Bristol Rose Float Plan

Must be working this sailing out

2010-10-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mixed bag of conditions from Vanuatu to Brisbane

Good sailing on a beam reach for the first 3 hours then lost wind and motored for 36 hrs

On passing the Grand Passage wind picked up to 15 kts as predicted but not as predicted continued to pick up peaking at 40 kts by the time we reached Chesterfield reef.

After Chesterfield we did enjoy a great days sailing with wind on the beam, moving along at 7-8 kts.

The day before we arrived in Moreton Bay, the winds died again. motored all day to see winds pick up in time to enter Moreton Bay on Sunday night. by 9:00pm we were hit by a large thunderstorm. no damage.

Good to be back home

Port Vila to QLD

2010-10-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

Gale and strong wind warnings surround us. Looks like the weather will calm down next week for a 1,000nm passage to QLD.

Thinking about making landfall in Brisbane, although most of the boats here will head to Bundaberg.

We will be in Australia by the end of the month. Wow!

Fiji to Vanuatu

2010-09-25T19:48:00.000-07:00

Plan to leave this week for Tanna Island from Lautoka. Conditions look good with SE winds around 15kts for week. Passage will take 4 days.

A stationary front is in the area although it looks to be of little concern and will have moved on before we leave.

Tonga to Fiji STRONG WIND WARNING

2010-09-05T11:52:00.000-07:00

We are currently in Fijian waters, with 150nm to go to Savu Savu.

Fiji weather issued a strong wind warning for all Fijian waters yesterday. so far on this passage we have had almost no wind motoring all the way. The forecast is for 20 to 25knt winds from the south east. expect winds to start picking up mid morning today, building to over 25kts by tomorrow morning.

We have already reefed down in anticipation of the increased trade winds.

Tonga to Fiji

2010-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Departed Nukualofa at 1400 1st September 2010. Plan to arrive Savusavu, Fiji around 5th September.

Stationary front moving through Tonga as we departed. expect clear weather for rest of the passage.

Our route will take us from Nukualofa to Vatoa Island then to Totoya Island before making our way to Savusavu.

Va'vau to Nuku'alofa via Ha'api group of Islands

2010-08-18T18:58:00.001-07:00

Taking advantage of a quite week for winds to travel south.

Overnight sail from Va'vau to Luangahu Island. Then to Ha'afeva followed by Tungua, Lalona, Kelefesia.

Expect to be in Nuku'alofa by the week-end

Issues
1. Yamaha outboard got water in fuel and is causing many problems with carburetor. Unable to clean fuel intake, Very unreliable. May need to replace carburetor if it cannot be cleaned properly.
2. Mainsheet traveler car bolts sheered. needs to be repaired/replaced.

Hoping we can make some sort of repairs in Nuku'alofa.

Niue to Tonga August 3, 2010

2010-08-03T18:08:00.001-07:00

On route to the Kingdom of Tonga. relatively short 230nm passage. Weather reports look OK with light winds from the East and 3 meter swell. Expect to arrive in Neiafu on Friday. We will loose a day as we cross the International Date Line.

A reminder of the dangers, we met the crew of Anna as we left. A 57 ft catamaran that was capsized after being hit by 60+ kt winds after sailing nicely in 18kt winds. Anna is adrift last seen at 19 32.30S 172 14.6W drifing 325T at 1kt.

We are on route with Whiskers, Marlin & Albatross III

Another slow passage. We will just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Update Maupiti to Niue, Day 8

2010-07-26T20:07:00.000-07:00

Light wind passage with less than 15kts of wind along the rhum line presents some challenges. Experimented with different sail configurations to try to squeeze more speed out of the wind and sails while maintaining desired direction, as well as reducing wear and tear on equipment and getting the most comfortable ride possible.

1 Using mizzen causes BR to fishtail and Monitor has difficult steering
2 Using main reduces roll however bashes from side to side and shadows the head sails, cannot sail directly down wind
3 Using a double reefed main reduces shadowing but still both main and head sail bashes, cannot sail directly down wind
4 Wing on wing with polled out headsail, BR rolls with ocean swell and causes main to bash excessively. however can sail close to directly down wind and better speed
5 Using only headsail removes bashing but BR rolls
6 Using spinnaker only removes bashing and BR does not roll. We are getting better speed from spinnaker in light winds and can sail directly down wind.

Update Maupiti to Niue

2010-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

2 days into passage and only 800nm to go

Cold front swept through last night. Winds from the SE at 18-20kts seas 10 feet.

Overcast with some squalls today

sailing at 6kts with double reefed main and genoa. steering with Monitor windvaine.

rolly start to passage in light winds, first 200nm average 4.8 kts

Passage making, 90% Boredom and 10% Terror. so they say.

Update

2010-07-21T19:10:00.001-07:00

noon position 16 36S 153 55W

10-15kts of wind from the ENE
2m Seas from the E

Rolly downwind sail and slow

Weather forecasts for high winds and very rough seas. So far we have not seen any bad weather.

SSB

Update

2010-07-21T19:10:00.000-07:00

noon position 16 36S 153 55W

10-15kts of wind from the ENE
2m Seas from the E

Rolly downwind sail and slow

Weather forecasts for high winds and very rough seas. So far we have not seen any bad weather.

