<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Sailor Logs & Cruising Plans]]> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Are you out there cruising on a big voyage? Wanna share some of your big plans or dreams with the rest of us? Tell us about it here and show us some photos. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 03:46:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/forums/../ugala/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Sailor Logs & Cruising Plans]]> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Where, Oh Where, Has Slapdash Gone? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/where-oh-where-has-slapdash-gone-33249.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:58 GMT Has anyone heard anything out of Slapdash lately? Last blog was 10/25 before the Bali passage.... ---Quote--- So 1700 miles to Bali. We’ll... Has anyone heard anything out of Slapdash lately? Last blog was 10/25 before the Bali passage....

Quote:
So 1700 miles to Bali. We’ll leave Tuesday so should be there by Friday November the –gulp!- 13th at the latest.


Hope everything is ok... ]]> Fishman_Tx http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/where-oh-where-has-slapdash-gone-33249.html <![CDATA[What's Good in Beaufort, NC ?]]> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/whats-good-in-beaufort-nc-33243.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:02:51 GMT stopped in beaufort n.c. for awhile any must see's or do's while i'm here. don't know where next southern stop is, any suggestions. ]]> ub1 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/whats-good-in-beaufort-nc-33243.html Fort Myers to Dry Tortugas via Boot Key Harbor and Key West http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/fort-myers-to-dry-tortugas-via-boot-key-harbor-and-key-west-33208.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:17:10 GMT I am planning a 'mini' cruise this Christmas break and wanted to share the itinerary with you to see if there are any issues with my planning.

The trip will be on my 1978 O'Day 25. I have updated most of her systems over the last two years and I consider her a reliable boat. She has a new outboard engine, new batteries (210 amp total), and other small modifications.

She has a 10 gallon water tank (used only for dishes) and the ice box is newly insulated but without a compressor.

I will be going single-handed most of the way, but may have friends join during certain passages.

Here's is the itinerary:
  • Friday, December 18: depart 5:00 am, arrive Marco Island 1:00 pm. (33 NM/4kn= 8 hours)
  • Saturday, December 19: depart 3:00 am, arrive Cape Sable 5:00 pm. (57 NM/4kn= 14 hours)
  • Sunday, December 20: depart 7:00 am, arrive Marathon Key 3:00 pm. (32 NM/4kn= 8 hours)
  • Monday, December 21: shopping Marathon Key
  • Tuesday, December 22: Marathon Key
  • Wednesday, December 23: depart 2:00 am, arrive Key West/ Garrison Bight 3:00 pm. (50NM/4kn= 13 hours)
  • Thursday, December 24: Key West
  • Friday, December 25: depart 8:00 am, arrive Marquesas Keys 2:00 pm (22NM/4kn= 6 hours)
  • Saturday, December 26: depart 3:00 am, arrive Dry Tortugas/ Garden Key 3:00 pm (46 NM/4kn= 12 hours)
  • December 27, 2009 until December 29, 2009: Dry Tortugas
  • Wednesday, December 30: depart 3:00 am, arrive Marquesas Keys 3:00 pm (46NM/4kn= 12 hours)
  • Thursday, December 31: depart 8:00 am, arrive Key West 2:00 pm (22NM/4kn= 6 hours)
  • Friday, January 1: relax, sightseeing
  • Saturday, January 2: go directly to Ft. Myers: depart 3:00 am. (130 NM/4kn= 32 hours)
  • Sunday, January 3: arrive Ft. Myers: 11:00 am.

I know this itinerary is optimistic at best, always assuming great conditions for sailing. However, under power, the boat can make about 4 knots so I am assuming that the times are a good prediction even if we have to motorsail, or motor.

I am curious about a few things:

How do you feel about Boot Key Harbor? I have downloaded a lot of info, including their local newsletter. It seems like a nice place, however, I got the impression that it might be packed there this time of year. Will it be difficult for me to find a mooring ball there?

I have also done quite extensive reading on the Dry Tortugas. I know of issues on Rebecca Shoal during northerly directions. I am curious to find out what the passage from the Marquesas Keys is going to be.

I have sailed the boat in 15 - 20 knot winds and found her to be swift (5.5 - 6 knots). She draws only 2'3" (centerboard up) and 6' (centerboard down).

You can also check out a more detailed itinerary which I have posted on the boat's site by clicking here. It's a PDF and includes screenshots of all major anchorages, etc.

I'm really curious to hear from you!

Thanks a lot!

Alex ]]> Kruso http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/fort-myers-to-dry-tortugas-via-boot-key-harbor-and-key-west-33208.html Swap your boat for my house for a month? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/swap-your-boat-for-my-house-for-a-month-33154.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:56:31 GMT I guess this is a bit of a long shot but I am interested in swapping the use of my house and car in the Southwest of England for a boat somewhere... I guess this is a bit of a long shot but I am interested in swapping the use of my house and car in the Southwest of England for a boat somewhere warm next year, probably for about a month for use by myself and wife.

