Okay, I think we're ready! Deb and I headed into the grocery store for the roast chickens on Wednesday morning and I did the last load of laundry Thursday morning. Dennis had originally said he wanted to leave around noon, so I planned my time accordingly. Well, he changed his mind, but the laundry was busy so it was noon when we left. Helped and waved off the dock by Lili and Steve on LiWard and Judy on Quest. Last minute dock waves from Terry and Gerry on Gymnopides. I took the helm while Dennis stowed lines and fenders, put up the main, and Mark and Deb get to see how the boat works. We've decided to do our log every 6 hours with our position and the conditions, so that's what will follow.
April 5, 2012 12:15 p.m. POSITION 9.2N 79.51W Shelter Bay Marina
WIND N/10 SEAS N/E 2' swell SPEED 6 knots SAILS full main, motor sailing
Checked in on the 6209 SSB net at 5 p.m. with George on Silver Sea
6 p.m. POSITION 09.54N 79.58W
WIND N/10 SEAS N/E swell 5-6' SPEED 5.5 knots SAILS reefed main, motor sailing
DISTANCE TRAVELED 33.7 nm
Too much static to hear the NW 6209 net
April 6, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 10.27N 80.03W
WIND Calm, light and variable out of the North SEAS 3' with a NE swell SPEED 5.7 knots
SAILS reefed main, motor sailing DISTANCE TRAVELED 67.2 nm
Full moon - Engine off at 4 a.m. with Mark on watch - 212 nm to the first waypoint with a reefed main and Yankee
Deb at the helm and Mark and Allayne in the cockpit with a ship spotted at 4:30 a.m. - had to turn the motor on to avoid ship, which changed course and crossed our bow. Mark hailed 6 times with no response.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 10.57N 80.06W
WIND N 10-15 SEAS 4-5' SPEED 3.8 Average of 4.3-5.2 SAILS reefed main and Yankee
DISTANCE TRAVELED 97.9 nm and sailing a close reach
Allayne spoke to Russell on Luterna on the 6209 SSB net - position at 8:15 a.m. was 11.09N 80.09W
12:00 p.m. POSITION 11.31N 80.12W
WIND NE 10-15 SEAS 4-5' SPEED 5.4 SAILS reefed main and Yankee
82 degrees with scattered clouds - Checked into the SW Caribbean net at 5:00 p.m.
Dennis, Deb and Allayne have been taking medication for queasiness, just getting our sea legs back after 2 weeks at the dock - Mark solved the problem by staying in the cockpit :)
6:00 p.m. POSITION 11.58N 81.17W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS 2' from the N/E SPEED 3.5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 160 nm
81 degrees with scattered clouds
April 7, 2012 12:45 a.m. POSITION 12.28N 80.22W
WIND NE 10-14 SEAS 3' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 190 nm
79 degrees with scattered clouds and full moon
A bird committed suicide on Mark's watch by flying into the wind generator and landing in the cockpit. Dennis awoke from a sound sleep, picked up the bird and threw it overboard, then went back to sleep.
Watches have been working out great, switching out every 2-3 hours. Dennis takes the first shift after supper; then Mark gets up between 11 and 12 and does anywhere from 2-4 hours, waking up either Deb or I to take over. Every other night Deb and I get almost a full night of sleep. It's working for us :)
6:00 a.m. POSITION 12.49N 80.26W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 2-4.5 SAILS reefed main and Yankee until 6:00 a.m., when Dennis let the reef out of the main and our speed came up to 4.5
76 degrees with a full moon still up
12:00 p.m. POSITION 13.21N 80.31W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 5.6 SAILS full main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 245 nm
82 degrees with scattered clouds Checked in with the 6209 net at 5:00 p.m. with our position at 13.46N 80.32W
We had showers in the tub today!!! Felt fantastic.
Glad I made many meals ahead of time and froze them. We had the roasted chicken for the first couple of days with salads and bread, and are starting to move on to the freezer meals.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 13.51N 80.32W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2-3' SPEED 5.4 SAILS full main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 275 nm
A pod of dolphins were jumping and swimming around the boat after dinner - good luck? It sure made all of us smile.
