Position 10 05S, 131 17S.
Distance to Marquesas 442 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 2598 nm.
Distance i 24 hours 119 nm.
God it's getting tedious. The sail plan and waves action we have at the moment causes us to roll around a lot. We have good wind and are making fair time, but it's starting to get very boring and the constant motion is making us crazy!
Apart from that all is well and we really want to get the anchor down and start exploring some tropical paradises.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Day in the life of our Pole. (30/03/09)
Position 10 11S, 128 52W.
Distance to Marquesas 585 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 2455 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 113 nm.
Mended pole with wood and epoxy, put it out with big sail attached, squall came up,broke pole. Back to drawing board!!!
Otherwise slow but steady progress.
Distance to Marquesas 585 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 2455 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 113 nm.
Mended pole with wood and epoxy, put it out with big sail attached, squall came up,broke pole. Back to drawing board!!!
Otherwise slow but steady progress.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Operation Fix It (29/03/09)
Position 09 51S, 126 58W.
Distance to Marquesas 697 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 2339 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 167 nm. Not bad in light air with broken pole and torn light air sail!!
This morning bright and early we put our minds to taping the sail together and mending the broken pole. The sail is up and the pole is almost finished.
Light winds still 8 knots from the East. We are staying on a more northerly route as we see another low pressure weather front to the south and don't want another windless boat wash couple of days.
Still plodding along keeping very busy.
Distance to Marquesas 697 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 2339 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 167 nm. Not bad in light air with broken pole and torn light air sail!!
This morning bright and early we put our minds to taping the sail together and mending the broken pole. The sail is up and the pole is almost finished.
Light winds still 8 knots from the East. We are staying on a more northerly route as we see another low pressure weather front to the south and don't want another windless boat wash couple of days.
Still plodding along keeping very busy.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Just Rolling Along (28/03/09)
Position 09 38S, 125 15W.
Distance to Marquesas 799 nm!!!!
Distance from Galapagos 2233 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 165 nm.
Wind back, and all is well. We just keep plodding on, getting bored, and boat motion wearing on nerves, hey but at least its moving!
Distance to Marquesas 799 nm!!!!
Distance from Galapagos 2233 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 165 nm.
Wind back, and all is well. We just keep plodding on, getting bored, and boat motion wearing on nerves, hey but at least its moving!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tipee & Yahoo - The wind is back (27/03/09)
Position 09 29S, 121 53W.
Distance to Marquesas 999 nm!!!
Distance from Galapagos 2033 nm.
Distance is last 24 hours 89 nm (worst yet).
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES.
Yipee the wind is back and we love it, whizzing along at 8 knots again with wind in our hair and a song in our hearts, and the distance meter in our eyes....yes, less than one thousand miles left.
All our wet clothes are fluttering from the lifelines, rolling along under reefed mail full genoa. Will try & "operate" on patient light air sail this afternoon, & see if the patient can be saved!
Distance to Marquesas 999 nm!!!
Distance from Galapagos 2033 nm.
Distance is last 24 hours 89 nm (worst yet).
WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES.
Yipee the wind is back and we love it, whizzing along at 8 knots again with wind in our hair and a song in our hearts, and the distance meter in our eyes....yes, less than one thousand miles left.
All our wet clothes are fluttering from the lifelines, rolling along under reefed mail full genoa. Will try & "operate" on patient light air sail this afternoon, & see if the patient can be saved!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Still on a slow boat to China (26/03/09)
Position 09 21S, 119 40W.
Distance to Marquesas 1130 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1899 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 99 nm.
Little or no wind then heavy squalls with lots of rain, thunder and lightening. Very slow progress, in fact drifting as we write, waiting for next squall.
Broke whisker pole during squall rounded up and ping flailing pole sweeping the deck, then ripped light air, sail caught on open split pin on the anchor roller!!!!!so apart from that everything is dripping wet and gloomy. Wouldn't think we were on the sun and fun coconut milk run.
We had the first half of the trip easy so we are really having to work hard for this second half........the champagne will taste all the sweeter for it though.
Distance to Marquesas 1130 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1899 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 99 nm.
Little or no wind then heavy squalls with lots of rain, thunder and lightening. Very slow progress, in fact drifting as we write, waiting for next squall.