I have a nice 4 bedroomed house and a reasonable car (which I would get insured for the swapper). I would be looking to exchange this for a sailing boat around the 40' mark in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or elsewhere.

I have the UK Yachtmaster Offshore (200 ton) licence, and work as a delivery skipper, based in the UK.

If you want an extended holiday in the UK to sightsee or to visit relations and friends, this could be the ideal opportunity.

Feel free to PM me if you might be interested. ]]> edsailing http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/swap-your-boat-for-my-house-for-a-month-33154.html Ocracoke, NC to Jacksonville, FL Offshore http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/ocracoke-nc-to-jacksonville-fl-offshore-33132.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:55:34 GMT Have been planning to take the trip for a while now and have finally finalized (as much as you can finalize anything on a sailboat) the dates.... Have been planning to take the trip for a while now and have finally finalized (as much as you can finalize anything on a sailboat) the dates. Looking to leave right after Thanksgiving depending on weather. There will be two of us on a Cal 34, one with extensive off-shore experience, and myself with years of sailing on the Chesapeake. What I would love to know from those of you who have done this trip is a realistic time frame and where you stopped along the way if you didn't go straight through. As of now, we are looking to stop at Charleston and possibly somewhere in Georgia. I understand there are dozens of ways to do this trip, but your experiences would be most appreciated.

Thanks
Jim
Skylark ]]> S/VSkylark http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/ocracoke-nc-to-jacksonville-fl-offshore-33132.html Last Guests this Year - Abacos, October 27-31, 2009 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/last-guests-this-year-abacos-october-27-31-2009-a-33057.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:18:03 GMT Last Guests this year - Abacos, October 27-31, 2009 We left you comfortably anchored off Russell Baldwin Rock, in the middle south of the... Last Guests this year - Abacos, October 27-31, 2009


We left you comfortably anchored off Russell Baldwin Rock, in the middle
south of the Abacos chain, having just had a wonderful snorkeling
experience, good food and good company.

Following another restful night aboard, Tuesday October 27, we were off
again, heading to Great Guana's Settlement Harbour, just a couple of miles
up the road, in 12-17 knot SSE winds, a downwind run. By 2:30, we'd
arrived, and despite another boat having anchored there, the great majority
of the harbor was either too shallow for us or had moorings in the way, and,
worse, about the only viable place on the chart for us to anchor was right
where the other boat had thrown their hook.

However, Dive Guana has many moorings in the area, and the guide books we
had said they were only $10 a night, so we hailed them on the VHF. Oops,
they can't promise clear water with our depth, but they had many more of
suitable depth just up the island, in the next cove. We had to make a wide
sweep to miss the rocks and reef between Settlement Harbour and Fishers Bay,
but by 4PM we'd secured our (now $15) mooring. Having heard from many
sources that one mustn't miss the experience of Nipper's, and having read in
several of the promo pieces and guide books we had aboard that they had a
"NipMobile" which would ferry us from our dock to them, we again picked up
the VHF.

Oops, while they DO have a NipMobile, they couldn't find their driver. So,
we asked how to hoof it there, and whle we were getting ready, what should
appear at the end of the street abutting the dock and launch ramp, but the
NipMobile, which hailed us, and, as soon as we'd landed our dinghy, took us
straightaway to the celebrated drinkery/eatery. Sure enough, the view was
fantastic, and since we'd also been encouraged sufficiently, despite knowing
that it would hit us in our wallet's solar plexus, we elected for dinner
there. Oops - dinner menu's not available until 6, and it's only 5. Well,
OK, we'll wander in the gift shop, and buy some playing cards, which,
surprisingly, we hadn't had on board, and chat up the clerk. Then we'll
have an appetizer and drinks while we wait. In the end, they pushed it up a
bit, and we were served, let alone allowed to order, before 6 PM.

True to the reports, it was expensive, but not particularly more than usual
in the Bahamas, and dinner was delicious. The frozen "Nipper" was
delicious, more, even than the Goombay Smash (which inventor's place we'd
visited in Green Turtle Cay), too. However, just before dinner was served,
we started experiencing no-see-ums, and moved from their deck to the inside
dining room. We splurged with a Key Lime pie for dessert, and, stuffed,
waddled out to find a ride home. Albury (the NipMobile driver) had
disappeared again, but our clerk was just getting off, and volunteered a
ride in her golf cart, which we accepted. Along the way, we chatted her up
about the sea conditions expected; she said just give her a call, and she'd
let us know. Promising to do so, we were shortly back home aboard, and
piled into bed.