April 8, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 14.18N 80.36W
WIND ENE 10 SEAS less than 2' SPEED 4.4 SAILS one reef put in the main at dinner because of squall line
Mark was assaulted by a flying fish on the side of the head at 10:30 p.m. Arrived at our first waypoint and changed to Waypoint 2 at 11:00 p.m. We wanted to leave Shelter Bay at noon because, by our calculations, it would put us off the reef early morning. Made such good time, the guys passed through the reef in the dark with lots of room to spare.
Started the motor at 1:200 a.m. and ran until 3:45 a.m. for power
The wind changed at 4:00 a.m. so we changed course slightly and our speed increased to 6-6.5
You have to give it to Mark, he's always good for a laugh. When I spoke to Judy on Caribbean Blue on the SW 6209 net, I thought she was going to choke when I told her about first the bird and then the fish. She laughed through the rest of the net :)
6:00 a.m. POSITION 14.46N 80.42W
WIND 10-12 SEAS less than 2' SPEED 5.5-6.5 SAILS full main and jib
Dennis shook out the reef at 5:30 a.m. and adjusted the course from 336 to 343 degrees
DISTANCE TRAVELED 331 nm
At 11:15 a.m. we were circled twice by an AWAC surveillance plane from Columbia at 15.14N 80.50W
12:00 p.m. POSITION 15.17N 80.51W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS full main and jib, heading for Thunder Knoll waypoint
DISTANCE TRAVELED 363 nm
Changed course at 4:15 p.m., 15.36N 80.58W, on a heading to Cuba and 433 nm, with a reefed main and jib
Checked in on the 6209 net at 5:00 p.m. with a position of 15.39N 81.01W with a speed of 5.6 and a distance traveled of 388 nm
6:00 p.m. POSITION 15.44N 81.04W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 5.6 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 394 nm
April 9, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 16.08N 81.22W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS Single reefed main
The moon rose at 9:00 p.m.. We ran the engine in neutral for 2 hours for power. Passed one vessel around 8:00 p.m. with white lights only.
DISTANCE TRAVELED 424 nm
6:00 a.m. POSITION 16.26N 81.39W
WIND NE 5 SEAS 1' SPEED 2.6 SAILS full main and Yankee
DISTANCE TRAVELED 448 nm with 373 to the Cuba waypoint
I relieved Deb at 6:00 and Dennis shook the reef out and moved the solar panel. Ghosting along in flat seas.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 16.43N 81.52W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS flat SPEED 4.4 SAILS full main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 469 nm with 351 to the Cuba waypoint
We were visited by2 sparrows around 10:00 a.m. and we got to take showers at 4:30. Talked to Russell on Luterna on the 5:00 p.m. 6209 SW net
6:00 p.m. POSITION 17.07 82.05W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS flat SPEED 5 with 1 knot of favorable current (7.5) SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 496 nm with 325 to the Cuba waypoint
Speed has varied all afternoon from 3-5 knots
Waning full moon, up at 10:15 p.m.
April 10, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 17.36N 82.27W
WIND NE 12 SEAS flat with a long 2' swell SPEED 7.8 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 534 nm with 288 to the Cuba waypoint
We are like a rocket, sailing along at 7.5. Spotted two freighters around 9:00 p.m., running south to our east. Two swallows hitched a ride at dinnertime. The winds started building after dinner and neither Dennis or Mark would take any sails in because it would have knocked the sparrows off the lifeline. Granted, Deb and I couldn't move, as we were pinned to the port side bulkhead!! Not a good night's sleep. Ran the engine for 2 hours in neutral for power.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 18.11N 82.53W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 2' SPEED 7.5 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 578 nm
12:00 p.m. POSITION 18.46N 83.18W
WIND NE 12-14 SEAS 2' plus SPEED 6.5-7.5 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 619 nm with 204 to the Cuba waypoint
We still have 1 knot of current in our favor. Checked into the 6208 SSB net and spoke with George on Silver Sea.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 19.18N 83.37W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' SPEED 5.7 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 656 nm with 167 to the Cuba waypoint
April 11, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 19.45N 83.47W
WIND NE 5-10 SEAS 2' SPEED 3 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and staysail
Waning full moon rose at midnight. The winds died at 12:45 a.m. so we motorsailed.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 20.80N 84.03W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 1' SPEED 5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 713 nm with 113 to the Cuba waypoint
At 4:30 a.m. spotted one northbound freighter 1/4 mile to starboard, and at 6:30 a.m. spotted a southbound freighter 3 miles to starboard.