Broke whisker pole during squall rounded up and ping flailing pole sweeping the deck, then ripped light air, sail caught on open split pin on the anchor roller!!!!!so apart from that everything is dripping wet and gloomy. Wouldn't think we were on the sun and fun coconut milk run.
We had the first half of the trip easy so we are really having to work hard for this second half........the champagne will taste all the sweeter for it though.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Slow Boat to China (25/03/09)
Position 09 23S, 118 10W.
Distance to Marquesas 1220 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1808 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 125 nm.
No land for at least 1500 miles in every direction, and no wind either; tradewinds supressed so its the slow boat to China.
3-5 knots per hour, getting lots of reading done.
Passed another yacht in the night about half a mile away..........quite rare - good job we keep watch.
Distance to Marquesas 1220 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1808 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 125 nm.
No land for at least 1500 miles in every direction, and no wind either; tradewinds supressed so its the slow boat to China.
3-5 knots per hour, getting lots of reading done.
Passed another yacht in the night about half a mile away..........quite rare - good job we keep watch.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
HUMP DAY11111
Positon 08 57W.
Distance to Marquesas 1451 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1573 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 157 nm.
No - not what you think..............It's over the halfway mark yipee!!!!!
Very busy in winds and squalls all night - now, of course, no wind.
Must go - we need to hunt dow the wind.
Distance to Marquesas 1451 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1573 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 157 nm.
No - not what you think..............It's over the halfway mark yipee!!!!!
Very busy in winds and squalls all night - now, of course, no wind.
Must go - we need to hunt dow the wind.
Almost in the Middle of Nowhere (22/03/09)
Position 08 42S, 111 12W.
Distance to Marquesas 1635 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1388 nm.
Distance is last 24 hours 130 nm.
Yesterday we had to try a few times to get our satellite phone to find a signal, which is unusual - then we remembered we're almost in the middle of nowhere, that's why.
Tomorrow, all being well, we'll actually be in the middle of nowhere.
All well. Scenery still the same - boat doing well - crew getting bored.
Distance to Marquesas 1635 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1388 nm.
Distance is last 24 hours 130 nm.
Yesterday we had to try a few times to get our satellite phone to find a signal, which is unusual - then we remembered we're almost in the middle of nowhere, that's why.
Tomorrow, all being well, we'll actually be in the middle of nowhere.
All well. Scenery still the same - boat doing well - crew getting bored.
Update 21/03/09
Position 08 23S, 108 47W.
Distance to Marquesas 1780 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1242 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 163 nm.
All still well. Wind 10-12 knots SE, Reaching with full genoa and main. Starting to get bored with the scenery, but it beats towering waves and cruel seas!!
Jackie and Neil.
Distance to Marquesas 1780 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1242 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 163 nm.
All still well. Wind 10-12 knots SE, Reaching with full genoa and main. Starting to get bored with the scenery, but it beats towering waves and cruel seas!!
Jackie and Neil.
Update 20/03/09
Position 08 15S, 106 38W.
Distance to Marquesas 1908 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1112 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 170 miles!!!(very good).
Whizzing along (for now) in the full glory of the tradewinds 15 knots SE.
Wind on port quarter clear blue skies, speed averaging 7.5 knots, under reefed main and 130% genoa, wind steering vane doing its job well.
All well onboard.
Distance to Marquesas 1908 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 1112 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 170 miles!!!(very good).
Whizzing along (for now) in the full glory of the tradewinds 15 knots SE.
Wind on port quarter clear blue skies, speed averaging 7.5 knots, under reefed main and 130% genoa, wind steering vane doing its job well.
All well onboard.
Riding the Squall Line (on the edge of the doldrums) 19/03/09
Position 08 07S, 103 47W.
Distance to Marquesas 2077 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 941 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 148 (day 6).
Now it seems we are right on the edge of the doldrums, so clouds to the North, sun to the left, and nice winds down the middle just where we are. Waves are a bit big and a bit bumpy, but its good wind so we'll take it.
Being kept very busy on board.
Here is a typical day:
First of all we are rotating 3 hours on watch 3 hours off.
Early morning breakfast followed by the rounds checking for chafe.
We inspect all the ropes and pullies, sails etc. (what we can see).
Next its radio time checking in with the other boats out here, its a set schedule and one boat runs the rollcall and we all give a brief report,then we may switch frequencies to chat to the boats nearer to us.
Next job make ice for cocktails later, refill fridge with drinks cooling for rest of day.
