Archives
What? Honest, it’s a legit nautical term. Hawsehole, I mean. Thanks to Monica and ‘Lectronic Latitude and Latitude 38 for keeping the dream alive. Or not waking me up. On June 30, 2025, they published The Resourceful Sailor Asks: “Will You Shut Your Hawsehole?”, an installment about keeping water out of the boat. In particular, from the hole where the anchor rode goes down below. Click HERE to be directed to the… Read More
This is the last in this five-part series. I have been sorting through some archival footage from my 2019 transit of the Northwest Passage aboard Oliver Huin’s Breskell. Maybe this will be fun for the armchair sailors. Maybe it will be helpful for those planning a future trip. Like Jimmy Cornell’s: The High Latitude Challenge 2026-2027 I’ve heard it said that fewer people have transited the Northwest Passage by boat than have… Read More
I found this Flicka 20 and Pacific Seacraft 25 bowsprit and bow platform diagram in my boat papers and realized I had never posted it. It came with Sampaguita when I purchased her. I believe it to be accurate. A previous owner replaced Sampaguita‘s bowsprit. They opted to use a solid piece of teak. I believe the factory sprit was laminated Douglas Fir (or Spruce.) The teak has proven rot-resistant and strong… Read More
Thank you to all for your congratulations and interest. Some are asking for pictures and stories. I’m sorry, I am unable at this time to accommodate much. I just don’t have the heart right now. My search for peace has been a failure. Stress and anxiety are my burden and they follow me wherever I go. It is disappointing. I have always chosen the hard path, I guess. I know I have… Read More
Greetings fellow humans, There is something called the La Paz Waltz. It’s a cheeky way of describing how different boats swing at anchor here in La Paz, Mexico. The music starts when strong wind and current oppose each other. While dancing is fine, kissing is a bit more risque. My neighbors this past Sunday were at it. They may have been smooching. It was a little difficult to tell from my angle,… Read More
Thanks to DW for the considerate cruising kitty donation. We had some back and forth about a new jib for his Flicka and the best sail clew. I appreciate and respect him for it. Anytime. So, if you find any value to what you encounter on this site, whether informational, inspirational, or entertainment, please consider a donation. PayPal or Zelle: wheelersf@hotmail.com If you are averse to participating with those particular financial institutions,… Read More
In 2023, Sampaguita has rounded Vancouver Island with the farthest North being above the Scott Islands and has now rounded Cabo San Lucas at the tip of the Mexican Baja Peninsula. She is presently sitting at anchor in Bahia De Los Muertos (The Bay of the Dead) in the Sea of Cortez. We will likely be here through the holidays, waiting out a weather window to get to La Paz. The Sea… Read More
Sampaguita and I sailed off the anchor from Bahia Asuncion on late Tuesday morning. We got a slightly later start than intended, but the morning wind was light and we got caught up in cleaning the sand and stones from the kayak. The Aire kayak is a whitewater kayak, which is to say it has a rugged PVC exterior shell with inflatable bladders inside. One for the bottom and one on each… Read More
I love it when a plan comes together(80s reference.) Sampaguita did another overnight trip to get to Bonita Cove, Mission Bay, from Dana Point. We had used up our five days anchoring allowance in Dana Point in our holding pattern as we wait for the Baja HaHa boats to leave San Diego. My understanding is we’re allowed three days here, which means I’ll move to San Diego Bay on Monday, the day… Read More
sailingwithjosh
Sailing With Josh 