Ran the engine for 4 hours in the morning for power. Checked in on the 6209 SSB net. Freighter, High Strength, at 20.30N and 84.13W altered course after we called him on Channel 16
12:00 p.m. POSITION 20.37N 84.15W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1' SPEED 5.2 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 744 nm with 82 to the Cuba waypoint
Added 15 gallons of water, so that we have approximately 65 gallons on board. Added 10 gallons of diesel, so that we have 43 in the tank and 20 still on the deck. Heavy shipping traffic. Started the engine about 4:30 p.m. when the wind died. Checked in at 5:00 p.m. on the 6209 SSB net with Russell on Luterna and Judy on Caribbean Blue
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEB :)
6:00 p.m. POSITION 21.02N 84.29W
WIND NE 3-5 SEAS flat SPEED 5.4 SAILS main only
No traffic, but heard voices on the VHF. Too long at sea??? At 7:00 p.m. we saw the green flash!!!
April 12, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 21.23N 84.48W
WIND N 10 SEAS 2' SPEED 4 SAILS main only
DISTANCE TRAVELED 801 nm with 27 to the Cuba waypoint
Fighting a 1/2 knot current and wind on the nose, hoping to find the Gulf Stream. Turned the engine off at 1:45 a.m., having run since 4:30 p.m. yesterday. Dennis put on a harness to put a reef in so that we could run a reefed main and staysail at 2:00 a.m. All hands on deck. Speed at 5 knots.
Sometimes the guys (I mean Dennis) think they can do things without us - NOT! Anyone on deck in the dark requires everyone on deck.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 21.48N 85.04W
WIND NE 15+ SEAS 3-4' choppy SPEED 5.7 with a 1 knot current SAILS reefed main and staysail, close reach
DISTANCE TRAVELED 831 nm
Rounded the west end of Cuba at 5:30 a.m.. Saw a little sliver of land, which was Cuba. First land seen in 7 days. Talked to Chris Parker and he said we need to be in in 36 hours. A new system developed and the winds and seas would be building to 20-25 by Saturday. Changed course to the next waypoint 5 miles early. Took a wave over the side while Deb was at the helm and she got drenched.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 22.22N 85.06W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' wind chop SPEED 5-6 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 865 nm, with 183 nm to the Dry Tortuga waypoint. Mark and Dennis are finally napping. They were both up most of the night. We had a hitchhiking bird which kept jumping on Deb! At 3:30 we rolled in the Yankee and jib and started the motor.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 22.45N 85.01W
WIND NE 14 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main, and staysail, sheeted tight
DISTANCE TRAVELED 894 nm with 164 nm to Dry Tortugas
Motorsailing since 3:30 with the main and staysail
April 13, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 22.59N 84.56W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main and staysail
DISTANCE TRAVELED 914 nm
We changed course at 9:30 p.m. to a bearing of 347. We turned the engine off and had a reefed main and staysail. No evidence of the Gulf Stream yet. (Turns out, we never did find it :( )
6:00 a.m. POSITION 23.23N 85.04W
WIND NE 10 or less SEAS 2' SPEED 3.5-4.5 SAILS reefed main and staysail
DISTANCE TRAVELED 940 nm
We have 1/2 knot of current against us with still no evidence of the Gulf Stream. The wind started picking up at sunrise, around 5:50 a.m.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 23.49N 85.00W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 1.5' and choppy SPEED 3 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 967 nm
Still picking up a 1/2 knot of current against us. Started the motor at 2:45.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.05N 84.45W
WIND NE 5 SEAS Flat SPEED 4.5 with 1/2 knot still against us SAILS double reefed main
Motorsailing since 2:45 p.m. with still no evidence of the Gulf Stream. Dennis added 10 gallons of diesel to the tank.
