Bloody Fingers to Princess Louisa Inlet

A family's dream cruise to Princess Louisa Inlet becomes a cautionary tale about spinnaker management and why you should douse the big sail before you think you need to.

By
Bert Vermeer
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2
A bit of triage for Carey's ripped fingers. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)
A bit of triage for Carey's ripped fingers. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Sailing the west coast of British Columbia over the years has opened our eyes to the beauty of this cruising ground. From Washington State in the south, to Alaska stretching to the north, hundreds of islands and thousands of anchorages dot these blue waters and forested shores. It is a mecca to many sailors from around the world.

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Bert Vermeer
As a coastal cruise (and occasional racer & ocean crosser), Bert Vermeer has sailed the coast of British Columbia for over 40 years. With his wife Carey & daughter Nicky (and eventually granddaughter Natasha) in tow, Bert has gained an appreciation for the fabulous cruising grounds of the Canadian west coast. Based on his experience as a hands-on boater, he established a marine based business after completing his police career. Bert stays busy during the winter months dabbling in You Tube sailing videos and writing tales of summer adventures, awaiting blue skies and warm winds.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. I usually wear gloves even in light wind; why wouldn’t you in anticipated strong winds?

    I’ve noticed that about 90% of “sailing disaster” videos on Youtube involve a spinnaker; my assym comes out occasionally on light wind days. No interest at all in a symmetrical; the boat goes well enough downwind with wing and wing sailing.

  2. Thanks for the comment Matthew. This event occurred a few years ago and we’ve learned plenty since then. I’ve also flown asymmetrical spinnakers and, unless they are incorporated into a furler, can be just as problematic as a full symmetrical spinnaker. I don’t have the finances or desire to invest in a top-down furler and rather enjoy the challenge of a true spinnaker.