Anchored in Bodrum Harbor.
Correspondence. Errands. Top off fresh water tanks. Pick up filled LPG bottle. On hand: 3 full, 1 almost full. Sand hatches.
3 July – Tues.
Kurban Bayrami holiday begins. 3rd coat varnish on hatches. Field day interior of boat. Exercise engine. Organize for copying pats of Italian Waters Pilot borrowed from Ingrid & Gil on “Southern Harvester”
4 July – Wed. ïMð
Laundry day. Copy parts of Italian Pilot. Shopping, P.O., errands.
late
p.m. 4th of July gathering with Americans & Brits aboard “Sunflower” with Al & Beth Ligget.
5 July – Thurs.
Correspondence. Trade charts & Pilots with Ken & Pauline of “Sea Venture”.
1430 “Solitare” dragging broadside to bow of Rhysling; fended off by Charles. Line lead from astern to Solitare to stop her dragging to shallows.
2000 Calm. “Solitare” ranging around. Rig fenders, pull alongside with help from Dusty of “Magnum”.
2030 “Solitare” rafted on stbd. side, awaiting return of owners…
2130 Don & Donna of “Solitare” back aboard. Will stay alongside ‘til tomorrow, then re-anchor.
6 July – Fri.
0630 “Solitare” away.
a.m. Market day in town.
7 July – Sat.
a.m. Top up fresh water tanks. Collect soil for kitty litter. Check engine start battery; all cells okay. Adjust packing gland. Eng. checks. Run engine for exercise & battery charge. Xfer remaining fuel from aft to main tank – on hand: ¾ tank (approx. 50 gals.). P.O., errands.
p.m. Tune forestay & re-seize turnbuckles. Adjust tension in lifelines. Repair tool box.
8 July – Sun.
a.m. Wash down & scrub topsides. Change out & clean outboard spark plug.
a.m. “Clear” with Harbormaster (payment of 6,000TL plus 35,000TL for fees), and check with Police – all set for departure.
10 July – Tues.
R&R day with Felicity & friends. Stow gear in late p.m.
11 July – Wed.
0550 Prepare to get u/w.
0705 u/w from Bodrum Harbor.
0724 BRB[1] buoy abeam stbd., o/c 210-215°M to Kos, Greece. Glassy calm; motoring @ 1550 RPM’s.
0905 Enter Kos Harbor. “Q” flag up. SMG = 5.4!
0930 Moored stern-to town quay. Eng. secured.
1000 Ashore for entry formalities.
1100 Cleared by PP Police, Customs, & Harbor Police.
1130 Arrange for taking on diesel.
1215 u/w to shift berths.
1235 Moored stern-to town quay further to east.
12 July – Thurs.
0710 Transit log from Port Police.
0735 Eng. on.
0745 Lines off, anchor up; u/w from Kos Harbor to Kalimnos.
0922 Nisos Pserimos Rock abeam stbd., o/c 280°M. Motoring at 1550 RPM’s with light headwind.
1130 Moored stbd. side to fuel pier, Kalimnos Is.
1205 u/w from fuel dock – main tank topped off, aft tank approx 260 liters. Total taken on: 340 liters, 17,200 drachmas.
1215 Moored stern-to town quay, Kalimnos.
1800 Shift to stbd. to make space for large yacht.
a.m. Fresh breeze from WNW.
0710 Harbor Police reports high wind warning (force 7+) for today. Pressure down. We will remain in port…
0850 Check bilge pump for lost prime (?). All okay with test.
p.m. Repair dinghy fender & tie-down block.
14 July – Sat.
0630 Wx report: Gale warning for SE Aegean and winds NW @ force 6-7 for Samos Sea. Expected to diminish later in day. Similar report in Port Police office. Update at noon…
15 July – Sun.
0630 Wx report: Moderating. Prepare to get u/w.
0700 Eng. on. Mooring lines (stern) off.
0710 Anchor up. u/w from Kalimnos harbor.
0800 Nera Is. abeam port. o/c 278°M.
0810 Up single reefed main.
0820 Up #2 jib.
0830 Wind from NNW 18-20. Eng. secured. o/c 270-275°M, S: 4.
0925 Wind dropping – 10-15. Up full main.
1230 Wind increasing – 18-20.
1330 Levithia Is. abeam stbd.
1400 Continued fresh (20+) wind. o/c 270°M.
1700 Winds & seas increasing. Down main.
1725 Wind 35+ with gusts above 40. o/c 270°M with #2 jib only. Approaching lee of Amorgos Is.
2005 Cape Korax, Amorgos Is., abeam stbd. Wind gusts.
2100 Near calm – dusk.
2120 Calm. Down jib.
2140 Eng. on.
2145 u/w o/c 245°M; motoring in calm @ 1400 RPM’s.
16 July – Mon.
0000 u/w @ 1400 RPM’s motoring in near calm. o/c 245°M.
0030 o/c 270°M.
0230 Approach S tip of Ios Is., various courses to round Aldathis Pt.
0400 Reduce speed to 1200 RPM’s to arrive at harbor entrance at daybreak.
0500 Enter Port Ios.
0550 Anchored in 15-20’ N end Port Ios Bay. Strong gusts but good holding.
1220 Told by “Port Police” to move boat due to late p.m. ferry traffic.
1230 Eng. on.
1240 Anchor up.
1245 Anchored in 30-35’, NW corner of bay. Very strong NNW wind gusts off mountains, 25-35 with some near 40! Anchor holding well even with boat veering wildly on rode.
17 July – Tues.
a.m. Check electric bilge pump for possible malfunction. All okay; clean & replace. Problem with anti-return valve in discharge line, overhaul. All okay.
Xfer fuel. Eng. checks.
p.m. Ashore to see town, shopping, etc.
1900 Meltemi increasing – gusts 30+. Anchor holding well.
18 July – Wed.
0800 Ashore to bank. Wind 30+ kts. Forecast for 6-7 force for today.
1000 Continued strong winds – 30+. Bert from “Uhuru” over for work on main halyard winch brake band.
noon Ashore to “explore”.
2015 Exercise engine & charge start battery.
2035 Eng. secured.
19 July – Thurs.
a.m. Winds down considerably.
All-day W.S.[2] lesson for Charles…
20 July – Fri.
a.m. Winds 20+ with gusts above 30. N to NNW. Will probably depart tomorrow a.m.
Route planning, chart organizing. Clean up nav. station. Exercise engine. Re-stitch dodger hems.
21 July – Sat.
0630 Prepare to get u/w.
0655 Eng. on.
0710 Anchor up; u/w from Ios.
0720 Up #2 jib.
0725 Ios light abeam stbd., o/c 235°M, wind NNW 18-22.
0730 Eng. secured.
0820 Wind up to 35+ with violent gusts off of Sikonos Is. Anemometer pegged at 60 kts. a few times with many 50+ and boat well heeled (35°(?)).
0850 Kaloyeros Is. abeam stbd. SMG = 7.0!
0950 True wind between Sikonos & Polykandro Islands is about 20-25. Higher winds seem generated on lee side of the islands.
1000 N Pelayia Pt. abeam stbd. (Nisos Folegandros); o/c 250-260°M. Wind 25+ with higher gusts off the island.
1130 Wind increasing to 35+ with accompanying seas. Boat still sailing well with jib only.
1330 Wind easing with lumpy seas. 18-20 kts.
1445 Increasing wind – 25+. Sailing well now… Ananes Rocks in sight ahead.
1700 Wind up & down all afternoon between 18 and 25 kts. N to NNW. Plenty of slop in the cockpit, but generally good sailing.
2030 Wind abating.
2115 Near calm.
2130 Down jib. Eng. checks.
2140 Eng. on. u/w @ 1600 RPM’s. o/c 270°M.
22 July – Sun.
0000 Motoring in calm @ 1600 RPM to approach S tip of Peleponese Peninsula.
0120 Cape Malea abeam stbd., o/c 250°M.
0210 Cape Zozovo light abeam stbd., o/c 265°M.
0805 Cape Matapan abeam stbd., o/c 312°M. Light breeze from NW. Continue motoring.
1000 Hardly a breeze now. Continue motoring to make the most of it.
1154 SatFix: 36° 37.6N – 22° 10.1E
1300 Wind filling in from W to WNW, up #2 jib – motorsail.
1330 o/c 010°M.
1500 Wind shift to NE! Down jib.
1515 Local clouds! Motoring o/c 010°M.
1530 Wind ENE; up #2 jib – continue motorsailing.
1615 Calm; down jib.
1645 Enter Kalamata Harbor.
1700 Moored stern-to N quay, Kalamata Harbor. SMG from Cape Matapan = 6.6. SMG from Ios = 5.7.
23 July – Mon.
a.m. Port Police aboard to check transit log. Ashore to P.P. with papers. All okay. Berthing charges – 153 DR/day (US$1.00/day). Remove fuel return line & replace with new one. Fill petrol (108 DR/liter). To town & bank.
p.m. Top off aft fuel tank (90 liters @ 50.5 DR/liter = 4545 DR).
24 July – Tues.
1000 Asked by Port Police to shift boat to W end of quay in “yacht basin”.
1015 Eng. on.
1040 Anchor up after snag on mooring chain.
1050 Moored stern-to quay at yacht basin.
p.m. “Build” new kitty tray for Kappie.
25 July – Wed.
a.m. Hook up with shoreside water (1024 DRs); top off all tanks and jugs, wash down boat, wash clothes. Bank, shopping for provisions, etc.
late
p.m. Passports with Port Police for checkout early a.m. tomorrow.
26 July – Thurs.
0700 To Port Police & immigration to clear out of country.
0720 Cleared by P. Police, Customs, & immigration.
0745 Eng. on.
0755 Lines & anchor up; u/w from Kalamata Hbr.
0800 o/c 205°M, motoring @ 1600 RPM in calm.
0830 Breeze from NW; up #2 jib, motorsail…
0950 Wind easing & shifting to SSW; down jib.
1040 Livadia Point abeam stbd. SMG = 5.7. o/c 214°M.
1130 Wind from NW – 10-15 kts. with gusts off mountain.
1155 Cape Gallo abeam stbd; o/c 292°M. Wind & seas on nose. Motoring into it with slow progress. F-111’s passing overhead on practice bombing runs to Nisos Skhiza.
1445 Enter Port Longos.
1450 Eng. not going into neutral (no reverse!).
1455 Anchored in 25’.
27 July – Fri.
a.m. Check & re-adjust (?) xmission. Change xmission oil.
Scrub main cabin carpet. Xfer fuel. Rig Aries.
p.m. Strong NW winds all afternoon & evening.
28 July – Sat.
Rest day. Visit lighthouse. Predicted strong NW winds today.
late
p.m. Calm. Stow dinghy.
29 July – Sun.
0600 Calm.
0630 Prepare to get u/w.
0645 Shorten up anchor.
0655 Eng. on; u/w from Port Longos.
0700 Transit Port entrance; various courses to pass S of Sapienza Is. Very light breeze from NE. Motoring at 1550 RPM.
0720 Sapienza Light abeam stbd. o/c 280°M. Calm.
0900 Continued calm with slight swell from WNW.
1200 Continued glassy calm. Swell abating… Baro. pressure very high (1021mb).
1400 Continued calm.
1500 Light breeze from W…
1930 Continued light breeze from west. Motoring @ 1550-1600 RPM.
1800 SatFix: 36° 51.3N – 20° 36.7E. SMG = 4.1.
2200 Continue motoring into light WNW breeze. o/c 280°M.
2330 Wind dropping.
0000 Motoring @ 1550-1600 RPM o/c 280°M. Light breeze from WNW and lingering swell.
0610 SatFix: 36° 54.7N – 19° 24.0E. SMG = 5.1.
0700 Eng. secured for checks. Add oil to eng. & xmission.
1000-
0900 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hr. to conform with –2 time zone (Italian Summer Time).
1000 Breeze from NW; up main; motorsail…
1350 Calm; down main; continue motoring @ 1550 RPM. o/c 270°M.
1600 Eng. secured for checks & fuel xfer. Swim call…
1640 Eng. on; u/w @ 1550 RPM, o/c 270°M – glassy calm.
1942 SatFix: 37° 00.1N – 17° 56.0E. SMG = 5.0.
2030 o/c 260°M. Wind shifting WSW… very light.
31 July – Tues.
0000 Motoring @ 1550 RPM o/c 260°M in calm.
0400 Some swell accompanying breeze from SW…
0545 Swell increasing. Up main & #2 jib, eng. secured. o/c 290-300°M @ 3.5 – wind WSW 10-14.
1200 Wind veering to WNW; o/c 240°M.
1256 SatFix: 37° 04.2N – 16° 33.3E.
1300 Wind NNW 12-18. o/c 250-260°M.
1340 Calm, seas flattening. Eng. checks & fuel xfer. Down jib.
1410 Eng. on; u/w o/c 255°M @ 1600 RPM’s. Near calm. Possible problem with xmission. Oil low. Add 1 qt. Will only stay in fwd…
1815 Wind filling in from WSW. Eng. secured. Up #2 jib.
1820 o/c 190-200°M @ 4-4.5 kts.
1900 Wind up & down between calm & 18 kts. twice in past 40 minutes. Swell building from WSW.
1930 Wind holding @ 18-20 from WSW with moderate swell. Possibly due to being out of lee of Sicily. o/c 190-200°M @ 4 kts.
1 Aug. – Wed.
0000 Continuing under sail with main & #2 jib. o/c 210-220°M @ 4-4.5 kts. Wind veering to W @ 18-22 kts. Seas moderate. Crossing Malta Channel with numerous ships in area…
0800 SatFix: 36° 12.0N – 15° 33.6E. SMG = 4.0. CMG = 231°M.
0900 Wind down to 8-12 from W to WNW.
1000 Near calm.
1020 Eng. checks.
1030 Wind up again – 6-8 from W.
1042 Wind backing to SW.
1150 Onto port tack. o/c 300°M.
1230 Calm.
SatFix: 36° 01.1N – 15° 28.4E
1235 Down jib; eng. on. u/w @ 1550 RPM.
1800 Very light breeze from WNW. Continue motoring @ 1550 RPM with main up as steadying sail (slight chop).
2234 SatFix: 35° 14.0N – 14° 42.1E. SMG = 2.8 CMG = 299.
2 Aug. – Thurs.
0000 Motoring in calm @ 1550 RPM. o/c 300°M. Some opposing swell & possible current as SMG very poor…
0100 Eng. secured for checks… all okay.
0115 Eng. on; u/w @ 1550 RPM o/c 300°M.
0145 Down main to reduce chafe. Glassy calm with NW swell.
0900 Light breeze from NE(!); up #2 jib. Motorsail.
1000 Breeze shifting NNE & increasing 8-10 kts. Eng. secured. Up main. o/c 310°M. S: 3.5-4.
1145 Near calm. Xfer fuel. Eng. checks. Add eng. & xmission oil. Clean oil pan. Leaking xmission oil – approx. ½ qt./12 hrs. Possible seal?…
1205 Calm. Down jib.
1210 Eng. on. Problem with xmission. Won’t stay in gear. Strange noises. Adjust & re-adjust. No success. Wait for wind….
1324 SatFix: 36° 49.3N – 13° 41.6E. Swim call.
1530 Up lg. jib; o/c 350°M @ 3.5 kts…
1800 Calm.
1805 Down jib. Drift mode with slatting main. Awaiting wind.
1830 Light breeze. Up large jib.
1840 Wind shift. Down main.
1850 Calm. Down jib. Wait for wind.
2200 Continued calm.
3 Aug. – Fri.
0000 Drift mode awaiting wind. Calm.
0600 Still no wind. Some swell from NW, however.
0700 Work on xmission. Adjust & tighten forward gears; loosen reverse. Try & try, but impossible to engage in forward. Totally slipping. We are resolved (forced!) to await wind and make it to a port on the S Sicily coast to affect repairs.