The next entry will be in Daylight Savings Time. We have been on Atlantic Standard Time up until now.
April 14, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 24.12N 84.21W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 1' SPEED 4.8 SAILS double reefed main
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1013 nm with 56 nm to the Dry Tortugas
We are expecting the winds to shift east to 15 before dawn.
6:12 a.m. POSITION 24.13N 83.49W
WIND ENE 10 SEAS 1-2' SPEED between 3.5 and 4.5 SAILS double reefed main and motoring
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1041 nm
A ship on the horizon. Everyone else asleep - beautiful morning, even though it's still dark. Spotted a ship on the horizon. Shut off the motor at 9:00 a.m. and ran a reefed main, Yankee and staysail. Shook out one reef on the main at 8:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 24.33N 83.30W
WIND ESE 12 SEAS 2' chop SPEED 6.7 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and stay - close reach
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1070 nm
We're trying to reach the Dry Tortugas before the front that is supposed to have winds of 30-35 knots. Started motorsailing at 2:00 p.m. Took in the Yankee and staysail at 3:00 p.m. and motored with a reefed main at 3.4 knots. Frustrating!!! No Gulf Stream and not making any headway.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.41N 83.04W
WIND E 15-20 SEAS confused with a 3' wind chop SPEED 3-4 SAILS reefed main and motoring
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1099 nm
We had dolphins along side again. We're slogging along with the wind on the nose, trying to reach the Dry Tortugas before the front blows in. Have a double reefed main. The winds are getting stronger and the clouds quite black. We're not going to be able to make Loggerhead Key or the Dry Tortugas. The front moved in around 9:00 p.m. with 30-35 knots. We could see Ft. Jefferson, but never having been there, didn't feel confident enough to attempt it in the dark with all the reefs. Dennis wanted to continue on to Key West, but he was out-voted (I love having other people on board!!!) and we hove to around 9:30. We'll continue on in the morning when we can see. Dinner was sandwiches while we got tossed around. Not real fun. Deb slept on the port setee, which is a double that backs up to the table so you're stable. I took the starboard setee cushions and slept on the floor. Mark and Dennis kept watch, hour on, hour off, for awhile. Decided they weren't in the shipping channel, there were no reefs, so Mark took the port seat in the cockpit and Dennis took the floor with his feet in the companionway. Wish I had a picture of that, but we were all to busy hanging on, trying not to get too many bruises.
No midnight or 6:00 a.m. log. Everyone sleeping, or trying to. The guys couldn't have been very comfortable sleeping in the cockpit in full rain gear. YUK!
April 15, 2012 6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.37N 82.52W 600' off of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas
WIND E25 SEAS 1' in the harbor, wind chop
THE PREVIOUS 12 HOURS -- (written by Mark) As noted, we missed dropping the hook off of Loggerhead Key by one hour as the front dropped on us, bringing 35-40 knot winds and rapidly building seas. At first we tried to bear off to Key West, but it was a close haul and hard to hold. We hove to at 24.33N 82.57W. By midnight we had experimented (he and Dennis) with the position of the main, but were still lying a little too beam to, but were safe and riding comfortably at .5 knots. (His idea of comfortable and mine are obviously different) Our midnight position was 24.33N 82.58W. By 7:00 a.m. we were at 24.53N 83.01W. The wind around 5:00 a.m. was a constant 40 knots and gusting. We ended up drifting back around 15 miles. Turned the staysail around and headed back to Loggerhead Key with the stay and a double reefed main with 35 knot winds and 10' seas. (Took quite a few over the bow, which actually made their way down below, with Deb and Allayne mopping up continuously) At 11:30 a.m., at 24.33N and 82.58W we tacked into the channel behind Loggerhead Reef and arrived at Fort Jefferson at 1:30 p.m. Wet, salty, soggy, tired, but still a happy boat.
Yes, Mark is right, 10 days at sea and we're still a happy boat!! Dennis and Mark have great debates about what should be done, but end up coming to the same conclusion ... after much discussion. Having Mark and Deb on board has been wonderful and we all work together great. Now we're going to relax, catch up on sleep and cleaning, and tour Fort Jefferson when the seas die down!