Having gotten a view of the beach and the expected reef, on Wednesday,
October 28th, we, as encouraged, called our driver from last night to
inquire about the surf conditons - they looked ideal for snorkeling. So, we
hailed the NipMobile in the late morning, and got a ride over for snorkeling
and beachwalking. Michael and I went out in relatively calm seas, and
flippered our way across a rocky shelf right in front of thebeach. From up
high on the dunes at Nippers, it looked as though the reef was way offshore,
a surprise to us as the guidebooks had made it sound like it was right off
the beach. However, what we saw immediately on the way out looked totally
gray, and mostly devoid of any life, let alone interesting fish, so we
assumed that must just be a rock ledge, and continued on for a very long
way. For probably at least 30 or 45 minutes, we swam, seeing nothing other
than sandy bottom. The water was totally clear, though, so, after we
concluded either that the reefs were very much further out than we were
interested in swimmng to, or, instead, that rock shelf we went right over, I
decided to see how deep it was.

With Michael hovering off to the side, to judge from my body lengths, I
hyperventilated and, wearing my almost-neutral-bouyancy weights, headed
down. Getting down with the weights, especially as my lungs collapsed from
the pressure (though I wasn't uncomfortable due to my pressurizing my ears
on the way), further reducing me to negative bouyancy, was relatively quick.
However, the swim out had tired me, and I didn't have my usual capacity, so
the way up was a bit more exciting, having to overcome my weights and the
lack of lung-volume bouyancy. In short order, my lungs were bursting, but I
didn't dare let any out because I didn't want to give up any of the
bouyancy, and I didn't really have a clear idea of how far I still had to go
:{)) Had I known, I'd have gone down to my feet, rather than my hands, and
pushed off from the bottom! In any event, of course, since you're reading
this, in due time I surfaced and blew out my snorkel. Based on my body and
flipper length multiples, Michael estimated 35-40 feet. While I was never
truly anxious, it sure seemed shorter going down than UP!

Well, even if there were reefs to explore further out, neither of us had air
supplies, so rather than face having to deep dive for brief periods of time,
even if we found the elusive reef, we headed in. Faced with our realities so
far, we concluded that what we'd passed over was, indeed, the vaunted reefs
of Nippers. So, we went exploring up and down the rock. Hm. Well, at least
there are SOME fish here, and the occasional piece of coral. However, given
our experience only yesterday, this was a huge disappointment. Still, it was
interesting enough for us to spend perhaps another hour in the water, with
many disappearances underneath for photo sessions with the wildlife we did
find.

By the time we made it back up the stairs to the bar and restaurant decks,
we were the subject of much conversation in a group of tourists who'd hired
a guide to go snorkeling. They wanted to know how we "could possibly do it."
Do What? "Dive so much and stay down so long??" We passed it off as
nothing, to their amazement. However, on the way out, we got to chatting up
a guy who was waiting for his wife. He doesn't even yet know how to use a
snorkel, and the wife was pretty new at it. Despite the very calm
conditions, as well, they'd felt it too rough to go out, and so hadn't even
ventured into the water. So, to them, we supposed, we must have looked
superhuman.

Finding a ride home proved that Albury had again gone missing, and our
hostess of the prior evening, of course, was still in the shop, so we
walked, somewhat self-consciously, in our bathing suits, the 3/4 mile or so
back to the boat. Bahamians are very proper folks, and appearance in
general public in bathing attire is frowned upon, so we were pleased that we
encountered very few people along the way. By 5:15, we were off our mooring
and headed to the south end of the island where we expected, from the
guidebooks and charts, to find another great snorkeling spot surrounding a
tiny rock above Scotland Cay.

In short order, we had the hook down in a very nice anchorage. Michael and I
headed out to the little rock nearby, to check it out. The best we could
tell, there was nothing but grass in our circumavigation of the rock, but on
the East side, we spied a little camp with a pirate flag on a pole. On the
West side, there was a tiny beach leading up to it, so we got out to
explore. Someone had made a lovely path, lining it with empty conch shells,
and we marveled at the effort needed to get the full-sized picnic table in
there, along with what we've come to expect of the other associated gear
such as a portable barbeque and some chairs. Back to the boat we go,
disappointed, delivering the bad news to the ladies. We figured that the
chart must have thought that eternally calm water (extremely well protected
from all sides in there) would mean that those such as the folks we met at
Nippers would enjoy paddling around in the very shallow, very clear water.