0830 Glass calm without a breath of wind…
1024 SatFix: 36° 49.2N – 14° 03.9E
1145 Light breeze from SW; up lg. jib; u/w o/c 315°M. Up main. S: 3-3.5.
1615 Wind veering to WSW. o/c 330°M.
1630 Wind easing. o/c 345°M.
1700 Wind continuing to veer NW. o/c 350°M.
1900 Wind easing. WNW 8-12. o/c 325°M.
2200 Calm. Down main & jib.
2244 Glass calm. Approx. 13 miles to nearest harbor but totally becalmed. All sails down & furled. Possibly tomorrow?…
4 Aug. – Sat.
0000 Drift mode. Awaiting wind. Approx. 15 NM SE of Port Empedocle.
0630 Light breeze from E. Up large jib. u/w o/c 295°M along coast to Port Empedocle.
0700 Up mizzen staysail. Wind easing but still fair.
0720 Calm. Down mizzen staysail.
1130 Light breeze from WNW; up main.
1200 Breeze remaining very slight. o/c 295°M @ 2.5 (?) kts. At least we’re moving… but slow progress due to contrary current of .5-1 kt.
1215 Wind filling in a bit. Let’s hope…
1230 Wind easing. L
1430 Wind filling in again from WNW. o/c 320°M.
1440 Wind veering to NW. o/c 330°M. Various tracks to move NNW along Sicily coast to reach Empedocle harbor.
1500 Wind down & up…
1600 Wind filling in again from WNW…
1630 Wind dropping, AGAIN!
1705 Entering shoal area. 30-35’ depths. Down anchor. Wind dropping to near calm. Down jib & main. Await favorable wind and hold position against S moving current.
1812 SatFix: 37° 10.7N – 13° 41.8E
2030 Breeze from NW. Sea flat…
5 Aug. – Sun.
0600 Continued glass calm. Awaiting wind.
0845 Wind line to SW. Will wait to see if it reaches us and fills in…
0905 Wind filling in from SE! Shorten anchor.
0915 Anchor up. #2 jib up; main up. u/w from ‘anchorage’. Nice sailing now…
1200 Wind easing and shifting to S.
1215 Calm. Down sails. Launch dinghy & outboard. Side tie on stbd. quarter.
1245 u/w with dinghy side towing @ full throttle. Slow progress – about 1 kt.
1320 Light breeze from SSW; Up lg. jib.
1325 Outboard secured. Sailing with jib only toward Port Empedocle. S: 2-3.
1400 Enter outer breakwaters. Breeze very light.
1420 Anchored in 20-25’, outer harbor, Port Empedocle. Down jib.
1530 Ashore to Harbor Police about clearing in. Told to return Monday @ 0800.
6 Aug. – Mon.
0750 Ashore to check in with harbor authorities.
0900 Issued with “Constituto in Arrivo per il Naviglio da Diporto”
1300 Lt. Mangano & chief engineer from harbor authority aboard to check problem with xmission. Will try to locate parts source this p.m…
1630 Lt. Mangano (Vito) and Nino aboard with machinist from Martinez eng. shop to check xmission. I will remove it tomorrow a.m. to take to shop.
7 Aug. – Tues.
0645 Commence work on removing xmission.
1030 Tug engineer aboard with Lt. Mangano. Xmission removed & taken ashore for disassembly.
noon To Agrigento for banking.
late
p.m. Dinghy “taken” by local kids. Recovered with help of local family.
8 Aug. – Wed.
a.m. Fabricate locking system for dinghy, outboard & oars. Check with mechanics at Martinez Engineering about xmission. Pinion gears, shafts, spacers, and bearings worn. Must be replaced.
p.m. Phone call and fax to Hansen Marine Eng. in Massachusetts. Awaiting reply on availability of parts.
9 Aug. – Thurs.
0900 Check at agency for fax reply. Nothing.
Market day, shopping.
noon Dismantle & check head pump. Replace leathers and packing. Clean & replace.
1530 Check again for fax reply. None.
10 Aug. – Fri.
a.m. Correspondence. To Agrigento. P.O., shopping. No fax reply…
11 Aug. – Sat.
a.m. To Agrigento for TV repair. No fax reply. Will phone again Monday.
12 Aug. – Sun.
a.m. Troubleshoot outboard problem. Check carb, etc. No spark. Magneto looks okay but(?). Clean oil from bilge & tidy up eng. space.
13 Aug. – Mon.
a.m. To harbor authorities & check for fax reply (none).
p.m. To Agrigento & telephone Hansen Marine. They never received fax. Will airmail parts this Wed.
14 Aug. – Tues.
Work on outboard. Check elec. connections, clean contacts.
15 Aug. – Wed.
Work on outboard. Drain & clean fuel tank & carb. Still erratic starting.
16 Aug. – Thurs.
0805 Run engine for exercise & battery charge. Market day, laundry day. Use pressure water pump to draw water from center tank. Change filter.
17 Aug. – Fri.
a.m. Visit ruins of Agrigento (582 BC) with Barry and Marika & kids from “Panta Rhei”.
18 Aug. – Sat.
Beach day. Wind to 20+ kts. in p.m.
19 Aug. – Sun.
Weekend relaxing. Wind 18-20 kts. in p.m.
20 Aug. – Mon.
Check with Lt. Mangano about arrival of parts – not today…
21 Aug. – Tues.
a.m. Change out LPG bottle. On hand: 1 m.t./3 full.
Check again with Capitaneria di Porto – no parts in mail…
22 Aug. – Wed.
noon Check with Lt. Mangano – no parts in mail today.
1750 Advised by pilot boat to shift in anchorage due to departing vessel (for maneuvering room), but informed him of lack of propulsion… He can contact Capitaniera di Porto for details. May have tug assist to shift in anchorage… We shall see…
Wind 25-30 with higher gusts. Pressure dropping…
23 Aug. - Thurs.
0620 Large vessel departing with tug assist. Pilot boat standing by to possibly shift Rhysling.
0640 Vessel u/w from hbr. All okay.
noon No word yet on expected parts. Lunch with our French friend Karim & grandparents.
late
p.m. Rt. foot below ankle swollen & painful. From possible twist this a.m. Elevate & rest.
24 Aug. – Fri.
0840 Exercise engine and charge batteries.
0900 Eng. secured.
1130 Contacted by customs police to present “Constituto” and passports. Information form filled out; all in order. Check with Lt. Mangano – still no parts in mail…
noon Shopping, P.O.
p.m. Work on outboard. Free up seized (!?) piston, add more oil to fuel, change spark plugs, etc. Still no luck.
25 Aug. – Sat.
No parts in mail…
26 Aug. – Sun.
Rec. day at beach with Francias amis…
27 Aug. – Mon.
To Agrigento for bank & errands. Telephone Mass., USA to check on parts. Shipped via airmail over 10 days ago. Will wait another week before taking further action…
28 Aug. – Tues.
a.m. Still no parts… Shopping, errands. Caulk strip on bridge deck planking.
29 Aug. – Wed.
Still awaiting parts. They we shipped via air mail two weeks ago today…
30 Aug. – Thurs.
Market day; beginning of 4-day festival celebrating “Saint of the Plague”…
31 Aug. – Fri.
a.m. Commence filling fresh water tanks – ferry jugs to & from public water source. Errands. Clean dinghy bottom (very foul).
1030 Notified by Lt. Mangano that parts have arrive. Duty paid to P.O. for customs although mistake made at Palermo. No refund possible even with help of Mr. Mangano…
Will meet with mechanic, Mr. San Felipo, this p.m. to rebuild xmission…
1350 Exercise engine & charge batteries. Check water in start batt. – ok.
1 Sept. – Sat.
0700 Continue filling fresh water tanks… P&S tanks topped off.
0930 Heavy cloud cover with wind from ENE. Pressure high, though.
1130 Wind shift to south…
1230 Calm. Charles shopping. Laundry.
Clean cockpit. Re-install galley towel ring. Repair non-slip dishware. Bring aboard top 20’ of anchor chain, scrub & leave in sun (very foul). Top off all fresh water jugs & lash down. Lube cylinder of outboard to prevent seizing (don’t know what’s wrong).
2 Sept. – Sun.
Rest day; meet with French friends at beach.
3 Sept. – Mon.
0830 Meet with Lt. Mangano & mechanic re/xmission. Rebuilding. 2 additional bearings needed. Will try to locate in Agrigento. Reduction gear ashore to replace oil seal (fwd-most, next to xmission). To bank in Agrigento. Shopping. Scrape & clean anchor chain.
1330 Wind building from NW – 18-22 kts. Cloud cover…
1700 Fresh NW wind – 25+ kts.
2100 Near calm.
4 Sept. – Tues.
0930 To Mr. San Felipo (mechanic) with Mr. Mangano re. xmission. Additional bearings not available here. Telephone to large bearing shop in nearby city with help of Martinez Engineering. No such bearings available.
1430 To Agrigento to call Hansen Marine in Mass. to order additional bearings. Pinion gears also available so will send 2 as well. Should be sent via airmail today.
2008 Struck on portside amidships by bow of drifting fishing trawler. 2 lifeline stanchions bent & some paint scraped off near rub rail. No other damage. Just past dusk, but anchor light not up yet…
5 Sept. – Wed.
0845 Outboard taken ashore to Mr. San Felipo to see how much it will cost to repair. Still seized up even after repeated oiling of cylinder… I have no idea what’s wrong or what caused it…
6 Sept. – Thurs.
a.m. Market day – shopping.
1210 Return to find Kappie in water 20’ astern & nearly drowned. Recover & treat for shock & hypothermia.
1330 Kappie still shaking a bit but nearly recovered…
late
p.m. All okay with Kappie…
7 Sept. – Fri.
Another 5 gals. of water from ashore. Straighten bent lifeline stanchions on P&S sides. Re-adjust lifelines and make better arrangement for boarding area on stbd. side. Lubricate & tighten fittings, turnbuckles, etc. Haul in more anchor chain – clean & free fouled fishing lines. Veer out more scope to 150’. All chain clean except for mud… Clean solar panel & dodger plastic (lots of accumulated dust). Lubricate dodger zippers and attempt re-aligning – some bad teeth, but okay for now. All plastics on dodger appear to be breaking down due to long exposure to sun. Exercise engine 25 minutes.
8 Sept. – Sat.
Shopping, errands.
Farewells to Karim & grandfather departing today to Paris…
9 Sept. – Sun.
Rest day. Reading, TV, etc.
10 Sept. – Mon.
a.m. Check with Mr. San Felipo re. outboard repair. Shopping, errands. Add more water to port fresh water tank. Ferry more water from shore, laundry day. Light showers in early a.m. Breeze & swell from SE… Pressure still up, though. Dismantle, clean & re-assemble anchor light.
11 Sept. – Tues.
a.m. Pick up outboard from Mr. San Felippo. Elec. problem – bad connector at spark plug. Runs okay now but with whining noise. Possibly from running with low fuel/oil mixture.
1000 Overcast with breeze increasing from NW. Pressure down…
1300 Wind freshening from NW to 20+ kts. Sky clearing.
1700 Wind 25+ in anchorage. All holding well. Pressure continued low.
12 Sept. – Wed.
a.m. No word on parts. Wind light but shifting NE, NW, N, etc. Pressure increasing slightly.
noon Wind steady from NE 8-10 with gusts to 15.
p.m. Continue NE wind with increasing pressure and clearing skies. Low has apparently passed south of us. Re-caulk another bridgedeck joint.
1700 Large fire in shoreside warehouse/shop area. Extinguished by local fire dept.
Pressure continuing to rise, but wind still from NE.
13 Sept. – Thurs.
a.m. Pressure way up (calm thru the night). Light breeze from WSW. Shopping. Add 5 more gals. to port fresh water tank. Replace cockpit fresh water jug with two 15 liter containers, old container sun damaged & broken. Wash down topsides with salt water. Start work on boat equipment inventory.
1530 Exercise engine & charge batteries; 20 min.
14 Sept. – Fri.
a.m. No word on parts. Shopping. P&S fresh water tanks topped up. Continue work on boat equip. inventory. Barometric pressure very high all day (up to 1025mb). Warm & sunny (cooler nights, though) with light breeze from south…
15 Sept. – Sat.
a.m. Shopping (fresh goods)
Pressure still high, but overcast day with light breeze from SE.
Continue work on boat equip. inventory.
1645 Coast Guard vessel alongside to ask questions about registration, eng. problems, etc. & check all papers.
1715 Coast Guard away.
16 Sept. – Sun.
0645 Dinghy discovered missing at first light. Painter cut.
0730 Coast Guard vessel hailed down & alongside to take particulars of theft (aluminum dinghy with outboard).
0830 Ashore in inflatable to report theft to Capitanario di Porto and police. Charles searching shoreline in dinghy. I search harbor area on foot.
1015 Dinghy located by Charles with help of local fisherman, hidden in bushes & covered with leaves & grass. All items aboard. Report to C. di Porto & police that it has been found. Whew! What a morning. Also wet & drizzling to add to our miseries…
Breeze out of NE with pressure still high. Some swell getting into outer harbor…
p.m. Re-splice dinghy painter. Check & clean outboard. Fill grease gun cartridges.
1230 More thunder showers. Wind near calm.
1330 Wind veering SE to S to SW to west.
1400 Sky clearing with wind freshening from NW 18-20 kts. Pressure dropping slightly, but still relatively high.
1700 Continued moderate NW breeze, clearing skies, but also continued uncomfortable swell entering outer harbor from S…
Restow inflatable dinghy. Finish work on boat equipment inventory (5 pages typewritten).
17 Sept. – Mon.
a.m. Check with Mr. Mangano – no parts in today’s mail. To police station to sigh paper stating details of finding stolen dinghy yesterday. Errands, P.O. Clean bottom & inside of dinghy. Drill drain hole in stern and fashion plug for same. Replace broken tie-wraps on dinghy rub rail. Replace broken holding pin on Aries mount.
Fine wx today. Clear sky with light NW wind. Pressure still high. Swell in outer hbr. nearly gone.
18 Sept. – Tues.
a.m. Still awaiting word on parts… nothing today.
Exercise engine & charge batteries 20 min.
Wx still fine, calm all day with high pressure. Some clouds in late p.m.
19 Sept. – Wed.
a.m. Shopping.
1030 Lt. Mangano reports parts have arrived in Palermo. Duty must be paid there to take delivery. Phone call to Palermo to explain duty should not be paid by “Yacht in Transit”. But to no avail. Will catch ride to Palermo tomorrow afternoon.
Wind freshening from NW with passing of low far to north. Pressure here down a bit, but not very low.
More fresh water in tanks to keep topped off. Repair ensign.
a.m. To Agrigento bank for money – 350,000 lira ($350.00)
1400 Off to Palermo with people from Capitanerio di Porto.
1540 Arrive Palermo. P.O. closed for foreign parcels. Must wait ‘til tomorrow.
21 Sept. – Fri.
0900 Receive parts at Palermo P.O. No duty necessary as “In Transito”.
0915 Wallet taken from backpack in slight scuffle on street by train station. Possibly 3 men involved. Money, credit cards & driver’s license gone. Report to Police. Go to telephone bureau to report theft of Visa card. Much hassle trying to contact international Visa in Italy. Finally contact Merrill Lynch Visa in USA – Visa account stopped.
