This is part three of a four part series of our sailing trip to the San Juan Islands over Memorial Day weekend.

Day 1 – Launch, Bellingham to Matia Island
Day 2 – Matia Island to Friday Harbor
Day 3 – Friday Harbor to Rosario, Orcas Island
Day 4 – Rosario, Orcas Island to Clark Island

Since it seemed like the cold and rain was going to stick around we were looking for a place to go where we could warm up a little. So off to Rosario Resort it was! We left Friday Harbor in a light rain and as soon we were out of the harbor we realized that the wind would be perfect for sailing. So we raised our only sail and were off to a nice downwind run (read this if you are wondering why we only had one sail).

We were happily sailing along when I went below to get get us a snack and heard an odd noise. At first I couldn’t place it, but then I remembered that we had recently installed our new bilge pump and it appeared that it was busily pumping water. I moved a few things to get to it and noticed a fair amount of water in our bilge! I immediately alerted Captain Mike and was asked if it was salt or fresh water. I have tasted a lot bilge water in my time and this time I was grateful that we do not have an inboard engine. Our bilge water was pristine so I did not hesitate. It was very salty! Not good! I immediately started to search everywhere for a point of intrusion and after a few nervous minutes we determined that it was likely an attachment point for the rudder and a very slow leak. Since we had been running with the wind and had the boat more loaded than usual, the stern was more exposed to the water than usual. It was a fix we would have to make when the boat was back on the trailer and we would just have to keep an eye on it.

We were getting close to Rosario Resort and readied the boat for arrival. We arrived just in time for the Organ concert and headed up the hill after securing the boat. After the concert and a tour of the mansion we got our bathing suits and went to the hot tub and warm indoor pool. All this was followed by lamb cooked on our rail BBQ and dessert of Nutty Cookies I found on GalleySwap. We don’t have an oven on board so had I made them ahead of time. It was a great evening! If you’ve never been to Rosario it is defiantly worth a visit!

PASSAGE NOTES AND PHOTOS

When staying in their marina the spa facilities in the mansion are included! Pool, hot tub, unlimited hot showers, gym, sauna, fireplaces, and beautiful locker rooms. Rosario Marina can be reached on 78A. Visit their website for more info.

Rosario Resort

The organ pipes
The 85° saline pool

The marina at Rosario Resort