Catching the sun, becalmed

Yesterday we had a ride on Mark's yacht, with his son Kai and parents-in-law Rolf and Vija (who provided us with a delicious on-board picnic). It turned out to be one of the most windless days of the year, but nothing daunted, we took the yacht Catch The Sun –– an appropriate name –– out from her moorings at the Britannia Yacht Club marina onto the Ottawa River, to sail upstream across Lac Deschênes, almost to Aylmer Island, where other yachts were trying to pick up a breeze. At one point we managed nearly 3 knots, but most of the time on the water, we were becalmed, which made for a tranquil pastime, for Chris and me a welcome rest after all the boisterous activity of the family visit from London. We just sat on the comfy cushions and soaked up the sunshine.

There was a small dog called Jack aboard, who lay on the cushions with us with his legs splayed out for comfort.

Aylmer marina, from the river

Aylmer Island ahead

As in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, 

... We stuck, nor breath nor motion; 

As idle as a painted ship 

Upon a painted ocean. 

Approaching the narrow entrance
to the BYC marina

Even paddle-boarders and kayakers were making better headway than we were. So for the return leg, Mark resorted to the outboard motor, running at very low revs. and brought us efficiently back to our point of departure.

Ship's dog in the harbour

To reciprocate the favour, Chris is taking Kai flying from Rockcliffe airport today, taking him to lunch at Lachute.