1300 On train to return to Agrigento, but wrong train! Off at next station awaiting Agg. train.
1715 Arrive Aggrigento.
1845 Arrive Port Empedocle.
22 Sept. – Sat.
a.m. Hitchhike to Aggrigento to make collect call to Wells Fargo MasterCard acct. in S.F. to stop account (card also missing with stolen wallet). Parts to Mr. San Felippo for rebuild of xmission. Will meet tomorrow @ 0800 for re-installation, adjustment, test, etc.
23 Sept. – Sun.
0800 Problem with new gears (pinions) for xmission. Hole too small for bearing and shaft. Must be machined Monday… will we ever get this thing fixed?!!
Correspondence, but electronic typewriter not functioning. Unable to find cause.
Re-stitch aft edge of dodger.
1600 Run engine 20 minutes for exercise & batt. charge.
24 Sept. – Mon.
1000 Meet with Mr. San Felippo. Transmission rebuilt.
1230 Xmission and reduction gear re-installed and tested. All okay. Shaft reconnected. Test again. All okay. At last, the engine is back “on line”.
Laundry day. Top off fresh water tanks. P.O.
25 Sept. – Tues.
a.m. Last errands ashore. Ex forecast for NW force 6, but shifting SW force 4 in next twelve hours. Pressure rising. Pick up part (oil seal) from Mr. San Felippo. Preparations for getting u/w.
1030 Shorten anchor chain.
1040 Eng. on.
1050 Anchor up.
1055 u/w from P. Empedocle (AT LAST!)
1105 P. Empedocle breakwater abeam stbd., o/c 295°M @ 1500 RPM’s. calm.
1130 Stop to adjust packing gland.
1145 u/w again.
1215 Cape Rossello light abeam stbd.
1630 Stop to scrub prop, rudder, keel, and thru-hulls – much growth – otherwise bottom very clean.
1720 u/w o/c 295°M @ 1500 RPM. Continued calm.
1900 Continuing o/c 195°M @ 1500 RPM’s. Very light breeze from NE but still not enough to sail with decent progress…
2200 Cape Granitola light abeam stbd.
2330 Wind from SSE! Up large jib.
2340 Engine secured.
26 Sept. – Wed.
0000 Wind from SSE @ 12-14 kts. Sailing with large jib o/c 295°M @ 4-4.5 kts.
0700 Wind easing and veering to S and then to SSW.
0722 SatFix: 37° 40.3N – 12° 18.6E. SMG = 4.9.
0740 Rig Aries.
0745 Wind SSW to SW @ 8-12 kts. Seas easing.
0800 Up full main.
1000 Wind continuing to abate; near calm.
1100 Wind filling in from NW. Speed approx. 4.0 kts. Nice sailing…
1350 Calm. Eng. checks. Down jib.
1400 Eng. on; motoring in calm @ 1500 RPM’s o/c 290°M.
1530 Continuing under power @ 1500 RPM o/c 290-295°M. Seas slightly lumpy and confused. Near calm with very light breeze from WNW. Making as much progress while we can before possible headwinds start in earnest.
2100 Continue motoring in calm @ 1500 RPM.
2154 SatFix: 38° 17.8N – 10° 28.0E. SMG = 5.2.
27 Sept. – Thurs.
0000 Continuing o/c 295°M, motoring in calm with main set. Light, variable breezes shifting N to W.
Some clouds forming and distant lightning to north. Pressure high and steady.
0230 Wind NNW & increasing. Rig #2 jib.
0240 Eng. secured.
0245 Up #2 jib, wind increasing 18-20. Ease main sheet.
0300 Wind easing with passing light rain sprinkles. o/c 300-315°M. Wind holding from north, seas slight.
0545 Wind easing; near calm.
0555 Breeze coming up from NNW…
0630 Near calm again; sails slatting…
0700 Glass calm. Down jib. Eng. checks. Xfer fuel.
0715 Eng. on; u/w o/c 295°M @ 1500 RPM’s.
0745 Pass through Naval task force, 7 ships – English frigates & possibly American and other country’s vessels (one frigate – English – under command of Cdr. Nigel Bray – F127. Force heading ESE.
0900 o/c 268°M toward waypoint 4 (15 NM S of Formentera Is., in Balearics).
0945 Wind coming up from NNW. Rig lg. jib.
1000 Up lg. jib.
1005 Eng. secured. o/c 270°M with main & large jib.
1010 Wind NNW @ 10-15.
1230 Near calm; bare steerageway… work on bilge pump switch.
1300 Dead calm with lingering swell. Sails slatting. Down jib.
1305 Eng. on – u/w @ 1500 RPM’s o/c 270°M.
1354 SatFix: 38° 34.1N – 9° 04.0E. SMG = 3.2 (since 1130).
1545 Breeze coming up from NW.
1555 Up lg. jib.
1615 Wind & seas building. Slight break in seam below 2nd reef point by leech on main discovered. No strain so far so will watch in hopes of later repair…
1630 Wind 25+. Down large jib; up #2 jib. 2 reefs in main. Wind & seas building. Pressure still high, though.
1900 Wind & seas still up (25-30 kts. with 6’ seas). Down #2 jib. Up working jib. Still good progress westward (o/c 270°M) although fairly uncomfortable.
2200 Wind & seas easing a bit, but still quite fresh giving us good speed with more comfort.
2322 SatFix: 38° 22.8N – 8° 06.2E. SMG = 4.0.
28 Sept. – Fri.
0000 Under sail with working jib & double reefed main. Wind and seas down considerably compared to earlier in the night. Moving comfortably, though, so will keep on so until daylight. when repairs can be made to torn seam in main.
0700 Good sailing all night. Wind steady at 16-18 kts. with not much of a sea. Backed a bit, though, allowing us to make good only about 250°M.
0800 Re-stitch seam in mainsail.
0815 Wind continuing to ease. Shake out double reef in main & tie in single reef.
1030 Wind down to 12-14 kts…
1200 Shake out reef; up full main. Down working jib, up large jib. u/w o/c 280°M @ 4-5 kts. Wind NNW 12-14 kts. Pressure extremely high. Lovely sailing!
1300 Re-stitch chafed hems on #2 jib leech.
1600 Wind very light from north. Just ghosting westward. Pressure very high – 1025mb.
1630 Continued light breeze from north…
2138 SatFix: 38° 06.5N – 6° 12.0E. SMG = 2.3.
29 Sept. – Sat.
0000 Continued near calm. Sails slatting.
0130 Down & furl sails to prevent chafe. Drift mode… awaiting wind.
0410 Continued glass calm. Eng. checks.
0420 Engine on; u/w o/c 270°M @ 1500 RPM.
0730 Light breeze from SE! Up large jib; motorsail.
0750 Down jib; breeze only intermittent and much chafe on sail.
0915 Breeze filling in from SE. Up large jib.
0920 Eng. secured.
1000 Up mizzen staysail.
1330 Continued fine sailing with large jib & mizzen staysail. Wind S to SSE 10-15.
2000 Wind increasing. Down mizzen staysail.
2300 Continued downwind sailing with fresh breeze off port quarter. Exhilarating!
2340 SatFix: 38° 12.9N – 4° 08.2E. SMG = 4.7.
30 Sept. – Sun.
0000 o/c 270°M with large jib only. Wind ESSE 16-18. S: 4.5-5. Delightful downwind sailing. Let’s hope it lasts a while. Pressure still high but falling slightly. Clear sky.
0630 Continued downwind sailing with fresh ESE wind and moderate seas.
0800 Wind lightening up; but still moving us well with the quartering seas.
0900-
0800 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hour to conform with –1 time zone (Spanish Standard Time).
1045 Wind near calm. Hand steer.
1055 Wind backing, jibe.
1100 180° wind shift! - Now WNW; sheet in jib.
1105 Wind veering back to NW. Very light…
1130 Light breeze now from E to ENE.
1230 Repair small tear near clew of mizzen staysail.
1245 Staysail up; o/c 270°M with E to ENE wind 10-14 kts. Good sailing with much reduced swell, beginning to build, though (possibly).
1515 Wind increasing & veering back to E or ESE. Down mizzen staysail; jibe. o/c 260-270°M.
1530 Wind 18-20 from E to ESE.
1800 Wind and swell easing. But still good progress westward.
2100 Calm.
2115 Down jib; eng. checks.
2130 Eng. on; u/w @ 1500 RPM in calm.
2252 SatFix: 38° 06.1N – 1° 35.5E. SMG = 5.2.
1 Oct. – Mon.
0000 Motoring in glass calm @ 1500 RPM. o/c 250°M.
0300 Continued calm. Swell from E, so possible wind later…
0804 SatFix: 37° 40.3N – 0° 39.0E. SMG = 6.1, CMG = 242°M.
Seems we have a favorable current…
1000 Continued glass calm; continue motoring…
1110 Change course to 180°M to investigate nearby floating object.
1115 Alongside drifting yellow buoy (large plastic). Spear one fish, then land buoy aboard.
1130 u/w again o/c 250°M @ 1500 RPM in calm. Clean & drain water from buoy. Looks fairly new. No markings. Lash down on stbd. deck.
1415 Transit Greenwich Meridian 0°. Welcome to the Western Hemisphere!
1800 Continued glassy calm; continued motoring…
2208 SatFix: 37° 02.7N – 0° 38.2W. SMG = 5.1.
2 Oct. – Tues.
0000 Continuing under power in calm. 1500 RPM o/c 240°M.
0130 Light drizzle. Light breeze from SE.
0200 Sky clearing.
0315 Cloudy again, some drizzle. Light breeze from W.
0400 More passing showers. Wind veering to WNW & increasing. 8 ships on all sides, but altering course to pass around us.
0600 Wind WNW 18-20. Rig working jib.
0615 Up working jib.
0620 Engine secured. o/c 240°M, S: 3-4.
0640 Up single-reefed main – o/c 210°M.
0750 Wind increasing to 25-30 with approaching squall line. Rain.
0830 Wind dropping & shifting. Stalling in lingering swell.
0900 Another squall line approaching from SW. Wind shifting WSW.
0930 Squall passing with gale force winds 50 kts. (anemometer pegged at 60). Ease sheets and luff slightly in gusts. Hand steering to ease strain on rig & sails.
1000 Wind backing to SW to SSW and easing.
1015 Wind S to SSE. o/c 250°M 4-5 kts. Some clearing ahead (and this is supposed to be “Costa del Sol”!)
1050 Wind dropping but holding from S.
1100 Shake out reef; up full main. o/c 240-250°M.
1250 Wind easing & shifting to SW. Down working jib; up large jib. Light breeze & sunshine! A real contrast to the morning…
1315 Wind veering gradually SSW & increasing. Seas slight so good sailing. Several ships in sight.
1400 Wind building from W to WSW. Down large jib.
1415 Up #2 jib. u/w o/c 300°M. Wind W @ 16-18 kts.
1455 Malfunction on Sat Fix again. Re-enter DR position: 1500 DR: 35° 33N – 1° 48.3W
1650 On to stbd. tack offshore from Cabo de Gata where current is strongest.
1800 Continued fresh wind from WSW. o/c 210°M with main & #2 jib. Tacking offshore to avoid current off Cabo de Gata.
2344 SatFix: 36° 04.6N – 1° 59.0W. SMG = 4.8. CMG = 190.
3 Oct. – Wed.
0000 u/w with main & #2 jib o/c 190-220°M. Wind WSW @ 18-20. Tacking westward toward Gibraltar.
0015 Onto port tack to close coast and avoid stronger current. o/c 300°M. S: 3.5-4.
0115 Jury rig backup tie-down with SS banding strop to hold mainsail outhaul track down at end of boom. One (possibly two) screw sheared off & track bending upward slightly.
0735 Calm. Down jib. Eng. checks.
0750 u/e o/c 315°M @ 1500 RPM in calm. Motoring thru strongest current to reach coastal strip with less current. Pressure down a bit, but clear skies with light, high fog near coast.
0945 Down main to eliminate chafe.
1000 Glass calm. Continue motoring.
1350 Enter Puerto Almerimar, Spain.
1355 Moored stbd. side to fuel pier at Puerto Almerimar.
1400 Ashore to office for formalities & to order diesel.
1430 Shift to fuel pump. Take on 100 liters diesel (US$.72/liter).
1445 u/w to marina berth.
1500 Moored stern-to marina berth.
4 Oct. – Thurs.
0900 Wx forecast today for W wind force 6-7! Should back to E late tonight or tomorrow. Just enough $ scraped together to pay for another day at marina.
Repair (restitch) dodger. Clean & check elec. bilge pump and non-return valve on discharge line. Check & add water to eng. start battery cells. Clean eng. oil drip pan.
p.m. Visit with Jerry & Jim on “My Pleasure”. Exchange books; change US coins (a lifesaver!).
5 Oct. – Fri.
0300 Breeze from E. Preparations for getting under way.
0325 Eng. on.
0330 u/w from P. Almerimar.
0335 Breakwater abeam port. o/c 270°M motoring @ 1500 RPM’s. Very light E breeze.
0555 Adra light abeam stbd. SMG = 4.8.
0720 Breeze increasing from E; up lg. jib – motorsail o/c 260°M.
0800 Wind dropping but swell building from E so this probably just a temporary lull…
0805 Calm; down jib to eliminate chafe.
0956 SatFix: 35° 38.1N – 3° 27.0W – Cape Sacratif abeam stbd. SMG past 6 hrs = 5.1 (!).
1000 Very light breeze on & off from E with continued following swell. Not enough to fill a sail, though. Continue motoring. Baro. pressure very high and still rising.
1400 Continued near calm conditions. Swell easing from E…
1700 Glass calm. Continue motoring.
1830 o/c 245°M.
6 Oct. – Sat.
0000 Motoring in calm @ 1600 RPM. o/c 245°M. Swell from SSE causing much rolling.
0200 Europa Point (Gibraltar) light in sight ahead; o/c 250°M.
0230 Swell developing from NE now, mixing with S swell. Much confused seas. Light breeze coming up from NE. Low clouds building.
0525 Europa Point light abeam stbd; turn into Gibraltar Bay.
0655 Contact with Gib. Port Control. Instructed to proceed to Yacht area for clearance.
0715 Moored stbd. side-to customs dock awaiting clearance formalities.
0800 Cleared by authorities for 2 week stay. Pratique given.
0805 u/w to anchorage.
0815 Anchored in 15’ to north of W end of runway. Eng. secured.
1000 Ashore for mail and check marinas for berthing while provisioning, watering, etc.
p.m. Begin separating & sorting charts for Carib. & U.S. E coast.
7 Oct. – Sun.
a.m. Sort charts for Caribbean & US E coast, also charts & pubs. to sell.
1545 Wind increasing from west. Re-anchor in better spot.
8 Oct. – Mon.
am/pm Ashore on errands all day. Remove gas (LPG) line and regulator for replacement. Parts & gas unavailable in Gibraltar. Check on diesel & Kero. Fill petrol jug for outboard. Check for provisioning. Free delivery and 10% discount for goods from Peralta market. Copies made for chart ad. Phone call to Mom in Calif. (15 min. – US$70.00). All okay. To P.O. for aerograms. Check for possible typewriter repair. Lots of running around!
