All is well, dodging squalls all night, so kept busy.
There are a few of us out here, which makes a change. We can hear chatter on the radio, so we know our sailing pals are close by.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tally Ho and its over the top (30/10/09)
We're looking down the barrel at the last lap - we've got New Zealand in our sights, we're syked up and ready for the big push.
Its almost full moon so we'll have some light so we can keep an eye out for the "enemy" - squalls and storms.
Got the champagne on board - won't need to put it in the fridge. By the time we pull into Opua we'll be able to pull the icicles off our faces and toss them in the glass with the bubbly.
Its almost full moon so we'll have some light so we can keep an eye out for the "enemy" - squalls and storms.
Got the champagne on board - won't need to put it in the fridge. By the time we pull into Opua we'll be able to pull the icicles off our faces and toss them in the glass with the bubbly.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Norfolk Island
Had a lovely dock party last night, lots of locals turned up to chat.
Hiked around the bay in the afternoon, saw lots of blue parrots with red backs, so colourful, and so many of them. There are a lot of dolphins too, and some whales.
Hiked around the bay in the afternoon, saw lots of blue parrots with red backs, so colourful, and so many of them. There are a lot of dolphins too, and some whales.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Waiting at Norfolk Island (27/10/09)
Still waiting for the weather to settle down south of us. We're all starting to have a nice time as well. We're taking it in turns to go into town, so someone can watch the boats for dragging anchors. We're having a little dock party this evening with the man who has lent us the car, and some of the other local people, so that should be interesting.
This afternoon we're going hiking around the bay, get some exercise and keep an eye on the boat. The weather here is actually very pleasant, its sunny and cool with clear skies. We had some rain overnight which was one of the fronts passing through, We are just getting the tail end of it here, but reports from boats already down south are not good, high winds from the south (the direction we all want to go), and 5 metre waves. So we'll just wait untill the "farmer leaves the henhouse and goes to sleep!!"
This afternoon we're going hiking around the bay, get some exercise and keep an eye on the boat. The weather here is actually very pleasant, its sunny and cool with clear skies. We had some rain overnight which was one of the fronts passing through, We are just getting the tail end of it here, but reports from boats already down south are not good, high winds from the south (the direction we all want to go), and 5 metre waves. So we'll just wait untill the "farmer leaves the henhouse and goes to sleep!!"
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Nervous Chickens
We are still anchored in Cascade Bay, Norfolk Island, and are joined by 8 other boats. The locals tell us the previous record was 5 boats here all at one time, so that's a bit ominous......we don't like breaking those kind of records.
We're all a bit like nervous chickens in the hen house, with the farmer closing in with his axe!!
We are going ashore in relays so the boat is not left unattended.
Norfolk Island is incredibly beautiful; its hilly with huge pine trees, green rolling hills, and dotted with wooden houses.
The big winds and swell are meant to come through today so we'll sit tight and see what happens.
We're all a bit like nervous chickens in the hen house, with the farmer closing in with his axe!!
We are going ashore in relays so the boat is not left unattended.
Norfolk Island is incredibly beautiful; its hilly with huge pine trees, green rolling hills, and dotted with wooden houses.
The big winds and swell are meant to come through today so we'll sit tight and see what happens.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Beautiful Norfolk Island (25/10/09)
Position 29 degrees, 01S, /167 degrees 58E.
Anchored in Cascade Bay, NE part of island.
Arrived at Norfolk Island yesterday afternoon. Still very light winds (as we are in the centre of a high pressure system).
We were met at the dock by the customs, and we were worried that we would have to pay the entrance fees into Australia (Norfolk Island is part of Australia) and the fees are some of the highest in the world. The nice customs man said no worries mate, no charge!
After we met the customs man a local man came up to us and said we leave a car here at the dock when Yachties are in the bay, so come over and use it when you like!
This morning we met David our fuel man. He picked me up (Jackie) and we left Neil on board as a few yachts have dragged onto the rocks in bad weather so its recommended that someone stays on board at all times.
David took me to his beautiful house, which he builgt himself out of local pine trees. We picked up his motorboat on a trailer and a big fuel can, then off to the pump to buy fuel.
Once back at the dock, he attached the boat via a bridle & hoists lines to his truck and backed the truck to lift the boat off the trailer, then slowly released the boat into the water. We came alongside Camelot, and he fixed up a dive bottle of compressed air to the diesel drum and we pumped the fuel into our tank in minutes. Its the best way we've even seen it done, and not a drop spilt into the ocean.