Thursday, October 29th dawned, and we were shortly joined by a boat from a
nearby home who told us of many submerged cars just off another dock, making
a great artificial reef. He also invited us to his home for showers, if
we'd like, and after we'd thanked him profusely for the information and the
invite, he headed off for home while we prepared to up-anchor and head on
down to the actual Fowl Cay reefs. By 9:45, in very light winds, we were
off, and had the hook out in another nice anchorage by 10:15. WOW!!! It
took some motoring around, initially, in the dinghy, looking for reefs under
us. We were initially concerned that there wasn't going to be anythng we
could see or anchor nearby to, but then we noticed, much further out, and inside the surf line (wouldn't want to try to snorkel THAT in these conditions, but, likely, that, too, was a big reef) what looked like people fishing, not moving. Wait!! Those are mooring balls. Let's go have a look. Sure enough, these were all balls for the many reefs out there. As stunning as the reefs off the Rock just south of there were, these were simply amazing. Better yet, having mooring balls and frequent visitors, these fish were more interested in our rice offerings, and we were surrounded by all imaginable fish. Included were an entire school of dark blue fish, some barracuda, many tiny but very colorful fish, and enormous variety of
corals - brain, tower, fan, mushroom, you name it.

If it weren't for the fact that we'd eventually gotten chilled, we could
have spent the entire day there. Much imbedded video in the underwater
camera, along with copious photos, of us underwater, some including
reflecting views of the surface overhead, and all the flora and fauna of the
single reef we were mooring-balled near, ensued. We'll definitely return and
explore some of the other reefs marked by the many other moorings, as it's
definitely worth the chill. Likely, next time, we'll wear our wetsuits so
we can stay longer!

However, there were another couple of things we wanted to show our guests,
so by 1:45 we were under way again, this time to nearby Hopetown, for the
marvelous architecture, the lighthouse, and the grocery store. We again
anchored off, this time a bit closer, though, due to the settled weather,
and dinghied into town. We headed first to the dock across from the
grocery, as it's closer if we turned out to be laden, and, as we were
docking, encountered yet another Albury, this time the owner of the fish
market, who was just returning from a fishing trip with his already-cleaned
catch. We bought nearly 4 pounds of Wahoo from him and stashed it in our
dinghy before we went ashore.

As we'd been here already, we sort of acted as tour guides, and did the town
tour. Between this and our last time, several trees had flowered, so that,
and some of the local wildlife, served as photo subjects for Fish, a
microbiologist. We stopped into the grocery, intending to buy our loaf of
bread and some eggs. However, unlike Marsh Harbour, the eggs were
exhorbitant, being only Eggland's Best or Certified Organic, so we settled
for a single dozen. Happily, however, they'd replenished the lemon juice,
the staple in Lydia's lemonade, and we bought 15 more bottles. This time,
the clerk was even more generous than the previous one, trying initially to
give us a case (12) price, but the machine wouldn't compute it. So,
instead, he gave us 18% on all of them. We also got several other items,
and Michael and I splurged on an ice cream bar, each. Fully loaded, but
only a few feet from the dock, we loaded up the dinghy and set out for the
lighthouse.

While I was mostly interested in the "works" in my visit, Michael and Fish
have a much more photographic eye, and brought back several very interesting
pictures of the interior, including some looking down on the entirety of the
spiral staircase leading to the top. Thus sated, we again fired up the
dinghy and returned to our home for a delicious, marinated, grilled, Wahoo
dinner.

Friday, October 30 we sailed off our anchor at noon, bidding a fond farewell
to the little islands we'd visited. The wind was ideal, providing an initial
beam reach in benign seas with moderate speed. We made our turn at Point
Set, moving to a downwind, wing-and-wing configuration at 1PM, and, as the
wind shifted, conveniently, turned, again, downwind on our final leg into
the channel for Marsh Harbour. Having seen the satellite views of where we
were before (through the SPOT locator program pages), and having yet another
look at all the charts and guidebooks and chartplotter and computer's nav
programs, we decided that we could indeed anchor closer in than we'd been
before. Calculating the tides and the related depths, we set the hook in
about 8' of low-tide water at 2:15, directly opposite the Union Jack public
docks.

Following another delicious Wahoo dinner, we set in for a game of Hearts,
with our guests soundly trouncing us, before finally retiring for the
evening.

Saturday, Halloween Day, before we had to deliver Michael and Fish to the
dock for Fabian, Taxi 129, to give them a ride to the airport, we had a
debriefing on what had gone well, what could have been better, and how to
make future guests and us happiest about the experiences when it was over.
Generally speaking, this was a wonderful visit, but there were some things
we were able to learn from their perspectives, along with some of our our
expectations which we may not have adequately exposed, which will go into a
future "FAQ (frequently asked questions) for Potential Flying Pig Visitors."
In the end, both of us are looking forward to the next time, most likely in
another exotic location.