9 Oct. – Tues.
a.m. Mount new chart table lamp. Ashore to post chart sale notes. Check provision prices at Safeway. TV to repair shop. Look for one-way valve for bilge pump.
p.m. Search out flash lights, kitty litter tub, and kerosene. Lots of walking again…
10 Oct. – Wed.
a.m. Bank. Check TV antenna replacement. Battery light for eng. work. Check foul wx gear prices at Sheppards. Buy replacement shear pin for outboard. Phone US Consulate about Charles’ visa. Instructed to call Madrid embassy late p.m.
p.m. Buy engine & xmission oils. Check mail. Call embassy – can get visa at Antigua or Barbados. Brief visit with “Elm St.” & Toucan – Kelly, Linda, Keith.
Visit to dentist. Acute gum infection on lower front teeth. Antibiotics & mouthwash prescribed.
11 Oct. – Thurs.
a.m. Check tachometer cable & connections. Possible wear at tach. end. Lube cable. Warm up engine & change oil. Clean air filter. Check water sump drain lines.
p.m. P.O. Errands. Fill kerosene jug.
eve. Visit with yachties (“Elm St.”, “Toucan”) aboard “Passage West” with Allen & Jill.
12 Oct. – Fri.
a.m. Allen & Jill aboard to buy charts & pubs.
1410 Dinghy aboard. Shorten scope.
1430 u/w from anchorage to Algiceras.
1615 Moored stern-to, Algiceras Marina.
13 Oct. – Sat.
a.m. Correspondence. Change out LPG bottle – on hand: 2 m.t.; 2 full.
To market for fresh goods; supermarket for pricing. Noon – customs officer at quay for boat, passports, info.
p.m. Continue correspondence.
14 Oct. – Sun.
a.m. Correspondence; laundry.
noon Low pressure system reported to be approaching from west. Wx should deteriorate late tonight. Will stay put ‘til it passes through. More errands tomorrow.
1700 Exercise engine.
15 Oct. – Mon.
a.m. Shopping; take LPG bottles to gas facility.
Fill 2 LPG bottles. On hand: 4 full.
Cost: 10 kg = 1580 pesetas - $17.55US
Taxi: $33.33
Total: $50.88(!)
16 Oct. – Tues.
a.m. Check prices at large local supermarkets. Generally better than Gibraltar, except canned meats (poor selections & high prices). Will do most shopping here & remainder in Gibraltar.
p.m. Top off fresh water tanks & jugs.
17 Oct. – Wed.
a.m. Main provisioning – canned & dry goods. Total spent: 28,000 pesetas (US$300.00, approx).
p.m. Stow & inventory canned & dry goods.
18 Oct. – Thurs.
a.m. More shopping @ large center (“Contienente”).
p.m. Tighten diesel return lines. Test run engine &* exercise 20 min.
late Strong SW wind & heavy rain as front blows through.
19 Oct. – Fri.
a.m. More errands & shopping. Buy Spanish chart of Canaries (1680 pesetas).
p.m. Laundry. Breeze from N! But predicted westerly. Possible second front approaching from W; then big high behind it, so will probably spend the weekend here.
20 Oct. – Sat.
a.m. Final fresh provisioning with Kelly & Linda of “Elm St.”
p.m. Wine & booze run to “Continente” – Red table wine .70/liter.
Re-stitch dodger pocket port side. Adjust spring tension on head inlet pedal.
21 Oct. – Sun.
a.m. Wx reports front approaching from W. Should arrive late today. Cloudy & drizzly in early a.m. Correspondence.
p.m. Sew chafe patch on large jib (spreader chafe). Scrub cockpit cushions. Top off fresh water tanks. Exercise engine 20 min.
2300 Wind increasing from SW – 20+ gusts with rain. Tighten bow mooring line.
22 Oct. – Mon.
a.m. Wx reports strong SW flow and cold front approaching with heavier SW to W wind, gusts & showers in p.m. Should mellow out later tonight. We will remain here where it is secure until more decent weather.
p.m. Remove, grease & end-for-end tachometer cable. Test. Better, but still not real good. Will probably have to replace.
23 Oct. – Tues.
0730 Wx reports moderating westerlies/SW. Another weak front approaching from W tonight. Will probably not have favorable wind for departure for a few days.
0755 Eng. on.
0800 u/w from Algiceras. Motor across harbor.
0900 Alongside Customs dock to clear in.
0915 u/w to fuel pier.
0920 Moored portside-to Shell fuel pier. Top off main & aft tanks – 400 liters. Check with health dept. about cat. Must remain on board, not possible to get vaccinations.
1040 u/w to anchorage.
1055 Anchored in 15’ N side of runway.
1100 Eng. secured.
1200 Ashore to check mail at Y.C. Post letters at P.O. and general errands, bank, etc.
24 Oct. – Wed.
am/pm Rain & heavy cloud with passing cold front. Last shopping for canned meats & misc. ashore. Buy new foul wx gear and replacement tachometer cable, also light list for W Atlantic area. Check with met. office – ridge behind this front should bring improved wx. Winds in Strait still W but should be decreasing tomorrow. Will probably try to go out on the early morning ebb tide if wind is light enough.
25 Oct. – Thurs.
0600 Very light W breeze. Preparations for getting u/w…
0755 Shorten scope; engine on.
0805 u/w from Gibraltar.
0810 o/c 210°M, motoring at approx. 1500 RPM (no tach cable).
Very light WSW wind, near calm in bay.
0910 Punta Carnero light abeam stbd. o/c 240°M.
0935 Punta de Acebuche tower abeam stbd; o/c 253°M – hugging coastline during contrary current. Surface eddies seen in several patches but not severe. Should slacken & turn favorable in one hour. (High water was at 0730, Gibraltar).
1035 Punta Guadalmesi tower abeam stbd. SMG = 4.4.
1300 Isla de Tarifa light abeam stbd. o/c 265°M.
1445 Wind veering to W. o/c 250°M. Up main & motorsail across traffic separation zone.
1650 Cabo Espartel (Morocco) abeam port; o/c 250°M. Welcome to the Atlantic!
Wind WNW 12-14 kts.
1700 Up #2 jib. Call to “Uhuru" on Ch 68 & 16 about why turning back. No answer.
1900 Steady but light breeze from WNW. Eng. secured. Down #2 jib.
1915 Up lg. jib. o/c 240°M @ 3.5-4 kts. Slow but sure?
2000 Rig Aries. Wind continuing to ease and veer toward NW. Nice, easy sailing. A gentle introduction to the Atlantic…
2300 Near calm. Engine checks.
26 Oct. – Fri.
0000 u/w to Canary Islands. o/c 240°M with main & lg. jib. Very light breeze from WNW. Just enough to keep the sails filled (most of the time) and move us along at 2-3 kts. Seas near flat. Lights of towns along Moroccan coast still barely visible on port qtr. Numerous ships & fishing vessels in our vicinity.
0006 SatFix: 35° 32.5N – 6° 26.0W. SMG = 2.6.
0300 Wind filling in for longer intervals. Seas still slight so very pleasant sailing. Fleet of trawlers to the north…
0500 Wind dropping to near calm.
0540 Continued calm. Down jib.
0550 Eng. on. u/w o/c 245°M @ approx. 1500 RPM’s.
0755 Eng. secured – drift mode for radio sched.
0845 Eng. on; u/w o/c 245°M @1500 RPM. Continued glassy calm with swell from west.
1450 Breeze from SW. Eng. secured. Up lg. jib, o/c 180-200°M. Wind light & variable. S: 3-3.5. Xfer fuel.
1900 Breeze tending more from W. Steering 200-220°M; sometimes up to 230°M.
2200 Wind dropping to near calm. Seas flat…
27 Oct. – Sat.
0000 Ghosting along with main & large jib. o/c 180-200°M. Near calm.
0120 SatFix: 34° 22.7N – 7° 32.9W
0210 Down jib. Eng. checks.
0220 u/w motoring in calm @ approx. 1500 RPM. o/c 245°M.
0810 Eng. secured for radio sched. Calm with long W to WNW swell; some rain showers nearby.
0920 Continued calm; eng. on; continue motoring o/c 245°M – 1500 RPM. Cloudy & overcast.
1250 Breeze from WSW. Eng. secured; up large jib. o/c 250-270°M. S: 3.5-4.
1400-
1300 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hr. to conform with time zone0 – Greenwich Meridian – for Canary Islands. Near calm. Fabricate new tachometer cable – re-install.
1510 Eng. on (tach cable checks okay). u/w @ 1500 RPM o/c 245°M with glass calm & swell from WNW.
1630 Wind shifting to N & possible NNE!, but still light.
1645 Down main; continue motoring.
1800 Breeze filling in from NW!
1815 Eng. secured. Large jib up. o/c 240°M, S: 3.5-4.
28 Oct. – Sun.
0000 Continued fine downwind sailing with large jib only. Wind NW @ 14-16. o/c 240°M, S: 4.
0130 SatFix: 33° 35.4N – 9° 05.8W. SMG = 4.2, CMG = 253
0840 Jibe.
0910 Rig downwind pole to dampen sail flogging while rolling on swell. Very light ENE breeze – 6-8 kts. o/c 210-220°M. S: 3-3.5.
1200 Continuing o/c 210-240°M with large jib poled out. ENE breeze very slight. S: 2.
1715 Wind shifting toward N.
1720 Jibe. o/c 210-220°M with large jib poled out. Wind N to NNW @ 8-10. S: 3-4.
2340 Continued calm (for past couple of hours). Down pole & jib.
29 Oct. – Mon.
0000 Eng. on; u/w @ 1500 RPM motoring in calm o/c 245°M.
0538 SatFix: 32° 41.1N – 10° 18.4W. SMG = 4.8.
0700 Light breeze from NNW; up large jib. Eng. secured. o/c 230-240°M. S: 3.5-4.
1140 Flat calm. Down jib, xfer fuel. Eng. checks…
1240 Eng. on; u/w o/c 245°M @ 1500 RPM. Tuna aboard!
1300 Motoring in calm. Negligible swell. Continued high pressure (we are in a large “H”)
1645 Wind coming up from NW (with increased low clouds). Up large jib. Up main.
1700 Eng. secured. o/c 240°M. S: 4-4.5.
2200 Wind shifting toward N and increasing, 16-18 kts. Really good downwind sailing now.
30 Oct. – Tues.
0000 Continuing o/c 240°M with main & lg. jib. S: 4.5-5.5. Wind NNW to N 16-18, swell building…
0208 SatFix: 31° 42.3N – 11° 44.9W
0230 Wind dropping 8-10 kts. Lots of yawing & slatting sails with lingering swell… clouds forming to W…
0330 Wind increasing & shifting toward NW with approaching clouds & showers. Steadier sailing now…
0500 Wind veering NNE with less strength.
1200 Wind steady from NW again. Good sailing!
1515 Lubricate steering & Aries.
1530 Wind backing to WNW. Trim sails to point higher.
1700 Wind easing & backing further WNW. Skies clearing, but slowly.
31 Oct. – Wed.
0000 u/w with main & large jib. o/c 230-240°M. Light breeze from WNW 6-8 kts. Seas slight. Gentle, slow but steady sailing.
0156 SatFix: 30° 23.5N – 13° 00.7W
0330 Wind dropping to 2-4 kts.
0400 Wind filling in again – NW @ 8-10 kts. Good sailing on flat water. Some clouds forming to SSW…
0615 Near calm.
0630 Calm.
0700 Down main & jib. Eng. checks. Xfer fuel.
0710 Eng. on; u/w @ 1500 RPM o/c 200°M. Glassy calm.
0730 Stop for comms. with “Elm Street”. They are anchored @ SW end of Graciosa Is., Canaries. We should be there by tonight.
0750 u/w motoring in calm @ 1600 RPM o/c 195°M.
0925 Lanzarote Island group in sight ahead.
1100 Moving along very well in glass calm conditions. Dark rain clouds obscuring islands ahead but moving E slowly.
1520 Alegranza light abeam port. SMG since 0830: 5.9.
1545 Fair amount of water coming in thru packing gland. Bail three small buckets out. Will tighten when we reach anchorage.
1745 Anchored in 15’ sand, SSW corner of Isla Graciosa (Punta del Pobre).
Dinner with Kelly & Linda on “Elm Street”.
1 Nov. – Thurs.
a.m. Visit by Ken of “Resolute”. Re-stitch chafing on awning and fwd. hem.
p.m. Clean bilge & sump. “Repair” in-line valve on elec. bilge pump discharge line. Leak found in raw water discharge line from heat exchanger. Close intake, rig drain-off line. Will repair tomorrow after water drains out…
2 Nov. – Fri.
a.m. Remove discharge line from heat exchanger. Clean copper pipe near flange. Large pinhole. Prepare surface and patch with “Devcon” bronze epoxy.
Fabricate new kitty-litter/astroturf box.
p.m. Check bottom – all looks clean.
Re-stitch chafed seams on large jib.
3 Nov. – Sat.
a.m. Re-connect heat exchanger & raw water lines. Check primary fuel filter. Check tachometer cable.
Rain showers & shifting winds. Pressure down a bit…
p.m. Install new tie-downs and cloth cover for fore hatch.
1400 Passing rain with wind from W @ 18-20 kts. Apparently a “L” is passing through this area…
4 Nov. – Sun.
a.m. Some lingering swell from W but pressure rising and wind shifting back to N. Visit with Kelly & Linda on “Elm Street”.
p.m. Add chafing patches to new fore hatch cover.
1530 Run eng. to exercise & charge batteries & check repair job. All seems okay.
5 Nov. – Mon.
0500 Wind building from SSE…
0700 Continued SSE wind, but not severe. Pressure steady but not too high.
0845 Wx reports S to SE winds today, increasing later. Prepare to get u/w.
1000 Eng. on.
1005 u/w from Graciosa Is.
1010 Up single reefed main.
1015 Up #2 jib.
1030 Up mizzen.
1045 Pt. Farien abeam stbd. Eng. secured. Wind SSE 16-18 kts. Good sailing so far – seas still down…
1040 Up full main.
1200 Onto port tack. Working to windward along coast of Lanzarote Island. o/c 215°M.
1325 Stbd. tack. o/c 140°M.
1400 Eng. on to motorsail in order to reach port before dark.
1530 Light rain showers. Sky overcast with rain passing over N end of Lanzarote.
1600 Arrecife & Punta Naos in sight on sight on stbd. bow.
1655 Port Naos harbor breakwater abeam stbd. Down sails; eng. on.
1705 Enter harbor.
1730 Anchored in 25’, Port Naos inner harbor. Eng. secured. Lots of yachts!
1800 Local boat passing out police/customs(?) forms for us to fill out and turn in tomorrow…(1000 to 1400).
6 Nov. – Tues.
early Wind light but from SW now…
a.m. To town on errands – fresh goods shopping. Take police/customs form to Rafael at marina docks.
p.m. Work on gooseneck slide on main boom. Remove, file down, lube, replace one screw, etc.
Dave & Nett on “Aloha” report wx will deteriorate more tomorrow as edge of low approaches islands. Wind expected 30+ from SW tomorrow…
7 Nov. – Wed.
0430 Wind veering WSW and increasing 16-18 kts.
0630 Continued stronger wind and now from west. Cloud buildup to west…
0930 Work on one-way valve in bilge pump discharge line. Check, clean & re-install. Fashion new mounting block for dinghy tie-down. Organize fishing gear. Repair steering box cover tie-down.
1300 Wind up & down all morning with shifts between SW and W. Intermittent clouds. Seems to be tending more W as day progresses.
8 Nov. – Thurs.
am/pm Wind near calm but tending NW to N. Up mast to remove chafed VHF & anemometer wires. Rebuild new wires for both for installation tomorrow.