Another 2 boats have just arrived in our bay, and the locals were laughing saying its like getting a weather report - we know bad weather is coming when we see the yachts pull in!!
So we'll sit in this bay until its too rough then all move around to a different bay, like musical chairs, avoiding the wind and swell.
Anchored in Cascade Bay, NE part of island.
Arrived at Norfolk Island yesterday afternoon. Still very light winds (as we are in the centre of a high pressure system).
We were met at the dock by the customs, and we were worried that we would have to pay the entrance fees into Australia (Norfolk Island is part of Australia) and the fees are some of the highest in the world. The nice customs man said no worries mate, no charge!
After we met the customs man a local man came up to us and said we leave a car here at the dock when Yachties are in the bay, so come over and use it when you like!
This morning we met David our fuel man. He picked me up (Jackie) and we left Neil on board as a few yachts have dragged onto the rocks in bad weather so its recommended that someone stays on board at all times.
David took me to his beautiful house, which he builgt himself out of local pine trees. We picked up his motorboat on a trailer and a big fuel can, then off to the pump to buy fuel.
Once back at the dock, he attached the boat via a bridle & hoists lines to his truck and backed the truck to lift the boat off the trailer, then slowly released the boat into the water. We came alongside Camelot, and he fixed up a dive bottle of compressed air to the diesel drum and we pumped the fuel into our tank in minutes. Its the best way we've even seen it done, and not a drop spilt into the ocean.
Another 2 boats have just arrived in our bay, and the locals were laughing saying its like getting a weather report - we know bad weather is coming when we see the yachts pull in!!
So we'll sit in this bay until its too rough then all move around to a different bay, like musical chairs, avoiding the wind and swell.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
"Pit Stop" at Norfolk Island (24/10/09)
Position as of 2000 UTC, Oct. 25th.
28 degrees, 18S, 167 degrees 45E.
Still motoring with light winds - will arrive Norfolk Island later today.
John, my HAM radio contact on the island is organising the fuel, and helping us with weather predications for when we leave. We may have to stay at Norfolk Island for a few days as some bad weather is passing to the south of us.
28 degrees, 18S, 167 degrees 45E.
Still motoring with light winds - will arrive Norfolk Island later today.
John, my HAM radio contact on the island is organising the fuel, and helping us with weather predications for when we leave. We may have to stay at Norfolk Island for a few days as some bad weather is passing to the south of us.
On to Norfolk Island. (23/10/09)
Position 26 degrees 00S, 167 degrees 05E.
Somebody shoot the weatherman!!
We were expecting our ESE to continue, but someone somewhere switched them to SE, so they are right in front of us. We've tried sailing off the wind to get a more comfortable ride, but we found we were miles off course in a new hours, which is normally OK, but on this trip time is of the essence - get to NZ fast before the storms get you.
So we are having to motorsail to keep our speed up. The latest forecast shows the winds dropping. Normally we would be unhappy, but today we want less wind and waves "on the nose".
We've decided to pull into Norfolk Island. It's a tiny blob of rock due south of New Caledonia owned by Australia. We thought we'd try and get extra fuel so I got on the HAM radio net - asked if anyone knew any HAMs on Norfolk Island. Almost immediately someone was located and on air, we found out about the fuel, and which bay is the best for loading jerry cans. We'll speak again as we get closer - maybe he'll invite us for tea!!
Somebody shoot the weatherman!!
We were expecting our ESE to continue, but someone somewhere switched them to SE, so they are right in front of us. We've tried sailing off the wind to get a more comfortable ride, but we found we were miles off course in a new hours, which is normally OK, but on this trip time is of the essence - get to NZ fast before the storms get you.
So we are having to motorsail to keep our speed up. The latest forecast shows the winds dropping. Normally we would be unhappy, but today we want less wind and waves "on the nose".
We've decided to pull into Norfolk Island. It's a tiny blob of rock due south of New Caledonia owned by Australia. We thought we'd try and get extra fuel so I got on the HAM radio net - asked if anyone knew any HAMs on Norfolk Island. Almost immediately someone was located and on air, we found out about the fuel, and which bay is the best for loading jerry cans. We'll speak again as we get closer - maybe he'll invite us for tea!!
Slow start (22/10/09)
Position 24 degrees 20.92S, 166 degrees 56.21E.
Slow start wind was good but now being unhelpful.
Position via the radio which comes from Pacific seafarers might not be published yet, there was a mix-up with the request - should be on the roll call tomorrow.
All is well. J & N.
Slow start wind was good but now being unhelpful.
