Charlie

Hi, Charlie...and Happy New Year to you.

We were out for 8 years, and felt it was time for some condo projects and - most especially - time to address some of WHOOSH's cosmetic needs, so that's what we've been doing since returning from the Caribbean in April. The last Atlantic run (~3000 miles, from Lanzarote, Canaries to Trinidad) was much tougher than the 'brochure' described it. Like many others planning a November departure, we loaded up on spare fuel, thinking the Trades would be light, but instead had a quite steady 20-30 with 4m seas all the way until two days out. Went thru two sets of steering lines for the vane and tired out a number of blocks, too - so that arrangement has now been improved!

We're now hoping to leave this Spring. Another shakedown up to the Chesapeake (gosh, that's a great sailing venue) and then plan to head for the Canal.

Jack