#9. FALKEN | Alaska to Victoria | Wind or no wind?

Friday August 8 2025, 22.00 Local time | 50º 08’18 n. 127º 41’379 w

When we slipped lines two days ago from Prince Rupert two days ago, the wind forecast was not very promising. But looking at the bigger picture, it was clear that we would sail through the border of two bigger weather systems, as well as all the thermal winds that might or might not turn up, depending on cloud cover etc. So all in all, not looking too promising, but also pretty predictably unpredictable. And as things go, we just ended up sailing for a good portion of it. Beautiful upwind sailing in nice and easy winds up to 20kts. Perfect to enjoy FALKEN's small tacking angles.

Sailing did end up great, but who am I kidding, sailing only was the cherry on top of an otherwise amazing day. After a few sightings of whales the past few days, we passed by a pod of orcas today, shortly before seeing a beautiful and impressively large sunfish. The wildlife has been stunning to say the least. So it only seemed normal to have otters swim around the anchored boat in the evening, while munching on their food.

Difficult to make this day any better it seems. But better it got indeed. My personal highlight, as we anchored in this wild little bay, we drove the dinghy over to the beach, and followed a grown over trail through the wildest rainforest I had ever seen... And after walking for a bit over 30 minutes, we arrived on the other side, a beach of white sand so large it would have been an adventure in itself to walk the full length of it. It took us less than a minute to make up our mind and go for a swim in the fresh pacific ocean water. Truly a dream of a day.

- Manot | FALKEN Mate