Having delivered them to the dock, we repaired to Flying Pig for some
downtime before returning to shore for yet more provisioning and some leg
stretching. We met many children who were clearly keyed up with
anticipation for their trick-or-treating later this evening, a delight to
see, as they told us of their costumes and where they were going. Having
restocked the critical items, chiefly eggs, as it's a staple in the diet
which has peeled a combined more-than 50 pounds off Lydia and me in the last
several months, we returned to our home, alone for the first time in a
while.

As this is the last visitors we expect in the foreseeable (meaning that we
can put any dates to) future, we set about for some serious, unstructured,
relaxation. Of course, there's always the odd boat chores, and still lots
to see and do in the Abacos, but for now, we're just chillin' - so, likely,
it will be some time before the next log.

Until then, Stay Tuned :{))

L8R

Skip and Lydia, comfortably at anchor and doing nothing in particular for
the next while...

Morgan 461 #2
SV Flying Pig KI4MPC
See our galleries at Web-Folio -- Your Portfolio on the Web !
Follow us at TheFlyingPigLog : Morgan 461 Hull #2, Flying Pig
and/or Flying Pig Log | Google Groups

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to
make it come true. You may have to work for it however."
(and)
"There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in
its hand
(Richard Bach) ]]> skipgundlach http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/last-guests-this-year-abacos-october-27-31-2009-a-33057.html I Am Going from Huntington Bay LI to NC ATM! http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/i-am-going-from-huntington-bay-li-to-nc-atm-32997.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:12:17 GMT Hello all! First off I just bought a boat last week on e-bay for 355$ :) Oh yeah! So I go look at her,jump up and down all over it and can't find a soft spot. The boat is a 1969 24'Bristol. With a newish 9.9 outboard and 4 ok sails,new vfh,batt. ect.... So I have now been taking my time coming down south. I am somewhat new to sailing but not to the water. I use to fish out west a bit:) I am a 37 single guy with no kids so I just decided to go for it. I am now at Green Point Landing,Worton Md in the uppper chesapeake. I just left the C@D canel a day or so ago. I really have had a blast so far. Can't wait untill the weather clears and to see some more.
I have alot of pics so far but I can't seem to get them to show up from photobucket for some reason. thanks Dan. Oh I really do need me a auto tiller. Man sitting at the tiller for more than 5 hours gets tough. Dan

]]> Garffin http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/i-am-going-from-huntington-bay-li-to-nc-atm-32997.html Here, Fishy Fishy, or, Michael and Fish Aboard 10/23-26/09 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/here-fishy-fishy-or-michael-and-fish-aboard-10-23-26-09-a-32979.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:48:39 GMT Here, Fishy Fishy, or, Michael and Fish aboard 10/23-26/09 We left you comfortably, if noisily, at anchor, very close to where we were ... Here, Fishy Fishy, or, Michael and Fish aboard 10/23-26/09

We left you comfortably, if noisily, at anchor, very close to where we were
yesterday, off Lynyard Cay, across from Little Harbour. After a comfortable
night's sleep, Friday morning October 23, we decided to go visit some other
beaches in the area. Accordingly, we moved quite south of our prior
anchorage, into another very sheltered location, where there were more
beaches to explore. We had the anchor up by 11:30 and in position, but our
first choice/attempt we thought too wet due to surf splash, so we moved
further south yet.

We had our anchor secure by noon, across from a couple of lovely beaches.
One of them had several boats there, with a portable pavilion set up, so we
didn't go to that area. However, there was another with what looked like it
might have also been a gathering place, but nobody there, so we ventured the
short distance from Flying Pig to shore in our dinghy.

It turned out that this was a popular cruisers' "bulletin board" - many
different forms of flotsam with boat names and dates on them, hung or nailed
to the trees, and marking a path to the other side. We took the path after
examining the various boat names and dates, some of which had multiple years
on them, and very shortly we were on the ocean side.

WOW! Huge expanses of sand beach running as far as the eye could see in
both directions, and the way down from the dunes was helped by someone
having mounted steps, made from driftwood lumber, all the way to the beach.
The amount and variety of stuff which had been tossed up on shore was
stunning. Part of a stern of a boat lay on shore, many fiberglass boat
parts/segments as well, much lumber of all descriptions, the usual plastic
garbage of all sorts, particularly water and soft drink bottles and a HUGE
steel "something" - perhaps a loading ramp, perhaps a door, maybe a
rudder?? - lay just under the high tide waves. It must have been 10'x30'x2'
from our perspective not far away, and we could only marvel at the forces
needed to push it onto the beach where it lay. Lydia went looking for more
of the precious hamburger beans which make such lovely jewelry, I went
scroungng for useful stuff, and Michael and Fish went the other way, just
walking.