~~~ _/) ~~~ On to Key West next
April 5, 2012 12:15 p.m. POSITION 9.2N 79.51W Shelter Bay Marina
WIND N/10 SEAS N/E 2' swell SPEED 6 knots SAILS full main, motor sailing
Checked in on the 6209 SSB net at 5 p.m. with George on Silver Sea
6 p.m. POSITION 09.54N 79.58W
WIND N/10 SEAS N/E swell 5-6' SPEED 5.5 knots SAILS reefed main, motor sailing
DISTANCE TRAVELED 33.7 nm
Too much static to hear the NW 6209 net
April 6, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 10.27N 80.03W
WIND Calm, light and variable out of the North SEAS 3' with a NE swell SPEED 5.7 knots
SAILS reefed main, motor sailing DISTANCE TRAVELED 67.2 nm
Full moon - Engine off at 4 a.m. with Mark on watch - 212 nm to the first waypoint with a reefed main and Yankee
Deb at the helm and Mark and Allayne in the cockpit with a ship spotted at 4:30 a.m. - had to turn the motor on to avoid ship, which changed course and crossed our bow. Mark hailed 6 times with no response.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 10.57N 80.06W
WIND N 10-15 SEAS 4-5' SPEED 3.8 Average of 4.3-5.2 SAILS reefed main and Yankee
DISTANCE TRAVELED 97.9 nm and sailing a close reach
Allayne spoke to Russell on Luterna on the 6209 SSB net - position at 8:15 a.m. was 11.09N 80.09W
12:00 p.m. POSITION 11.31N 80.12W
WIND NE 10-15 SEAS 4-5' SPEED 5.4 SAILS reefed main and Yankee
82 degrees with scattered clouds - Checked into the SW Caribbean net at 5:00 p.m.
Dennis, Deb and Allayne have been taking medication for queasiness, just getting our sea legs back after 2 weeks at the dock - Mark solved the problem by staying in the cockpit :)
6:00 p.m. POSITION 11.58N 81.17W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS 2' from the N/E SPEED 3.5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 160 nm
81 degrees with scattered clouds
April 7, 2012 12:45 a.m. POSITION 12.28N 80.22W
WIND NE 10-14 SEAS 3' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 190 nm
79 degrees with scattered clouds and full moon
A bird committed suicide on Mark's watch by flying into the wind generator and landing in the cockpit. Dennis awoke from a sound sleep, picked up the bird and threw it overboard, then went back to sleep.
Watches have been working out great, switching out every 2-3 hours. Dennis takes the first shift after supper; then Mark gets up between 11 and 12 and does anywhere from 2-4 hours, waking up either Deb or I to take over. Every other night Deb and I get almost a full night of sleep. It's working for us :)
6:00 a.m. POSITION 12.49N 80.26W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 2-4.5 SAILS reefed main and Yankee until 6:00 a.m., when Dennis let the reef out of the main and our speed came up to 4.5
76 degrees with a full moon still up
12:00 p.m. POSITION 13.21N 80.31W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 5.6 SAILS full main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 245 nm
82 degrees with scattered clouds Checked in with the 6209 net at 5:00 p.m. with our position at 13.46N 80.32W
We had showers in the tub today!!! Felt fantastic.
Glad I made many meals ahead of time and froze them. We had the roasted chicken for the first couple of days with salads and bread, and are starting to move on to the freezer meals.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 13.51N 80.32W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2-3' SPEED 5.4 SAILS full main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 275 nm
A pod of dolphins were jumping and swimming around the boat after dinner - good luck? It sure made all of us smile.
April 8, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 14.18N 80.36W
WIND ENE 10 SEAS less than 2' SPEED 4.4 SAILS one reef put in the main at dinner because of squall line
Mark was assaulted by a flying fish on the side of the head at 10:30 p.m. Arrived at our first waypoint and changed to Waypoint 2 at 11:00 p.m. We wanted to leave Shelter Bay at noon because, by our calculations, it would put us off the reef early morning. Made such good time, the guys passed through the reef in the dark with lots of room to spare.