9 Nov. – Fri.
0800 Up mast to re-install VHF antenna and anemometer leads. Tie-wrap & secure to mast. Add chafe tape. VHF tests okay. Anem. still not functioning (?). Check all fittings at masthead. Chafe tape on spreader tips. Up mizzen to check all fittings. Re-secure SatNav & radar wires to shrouds.
p.m. Check & lube barograph workings. check anemometer analog. Power being generated from masthead unit but not registering on analog…(?).
1805 Exercise engine/charge batts. 20 min.
1825 Eng. secured.
10 Nov. – Sat.
Errands, shopping, etc. Charles & Christopher build “new” model sailing boat. Plans for possible island tour with Kelly & Linda tomorrow.
12 Nov. – Mon.
a.m. Ashore for island tour…
late Shopping for fresh provisions.
13 Nov. – Tues.
0800 Prepare to get u/w… Wind NE 12-16.
0835 Eng. on.
0850 Anchor up; u/w from Port Naos.
0905 Up #2 jib.
0910 Eng. secured.
1030 Continuing o/c 230°M with #2 jib only. Delightful downwind sailing!
1215 Punta Papagaya abeam stbd.
1235 Eng. on; down jib. Enter Playa Blanca Bay. Wind fresh from ENE with swell entering bay. No decent anchorage visible. Motor near “harbor” entrance; looks not well protected.
1320 Up #2 jib; eng. secured – u/w to Grand Canaria – o/c 250°M.
1330 Punta Pechignera light abeam stbd.
1530 Taston Reefs light abeam port.
1610 Wind dropping. Down #2 jib.
1620 Large jib up. o/c 250°M. Wind ENE 12-14.
1730 Wind down to 8-10; seas subsiding…
2300 Wind increasing again – 16-18 – with accompanying seas. Gybe onto stbd. tack. o/c 250-260°M.
14 Nov. – Wed.
0000 Sailing with large jib only o/c 250-260°M @ 4.5-5 kts. Wind ENE 16-18 kts; seas moderate.
0008 SatFix: 28° 18.5N – 14° 32.6W
0355 Las Palmas light visible ahead. Wind easing a bit.
0900 Approach Las Palmas harbor entrance. Eng. on; down jib.
0925 Anchored in 25’ outside Las Palmas Marina, Grand Canaria.
0930 Eng. secured.
1000 Visit with Scott & Kitty “Tamure”, Kelly & Linda “Elm Street” and Paul “Selene”.
1130 Ashore to copy chart of Antigua.
p.m. General pick-up/clean-up around boat. Xfer fuel. Check eng; clean water sump, etc.
15 Nov. – Thurs.
am/pm General errands & explore vicinity of town. Get info. on Vet for cat’s papers.
late Attend local concert/dance performance with Kelly, Linda, Dave & ‘Nett. Very nice.
16 Nov. – Fri.
a.m. Off on bus trip to see interior of island…
Exercise eng. 20 min.
17 Nov. – Sat.
a.m. Correspondence. Shopping. Check for shop to repair glasses – no luck. Inquire at vet clinic for shots, papers, etc., on Kappie. Should take her in Mon. for same…
18 Nov. – Sun.
Replace downwind pole topping lift and track halyard. Haircut from Linda of “Elm Street”.
19 Nov. – Mon.
Cat to vet for vaccinations – rabies & distemper – and int[ernational] cert. of vaccination.
Top off fresh water tanks.
20 Nov. – Tues.
Glue up broken dinghy oar – epoxy & spline. Noon book exchange near ARC[3] race office.
21 Nov. – Wed.
Shave down repaired oar & wrap with Kevlar cloth & resin. Shopping to “top up” supplies for Atlantic passage, also for Thanksgiving (turkey day tomorrow!).
22 Nov. – Thurs.
Prepare & stuff turkey (18 pounder!) and cook for yachties Thanksgiving day potluck. Rain showers & blustery N winds all morning…
p.m. Big Thanksgiving potluck at ARC race office, 35-40 people.
23 Nov. – Fri.
a.m. Cleanup. Turkey “scraps” lunch with “Elm St.” and “Toucan”.
Mix up resin “bog” and fill repaired oar. Exercise eng./charge batts. (30 min.)
24 Nov. – Sat.
Final coat of resin & fiberglass on oar. Shopping.
25 Nov. – Sun.
ARC race day. Winds shifting all around with showers from W. Clearing later with fresh NW wind.
1300 Race start – 130 boats off to the Caribbean.
1730 Exercise eng. & charge batts. 30 min.
26 Nov. – Mon.
early Rain & drizzle on & off. Wind N.
later Clearing with NW breeze. Laundry. Re-tie dinghy fender. Scrub topsides (lots of harbor oil!). Scrub forepeak carpet.
27 Nov. – Tues.
a.m. Rainy morning. Ashore to “Alcorte” to buy wire for improving ham radio.
28 Nov. – Wed.
a.m. Begin “new” wiring to ham radio. Replace power input lines and add radials to antenna ground. Also ground wire to rudder post.
Street’s Carib. cruising guides (borrowed from “Wings”) to copier.
Top up fresh water tanks. Scrub main cabin carpet.
29 Nov. – Thurs.
Wind from SSE with some swell in harbor. Will delay departure until more favorable wind occurs… Pick up copies of Carib. cruise guides. Eng. maint: Warm up eng. for oil change. Change engine oil. Change primary fuel filter. Replace washers & tighten fittings on fuel return line at top of secondary fuel filter.
eve. “Elm St.” & “Wings” aboard for sundowners…
30 Nov. – Fri.
a.m. Wx reports S part of advancing low will reach Canaries by Sunday with accompanying SW , then NW winds. Fresh at times.
0950 Help Kelly & Linda move “Elm St.” to marina berth.
1125 Engine on, Kelly aboard to help move “Rhysling”.
1145 Moored bow-to wall in Las Palmas Marina.
1155 Shift to different space (this one reserved for fishing boat).
1205 Moored bow-to wall in marina next to Ted & George on “Steel Eye”. Stern line to mooring & two bow lines ashore. Wind NNW.
1430 Propane tank to Texaco station for filling. Will be ready for pickup Mon. 1600.
1 Dec. – Sat.
0700 Fresh Breeze from SE.
1000 Continued strong SE wind – gusts to 25+. Low passing N of Canaries (pressure down).
2 Dec. – Sun.
Laundry day. Wx improving. Pressure rising. Pay harbor fees (704 pesetas/day).
3 Dec. – Mon.
a.m. Fresh provision shipping. Continued SW winds. Pick up LPG tank. On hand: 4 full.
4 Dec. – Tues.
a.m. Continued SW to W winds. Visit Christopher Columbus museum at Casa de Colon.
5 Dec. – Wed.
0810 Eng. on.
0825 u/w from marina. Calm & overcast but pressure rising as low passed further away.
0845 Dinghy aboard.
0900 u/w from port of Las Palmas to Port Nieves on W side of island.
0920 Outer breakwater light abeam port; various courses to round N end of Grand Canaria. Motoring in calm.
1500 Anchored; Pto. Nieves.
1510 Re-anchored in 35’, Port Nievos.
Begin work on inner forestay (forestay backup).
6 Dec. – Thurs.
a.m. Rig new backup “inner” forestay.
Shopping. Local wx forecasts light & variable winds today & tomorrow. Possible low approaching from WNW.
Scrub topsides (residue oil & muck from Las Palmas).
late
p.m. comms. with “wings” on VHF & HF. Wes reports wind should shift S in next 24 hrs. with approaching low L. We may decide to wait it out here…
7 Dec. – Fri.
0700 Light breeze from S; overcast… Pressure steady but down a bit from yesterday.
1100 Wx shows L moving very slowly ENE. We are in an area of higher pressure & variable (light) conditions. Will motor to anchorage at S end of Grande Canaria to wait for low to pass.
1110 Eng. on.
1120 u/w from Port Nievos. Motoring in calm @ 1500 RPM, 240°M.
1305 Pta. de la Aldea abeam port. o/c 205°M. SMG = 4.6.
1400 o/c 190-195°M. Light breeze coming up from SW…
1805 Enter Aguineguin Harbor.
1810 Anchor down.
1815 Stern lines to rock jetty. Moored Aguineguin.
8 Dec. – Sat.
Shopping. Tour of local area with Andre Guillian of “Tangara II” & Bill (local boat).
9 Dec. – Sun.
Wind shifting in night from SW to SE. High supposedly forming W of us… Clean hull fittings, prop & rudder fittings. Rest of hull quite clean.
10 Dec. – Mon.
a.m. Bank, P.O., shopping. Field day boat interior. Top up fresh water tanks. Xfer fuel (on hand: main tank – full, aft tank – 1/3). Pay harbor fees: 756 ptas (252 ptas/day). Repair (re-stitch) seam in cockpit awning.
11 Dec. – Tues.
a.m. Last minute fresh goods shopping.
Load 50 liters diesel in aft tank (54 ptas/liter).
1100 Prepare to get u/w. Wx reports large high to N of us. Wind should be light E to ENE…
1125 Eng. on.
1135 Anchor up; stern lines in. u/w from Aguineguin.
1240 Light breeze from WSW L. Up main; motorsail to get out of land influence on wind (hopefully…) o/c 240°M @ 1500 RPM’s. Swell from E. Pt. of departure: 27° 45’N, 15° 41’ W.
1435 Foot hanks on main breaking…
1445 Down main.
1500 Wind filling in from NW.
1515 Up large jib. o/c 240°M.
1600 Wind filling in from NNW @ 16-18 kts; seas building. Good sailing!
1830 Wind & seas building. Pretty wet in the cockpit! But moving very fast albeit quite animated.
2200 Continued fresh NNW wind and accompanying seas. o/c 240-260°M. S: 5-5.5.
2300 Wind & seas easing a bit.
12 Dec. – Wed.
0000 u/w with large jib only. o/c 240-260°M. S: 5. Wind NNW @ 16 kts. Fine downwind sailing!
0300 Wind increasing again – 18-20.
0400 Wind & seas moderating.
0600 Wind veering toward ENE.
0800 Jibe; o/c 240°M.
1030 Continued downwind sailing with ENE wind up & down between 14 and 18 kts. Sky overcast with some rain showers in vicinity.
Lubricate Aries.
1830 Continued fine downwind sailing. Wind NNE @ 16-18. o/c 230-240°M. S: 5-5.5.
13 Dec. – Thurs.
0000 Continuing o/c 220-240°M with large jib only. NE wind 16-18 kts., moderate seas. Moving along very nicely!
0550 SatFix: 25° 11.1N – 19° 13.4W. SMG = 5.4.
0600 Wind easing a bit but still tugging us along quite well.
1030 Wind veering to ENE to E. 12-14 kts.
1200 Wind getting lighter – 10-12.
1310 Noon lat: 24° 50.2N
1600 Finish sewing on new foot hanks on main & re-reeve on boom. Whew! Continued light E wind – sailing with large jib only o/c 220-240°M @ 3.5-4 kts.
1730 o/c 210°M @ 4.5 kts.
1800 o/c 230°M
1900 o/c 230°M
2000 o/c 215°M
2100 o/c 225°M
2200 o/c 240°M
2300 o/c 230°M
14 Dec. – Fri.
0000 o/c 230°M @ 4.5 kts. Wind: E – 12-14. Seas slight. Pleasant downwind sailing.
0100 o/c 230°M
0200 o/c 220°M
0300 o/c 220°M
0345 Passing rain showers…
0420 Near calm… S: 2.
0500 Light breeze filling in again. o/c 230°M, S: 3. ENE wind.
0600 o/c 230°M. S: 3.5.
0700 o/c 225°M. S: 4.
0800 o/c 230°M. S: 4.
0830 Passing showers.
0850 Wind shift to E. o/c 220-230°M. S: 3.5.
1000 Wind filling in from NNE now. S: 4.5-5.
1310 Noon lat: 23° 29.7N (welcome back(!) to the tropics!)
R fix: 23° 29.7N – 20° 44.0W.
1400 Re-connect positive charge wire to eng. start battery (must have vibrated loose). o/c 210°M. S: 4.5.
1430 Eng. on to charge batts. Adjust v[oltage] regulator.
1500 o/c 210°M. S: 4.5-5.
1600 Eng. secured. o/c 210°M. S: 4.5.
1730 o/c 225°M. S: 4.8.
1800 230°M @ 4.5.
1900 230°M
2000 235°M
2100 230°M
2200 235°M – Passing showers…
2300 235°M
15 Dec. – Sat.
0000 Continuing o/c 230-235°M with large jib only. Wind NNE @ 14-16 kts. Seas moderate.
0100 o/c 235°M, S: 4.5.
0200 o/c 240°M
0300 o/c 230°M. S: 3.5, wind lighter.
0400 o/c 240°M
0500 o/c 230°M
0600 o/c 230°M
0700 o/c 210°M. Wind shift to ENE & increasing with showers in vicinity. S: 4.5.
0800-
0700 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hr. to conform with +1 time zone. Wind shifting back to NNE. o/c 260°M. S: 4.
0800 o/c 230°M. Wind easing. S: 3.5.
0900 o/c 240°M. Wind still light. S: 3.5.
1000 Sky clearing; wind increasing slightly – S: 4.5. o/c 240-250°M. Lubricate steering & Aries.
1100 o/c 240°M, S: 4.5-5.
1200 o/c 240°M, s: 4.5-5. Noon DR: 22° 05’N – 21° 50’W
1217 Noon lat: 21° 59.9N. R. fix: 21° 59.9N – 21° 56.2W
1300 o/c 230-240°M. S: 4.5.
1400 o/c 235°M
1500 o/c 235°M
1600 o/c 240°M
1730 o/c 245°M, S: 4. Wind dropping.
1800 o/c 240°M, S: 4.
1900 o/c 245°M, S: 3.5-4.
2000 o/c 265°M, S: 4.
2100 o/c 245°M, S: 4.
2200 o/c 270°M, S: 3.5.
2300 o/c 260°M, S: 3.5.
16 Dec. – Sun.
0000 u/w with large jib only. o/c 250-270°M @ 3.5-4 kts. Wind ENE to E; 12-14 kts., moderate swell.
0100 o/c 250°M, S: 4.5.
0200 o/c 260°M, S: 4-4.5
0300 o/c 255°M, S: 4. Wind lightening up… 10-12 kts.
0400 o/c 245°M, S: 4.
0500 o/c 255°M, S: 4.
0600 o/c 250°M, S: 4.
0623 3-star fix: 21° 17.3N – 23° 02.5W
0700 o/c 245°M, S: 4.5.
1235 R. fix (with noon lat): 21° 06.1N – 23° 20.8W
1300 Wind filling in from E # 14-16. S: 4.5-5. o/c 245-255°M.
1400 o/c 250°M
1500 o/c 245°M
1600 o/c 250°M. Continued good downwind sailing with moderate winds & seas.
1700 Wind freshening. o/c 250°M @ 5. Good sailing now!
1600 o/c 255°M. S: 4.5.
1900 o/c 240°M
2000 o/c 240°M
2100 o/c 250°M
2200 o/c 250°M, S: 4.5.
2300 o/c 270°M
17 Dec. – Mon.
0000 o/c 240-260°M @ 4.5 kts. Large jib only. Wind E @ 12-16 kts. Moderate to slight swell.
0100 o/c 250°M, S: 4.5.
0200 o/c 255°M
0300 o/c 245°M
0330 Near calm with passing showers.
0400 Wind increasing and shifting E to ENE 16-18 kts. o/c 225°M. S: 4.5-5.
0415 More showers. Wind up & down with passing.
0530 o/c 260-270°M @ 4.5-5 kts. Wind filling in nicely from ESE now. Clouds & rain showers in vicinity.