Position via the radio which comes from Pacific seafarers might not be published yet, there was a mix-up with the request - should be on the roll call tomorrow.
All is well. J & N.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
New Caledonia (10/10/09)
Had to bear off as headwinds getting ridiculous, so headed to east side of island to shelter in a small bay. Had a very tranquil night, and caught up on much needed sleep.
Now will pick our way around the reefs heading to Noumea - it's still 70 miles, so we may anchor in another small bay tonight.
We can't hear the wind from our bay, so we are hoping its gone a lot less.
Now will pick our way around the reefs heading to Noumea - it's still 70 miles, so we may anchor in another small bay tonight.
We can't hear the wind from our bay, so we are hoping its gone a lot less.
Bash Crash Wallop (09/10/09)
Position 21 degrees, 54S, 167 degrees 20E.
Beating into 20 - 25 knot headwinds, due to a storm in New Zealand that has stolen our lovely downwind tradewinds.
Very wet and wild, but all OK. Hope to make the pass and go behind the reef before dark so we can anchor and rest.
Beating into 20 - 25 knot headwinds, due to a storm in New Zealand that has stolen our lovely downwind tradewinds.
Very wet and wild, but all OK. Hope to make the pass and go behind the reef before dark so we can anchor and rest.
On passage to New Caledonia (08/10/09)
Position 21 degrees, 16 S, 169 degrees 32 E.
150 miles to go.
Sailing in NW wind 12 knots, genoa and staysail.
Haven't seen any Tsunami's out here. It's relatively safe if encountered out at sea; being in Port and tied up is the worst place.
We read a very ineresting account from a sailor we met in El Salvador, who was tied to the dock in Pago Pago when the first Tsunami hit. His report can be found at learnativity.touchpad.com - look for "Tsunami tango".
Should arrive in New Caledonia tomorrow a.m.
150 miles to go.
Sailing in NW wind 12 knots, genoa and staysail.
Haven't seen any Tsunami's out here. It's relatively safe if encountered out at sea; being in Port and tied up is the worst place.
We read a very ineresting account from a sailor we met in El Salvador, who was tied to the dock in Pago Pago when the first Tsunami hit. His report can be found at learnativity.touchpad.com - look for "Tsunami tango".
Should arrive in New Caledonia tomorrow a.m.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Caledonia
Getting the "galerider" ready, so we can throw it off the back of the boat to slow us down if we encounter a storm.
Kiwi pals off "Gucci" being poisoned on Camelot.
Fragrant flowers Fiji.
Port Moselle Marina Noumea, our current home.
Waterfront cafe Port Moselle Noumea
Musket cove Fiji.
Finally arrived after many hours of bashing to wind. Had to divert from our course to Noumea and pull behind the island to take shelter. Set off again next day and gradually
Wow what a place it's like someone cut of a slice of the South of France and dropped it in the Pacific....it's gorgeous, and guess what its going to be the closest island to us once we live in New Zealand!
Now we are getting ready for the big jump to New Zealand. Its action stations on Camelot, we are moving around all the stuff on the boat. Storing heavy items low down so they don't fly out of cupboards, making sure batteries are well secured, taking off ventilation cowls. Basically trying to be ready for the worst, but at the same time hoping for the best!
We will leave Noumea in a few days and head south to the last island off the south coast, call Isle de Pins, then wait there, monitoring the weather, then push off the last 870 miles to Opua New Zealand. The first 400 miles should be OK, then its out of the tropics and sub tropics and head towards the roaring forties!!!! We expect to have some heavy weather once past 30 degrees south, so its hold on tight and bash our way through, or stop, heave to and let it pass over us, so there's the plan.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Fiji to New Caledonia passage (07/10/2009)
Position 20 degrees 10 S, 172 degrees 05E.
Miles from Fiji 367
Miles to New Caledonia 308
Had good winds, close reach first, then the wind changed to south east, and is now behind us.
Sailing with 130% genoa, in 1.5-2 metre seas.
Nice moon each night which makes it great.
We have to time our arrival carefully as there is a pass that we have to cross to get in behind the reef on the south side. We hope to cross the pass on a flood or slack tide, but we have to have good daylight too, so we can see the reefs.
Haven't seen much marine life except one big sea turtle.
Miles from Fiji 367
Miles to New Caledonia 308
Had good winds, close reach first, then the wind changed to south east, and is now behind us.
Sailing with 130% genoa, in 1.5-2 metre seas.
Nice moon each night which makes it great.
