Whales, Wind & Ribs: Sailing Toward Conception Island

We finally pulled anchor and pointed Dark Angel’s bows east, setting sail for the legendary Conception Island. But, as always, the journey served up more than just blue water and good wind. This passage gave us a shredding trampoline, a surprise whale sighting, and some of the best slow-cooked ribs ever to rattle around in a rolling galley. Because… balance, right?

We weighed anchor at Elizabeth Harbour under sunny skies and a light breeze, spinnaker at the ready. That's when Captain Dave noticed a space where there shouldn't be a space. There was a whole section of lacing missing from our already suffering starboard trampoline. No big drama (yet), but definitely another note on the ever-growing “when we get to a calm anchorage” list.

Once we got moving, the wind filled our spinnaker and the motion turned buttery smooth. I took the chance to get a rack of ribs going in the crock pot. The boat was smelling like a southern BBQ joint by the time we passed the midpoint of our crossing. Cooking underway always feels like a gamble, but there’s something satisfying about letting the sea rock you while comfort food simmers in the background.

Then…whales. Actual whales.

We’ve sailed a lot of miles, but this was a first. Off the port stern, spotted from inside whilst FaceTiming, came the unmistakable spray of a blow. Then another. And then we saw them. Big, graceful, gliding just beneath the surface. We were too stunned to do anything but stare. Cameras were grabbed eventually, but for a few precious minutes, it was just us … mouths open, hearts pounding, totally awed. It’s the kind of moment you never forget. And you never expect.

We arrived at Conception Island later that day, ribs intact, minds blown, still buzzing from the whale sighting. Conception is beautiful, wild, and as peaceful as promised—but honestly, this was one of those passages where the journey delivered all the magic before we even dropped the hook.