0600 o/c 260-265°M, S: 4.5-5.
0700 More showers with increased wind & seas. o/c 260-270°M.
0730 Wind continuing fresh from ESE. o/c 265°M, S: 5-5.5.
0908 SatFix: 20° 05.0N – 25° 01.4W
1000 Wind shifting E to ENE. o/c 240-250°M, S: 5+. Great downwind sailing!
1430 Sky clearing; wind dropping…
18 Dec. – Tues.
0000 o/c 250-260°M with large jib only. Wind E 18-22. S: 5-6. Great sailing, seas moderate.
0008 SatFix: 19° 16.6N – 26° 16.8W. SMG = 7.1!
0630 Passing showers…
1404 SatFix: 18° 39.4N – 27° 28.2W. Average speed: 6.0 kts. 143 miles past 24 hours.
1430 Continued passing showers & building seas all afternoon. Wind generally E @ 16-20 kts. Overcast with low stratocumulus.
1615 Re-reeve Aries steering line to avoid chafed spot.
19 Dec. – Wed.
0000 o/c 260-280°M with large jib only. Wind E to ESE @ 16-18 kts; seas moderate.
0740 SatFix: 17° 50.3N – 29° 09.5W. SMG = 5.5. Past 24 hrs. – 130.2 miles, av. spd: 5.7.
0825 Jibe, o/c 290-300°M.
1200 Continued fresh ESE-E-ENE wind, 18-22.
2318 SatFix: 17° 45.2N – 30° 49.2W. SMG = 7.6!
20 Dec. – Thurs.
0000 Fresh E to ENE wind 20-22 kts. Swell 2.5m-3m. Sailing with large jib only o/c 270-290°M, S: 6-7 kts. Really flying along, but lots of action.
0230 Wind up & down with some passing showers.
0730 Wind freshening from E to ENE 20-25 kts.
0744 SatFix: 17° 42.9N – 31° 45.9W. SMG = 7.3. Past 24 hrs: 150.0nm (av. spd: 5.3 kts.)
0815 Hand steer due to increase wind & seas.
0830 Down large jib.
0850 Up #2 jib; continue o/c 290-300°M, S: 5.5. Wind: E 20-25 kts., seas rough.
This has been our first sail change since departing the Canaries 9 days ago!
1330 Wind 25+ with accompanying breaking seas – 2-3 m. A real sleighride!
1530 Wind & seas moderating a bit, but still fresh and animated.
1815 Wind & seas building again with approaching squalls.
2034 SatFix: 17° 52.3N – 33° 06.1W. SMG = 7.3.
21 Dec. – Fri. WINTER SOLSTICE – WE’RE READY FOR
IT!!
0000 Continuing O/c 295-305°M with #2 jib only. Fresh breeze from E, ESE; moderate swell.
0430 Wind and seas moderating, wind shifting to E, ENE.
0754 SatFix: 18° 03.8N – 34° 19.1W, SMG = 6.2. Past 24 hrs: 148.2nm.
0830 Passing rain showers; overcast. Moderate seas, continued E to ENE winds, 14-16 kts.
1100 Jibe onto port tack. o/c 270-290°M, S: 5-6. Wind & seas freshening with wind back to ESE @ 20-25 kts. Sky clearing.
1200-
1100 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hr. to conform with +2 time zone.
1215 Lubricate steering & Aries. Passing showers with increased winds.
1230 Continued fresh ESE to E winds with accompanying rough seas. Wind 20-25 kts. and 30+ ahead of passing showers.
1315 Eng. on – exercise & charge batts.
1445 Eng. secured.
1700 Sailing vessel in sight ahead on similar course. No response to calls on VHF 16 & 68…
1825 Sailing vessel in sight on stbd. beam – probably Mike on German boat we saw at Graciosa Bay…
2100 Wind easing.
22 Dec. – Sat.
0000 Continuing o/c 260-280°M with #2 jib. Wind down to 10-12 kts with easing seas. S: 4.5.
0044 SatFix: 17° 34.2N – 35° 55.5W. SMG = 4.5
0130 Wind filling in from ESE to SE. o/c 260°M. S: 4.5-5.
0900 Past 24 hrs: 133nm.
Passed halfway point…
23 Dec. – Sun.
0000 o/c 280°M with #2 jib only. Wind ESE 14-18kts. Wonderful offwind sailing with relatively light seas. S: 5-5.5 kts.
0804 SatFix: 16° 37.1N – 38° 51.1W
Past 24 hrs: 141.3.
1000 Wind very light – 8-10, from SE. Total overcast.
1200 Wind filling in & shifting to E-ESE. Passing showers.
1400 Wind dropping a bit – E to ESE.
1545 Re-run Aries wheel drum lines to eliminate chafe.
24 Dec. – Mon.
0000 Continuing o/c 260-280°M with #2 jib. Wind E to ESE 10-14, seas slight. Pleasant, steady downwind sailing.
0300 Wind & seas increasing – 16-18 kts. ESE.
0816 SatFix: 16° 08.2N – 41° 06.1W. SMG = 6.1.
Past 24 hrs: 134nm.
1530 Eng. on – exercise & charge batts.
1630 Eng. secured.
25 Dec. – Tues. [the traditional Christmas tree drawn in]
0000 Continuing o/c 265-275°M with #2 jib only. Wind ESE @ 14-18kts. Sky clearing but occasional showers with accompanying gusty winds. Good downwind sailing. Seas moderate.
0734 SatFix: 15° 27.2N – 43° 23.9W. SMG = 6.4.
0800 Jibe – o/c 290-305°M.
Past 24 hrs: 144.3nm.
0900 Wind & seas building with passing showers. Wind E @ 14-20; seas moderate to rough.
1315 Re-rig Aries steering drum lines and rudder lines (with new chafe gear).
26 Dec. – Wed.
0000 Continuing o/c 280-300°M with #2 jib only. Wind E 14-18 with increase to 20+ in passing squalls. Seas moderate (confused at times).
0130 Very erratic wind strengths with squalls all around. Speeds varying from 5-25 kts. Changing every 5 or 10 min. Rogue swells, then settled, then up again. Really weird. One large breaking wave over house; nav. station drenched!
0700-
0600 Retard ship’s clocks one hr. to conform with +3 time zone.
Past 24 hrs: 142.2nm.
1000 Hand steering in squalls to avoid wx helm & lay course – gusts & seas too much for Aries with #2 jib. Averaging 6.5 to 7 kts. Wind E 25+, seas rough.
1500 1&2 reefs in furled main in case needed.
1502 Continued fresh (20-24 kts.) E wind, but sky clearing & less passing squalls.
1950 Pooped by large breaking sea. Wind vane steering rudder sheared at connection joint.
2015 Aries rudder back in place with replacement connection joint and “back on the job”.
2200 Large confused (cross swells) seas with wind up & down 15-25+. Hand steer.
27 Dec. – Thurs.
0000 u/w with #2 jib only. o/c 290-300°M. Wind E @ 15-25 with large seas.
0100 Wind & seas abating (at last!).
0500 Approaching squalls, wind 35+.
0830 SatFix: 16° 25.2N – 48° 52.3W
Past 24 hrs: 160.2nm!
0900 Continued fresh E wind 18-25 with some gusts to 30. Seas 2.5m, rough & cresting.
1000 Wind easing a bit, but seas still high. Replace chafed lines on Aries wheel drum.
1600 Wind down to E 16-18 with decreasing swells. Steady enough for Aries steering. Troubleshoot gas line leak at stove. Repair and check. Okay – so far…
28 Dec. – Fri.
0000 Continuing o/c 300°M with #2 jib only. Fresh E wind 18-24 kts. with moderate swell. Moving along very well.
0100 Hand steering at times during passing squalls. Cross swells.
0700 Massive cloud buildup on E horizon. Down #2 jib, up working jib. Continue o/c300°M.
0715 Line squall passing thru. Wind 35+ with some monster seas. Hand steer to avoid broaching.
0730 Clearing with wind down to 18-22. More squalls coming from east.
0754 SatFix: 16° 57.9N – 51° 29.9W
Past 24 hrs: 159.4nm.
0850 Passing squall – heavy rain with 35+ kts. wind.
0900 Bright & sunny again. Double rainbows!
0930 Another passing “hummer”
1200 Wind steady from E @ 18-22 kts. Sky clearing with fewer squalls now. Fast downwind sailing even with the smaller sail up.
1515 Lubricate steering & Aries.
1550 SatFix: 17° 03.4N – 52° 22.9W. SMG = 7.2.
29 Dec. – Sat.
0000 Continuing o/c 300°M with working jib only. Fresh E wind 18-22 with some gusts to 25. Seas moderate to rough.
0200 Passing rain showers with moderate to fresh wind. Tending ENE now.
0230 Wind dropping to 12-14 kts. Swells from E and N causing much yawing & rolling.
0315 Wind picking up again with more clouds & rain approaching from E.
0420 More rain.
0435 Wind from ENE 16-18. Let’s hope it holds…
0704 SatFix: 16° 59.1N – 53° 57.6W. SMG = 6.8!
Past 24 hrs: 147nm.
0730 Down jib to re-secure 3 loose hanks.
0740 Jib up again, o/c 270-300°M.
1300 Wind easing to 16-18 kts. Pleasant sailing now.
1716 Wind ENE @ 16-18 with moderate swell.
30 Dec. – Sun.
0000 u/w with working jib only. o/c 280-290°M. Wind E to ENE 16-18, seas moderate.
0626 SatFix: 16° 55.9N – 56° 20.9W. SMG = 5.5.
Past 24 hrs: 141.5nm.
0700-
0600 Retard ship’s clocks one hr. to conform with +4 time zone.
1610 Down working jib; up #2 jib. Wind down to 14-16, seas decreasing.
31 Dec. 1990 – Mon.
0000 u/w with #2 jib only. o/c 285°M, wind E to ENE 16-18, seas moderate. Moving along very well. Great downwind sailing with less bouncing around now. Nice full moon, too…
0330 Wind increasing – 18-20 with higher seas. More rolling & yawing.
0626 SatFix: 16° 53.7N – 59° 04.4W.
Past 24 hrs: 157.4nm.
1000 Some passing squalls. Wind ENE 18-22, seas building…
1410 Passing squalls with increased wind (25+) for brief periods.
1500 Wind building with black mass of clouds on E horizon. Down #2 jib, up working jib.
1520 Hand steer as squall passes through (30-35 kts.)
1 Jan – 1991 – Tues. [fireworks] HAPPY NEW YEAR!
0000 u/w to Antigua with working jib only. o/c 285°M. Wind E to ENE 16-18, seas moderate. 47.8nm to go.
0145 Passing shower with temp. increase in wind.
0300 C. Shirley light, Antigua visible fine on
stbd. bow…(29.5 miles out). Light
appears to be a vessel hull down on the horizon.
0330 Wind up & down with passing showers.
0520 Antigua in sight ahead.
0700 Heavy squall activity on E horizon. Wind increasing to 25+ kts. Various courses to round SSE corner of Antigua Is.
0800 Enter outer bay of English Hbr. Eng. on, down jib.
0815 Anchored in 20’ SE corner outer Eng. Hbr.
0825 Eng. secured. Contact Customs on VHF.
0930 Ashore to clear customs & immigration.
1000 Cleared for 10 days in Antigua.
1100 Eng. on.
1110 Anchor up; u/w to inner hbr.
1115 Anchored in 10’, mud.
1130 Re-anchored in 20’ (more swinging room). Eng. secured.
2 Jan. – Wed.
0500 Rain & gusty E wind. Work on statistics of Atlantic crossing:
Departed Aguinaguin, Canaries 1145Z, 12/11; Arrived English Hbr. 1215 1/1.
Total time: 21 days 30 min (504.5 hrs.)
Average daily run: 137.3nm.
Average speed: 5.7 kts.
0930 Ashore to St. John’s by bus for mail & visa application from U.S. Embassy.
“Elm St.”, tri, G. Canary to Barbados – 21 days, 131nm/day.
“Wings”, Westsail 32, Tenerife to Martinique – 2733nm, 20 days, 7 hrs. 134.7nm/day, 5.6 kts.
3 Jan. – Thurs.
0800 Bus to St. John’s with all papers & app’s for Charles’ visa.
1100 Visa obtained thru consular officer Steve (Seattle, WA). B-1 & B-2 visas – crewman and tourist. Total cost: $169.00US.
4 Jan. – Fri.
0930 Big laundry day ashore at tubs. Visit with Carl & Vikki of “Dorado”
Continued fresh E wind, but settling a bit.
5 Jan. – Sat.
Sew St. Martin courtesy flag (Netherlands Antilles). Rainy, windy day.
6 Jan – Sun.
early Strong, gusty winds with some heavy showers.
a.m. Finish sewing St. Martin courtesy flag. Replace chafed jib halyard. Re-splice snap shackle on new halyard. Prepare information paper for U.S. Customs arrival. Remove rubber flapper from elec. bilge pump one-way valve. Eng. checks. Run eng. 30 min. for exercise & batt. chg.
7 Jan. – Mon.
a.m. Add fresh water to stbd. tank.
To St. John’s for last mail check & LPG gas line.
p.m. Install replacement gas line on stove.
8 Jan. – Tues.
0900 Ashore to clear customs & immigration.
0930 All cleared for departure.
1000 Preparations for getting u/w.
1215 Eng. on. Passing showers. Rig working jib.
1245 Shorten scope…
1300 Anchor up; u/w from English Hbr., Antigua.
1315 Clear of hbr. entrance. Light breeze from E. Change working jib to #2 jib.
1345 Up #2 jib; motorsail to clear lee of island.
1430 Jibe; o/c 290°M.
1445 o/c 325°M.
1450 Eng. secured. Wind E @ 14-16. Lovely afternoon sailing. Some passing showers & clouds, but mostly sunny.
1515 Up single reefed main.
1520 Lubricate Aries.
1600 Wind increasing – ENE 16-18.
2200 Lovely reaching; but too fast! Down main.
9 Jan. – Wed.
0000 u/w from Antigua to St. Martin. o/c 320-330°M with #2 jib only. Wind ENE 14-18; seas moderate. Nice offwind sailing.
0014 SatFix: 17° 41.8N – 62° 32.6W. SMG = 5.0.
0330 S end St. Bart’s abeam stbd. St. Martin lights in sight ahead.
0620 Approach Groot Baai, St. Martin; eng. on.
0625 Down jib.
0650 Anchored in 10’, NE corner Groot Baai (Philipsburg) near our friends on “Tangara III”. “Q” flag up.
0655 Eng. secured.
0930 Ashore to police station for customs & immigration clearance.
1030 All cleared for indefinite stay. Must pay departure tax of US$2.00 (for 16 ton vessel) upon leaving. General cleanup of boat.
10 Jan. – Thurs.
a.m. Correspondence.
Rig windsurfer. All day “session” in anchorage with gusty breeze 12-18 kts.
11 Jan. – Fri.
a.m. Change out LPG tank. On hand: 1 m.t./ 3 full.
Correspondence.
To town to call re M.L.[4] balance. All okay. P.O., etc.
p.m. Pizza dinner aboard “Tangara III”.
12 Jan. – Sat.
a.m. Enlarge hole in outboard prop shaft & prop housing and fashion large shear pin. Check switch & wiring to masthead light. All okay so must be burned out bulb…
Repair windsurfer uphaul on booms.
13 Jan. – Sun.
p.m. Re-glue cracks in teak steering box cover.
Charles overnight with Donovan at friend’s house ashore.