We have to time our arrival carefully as there is a pass that we have to cross to get in behind the reef on the south side. We hope to cross the pass on a flood or slack tide, but we have to have good daylight too, so we can see the reefs.
Haven't seen much marine life except one big sea turtle.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tsunami update
HERE IS AN INTERESTING BUT CHILLING REPORT FROM A BOAT WE KNOW IN SAMOA, PARTICULARLY THE LAST PARAGRAPH, WHEN ONE BOAT FINDS ITSELF"SAILING" DOWN THE MAIN STREET TAKING OUT POWER LINES ETC WITH HIS MAST!
This received at 3.30am from SV Gallivanter in Pago Pago, American Samoa:
This morning (six hrs ago) we were shaken awake by an earthquake which seemed to have no end! We were aboard Gallivanter and tied side-to a big concrete dock in the heart of Pago Pago, American Samoa. And after living up & down the California coast, I knew this was no minor tremor.
After the rude awakening, Cath & I walked across the dock and chatted with a few of our fellow sailors, one of whom said that he's just done a Google search on "recent earthquakes" and said that it measured-in at 8.1 and the epicenter was only 120 miles distant.
We returned to Gallivanter and I turned on our laptop and searched the same website. Sure enough there it was... "8.1 earthquake - American Samoa - 20 minutes ago". I clicked on the "Show Map" option and noticed the epicenter was located south west of Pago Pago... which is located on the southern side of the island.
Just as I was considering the ramifications of that little fact... all hell started breaking loose! Our boat was on the move! My first reaction was to start the engine and dash up on deck to see what was going on. I witnessed the water around us was rapidly dropping! Rapidly! In a blink of an eye, we were on the bottom and the boat was falling away from the dock! Three of our big dock lines popped and we fell right over into the mud - the entire basin we had been floating in only moments ago had completely drained! People were screaming!
Next - the water came flooding back in at an even more alarming rate and the next thing I knew we were floating directly above the dock! Over the concrete slab and drifting toward a young lady we knew (from another boat) who was desperately hugging a power pole and up to her chin in swirling water! I told Cath to cut the two remaining dock lines with our serrated bread knife and to be quick about it!
Right as I put the boat into gear, we were somehow washed back off the dock and into the basin as I advance to full throttle and we accelerated through a floating debris field of floating docks, fuel drums, sinking boats, a shipping container and a barnicle encrusted wreck all of which were spinning in the torrent of rapidly dropping sea level. It was absolute mayhem! As we steered out toward the deep water in the center of the harbor I looked over my shouder and saw what appeared to be a waterfall pouring off the dock and shore beyond. Not one of the dozen vessels remained at the dock. All were underway in a matter of seconds... with or without crews aboard.
We motored around in the middle of the harbor watching the waves of floods & ebbs while wondering about after-shocks and our fellow cruising sailors. As we passed one of our neighbors she shouted to us that her husband had been washed off the dock as they were trying to get away. She was alone and seriously concerned. Other boats broke free from their moorings and anchors in the initial seismic waves and many were driven ashore, or driven under by loose tuna boats.
After about three hours, we felt it was finally safe enough to return to the dock. All we had were lengths of old line and we were short a couple fenders. We were the first to go in and we started un-tangling lines and helping others get back along side the concrete dock. All of the store-fronts along the water are destroyed, roving mobs of kids can be seen looting, the fence around the dock is gone, every boat on stands in a nearby boatyard were washed away. Big fishing boats are now in parking lots across the street. Absolute destruction is seen everywhere along the shore.
Phones and power are down but we got back online right away and I immediately went back to the recent earthquakes website to see if things have been calming down in the center of the earth. A number of aftershocks as strong as 6.0 have been recorded over the past few hours - but thankfully no more wave action has been noticed. We've been making Skype calls to our families and letting others use the computer as well to phone home.
Online news reports say that the earthquake lasted three minutes and the highest flood rose 25 ft above normal! There are 20 confirmed deaths... including our neighbor who was swept off the dock. Most fatalities occured in and around the harbor where we live. Boats are battered and nerves are fried. One friend wound-up on his boat nearly 1000 feet away from the water after breaking from his anchor and sailing right down Main St. taking power & telephone wires down with his mast! Some people lost everything... including their lives. We came through remarkably well with only minor dammage sustained to our toe rail when the dock lines parted and to our fender basket which was the only point of contact with that drifting wreck. I never felt any jarring loads while we were hurtling around above & below the concrete dock, so I believe our hull, keel & rudder suffered no dammage from the wildest boat ride I've ever been on.
We're all okay... and very lucky.
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