club hosted a BBQ for the crews, serving up some delicious hamburgers and hot dogs. The port authority made every sailor a welcoming bag, which was very nice; the cherries included were grown locally. They also lent us the use of their shower and facilities as a place to relax. I enjoyed the couch.

Here aboard Lady Washington, we were exchanging California crew for summer crew. In Pasco, we had a steady crew of nine through thick and thin, hot days, and no wind days. We’ve sailed in solid company. Now we are blessed with the return of Ralph Yula. Ralph is a frequent volunteer aboard the Lady Washington, a mechanic by trade. Ralph was with us in California, and he wanted to stay among us as we battled weather north, but the call of family is always the stronger duty. He has returned to fight one more battle north. Ralph will be aboard till we reach Westport at the end of the month, so he will be aboard as we head down the Columbia and make our right turn for home.

Our next stop will be Hood River, Ore. We shall arrive there early this afternoon. On Wednesday, we open for tours from 4-5 p.m. then Battle Sail against our little buddy the Hawaiian Chieftain from 6-9 pm. Thursday we depart from Hood River and arrive in Stevenson. Friday in Stevenson, dockside tours are from 4-5pm, followed by a 6-9 Battle Sail. Saturday, we depart and head for Washougal, which means being lowered at the Bonneville Dam. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, we will finally be back to sea level at that time.

Thank you to every port and every person who comes out to see the boats. It’s with your continued enthusiasm that we continue our program.

Jimmy McManus
Mate of the Lady Washington