14 Jan. – Mon.
a.m. Errands.
p.m. Top up port & stbd. fresh water tanks (21 gallons @ 10¢/gal = $2.10US).
15 Jan. – Tues.
Errands, P.O., etc. Library.
16 Jan. – Wed.
P.O., pick up processed photos.
17 Jan. – Thurs.
a.m. Exercise engine/charge batts.
18 Jan. – Fri.
Explore N end of island (by land) with Keith of “Toucan”.
19 Jan. – Sat.
Up to masthead to change tri-color bulb. General check – all okay. Begin work on Turks/Caicos courtesy flag.
20 Jan. – Sun.
Laundry day. Complete Turks/Caicos courtesy flag.
21 Jan. – Mon.
a.m. Errands, P.O., fresh goods shopping.
22 Jan. – Tues.
a.m. Clear customs & immigration at police station. Departure tax: US$2.00.
1030 Andre of “Tangara III” aboard for goodbyes.
1150 Dinghy aboard.
1155 Eng. on.
1200 Anchor up; u/w from Groot Bai, St. Maartin. Motor to clear harbor.
1245 Breeze from ESE. Up large jib. Continue motorsailing to charge batts.
1300 o/c 320-325°m.
1415 Eng. secured; o/c 330°M.
1420 Up main. Wind E to ENE.
1630 Dog. Is. abeam stbd. SMG = 4.9. Wind easing but still fairly steady. Seas slight. Nice, gentle sailing…
23 Jan – Wed.
0000 Continued pleasant sailing with main & large jib. o/c 310-320°M. Wind ENE 12-14.
0900 Tighten packing gland. Check for loose wire in charging circuit. Tighten neg. terminal on engine start battery.
0930 Wind up to 12-14 kts. Seas 2-4’. Nice sailing.
2252 SatFix: 19° 42.2N – 65° 41.2W. SMG = 6.5 (!).
Wind increase to 16-18 kts., ENE. Grand sailing!
24 Jan. – Thurs.
0000 u/w with large jib & main. o/c 315°M. Wind: ENE @ 14-18 kts.
0220 Dark clouds on stbd. qtr.
0245 Passing showers with slight increase in wind.
0300 More showers, more wind; down main.
0330 Wind down again, but from E to ESE. More clouds with showers to E…
0618 SatFix: 20° 02.8N – 66° 21.1W.
Past 24 hrs: 139.2nm (5.8 kts.).
1330 Wind 12-14 kts. – E to ESE.
1730 Wind down to 10-12 kts. – E to ESE.
25 Jan. – Fri.
0000 Continuing o/c 300-320°M with large jib only. Wind E @ 10-12 kts., seas slight. Very pleasant sailing.
0714 SatFix: 20° 57.1N – 68° 12.5W
Past 24 hrs: 114nm (4.7 kts.).
1045 Jibe onto port tack to regain track line. o/c 285°M.
2355 Jibe onto stbd. tack to stay on track line. o/c 310°M.
26 Jan. – Sat.
0000 o/c 310°M with large jib only. Wind: E 10-14 kts. Seas mild.
0714 SatFix: 21° 21.2N – 70° 09.0W.
Past 24 hrs: 111.9nm (4.7 kts.).
0730-
0630 Retard ship’s clocks 1 hr. to conform with +5 (U.S. Eastern Standard Time!) time zone.
1230 Re-reeve Aries rudder lines with new chafe gear on stbd. side.
27 Jan. – Sun.
0000 Continuing o/c 300-310°M with large jib only. Wind E to ENE 12-14 kts. Seas moderate. Very nice sailing.
0654 SatFix: 22° 25.8N – 72° 22.0W
Past 24 hrs: 136.1nm (5.7 kts.).
1430 Exercise engine; charge batteries.
1530 Eng. secured.
1620 Up single reefed main.
1940 Down main to alleviate wx helm.
28 Jan. – Mon.
0000 u/w with large jib only. o/c 310-320°M. Wind E to ENE 14-18 kts. Seas moderate.
0440 Jibe onto port tack. o/c 275-280°M.
0520 Dixon Hill light (San Salvador) visible on stbd. bow (20nm).
0630 San Salvador Is. in sight on stbd. bow.
0915 Jibe to round SW (Sandy Point) pt. of San Salvador. o/c 015°M & various courses to approach Cockburn Town anchorage. Wind SE to SSE 18-22. Good lee behind island, though…
0950 Eng. on.
1010 Down jib.
1030 Anchored in 15’ off Cockburn Town.
1035 Eng. secured.
1115 Ashore for clearance formalities.
1245 Cleared health, immigration, customs – allowed 30 day stay. Issued cruising permit. Fees paid: ($10.00 per person: $20.00). Issued sport fishing license ($10.00).
29 Jan. – Tues.
0005 Prepare to get u/w. Wind: light from SE.
0010 Eng. on.
0015 Anchor up; u/w o/c 280°M to Cat Is.
0030 Up #2 jib, up single reefed main. Motorsail from lee of island.
0200 Little to no wind. Continue motorsailing.
0740 Light breeze from ESE to E. Eng. secured.
Columbus Pt., Cat Island, abeam stbd.
0845 Dolphin Head bluff abeam stbd.
0950 Devil’s Pt. light abeam stbd.
1145 Pass NW end Hawk’s Nest sand spit. o/c 0010°M.
1155 o/c to enter “bight” of Cat Island. o/c 070-075°M.
1210 Up full main to point higher.
1245 Wind shifting to ENE (very light). Eng. on. Down jib & main, motor toward anchorage.
1415 Anchored in 7’3” (!) – “Old Bight”, Cat Island.
30 Jan. – Wed.
a.m. Clean bilge & drip pan.
Check all charge system connections including voltage regulator. All okay. Xfer fuel. Check start battery. All cells okay. Check & lube Anchor windlass. Check & tighten steering gear and mounts. Lubricate steering. Check draft: 6’1” aft, 5’7´ fwd. (water tanks ¾ full, fuel – main: full, aft: 1/3 full).
U.S. Wx Service reports cold front & N winds approaching area tomorrow night. Will shift to more secure anchorage tomorrow a.m.
31 Jan. – Thurs.
a.m. Prepare to get u/w
0645 Eng. on; shorten up.
0700 u/w motoring, no wind.
0915 Anchored in 9’, Hawk’s Nest Creek. Bow & stern anchors out midstream
0930 Adjust volt. regulator to 14.2V charging.
0955 Eng. secured.
1025 Engine on; up stern anchor.
1030 Up bow anchor; u/w to Hawk’s Nest Marina.
1025 Moored stbd. side to dock #3, marina. Eng. secured.
1045 Shift to dock #2, portside-to.
1500 $10.00 dockage paid to “Mr. Chicken”, harbor caretaker.
1 Feb. – Fri.
0730 Prepare to get u/w.
0800 Contact with “Tamure”, Wes & Dr. Joe on ham. Front still approaching with possible strong SW to N winds. We’ll stay put and battle the bugs in security.
2 Feb. – Sat.
0800 Stationary front over NW Bahamas. Small craft advisory. Winds ENE – ESE 15-20. Should gradually dissipate.
3 Feb.- Sun.
0800 Continued sta. front over NW Bahamas. Lighter winds – ENE-ESE 12-18 expected today.
0830 Prepare to get u/w. Eng. on.
0840 u/w from Hawk’s Nest Creek.
0900 o/c 330°M
0910 Light breeze from ENE. Up main; up large jib.
0925 Eng. secured. o/c 330°M @ 4-4.5 kts.
1500 Eng. on; down sails.
1510 Anchored in 15’ sand, NE corner of West Bay, Little San Salvador Is. SMG = 5.5.
late
p.m. Wind NE 20+ kts.
4 Feb. – Mon.
0800 Continued fresh NW winds as cold front passes thru area.
0830 Prepare to get u/w.
0930 Eng. on.
0940 Anchor up; u/w.
0945 Up #2 jib.
0950 Eng. secured. o/c 280°M with 20+ NE wind.
1120 SE point Eleuthera Is. abeam stbd.
1130 o/c 236°M.
1435 Eng. on.
1440 Down jib.
1515 Moored portside-to marina dock #12, Cape Eleuthera Marina.
1530 Paid mooring fees of $10.00 to Mr. Cecil – security.
5 Feb. – Tues.
a.m. Dismantle & check galley foot pump. Replace in-line flapper valve (outflow). Re-install. Change filter. All okay.
0800 Wx reports high pressure ridge in area. Predicted fresh ENE to NE winds today thru tomorrow. Meet with Gene of “Spray” and working on “C/ Predator” – U.S. Navy contract, Morgan, LA., supply boat.
noon Remove leaking raw water pump. Replace water seal and impeller. Re-install & test. All okay. Clean salt water from drip pan & bilge area.
6 Feb. – Wed.
To Rock Sound Town with Gene & Genie for shopping, P.O., etc.
7 Feb. – Thurs.
0330 Prepare to get u/w.
0400 Eng. on.
0405 u/w from. Eleuthera Marina.
0410 Breakwater abeam port & stbd., o/c 255°M.
0420 Up large jib. Light NNE breeze.
0445 Up main.
0500 Eng. secured.
1015 Eng. on. Down main & jib.
1020 u/w to pass S end Highborn Cay (cut).
1040 Anchored in 10’ in bay at S end of Highborn Cay.
1045 Eng. secured.
1115 Anchorage very crowded. Eng. on.
1120 Anchor up; u/w to Allen Cay.
1245 Anchored in 10’ E side Allen’s Cay. Two bow anchors out – up & down stream.
8 Feb. – Fri.
0800 Wx reports cold front expected to pass thru area today. Wind NW @ 15 kts.
p.m. Diving expedition with “Tamure” gang and 3 other yachts. Too rough, no luck. Just sightseeing.
1800 Continued with wind 15 kts. with swell rolling into anchorage. Pressure down as front continues to pass…
9 Feb. – Sat.
Continued fresh W to WNW wind thru the night. Anchors holding well but very folly in anchorage.
1500 Continued fresh WNW wind all day.
10 Feb. – Sun.
Continued NW wind but dropping.
Beach picnic with yachties on Leaf Cay. Magic show for the kids. Lots of nice people. p.m. visit aboard “Enchantee” with “Rhysling”, “Tamure” and “Jananray”(?). Great fun!
11 Feb. – Mon.
a.m. Wx shows continued NW winds, but should veer N to NE tomorrow… Hope so. Lots of boats heading S from Allen’s Key.
Remove pump section of head and check, lube all leathers, shaft & packing. Re-install & fashion new spring for inlet pedal.
12 Feb. – Tues.
0800 Wx reports wind slowly veering N, but still NNW. Should be favorable to sail tomorrow to Nassau…
Apply new non-skid (silicon) to plates & bowls.
12 Feb. – Wed.
0630 Wind out of NNE to NE, 8-10 kts. Prepare to get u/w.
0810 Eng. on.
0815 Bower anchor up.
0830 Shorten scope on stern anchor. Waiting to get u/w with “Tamure”.
0845 Stern anchor up, u/w from Allen’s Cay.
0850 Round S end Allen’s Cay. o/c 315°M. “Tamure” astern.
0855 Up large jib.
0900 Up main.
0910 Eng. secured.
0930 Eng. on to motorsail. Light to no breeze (ENE).
1130 Down jib.
1135 Anchored in 20’ on bank to look for crayfish.
1200 Up anchor, sail 200’ downwind & re-anchor near 2nd coral heed.
1240 Eng. on, u/w to new coral head.
1250 Anchored in 20’.
1400 Exit Yellow Bank.
1430 Calm. Down jib. Down main.
1555 Alongside “Willie B” with “Tamure” for “Tam” to take them in tow (xmission down).
1610 u/w to Nassau.
1620 Alongside small fishing boat to take in tow due to outboard probs.
1625 u/w to Nassau.
1730 Drop off fishing boat near Nassau Harbor Club. Report arrival to Nassau Harbor Control on VHF Ch. 9. Name & reg. no. given.
1800 Anchored on W side of Sheraton Colonial hotel. Two anchored out due to possible current in anchorage.
2000 Big fish dinner with “Tamure” gang.
14 Feb. – Thurs. Y
a.m. Ashore for errands – P.O., bank, etc. Laundry.
1650 Eng. on. Up Danforth anchor.
1700 Bower anchor up, u/w to new anchorage near Club Med at S side of Paradise Is. due to possible wind shift to NW with approaching front.
1715 Anchored in 25’ off “Paradise Beach” dock. Eng. secured.
1725 Danforth set with 150’ rode downstream.
15 Feb. – Fri.
0400 Wind increasing to 18-20 from WNW. Anchors holding well… some rain.
0700 Continued fresh WNW wind as front passes through.
1200 Sky clearing & pressure rising but NW wind increasing to 20-25 with some gusts to 30.
2230 Wind WNW 25-30+ steady and cold.
16 Feb. – Sat.
0130 Continued strong WNW to NW wind 30+ kts. with possible gusts to 40. Lots of flying chop and very cold. Anchor holding well.
0900 Clean anchor light.
1000 Wind easing to 15-18. Sky clearing. Continued cold. Pressure rising dramatically.
1600 Wind easing to 10-12, NW.
1800 Dinner with Scott & Kitty & John & Robin aboard “Willie B.”
17 Feb. – Sun.
1000 Ashore with cat for checkup at Bahamas Humane Society. Cert. of health issued. All okay.
1100 Wind E to ENE 10-12 kts., cloudy. Prepare to get u/w.
1140 Bow anchor up.
1150 Dinghy aboard.
1155 Eng. on.
1215 Danforth up; u/w.
1230 Circle in turning basin to stow anchor & bend on sails.
1235 u/w to clear W end of channel & Paradise Is.
1245 Clear E jetty; o/c 340°M. Up #2 jib. Up main.
1255 Eng. secured.
2210 o/c 305-310°M.
18 Feb. – Mon.
0000 Continuing o/c 305°M with main & #2 jib. Fresh E to ENE wind with slight swell. Fast, comfortable sailing! Lots of traffic around….
0004 SatFix: 26° 01.0N – 77° 54.3W
0120 Passing showers of rain (very light).
0225 More light showers.
1025 Down jib due to blanketing by main.
1155 Settlement Point abeam stbd.
1200 Eng. on. Down main.
1210 Anchored in 25’ sand & coral, Cross Bay, Grand Bahama.
1230 Re-anchored in 25’ sand & coral (first try did not hold).
Repair cracked dodger window.
1350 “Tamure” in & anchored on port qtr.
2330 Prepare to get u/w.
2350 Eng. on.
2355 Anchor up; u/w o/c 287°M.
19 Feb. – Tues.
0000 u/w from Bahamas to Florida, U.S.A. Wind: E 12-16 kts. o/c 287°M to cross Gulf Stream.
0010 Up #2 jib and single reefed main.
0030 Eng. secured.
0100 Wind: E 16-18 kts., seas slight.
0518 SatFix: 26° 54.1N – 79° 34.3W. SMG = 6.7, CMG = 313°M
Well into the Gulf Stream now…
0614 SatFix: 26° 58.4N = 79° 41.8W. SMG = 8.5(!), CMG = 308°M
0850 Jibe. Florida coastline in sight ahead.
0910 Down jib to reduce blanketing. Wind SE @ 18-20.
1040 Jibe. o/c 335°m & various courses to approach Ft. Pierce Inlet 10 miles distant.
1230 Eng. on.
1240 Enter Ft. Pierce Inlet. SMG from Bahamas: 6.5.
1250 Down main.
1300 Contact with Harbourtown Marina for docking to clear formalities.
1320 Moored portside-to Harbourtown Marina dock.
1340 Ashore to call for customs clearances.
1520 Issued customs clearance #9102190008 after much difficulty reaching them by telephone. Also called immigration, but only recording on phone. Contacted customs inspector Tish at airport who can take care of immigration clearance tomorrow.