Lunch and snoozes followed by a few boat jobs if not too choppy.
Next is showering on deck, which is very pleasant, cooling off after a hot day in the tropics then gently warmed with the setting tropical sun.
Now its time for some iced rum drinks followed by more radio checkins. Then dinner before it goes dark, watches, sleeping and another radio check in at 9 p.m.
Distance to Marquesas 2077 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 941 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 148 (day 6).
Now it seems we are right on the edge of the doldrums, so clouds to the North, sun to the left, and nice winds down the middle just where we are. Waves are a bit big and a bit bumpy, but its good wind so we'll take it.
Being kept very busy on board.
Here is a typical day:
First of all we are rotating 3 hours on watch 3 hours off.
Early morning breakfast followed by the rounds checking for chafe.
We inspect all the ropes and pullies, sails etc. (what we can see).
Next its radio time checking in with the other boats out here, its a set schedule and one boat runs the rollcall and we all give a brief report,then we may switch frequencies to chat to the boats nearer to us.
Next job make ice for cocktails later, refill fridge with drinks cooling for rest of day.
Lunch and snoozes followed by a few boat jobs if not too choppy.
Next is showering on deck, which is very pleasant, cooling off after a hot day in the tropics then gently warmed with the setting tropical sun.
Now its time for some iced rum drinks followed by more radio checkins. Then dinner before it goes dark, watches, sleeping and another radio check in at 9 p.m.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Stuck in the boatwash
Position 07 04S, 101 21W.
Distance to Marquesas 2224.
Distance from Galapagos 792.
Distance in last 24 hours 130.
We're on the edge of the doldrums/tradewinds so there is a lot of unsettled weather (higher winds and rain) as the two meet, so we are using this to help us. Like we said, we'll make friends with any wind that comes our way. We could easily head south and be out of the eternal boatwash, but we feel that to head south too soon would not be good, as we have many miles West to go. So we think it's best to gradually make our way southwest as much as possible. Our lat. long. for the Marquesas is 09 45S, 138 45W, so if you look on Google Earth you'll see the distances and angles.
All is well - these winds and rain are keeping us busy. We have caught gallons of water already.
Distance to Marquesas 2224.
Distance from Galapagos 792.
Distance in last 24 hours 130.
We're on the edge of the doldrums/tradewinds so there is a lot of unsettled weather (higher winds and rain) as the two meet, so we are using this to help us. Like we said, we'll make friends with any wind that comes our way. We could easily head south and be out of the eternal boatwash, but we feel that to head south too soon would not be good, as we have many miles West to go. So we think it's best to gradually make our way southwest as much as possible. Our lat. long. for the Marquesas is 09 45S, 138 45W, so if you look on Google Earth you'll see the distances and angles.
All is well - these winds and rain are keeping us busy. We have caught gallons of water already.
Riders in the storm (17/03/09)
Position 06 30 S, 099 14W.
Distance to Marquesas 2357 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 645.
Distance in last 24 hours 133.
Sorry forgot position yesterday.
All well going to keep in short, as sailing boisterous. Wind now from SE 15 knots, white caps seen for the first time this trip.....?? are these the mythical trade winds - we are trying not to count our chickens too soon.
Jackie, Neil & Stan.
Distance to Marquesas 2357 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 645.
Distance in last 24 hours 133.
Sorry forgot position yesterday.
All well going to keep in short, as sailing boisterous. Wind now from SE 15 knots, white caps seen for the first time this trip.....?? are these the mythical trade winds - we are trying not to count our chickens too soon.
Jackie, Neil & Stan.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Riders in the squalls (16/03/09)
Distance to Marquesas 2441 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 502 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 134.
Still have remnants of the full moon at night.
Sailing for the 2nd night in a row in squally NW wind with plenty of cool fresh rain. Pity in doesn't rain diesel! It's not the SE trades yet, but we're friends with any wind that comes our way.
Still having to motor during the day.
Distance from Galapagos 502 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 134.
Still have remnants of the full moon at night.
Sailing for the 2nd night in a row in squally NW wind with plenty of cool fresh rain. Pity in doesn't rain diesel! It's not the SE trades yet, but we're friends with any wind that comes our way.
Still having to motor during the day.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The search for wind continues (15/03/09)
Position 04 degrees 00 mins S, 095 degrees 58 mins W.
Distance to Marquesas 2574 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 366 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 137 nm.