Started the motor at 1:200 a.m. and ran until 3:45 a.m. for power
The wind changed at 4:00 a.m. so we changed course slightly and our speed increased to 6-6.5
You have to give it to Mark, he's always good for a laugh. When I spoke to Judy on Caribbean Blue on the SW 6209 net, I thought she was going to choke when I told her about first the bird and then the fish. She laughed through the rest of the net :)
6:00 a.m. POSITION 14.46N 80.42W
WIND 10-12 SEAS less than 2' SPEED 5.5-6.5 SAILS full main and jib
 |
| Plane circling with Columbian flag |
DISTANCE TRAVELED 331 nm
At 11:15 a.m. we were circled twice by an AWAC surveillance plane from Columbia at 15.14N 80.50W
12:00 p.m. POSITION 15.17N 80.51W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS full main and jib, heading for Thunder Knoll waypoint
DISTANCE TRAVELED 363 nm
Changed course at 4:15 p.m., 15.36N 80.58W, on a heading to Cuba and 433 nm, with a reefed main and jib
Checked in on the 6209 net at 5:00 p.m. with a position of 15.39N 81.01W with a speed of 5.6 and a distance traveled of 388 nm
6:00 p.m. POSITION 15.44N 81.04W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 2' SPEED 5.6 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 394 nm
April 9, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 16.08N 81.22W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS Single reefed main
 |
| The Captain on deck |
DISTANCE TRAVELED 424 nm
6:00 a.m. POSITION 16.26N 81.39W
WIND NE 5 SEAS 1' SPEED 2.6 SAILS full main and Yankee
DISTANCE TRAVELED 448 nm with 373 to the Cuba waypoint
I relieved Deb at 6:00 and Dennis shook the reef out and moved the solar panel. Ghosting along in flat seas.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 16.43N 81.52W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS flat SPEED 4.4 SAILS full main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 469 nm with 351 to the Cuba waypoint
We were visited by2 sparrows around 10:00 a.m. and we got to take showers at 4:30. Talked to Russell on Luterna on the 5:00 p.m. 6209 SW net
6:00 p.m. POSITION 17.07 82.05W
WIND NE 8-10 SEAS flat SPEED 5 with 1 knot of favorable current (7.5) SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 496 nm with 325 to the Cuba waypoint
Speed has varied all afternoon from 3-5 knots
Waning full moon, up at 10:15 p.m.
April 10, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 17.36N 82.27W
 |
| Frick and Frack |
WIND NE 12 SEAS flat with a long 2' swell SPEED 7.8 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 534 nm with 288 to the Cuba waypoint
 |
| I don't know if we've ever gone this fast! |
6:00 a.m. POSITION 18.11N 82.53W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 2' SPEED 7.5 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 578 nm
12:00 p.m. POSITION 18.46N 83.18W
WIND NE 12-14 SEAS 2' plus SPEED 6.5-7.5 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 619 nm with 204 to the Cuba waypoint
We still have 1 knot of current in our favor. Checked into the 6208 SSB net and spoke with George on Silver Sea.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 19.18N 83.37W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' SPEED 5.7 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 656 nm with 167 to the Cuba waypoint
April 11, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 19.45N 83.47W
WIND NE 5-10 SEAS 2' SPEED 3 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and staysail
Waning full moon rose at midnight. The winds died at 12:45 a.m. so we motorsailed.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 20.80N 84.03W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 1' SPEED 5 SAILS reefed main and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 713 nm with 113 to the Cuba waypoint
At 4:30 a.m. spotted one northbound freighter 1/4 mile to starboard, and at 6:30 a.m. spotted a southbound freighter 3 miles to starboard.