In particular, I was searching, among the many water and fuel jugs which had
been cast on shore, for a spare cap and seal, in the event one of our jerry
cans should come up missing one somewhere along the way. I learned, the
hard way, that jug manufacturers - or, at least, Igloo, anyway - won't sell
you replacement caps and/or spouts/seals. They want you to buy another jug.
No luck on any of that; all that had one were broken. Lydia didn't find any
hamburger beans but found several interesting shells.

However, there was what looked to be a virtually new yellow diesel jug (sans
cap and spout, of course), so I used that to mark our visit to the area. A
quickie ride to the boat got me a wide sharpie, and we inscribed our names,
boat name and date on the jug and hung it with the short piece of line I
brought with me from the boat, joining all the other cruisers' mementos at
the entrance to the path to the beach. Ever hopeful, we snorkeled the area
in front of the little beach landing next to the path entry, but found
nothing other than some interesting shells. We left after marveling at the
totally deserted, but hugely debris-strewn beach we'd enjoyed, and returned
to our home for dinner and a simulated Boggle game.

The wind during Michael and Fish' visit has been unrelentingly strong for
any of the snorkeling we'd prefer to do, over any reefs, but on Saturday
morning, October 24th, it shifted and moderated to S-SSE at 10-15 knots.
Hopeful, we had the anchor up by 11 AM and had a lovely, if short sail up to
Sandy Cay, reputedly fantastic for turtles and other reef life. The area
has many bouys for dinghies to tie up to, so we were hopeful of being able
to enjoy some of it with the moderated wind conditions.

Sailing around the top and into what passed for somewhat of a lee on the
other side of Sandy Cay, we had the anchor set by 12:15. We motored in the
dinghy around to the east side, but found that the water was entirely too
rough for comfortable snorkeling, regardless of water clarity, which wasn't
the best, either, so reluctantly headed back to the west side. There we
went to the sandy portion at the south end, not really a beach, but at least
enough to land the dinghy among the submerged rocks, and went exploring.
There's a sandy spit which is exposed at dead low water, connecting Sandy to
the next island south. As well, there were interesting tidal pools among
the rocks on the east side. We were also able to snorkel out toward Flying
Pig, and were pleased to see a large manta ray exploring inshore. Ashore,
we found many good shells, as well.

Back at the boat, we'd seen that it was rolling somewhat alarmingly, but
weren't concerned, in general, as we secure everything aboard each day.
However, for the cruisers reading this, one item with which we were
particularly well pleased was our WalMart plastic dish rack and tray. It
stayed put despite all the rolling. We'd gone to some lengths in Georgetown
last winter to obtain a similar unit, replacing our in-sink stainless steel
one which was terminally rusty, but this one was larger and had better a
tableware holder, so we swapped it out for only about 6 bux, in contrast to
the smaller one at $12 in Georgetown. Just another example as shown in our
under-development "Frequently Asked Questions for Visitors to Flying Pig" of
how much more stuff costs off the mainland USA...

Ever on the move to try to find good snorkeling opportunities, and mindful
of how early and precipitous sunset was in these parts, we had the anchor up
by 4PM, heading for the south end of Tilloo. This, you'll recall, was the
same island we left hurriedly, following my extraction of the fouled sheet
from the prop, so this time we weren't going to go to the tip. Instead,
following a lovely, if short, sail up, we maneuvered in the tight channels
to go around the sand bar to the recommended-by-the-power-boater anchorage
north of the huge sand bar, near the harbor.

With the wind coming over the sand bar, and the steep dropoff in depth next
to shore, we could get in close to shore, and have no effective fetch (the
waves can get bigger from traveling a long distance [fetch] before they get
to you) on the waves which, south of there, would have made for an
uncomfortable anchorage (recall that we were very strongly encouraged to
leave there only a couple of days ago), instead would dissapate over the
sand bar. We had the anchor down by 5:30, and enjoyed sundowners (cokes!)
soon after. Curiously, we've yet to hear the first conch horn at sunset
here - likely, that's just a gathering-of-cruisers thing, not seen until you
get a few of them together. We're very happy that we've been virtually
alone out here so far, as it means we have our choice of anchoring spots and
solitary entertainment. This was like all the others so far, with our boat
being alone on the hook, and, sure enough to my prediction, we were very
calm at anchor despite the relatively high winds.

We spent the next day, Sunday October 25th, just snorkeling and enjoying the
environment of the area. We were hopeful that a large expanse of sand bar
might provide some conching opportunities, but aside from a single
adolescent, we saw none. I did, however, get to show Michael how to track
it (conch are usually a bit difficult to spot, having marine growth on them
making them appear the same as the bottom in most places, but seeing their
trail leads right to them), as well as a sea biscuit which, at the end of
its track, had thoroughly buried itself. By this time, the wind was dying,
and the opportunities for a comfortable snorkeling run were superb, enhanced
by the wamer water in the very shallow area (under 6 feet). This sand bar,
while having lots of grassy spots, was a good place for shelling, and I
found a pristine version of a sea biscuit, very extended, which Fish will
have to remind me about for the proper name, but it was more the shape of a
rugby football than the typical round ones we'd found so far. Sand dollars
and other interesting shells abounded, so Fish will have a challenge in
selection of what to take, there being far more accumulated on our stern
than she can easily transport!