Still sniffing out for some wind. Motoring at 260 true at 7 knts. Had a lot of squalls and rain yesterday and overnight so managed to sail quite a bit. Boat and crew got a good wash in the downpours.
Distance to Marquesas 2574 nm.
Distance from Galapagos 366 nm.
Distance in last 24 hours 137 nm.
Still sniffing out for some wind. Motoring at 260 true at 7 knts. Had a lot of squalls and rain yesterday and overnight so managed to sail quite a bit. Boat and crew got a good wash in the downpours.
The search for wind continues (14/03/09)
Distance from Galapagos 243 nm.
Distance to Marquesas 2903 nm.
Nautical miles in last 24 hours 128.
All the forecasts show big storms in New Zealand and points south, which are sucking the wind out of our area. So no tradewinds until Wednesday was the last report!
So we're giving the motor a good run and using the fuel; we'll have to keep enough for getting into the anchorage. The plan is to motor southwest along the rhumbline and hopefully we'll be in a good position to use the wind once it returns.
All is well, keeping busy looking for wind, radioing other boats ahead and getting their weather info - there are quite a few of us out here.
Distance to Marquesas 2903 nm.
Nautical miles in last 24 hours 128.
All the forecasts show big storms in New Zealand and points south, which are sucking the wind out of our area. So no tradewinds until Wednesday was the last report!
So we're giving the motor a good run and using the fuel; we'll have to keep enough for getting into the anchorage. The plan is to motor southwest along the rhumbline and hopefully we'll be in a good position to use the wind once it returns.
All is well, keeping busy looking for wind, radioing other boats ahead and getting their weather info - there are quite a few of us out here.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
THE BIG ONE !!!!!!!
Well today is the day we plan to leave this afternoon for the 2800 mile passage to the Marquesas, and we would just like to take a moment to remember all the crazy people that influenced us, and say ¨"what the hell were you thinking" 2800 miles at walking speed across the largest stretch of water in the world!
We will leave from Isla Isabella Galapagos. We managed to sneak ashore at the other island Santa Cruz, but were spotted here. The port captain was on board before we even anchored! We planned to say we had a boat problem, and pull in per Maritime law to fix it. We actually ended up having a real problem........karma eh? He didn´t believe us and we had to argue alot, and fight the urge to bribe him. Eventually we argued the maritime law angle, & we are being "voted off" the island this afternoon. Neil fixed the problem this morning a wire had slipped out of a terminal he found it and redid it. We have sneaked ashore for some penguin, flamingo & blue footed boobie pictures (which we got) Now its lunch, more diesel & last minute vegetable shopping, then anchors away French Polynesia next. We will be sending reports via Satellite phone email & Mum Swift
We will leave from Isla Isabella Galapagos. We managed to sneak ashore at the other island Santa Cruz, but were spotted here. The port captain was on board before we even anchored! We planned to say we had a boat problem, and pull in per Maritime law to fix it. We actually ended up having a real problem........karma eh? He didn´t believe us and we had to argue alot, and fight the urge to bribe him. Eventually we argued the maritime law angle, & we are being "voted off" the island this afternoon. Neil fixed the problem this morning a wire had slipped out of a terminal he found it and redid it. We have sneaked ashore for some penguin, flamingo & blue footed boobie pictures (which we got) Now its lunch, more diesel & last minute vegetable shopping, then anchors away French Polynesia next. We will be sending reports via Satellite phone email & Mum Swift
Monday, March 2, 2009
Galapagos Islands
Now anchored in Wreck bay, San Cristobel island, after a fantastic crossing. We had a good current with us, and good wind most of the time,and of course we were spoiled having 4 of us on board the watches were easy.
We expected to be able to sail to some of the other islands in the Galapagos, but the Equadorian government has changed the rules(they do this often, sometimes they say no boats can even stop and visit)now we have to stay in this island or take expensive trips.
Stan & Erika have gone to some other islands by ferry to explore and check the possibility that we can sneak onto a couple as we leave, so more on that in the future.
Our days are currently filled with filling up the fuel & water tanks ready for the long passage ahead. There is no dock here so we have to bring all the fuel & water by dingy in jerry jugs, and we are of course only a stones throw away from the Equator, so its not chilly!
We've been exploring this island, which is very beautiful and seen giant tortoises, many birds and lots of sea creatures,especially sealions, they are everywhere
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