Welcome to the U.S.A.!!!
20 Feb. – Wed.
1000 To St. Lucie airport customs for Charles’ immigration clearance. Cleared to stay in U.S. thru 31 Aug. ’91 with possible extension.
a.m. Scrub cockpit cushions & boat decks. Top off fresh water tanks. Prepare to get u/w.
1300 Eng. on.
1305 u/w from Ft. Pierce. North along I.C.W.[5]
1505 Contact with Vero Beach Municipal Marina on VHF. Enter Channel.
1530 Moored at mooring #27, Vero Beach Muni. Marina. 10¢/ft./day.
1600 Ashore for registration, etc.
21 Feb. – Thurs.
a.m. Route planning. Tighten packing 1 turn. Replace & tighten mounting bolt on alternator. Clean drip pan.
22 Feb. – Fri.
a.m. Field day stove and galley area.
P.O., errands.
p.m. Cloudy with some passing showers.
23 Feb. – Sat.
a.m. Ashore to call “Tamure”, shopping, etc.
Contact with Tracy at Deep Six Sports about Dennis & Olska Forbes looking for a cruising boat. Will meet tomorrow…
p.m. To beach for “R&R”.
eve. Change out LPG tank. On hand: 2 full/2 m.t.
24 Feb. – Sun.
a.m. Field day boat interior.
1000 Dennis & Olska Forbes aboard to look at boat. Contact #’s exchanged.
25 Feb. – Mon.
0700 Prepare to get u/w.
0820 Eng. on.
0825 u/w from Vero Beach Muni. Marina mooring.
0840 Enter I.C.W.
1440 Anchored in 15’ in Banana River, ½ mi. N of Dragon Point. 2 anchors out to reduce swing. Average SMG = 5.5.
26 Feb. – Tues.
a.m. Un-rig inner forestay & stow. Stow downwind pole. Check VHF antenna height above masthead: 39”. Total mast height above water: 56’. Clean lifeline stanchions, bow & stern pulpits & boom gallows.
p.m. Visit with Larry & Becky aboard their boat “Windstrom” from Chicago.
27 Feb. – Wed.
0140 Wind increasing from N 14-16 kts. Danforth holding well.
0700 Continued N wind but 12-16 kts. Prepare to get u/w.
0725 Eng. on.
0740 Bower anchor up.
0755 Danforth up.
0805 Stow anchors.
0830 u/w around Dragon Pt. Wind NNW 15-20, moderate chop.
0850 Enter I.C.W. at marker #101. Wind easing a bit 16-18 NNW.
1415 Anchored in 7-8’ S side of W causeway at Addison Pt. bridge.
28 Feb. – Thurs.
0900 Prepare to get u/w.
0915 Eng. on.
0930 u/w from Addison Pt.
1045 Anchored in 9’ mud at Titusville Marine (N of swing bridge off W side of I.C.W.).
1 March – Fri.
a.m. Shopping. Fabricate TV antenna.
1230 Wind from N @ 25-30+ kts. Very cold, as front passes through.
1630 Tornado watch on wx radio. Possible winds in excess of 55 mph & lightening, etc. Rig 100# Luke on bower anchor chain at 55’. 100’ scope out. Remove all loose gear from decks, outboard, etc.
3 March – Sun.
0700 Continued tornado and high wind watch.
0730 Wind SSW @ 15-20, modest chop. Pressure very low. Wx reports possible tornados, high winds, hail, rain & thunderstorms.
1155 Wind 45-50 kts. with heavy rain. Visibility down to 50m. Lightning. Disconnect antennas.
1300 Contact with Mom via ham phone patch. Will call her tomorrow or Tues.
1500 Wind easing & sky clearing.
1800 Wind light from W.
4 March – Mon.
0700 Pressure still low but rising slowly. Clear sky and light WNW breeze.
0930 Ashore for errands and phone calls.
5 March – Tues.
0800 Ashore to visit Kennedy Space Center.
6 March – Wed.
a.m. Un-rig & stow Luke anchor. Xfer fuel. On hand: main tank – full, aft tank – m.t.
Stow sailbags.
p.m. Errands & phone calls.
7 March – Thurs.
Correspondence.
8 March – Fri.
a.m. Ashore with Kappie for spaying…
9 March – Sat.
Rain & wind (NNW) all day with passing low. Correspondence (belated Christmas letters).
10 March – Sun.
Fresh NNW to N wind – 18-20 kts. – all day. Clear sky & rising pressure. Continue correspondence. Replace anti-chafe leathers on oars.
11 March – Mon.
a.m. Check for replacement part on f.o. return line – wrong part sent. Exercise eng.
0850 Up anchor, shift in anchorage to area closer to harbor entrance channel.
0900 Anchored in 6’3”.
1000 Ashore to P.O. & re-order part for f.o. rtn. line.
12 March – Tues.
0300 Aground in mud (boat not swinging to wind). Low tide, but not heeling.
0755 Eng. on.
0800 Shift to deeper water in anchorage.
0815 Anchored in 7’6” mud.
0820 Eng. secured.
a.m. Errands & phone calls.
13 March – Wed.
a.m. Pressure down again, wind 14-18 from S to SSW with approaching front.
Correspondence. Re-stitch areas on dodger.
noon Wind increasing 18-20 kts. SSW.
1430 Steady rain. Wind down to 12-14 kts. SSW.
14 March – Thurs.
a.m. To library, P.O., & bookshop.
15 March – Fri.
a.m. Light rain, overcast. Errands.
p.m. Install new non-return valve & washers on f.o. return line at secondary fuel filter. Bleed & run engine.
16 March – Sat.
a.m. Rain/drizzle. Pressure rising.
p.m. Rain all afternoon.
1800 Wind increasing from SSE – 30+ kts.
1845 Let out more scope to 70-80’. Wind 30+ kts. with very black clouds on SE horizon.
17 March – Sun. ♣
a.m. Steady, light rain all morning.
p.m. Continued rain, heavy at times.
2200 Wind increasing to 30+ kts. Ease out more scope…
2330 Rough chop and gusty wind – ESE 35+ kts.
18 March – Mon.
0100 Continued strong ESE wind, but easing slightly.
0630 Near calm. Steady drizzle.
1000 Steady, heavy rainfall. Near calm.
1200 Skies clearing. Wind NW 10-14 kts. Fabricate 12V anchor light.
19 March – Tues.
a.m. Clean dinghy. P.O., errands, shopping.
20 March – Wed.
0630 Prepare to get u/w.
0745 Dinghy aboard, shorten anchor.
0820 Eng. on.
0830 u/w from Titusville.
1210 Enter Port Canaveral Barge Canal locks. Tie up stbd. side to.
1220 u/w from locks into Port Canaveral.
1245 Anchored in 35’ NE corner of west basin. Prepare vessel for sea. Wx reports wind should gradually veer to SE by early tomorrow. Rig Aries; general tiedown on deck. Add one turn to forestay turnbuckle to tension stay & straighten masthead.
21 March – Thurs. * Vernal Equinox *
0530 Prepare to get u/w.
0610 Shorten anchor.
0620 Eng. on.
0625 Anchor up.
0630 u/w from Port Canaveral.
0720 Buoy #10 abeam port. o/c 107°M.
0820 Light breeze from SSE. Up single reefed main; motorsail…
0840 #4 bell buoy abeam port. o/c 075°M.
0845 Up #2 jib; continue motorsailing.
0930 o/c 010-020°M. Eng. secured.
1300 Buoy R”8” abeam stbd.
22 March – Fri.
0000 u/w with single reefed main & #2 jib. o/c 010-020°M.
0005 Down jib due to blanketing by main. Wind S 12-16.
0500 Wind easing 12-14. 4-6’ swell.
1845 Jibe onto port tack; o/c 000°M.
23 March – Sat.
0000 Continuing o/c 010°M with single reefed main. Wind SSW 12-16 kts.
SatFix: 31° 42.0N – 79° 43.5W. SMG = 5.2.
0140 Wind down to 10-12 kts. SW. Up #2 jib.
0330 Wind tending more WSW. Adjust sheets for course of 000°M.
0500 Loom of Charleston, SC, visible ahead (40nm).
1300 Charleston Harbor entrance buoys in sight ahead.
1305 Eng. on; motorsail in light following breeze to reach harbor by slack water.
1325 Enter jettied channel to Charleston harbor.
1400 Enter Charleston Harbor, down main & jib.
1410 u/w to enter I.C.W.
1425 Ben Sawyer Bridge due to open at 1500. Slow down on approach.
1440 Allow tug & tow to pass & follow behind; pass port side while going under bridge.
1450 Aground in mud on S side of channel. Hoist mizzen to heel boat & try swinging off stern. Eng. hard astern. No luck.
1510 Launch dinghy & set Danforth off port qtr. to kedge off.
1530 Stern anchor line hammed on winch. Boat not moving. Unable to recover with dinghy. Buoy anchor & 30’ chain.
1630 Rig & set 20# CQR off stbd. qtr. – mid channel to prevent being pushed further aground as tide rises. Next high tide: 0228 L. Square away gear on deck.
1830 “Sea Watch” (with Craig & Drake) alongside to offer assistance. Danforth anchor recovered (for $20.00). Checked in with CG Group Charleston. Requested to check in every hour on the half hour on Ch. 16.
1930 Carolina Sea Service vessel alongside to offer assistance. None needed.
24 March – Sun.
0030 Boat floating off with help of kedge.
0045 Anchored from stern on E side of channel. Report status to CG.
0130 Eng. on; stern anchor up; u/w to anchorage out of waterway.
0200 Anchored in 15’, Inlet Creek.
0745 Eng. on.
0750 Anchor up; u/w up I.C.W.
1330 Aground near marker #29 while giving room for 2 tugs & barges at beginning of bend.
1335 Set out bower anchor with 50’ chain using dinghy.
1340 With windlass and engine boat pulling off.
1345 Anchor up; continue u/w in I.C.W.
1530 Anchored in 10’, Minim Creek (north of N Santee River).
25 March – Mon.
0730 Adjust xmission to tighten disc engagement in fwd. gear (was slipping at higher RPM’s). Tighten fuel line at tank. Fabricate new bracket for heat exchanger. Check & lubricate anchor windlass. Clean eng. drip pan.
1145 Prepare to get u/w. Eng. on
1155 Anchor up; u/w from Minim Creek.
1250 Enter W channel of Wiynah Bay.
1505 Anchored off NNW corner of Butler Is. in 20’, Waccamaw River.
26 March – Tues.
0720 Dinghy aboard; eng. on.
0735 Anchor up; u/w from anchorage, southbound in Waccamaw River (I.C.W.) to ocean. Wx shows high pressure system for next 2 days giving favorable NE bound sailing conditions.
1020 Anchored in 25’ sand just inside Winyah Bay entrance (near channel buoy R”14”). Awaiting wind shift to south (presently E). (SMG 6.1 with favorable current).
Fabricate replacement key for main gear in anchor windlass. Also add new rubber gasket/o-ring.
1230 Rig Aries.
1545 Ben on #2 jib & uncover main. Prepare to get u/w at near slack water tonight after midnight.
27 March – Wed.
0015 Prepare to get u/w.
0020 Eng. on.
0055 Anchor up; u/w to channel.
0135 Last channel buoy abeam port (R”4”) #2 jib and main up, motorsail. o/c 080°M.
0200 Eng. secured. o/c 080°M, S: 4-5. Wind S 8-12.
0300 Wind dropping to 5-10 kts.
0912 SatFix: 33° 21.0N – 78° 22.8W. SMG = 4.6.
Wind filling in a bit more now – 10-12 kts. S.
1520 o/c 050°M.
1630 Transit SSE corner of Frying Pan Shoals. Depth: 40’.
2215 Wind increasing 18-20 kts. Down main.
28 March – Thurs.
0000 u/w with #2 jib only. Wind SSW @ 18-20 kts., seas building. o/c 050-060°M, S: 5-5.5.
0730 Jibe. Eng. channel (Beaufort N.C.) in sight. Wind increasing – 20+; seas building.
0805 Enter approach channel.
0835 Eng. on.
0840 Jib down near CG station; resume course to channel leading to Beaufort town.
0900 Contact with Beaufort Docks on VHF.
0910 Moored between pilings near end of T-head pier “Beaufort Docks”. Arrangements made to stay one week.
0920 Eng. secured.
Shopping, errands ashore. Arrange to take on diesel, LPG, etc., in a day or so. Laundry day.
29 March – ’91 – Fri.
a.m. Correspondence.
p.m. Take LPG tank to shop for filling.
Top off fresh water tanks port & stbd. Field day galley lockers and ice box stowage. Check anchor windlass for needed parts and order thru Beaufort Marine.
→ Wind from S and increasing to 20-25+, gusty.
2100 S wind up to 40 kts. All lines holding okay.
Tornado watch announced by NOAA wx.
30 March – Sat.
a.m. Wx calm but cloudy. Correspondence. Pick up filled LPG tank ($6.00). Visitors, shopping.
31 March – Sun. * Happy Easter! *
a.m. Correspondence. Wx clear, breezy & cold.
Visit with Jeremy, Pat & Justine & Fred & Kelly “Tide Water”.
1 April – Mon.
a.m. Fabricate replacement arm for valve inlet on head (SS rod) and install.
Take on 60 gal. diesel @ .97 + 5% tax. Aft tank $61.11. Pick up parts ordered for windlass.
2 April – Tues.
a.m. Repair windlass.
Check for air leaks in engine fuel system – tank to secondary filter. Remove check valve. check start battery. Test & exercise eng.
3 April – Wed.
Shopping, errands.
Check with Jeb at marina and Perry Barrow (Beaufort Yacht Sales) about monthly slip. Also check possible apartments & job!
4 April – Thurs.
1000 Prepare to get u/w. Eng. on.
1005 u/w from Beaufort Docks.
1040 Moored at Piver Is. Marina docks (after going aground 3 times on sand bar!).
1115 Paid Ron Hardee, owner, $75.00 slip fee. 4 Apr. – 3 May.
5 April – Fri.
a.m. Begin moving personal belongings, galley equipment, and supplies to Apt. #2, Creek Apts.
8 April – Mon.
a.m. Shift all moved goods to Apt. #6, Creek Apts.
Continue moving thru remainder of week.
9 April – Tues.
Exercise eng., charge batteries.
12 April – Fri.
Exercise eng., charge batteries.
18 April – Thurs.
Exercise eng., charge batteries.
29 April – Mon.
Exercise eng., charge batteries.
4 May –Sat.
Exercise eng.
7 May – Tues.
Exercise eng., charge batteries.
19 May – Sun.
1300 u/w with Perry Barrow (Yacht Broker) and Dave (prospective buyer) on familiarization sail. Overcast, blustery day. Wind up & down. Motor and sail out Beaufort entrance and back. Single reef in main in outside channel.
1530 Moored portside to Town Creek Marina dock.
20 May – Mon.
0830 Rain & drizzle. u/w to Town Creek slipway.
0900 Rhysling hauled out for survey by Bert (?). Replace zincs, spray-wash bottom (very clean).
1230 Back in water; u/w to slip.
1340 Moored at slip in Piver Is. Marina.
Check received for sale of Rhysling. All appropriate paperwork – bill of sale, transfer of documentation, etc., completed.
[~~~ end of log ~~~]