Monday, October 26th, we sailed off our anchor at 9:45, heading to Great
Guana Cay, anxious to try out the vaunted reefs off Nippers, the celebrated
beach bar and restaurant. The wind was still relatively calm, and in a
direction which was promising for snorkeling, so we went in a wing-and-wing,
with the genoa poled out in 6-8 knots apparent wind, making all of 3.8 to 4
knots over ground. The wind shifted along the way, so we jibed the main at
1:30, going on what was now a beam reach. Because the winds were so light,
we left the genoa poled out to keep it from collapsing. As the winds again
shifted in the light-and-variable conditions we were experiencing, we
released the genoa from the pole, and tacked to the beam reach on the
opposite side.

By 2PM, the wind had died enough that we were encouraged about potential
reef snorkeling, so diverted to Fowl Cay with an ETA of 3 PM. Sure enough,
after wandering around, looking at our depth sounder (recall that our first
night, we'd been too close to the sand bar and had bumped a couple of times
at low tide), we had the hook down at 3PM off the little cay with a hut on
it, Russel Baldwin Rock, and were soon off to find the reefs Lydia and I had
discovered on our first trip here.

We'd been there at low tide but now was high tide, and finding a secure
anchoring point for our dinghy on its relatively short anchor line proved a
bit challenging. However, that was soon resolved, and we headed out to see
what was there this time. True to our previous experience, this was
enchanting and we got up-close-and-personal video and photos with the
underwater camera Michael and Fish had obtained for us before they arrived.
Compared with the previous underwater views they'd been experiencing, this
was stunning.

Curiously, the reef fish here didn't seem very interested in the rice we'd
brought along (we take Gatorade bottles, melt a hole in the lid, put cooked
rice in, and, with a squeeze on the bottle, dispense a few rice grains each
time). Those following us know from our time in Cambridge Cay that we'd
experienced fish all around us in both Thunderball Grotto and the national
seaquarium, but the fish there largely ignored them. Nonetheless, there
were still ample opportunities for sightseeing and photos. I also saw, but
wasn't able to keep up with underwater, a barracuda who was being followed
by several smaller fish both under and on top of him. Perhaps they're
scavengers? They didn't seem at all concerned about, nor did they elicit any
apparent interest from, the barracuda. Lydia, Fish and I retired to the
dinghy, having gotten a bit chilled, but Michael, wearing a long-sleeved
shirt, was still comfortable, so he went and played with all the wildlife
for probably another hour before we headed back to Flying Pig. Following
our showers, we enjoyed our dinner and dessert treat of oreos.

As this is getting long, again, we'll leave you here, thrilled with our
snorkeling, full of good food and cheer, comfortably at anchor.

Until next time, Stay Tuned!

L8R

Skip

Morgan 461 #2
SV Flying Pig KI4MPC
See our galleries at Web-Folio -- Your Portfolio on the Web !
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and/or Flying Pig Log | Google Groups

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to
make it come true. You may have to work for it however."
(and)
"There is no such thing as a problem without a gift for you in
its hand
(Richard Bach) ]]> skipgundlach http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/here-fishy-fishy-or-michael-and-fish-aboard-10-23-26-09-a-32979.html Day trip in Punta Cana? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/day-trip-in-punta-cana-32929.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:53:18 GMT I am trying for the first time (and maybe the last) an all inclusive 1 week trip at a resort in the Dominican Republic. I am wondering if there are... I am trying for the first time (and maybe the last) an all inclusive 1 week trip at a resort in the Dominican Republic. I am wondering if there are any sailors in the area that would take out a couple for a day sail in Punta Cana in the week of Dec. 10 to 15?
We have had our boat awaiting winter on the cradle for two weeks and it already feels more like 2 months. May have to play on a Hobie for the entire time I am there. Or maybe you can just let me stand at the helm at the dock for five minutes?

Thought I would ask.

