Sharing this note Christopher Rusin sent out today on his departure from the PNW to SF for the start of the race which begins on June 21st 2025. Good luck and fair winds! 

https://sfbaysss.org/2025-shtp-entrants/

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Greetings to all of you. 

Today at 1400 I departed my home Port, Semiahmoo Marina In Blaine , WA on the Canadian border. As I write, after a long beat upwind,  I’m safely tucked anchored in Echo Bay on Sucai Island. 

What an honor to be cast off by two dear friends Dennis and Matt. Jeff on SV Narwhall (A pristine Cape George 31 that he and his wife restored) was waiting in Drayton Harbor to escort me out. The clouds and rain disbursed and a perfect wind filled in to sail through the channel into Semiahmoo Bay. Jeff and Shasta will be departing for Alaska next month. A dream come true for them as well. I wish them a wonderful journey. 

Its been in incredible path up to this point. The last 10 days have been very intense. My brother Jared drove out from the east side of the state to finish electrical, Matt F worked tirelessly on the autopilot system, rigging, sourcing parts, the list goes on. Jeff, milling wooden blocks, splicing and letting me use his shop to drill SS. . Michael working on pins rails. Dennis, spiritual guidance............Im so grateful.

Every adventure begins with a spark., a calling. When I was a young boy I was introduced to sailing by a great uncle of mine named Trevor Atkinson, a gentle English man. If he only knew the seed he planted in me that day. 40 years have passed from that moment. Life has a way of taking us various directions but I never forgot my childhood dream of circumnavigating the North Pacific high pressure system. I learned about this pressure system from my grandfather. A former Spitfire pilot. He spoke of one of his sons that attempted it once. I found it amazing with just the wind, patience and a fighting spirit one can circle the globe if they choose. 

Several years ago, I knew it was time. Back in 21 I was aiming for 2023 ut Covid hit. . I’m a firm believer that everything’ happens for a reason.  It surely was so as I was there to hold my fathers hand as he passed., then closed his eyes. Before he was Ill He was intrigued albeit raised an eyebrow, but said as he always said, “its impossible to stop you so i will have to be ok with it”. After his passing I went back to planning for 2025. 

My spirit has always led me to adventure. I’ve been through the fire many times. I knew this specific task would take me to a place where I had to dig deep again. My hope was to dig deeper than I’ve ever dug. Careful what you wish for I’ve heard. Nope, I love it. I feel alive.  I will admit though, it would have been easy to throw in the towel a thousand times.  But I’m a romantic at heart. I always dreamt of the right lines, the right gear, not fancy but quality. Every pin and bolt I know is solid because I put it there. I dream t of being able to climb my own mast. (Thank you Hal for walking me through the process and making me do it. You will be tickled to know I go up and down all the time now.) As we all know, the ocean will expose every weakness in gear and spirit. I didn’t want a trip from hell, I wanted an adventure. 

Never before had I owned a ship, let alone had any detailed idea on her systems. With a notable amount of blood, sweat and humbly I admit some tears spilled on my little ship InnFall, she is ready for the great blue waters. Days would pass and I would have to manage my time and choose a shower or a splice. I always choose the splice. Im sure I have some nicknames by people I’ve encountered. Yes it was worth it. 

I want to express my gratitude to my wife and children for their sacrifice while I’ve been away from home preparing. I love all of you with all my heart. Your coordinates are my home forever. 

Furthermore I wish to acknowledge the wonderful and talented people I’ve met on this journey. All of whom have touched my life. A handful on this list have worked on InnFall with their own hands, those amazing and talented people have gone far and above to insure my safety. I’ve learned so much from them, and proud to have forged new friendships with them on a personal and spiritual level. I tear up thinking about what are now grand memories. These amazing people realized I was going either way, but with them and their hearts that passionately contributed, it’s taken this experience to a level that I couldn’t have imagined. 

Mr Don Yager worked tirelessly to design sails to match the needs of Innfall coupled to my sailing style preferences.  We spend many hours discussing, planning, thinking. His beautiful mind crafted foils so perfectly balanced I can use my finger to move the tiller. It seems simple, but compared to sails the boat came with, I  truly know the difference now. Mr Yager sir, I know I asked a lot. You dont cookie cut, I am grateful for that. THANK YOU! 

Hal T, whom taught me how to service a mast. Showed me where and how to identify small problems that can turn ugly if not addressed. I appreciate very much the knowledge you've passed to me sir. 

Tmw (Friday) I will head to Shaw Island to rendezvous  with the infamous Skipper Rick L. He commands the only permanently Mast-less sailboat (on purpose) Ive ever seen,.  I gave him my word I would visit him before I depart. During my 6 weeks living in a shipyard Rick was there to get me off InnFall to clear my head. I look forward to seeing him. 

Sunday, weather pending, I plan on setting sail for Port Angeles. From there I will run the Straight of Juan de Fuca out to the Pacific. Then run down the coast. This will be a qualifier for the SF to Hawaii leg of my journey.  Most know but for those that don’t, I hope to participate in the Historic Single Handed Transpac Race hosted bi-annually by the Single Handed Sailing Society. 

Captain Bill and beautiful Moe, will be hosting me when I arrive in Richardson Bay. The great King James will be flying down for departure date. I look forward to this very much. My wife and Children will also arrive to see me off. Im speachless. 

I’ve tried my very best to be in a position to pass the inspection for the Transpac. If for any reason I don’t qualify, I will continue on my journey without interfering with them. If accepted I don’t consider myself a competitor as they seem pretty serious and equipped to win. Out of respect I will try to keep pace to not hold up the finish line activities. Please note. Best I can tell I will be the slowest boat. That just physics however,  We had to undergo a review to establish a handicap. Unlikely, but I could be the last to arrive and place better than last. I will say regardless of placement, I hope to qualify. I’ve tried my best (and so did Mr. Yager, Hal T, Jared, Matt, Jeff, Michael and Janice, Todd, Denis, Greg, Will, and Jon, Dave P, Devin and Kevin, Randy and Son). It would be a great honor to sail among this fleet of solo minds. Im not one for trophy’s however, a sailor that completes this task is bestowed a very special buckle. I would very much like that in a frame. What ever happens, happens. My heart and soul will be content. 

With fear of hurting anyones feelings, please note, that I have so many more people to thank sincerely and or in more detail. . . If your name hasn’t been mentioned or it was just brief please know you will be properly acknowledged. Im exhausted and sleep deprived. This would also explain why this is jumping all over the place. . Please forgive me,. 

After Landing in Hawaii I will re-provision to set sail most likely  north west until I can get slingshotted north towards Alaska where the Westerly winds fill in for my return. 

I have been collecting footage of this journey which I will compile upon my return. The film is a lesson for my young children as they are just starting their lives but I will share it with all of you if you’re interested. Proper credits will be addressed in my film.

From he bottom of my heart, InnFall and I thank each and everyone of you. She is excited, her spirit ran strong today and she is happy to be moving in the water as she was born to do.

Below is a link to my tracking page. Here you can see at anytime where InnFall and I are and the local winds in the area. 

https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV-InnFall/

Also attached is a photograph Jeff on SV Narwhal captured while departing today. 

Cheers to all of you!

Sincerely,

Christopher 

SV-InnFall

Semiahmoo Marina