For several weeks, since first sighting the coast of California, James Cook had been frustrated in his efforts to approach land by constant gales and storms. On Sunday, March 29, 1778, the weather moderated, and he was able to stand in toward Vancouver Island. By five in the evening both his ships were becalmed off Maquinna Point, and hoisted out their boats to tow in. With a light breeze from the west, they were just able to sail up to an anchorage by nightfall. The peaceful greeting of scattered eagle down was offered by the Natives of Friendly Cove who came out to welcome Resolution and Discovery.