Cheers! ]]> Waterborn http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/day-trip-in-punta-cana-32929.html Seattle to Lake Superior http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/seattle-to-lake-superior-32880.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:10:19 GMT I have located a 126’ steel-hull, fantail motor vessel in Seattle and am considering purchasing her. The problem is that I want her on Lake Superior!... I have located a 126’ steel-hull, fantail motor vessel in Seattle and am considering purchasing her. The problem is that I want her on Lake Superior! Is there a way to get her there without breaking the bank? What are my options? ]]> THoS Woods http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/seattle-to-lake-superior-32880.html Sunspot Baby Headed South http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/sunspot-baby-headed-south-32866.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:44:46 GMT We are taking the computer down and will cast off the lines tomorrow morning. The first couple of days may be a little wet what with the remnants of... We are taking the computer down and will cast off the lines tomorrow morning. The first couple of days may be a little wet what with the remnants of Hurricane Ida headed up the coast, but we will stay inside the ICW until a good window presents itself.

Our destination is probably the Bahamas but depending on weather we won't rule out the Florida Keys or even Cuba if the situation is favorable(depends on the politicians).

We look forward to seeing all our Cruisers Forum friends along the way.

Reduced Internet access means I can't participate as often in the Forum but you can follow our voyage at Cruise 6 Home

The Admiral (Entlie on this forum) will also be a less frequent contributor.

George ]]> Sunspot Baby http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/sunspot-baby-headed-south-32866.html West Indies to Black Sea - Help! http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/west-indies-to-black-sea-help-32842.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:13:25 GMT Ok, I don't want to go into details but I've developed a medical condition that I cannot fly. I've been stuck in Eastern Europe hoping it would clear up, but its not. I'm perfectly safe for boat travel though.

I live in Antigua and have a cat there. Its a bluewater 38' cat that has crossed the Atlantic 3 times before, but not when I was owner. I have limited land travel options, because I need so many visas to cross all the borders.

I'm working with a friend to have him sail across and get me. First - about how long should it take? 2-3 months? Longer?

What other major preparations? I know the ropes are wearing, so I'll have him replace all that before he leaves.

Also the boat is not setup for single handed sailing. So we are looking for some others lookig to go across to Europe... I'll post in other forums and FindCrew etc later, but since I have this post already... :) ]]> SeaCow http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/west-indies-to-black-sea-help-32842.html Planning a World Circumnavigation - Trying to Estimate How Long it Will Take http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/planning-a-world-circumnavigation-trying-to-estimate-how-long-it-will-take-32838.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:34:46 GMT Hello all, I am a novice sailor with grand plans. A friend and i plan to take an extended break from working and sail around the world. One... Hello all,

I am a novice sailor with grand plans. A friend and i plan to take an extended break from working and sail around the world.

One big problem that we're experiencing at the moment is trying to plan the trip - specifically, how long the legs will realistically take.

At this stage i think that we're likely to be leaving from either Brisbane or Perth, depending upon where we find the right boat for sale.

We're looking at getting an old but solid and safe monohull around 35 foot in length. We will have a motor and will not be afraid to use it if necessary (although would prefer to minimise use of the motor).

I have MaxSea with charts for the entire world so i can calculate 'as the crow flies' distances relatively accurately.

Any advice people can offer on how to estimate how long our individual trips will take would be invaluable.

If leaving from Brisbane then we'd head north, round cape york, gove, darwin then off to Christmas Island. From there we'd head:

Cocos Keeling
Maldives
Aden
Suez
Through the med
Canary Islands
Carribean
Marquesas
Through the pacific islands back to Brisbane

I have started to put together a rough spreadsheet outlining the plan... see attached.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,

Steve
Attached Files
File Type: xls Circumnavigation.xls (30.5 KB)
]]> Steve Pereira http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/planning-a-world-circumnavigation-trying-to-estimate-how-long-it-will-take-32838.html Boston to Florida http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/boston-to-florida-32818.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:31:52 GMT Next fall I would like to take my Catalina 350 from Boston to Miami for the winter season. I will need to make the trip over 3 or 4 long weekends.... Next fall I would like to take my Catalina 350 from Boston to Miami for the winter season. I will need to make the trip over 3 or 4 long weekends. Any suggestions for routing and timing? Cheers Phil

(PS: Ideally would like to take her to the virgin islands for winter but dont yet have sufficient bluewater experience. Instead I can take a leisurely trip down the east coast in close reach of ports until arrival in florida). ]]> prairiephil http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/boston-to-florida-32818.html Trinidad to Horta, Azores http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/trinidad-to-horta-azores-32556.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:51:10 GMT Hi Guys, My first post on here so go easy.I,m planning on leaving trinidad,end of april 2010,bound for Horta and then on to west coast of... Hi Guys,

My first post on here so go easy.I,m planning on leaving trinidad,end of april 2010,bound for Horta and then on to west coast of scotland.the yacht we,ll be taking is an Island Packet 445 heavy displacement cruiser.
Have any of you guys done this trip or similar.Would like some advice on routing,weather,etc. ]]> johnmacmillan http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f71/trinidad-to-horta-azores-32556.html