Ran the engine for 4 hours in the morning for power. Checked in on the 6209 SSB net. Freighter, High Strength, at 20.30N and 84.13W altered course after we called him on Channel 16
12:00 p.m. POSITION 20.37N 84.15W
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1' SPEED 5.2 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 744 nm with 82 to the Cuba waypoint
Added 15 gallons of water, so that we have approximately 65 gallons on board. Added 10 gallons of diesel, so that we have 43 in the tank and 20 still on the deck. Heavy shipping traffic. Started the engine about 4:30 p.m. when the wind died. Checked in at 5:00 p.m. on the 6209 SSB net with Russell on Luterna and Judy on Caribbean Blue
 |
| Coming up to the green flash |
6:00 p.m. POSITION 21.02N 84.29W
WIND NE 3-5 SEAS flat SPEED 5.4 SAILS main only
No traffic, but heard voices on the VHF. Too long at sea??? At 7:00 p.m. we saw the green flash!!!
April 12, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 21.23N 84.48W
WIND N 10 SEAS 2' SPEED 4 SAILS main only
DISTANCE TRAVELED 801 nm with 27 to the Cuba waypoint
Fighting a 1/2 knot current and wind on the nose, hoping to find the Gulf Stream. Turned the engine off at 1:45 a.m., having run since 4:30 p.m. yesterday. Dennis put on a harness to put a reef in so that we could run a reefed main and staysail at 2:00 a.m. All hands on deck. Speed at 5 knots.
Sometimes the guys (I mean Dennis) think they can do things without us - NOT! Anyone on deck in the dark requires everyone on deck.
6:00 a.m. POSITION 21.48N 85.04W
WIND NE 15+ SEAS 3-4' choppy SPEED 5.7 with a 1 knot current SAILS reefed main and staysail, close reach
DISTANCE TRAVELED 831 nm
Rounded the west end of Cuba at 5:30 a.m.. Saw a little sliver of land, which was Cuba. First land seen in 7 days. Talked to Chris Parker and he said we need to be in in 36 hours. A new system developed and the winds and seas would be building to 20-25 by Saturday. Changed course to the next waypoint 5 miles early. Took a wave over the side while Deb was at the helm and she got drenched.
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| Deb's bird |
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| I thought he was on watch, but I guess not |
WIND NE 10-12 SEAS 1-2' wind chop SPEED 5-6 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and jib
DISTANCE TRAVELED 865 nm, with 183 nm to the Dry Tortuga waypoint. Mark and Dennis are finally napping. They were both up most of the night. We had a hitchhiking bird which kept jumping on Deb! At 3:30 we rolled in the Yankee and jib and started the motor.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 22.45N 85.01W
WIND NE 14 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main, and staysail, sheeted tight
DISTANCE TRAVELED 894 nm with 164 nm to Dry Tortugas
Motorsailing since 3:30 with the main and staysail
April 13, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 22.59N 84.56W
WIND NE 12 SEAS 2' SPEED 4.5 SAILS reefed main and staysail
DISTANCE TRAVELED 914 nm
We changed course at 9:30 p.m. to a bearing of 347. We turned the engine off and had a reefed main and staysail. No evidence of the Gulf Stream yet. (Turns out, we never did find it :( )
6:00 a.m. POSITION 23.23N 85.04W
WIND NE 10 or less SEAS 2' SPEED 3.5-4.5 SAILS reefed main and staysail
DISTANCE TRAVELED 940 nm
We have 1/2 knot of current against us with still no evidence of the Gulf Stream. The wind started picking up at sunrise, around 5:50 a.m.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 23.49N 85.00W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 1.5' and choppy SPEED 3 SAILS full canvas
DISTANCE TRAVELED 967 nm
Still picking up a 1/2 knot of current against us. Started the motor at 2:45.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.05N 84.45W
WIND NE 5 SEAS Flat SPEED 4.5 with 1/2 knot still against us SAILS double reefed main
Motorsailing since 2:45 p.m. with still no evidence of the Gulf Stream. Dennis added 10 gallons of diesel to the tank.
The next entry will be in Daylight Savings Time. We have been on Atlantic Standard Time up until now.
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| A scary picture - Dennis and Mark discussing what to do :( |
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| Once again, trying to get a Globalstar signal |
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| Mark at the helm |
April 14, 2012 12:00 a.m. POSITION 24.12N 84.21W
WIND NE 10 SEAS 1' SPEED 4.8 SAILS double reefed main
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1013 nm with 56 nm to the Dry Tortugas
We are expecting the winds to shift east to 15 before dawn.
