The Story behind the painting , ‘Waiting for the Tides to Turn”

As we were sailing up towards Princess Louisa Inlet, we let down our sails and drifted.  We were nearing the Malibu Rapids. Our crew of four knew that we had to wait for about an hour for slack tide before going through the rapids to enter Princess Louisa Inlet.  You could feel the energy in the air, as we were excited to head up the Inlet.  Malibu Rapids are not be taken lightly.  We waited until the time was nearing slack tide then we ‘tried’ to start our diesel motor.  It didn’t immediately turn over when we pushed the start button. We reviewed the procedures and tried again, but once again the engine would not start. Our crew checked all the engine components and tried once again.  It still would not start.  Our level of concern was heightened as we were now slowly being pulled towards the rapids. 

The decision was made by our Captain to put the motor on the dingy and try to use the dingy to move the 33 foot Beneteau away from the rapids.  Putting the motor on the dingy while on the water is a tricky maneuver,  but our Captain and our friend maintained balance and  got it attached. They tried to start up  the motor as we slowly floated closer to the rapids.  After several attempts it was obvious this was not going to be a solution for us! The tension was mounting as we floated closer and closer to the rapids.   

It wasn’t a “Mayday” but instead, our Captain did a “Pan-pan” call out over the radio waves. "Mayday" is used in the most urgent life-threatening situations, while "pan-pan" is for urgent situations that are serious but not life-threatening. A boat from Princess Louisa Inlet answered our call but could not get to us in time as they were bringing out a hiker with a broken leg. They would not make it to us in time to be of help.  We called “pan-pan”,  again and this time a large, old tourist boat answered our call. They were coming out of the inlet and could help us.  Luckily for us, this would work.  Their boat pulled up along our starboard side and we secured it with spare lines.  They pulled us to a nearby dock belonging to a Malibu Club a youth camp on the mouth  of the Inlet.  We ending up spending the night tied to their dock. As the sun set the light  on the rocks was spectacular.  I would not have been at these rocks as the sun set if not for our faulty starter.  Thus, the title of my painting, “Waiting for the Tides to Turn.”