Log of the Sailing Vessel “RHYSLING”

Owner/Captain – Michael Prior Bates, Palo Alto, CA

Volume IV

July 1990 – May 1991

 

 

1 July 1990 – Bodrum, Turkey

 

            Anchored in Bodrum Harbor.

 

2 July – Monday

 

            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.

 

9 July – Mon.

 

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.

 

13 July – Friday

 

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.

 

30 July – Mon.

 

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.

 

20 Sept. – Thurs.

 

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.

 

24 May

 

            Check received for sale of Rhysling.  All appropriate paperwork – bill of sale, transfer of documentation, etc., completed.

 

 

 

[~~~  end of log ~~~]

 



[1] Black-Red-Black

[2] Windsurfing

[3] Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

[4] Merrill-Lynch

[5] IntraCoastal Waterway