6:12 a.m. POSITION 24.13N 83.49W
WIND ENE 10 SEAS 1-2' SPEED between 3.5 and 4.5 SAILS double reefed main and motoring
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1041 nm
A ship on the horizon. Everyone else asleep - beautiful morning, even though it's still dark. Spotted a ship on the horizon. Shut off the motor at 9:00 a.m. and ran a reefed main, Yankee and staysail. Shook out one reef on the main at 8:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. POSITION 24.33N 83.30W
WIND ESE 12 SEAS 2' chop SPEED 6.7 SAILS reefed main, Yankee and stay - close reach
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1070 nm
We're trying to reach the Dry Tortugas before the front that is supposed to have winds of 30-35 knots. Started motorsailing at 2:00 p.m. Took in the Yankee and staysail at 3:00 p.m. and motored with a reefed main at 3.4 knots. Frustrating!!! No Gulf Stream and not making any headway.
6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.41N 83.04W
WIND E 15-20 SEAS confused with a 3' wind chop SPEED 3-4 SAILS reefed main and motoring
DISTANCE TRAVELED 1099 nm
We had dolphins along side again. We're slogging along with the wind on the nose, trying to reach the Dry Tortugas before the front blows in. Have a double reefed main. The winds are getting stronger and the clouds quite black. We're not going to be able to make Loggerhead Key or the Dry Tortugas. The front moved in around 9:00 p.m. with 30-35 knots. We could see Ft. Jefferson, but never having been there, didn't feel confident enough to attempt it in the dark with all the reefs. Dennis wanted to continue on to Key West, but he was out-voted (I love having other people on board!!!) and we hove to around 9:30. We'll continue on in the morning when we can see. Dinner was sandwiches while we got tossed around. Not real fun. Deb slept on the port setee, which is a double that backs up to the table so you're stable. I took the starboard setee cushions and slept on the floor. Mark and Dennis kept watch, hour on, hour off, for awhile. Decided they weren't in the shipping channel, there were no reefs, so Mark took the port seat in the cockpit and Dennis took the floor with his feet in the companionway. Wish I had a picture of that, but we were all to busy hanging on, trying not to get too many bruises.
No midnight or 6:00 a.m. log. Everyone sleeping, or trying to. The guys couldn't have been very comfortable sleeping in the cockpit in full rain gear. YUK!
April 15, 2012 6:00 p.m. POSITION 24.37N 82.52W 600' off of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas
WIND E25 SEAS 1' in the harbor, wind chop
THE PREVIOUS 12 HOURS -- (written by Mark) As noted, we missed dropping the hook off of Loggerhead Key by one hour as the front dropped on us, bringing 35-40 knot winds and rapidly building seas. At first we tried to bear off to Key West, but it was a close haul and hard to hold. We hove to at 24.33N 82.57W. By midnight we had experimented (he and Dennis) with the position of the main, but were still lying a little too beam to, but were safe and riding comfortably at .5 knots. (His idea of comfortable and mine are obviously different) Our midnight position was 24.33N 82.58W. By 7:00 a.m. we were at 24.53N 83.01W. The wind around 5:00 a.m. was a constant 40 knots and gusting. We ended up drifting back around 15 miles. Turned the staysail around and headed back to Loggerhead Key with the stay and a double reefed main with 35 knot winds and 10' seas. (Took quite a few over the bow, which actually made their way down below, with Deb and Allayne mopping up continuously) At 11:30 a.m., at 24.33N and 82.58W we tacked into the channel behind Loggerhead Reef and arrived at Fort Jefferson at 1:30 p.m. Wet, salty, soggy, tired, but still a happy boat.
Yes, Mark is right, 10 days at sea and we're still a happy boat!! Dennis and Mark have great debates about what should be done, but end up coming to the same conclusion ... after much discussion. Having Mark and Deb on board has been wonderful and we all work together great. Now we're going to relax, catch up on sleep and cleaning, and tour Fort Jefferson when the seas die down!
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| Anchored off of Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas |
~~~ _/) ~~~ On to Key West next
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