SSB

18th July 2010 - Bora Bora to Niue

2010-07-17T20:45:00.001-07:00

Leave 18th July 2010 for Niue from Bora Bora

Plan to stop for a couple of nights in Maupiti if possible before the longer passage to Niue.

Expect passage to take about a week.

Often called the milk run, wonder why as mostly 20-30 kt winds, moderate to rough seas, squalls and thunderstorms on the way.

Weather forecasts are unreliable for this part of the passage.

Monitor, Polynesian Breakfast Club, SSB radio on 8164 @ 7;30 Bora Bora time

also Penguin Net on 8104 @ 9:00AM and 8:00 PM Bora Bora time,

What's it really like?

2010-07-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

French Polynesia! The place many sailors dream of cruising.

The islands are more beautiful than we expected, the people are very friendly and have a rich culture, cool tattoos and hip-notic dancing. Snorkeling is the best we have seen, fishing is great, surfing is awesome.

On the other hand the prices are what you would expect $$$, passage making is surprisingly rough with winds often at 30kts along with rough seas. Thunderstorms and dangerous squalls are a feature of most passages.

Society Islands

2010-07-09T21:27:00.001-07:00

Currently in Huahine.

Plan to be in Bora Bora for 14th July celebrations.

Then west, weather permitting.

Will post plan for Cooks//Tonga soon

Moorea to Huahine

2010-07-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Overnight run to Huahine. Left Moorea at 1700 hrs.

Winds from the east 25-30 kts, seas 10-12 ft from the east.

Sailed with Yankee only at 6kts to arrive off Huahine at 700am

Uncomfortable ride

Arrive safe

Tahiti update

2010-06-25T20:52:00.001-07:00

we are currently in Papeete.

list of to dos before leaving include
repairs to sails
replace furler bearing
repair bilge pump

Expect to be ready early July for departure

April 15, 2010 Galapagos to Marquesas

2010-04-14T16:56:00.000-07:00

We will leave for the longest passage we are likely too ever do tomorrow morning. over 3000nm to the Marquesas. We will sail the rumb line, may be south of it to get to the trade winds.

Expect to have light trades all the way with wind out of the east and south east. The trip will be about 3 weeks.

I will try and post position reports daily and the WARC will be tracking our progress.

We are travelling with Inspiration Lady, Anthem and Jackster.

We will be communicating on SSB on 8149 at 7:00am and 5:00pm (Galapagos time)

Robert

Sunday 11th April 2010. San Cristolbal to Santa Cruz

2010-04-10T04:10:00.000-07:00

Approx 45nm day sail to Puerto Ayora.

Will leave Bacuerizo Moreno around 7:00am.

On board will be Jack (Anthem) Gary and Jackie (Inspiration Lady).

We will stay in Santa Cruz long enough to check out the Darwin Center and other sights plus take in a day tour.

Have full tanks of fuel, still need approx 20 gals of drinking water.

Robert

March 27th, 2010 Panama to Galapagos

2010-03-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Second attempt for Bristol Rose to sail to Galapagos Islands

Depart Taboga Island Morning of Saturday 27th March, 2010

Weather forecast is for light and variable winds. Anticipate a slow sail.

Planned Route:
due south for the first 150nm
218 T for 185nm to Malpelo Is.
240 T for 565nm to Galapagos.

Make landfall at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Isla San Cristobal around 3rd of April, 2010

Communications:

8:00 am 8155 Khz net with other cruising boats
9:00 am 8143 Khz Check in with Pan Pacific Net
5:00 pm 8155 Khz net with other cruising boats

Monitor VHF Channel 16

Post Noon Position Reports to both WARC and Winlink

Bristol Rose will be traveling with the following Yachts

Inspiration Lady (Canada)
Anthem (USA)
Jackster (UK)

We are looking forward to an uneventful passage.

Robert

Communications Plan for Western Pacific

2010-03-15T06:19:00.000-07:00

While sailing, between Panama and the Galapagos, Bristol Rose will monitor the following radio frequencies.

VHF channel 16 when underway

SSB

0900am (local time) Pan Pacific Net Frequency 8143 kHz

0500pm (local time) Frequency 8155 kHz

In addition we will pick up AirMail email via SSB radio and post regular position reports.

Repairs

2010-03-08T16:50:00.000-08:00

What have we been doing?

Bristol Rose is in need of repairs following our accident.

So far, so good

MaxProp gears were sheared. A local machine shop repaired the propeller with help from the US distributor and Bill Ramus for Shannon.

Simrad Autopilot is repaired, thanks to local support company

New downwind sails are on order

New Bilge pump is on order

What? how did all this happen. Spinnaker sheet wrapped around prop and broke gears. during our tow at 9 knts we lost our new sail even though it was strapped to the deck. the back pressure on the bilge pump stipped the gears. score so far $120 for accident, $5000 from the rescue. Hmmm

Bristol Rose Rescue update

2010-02-18T10:11:00.001-08:00

Those following our position reports may have noticed that we have experienced a set-back.

On Saturday night around 10pm we were hit with a gust of strong winds while flying a spinnaker. In our attempts to get the sail under control we wrapped a sheet around the propeller. disabling both our ability to motor and more importantly our ability to steer.

We could not fix the problem as sea and need to be rescued by Ligia Elena. We were towed to closed safe harbor, Bahia Pinas after 36 hrs adrift.

Feb 18th 2010 Bahia Pinas to Panama

2010-02-18T01:04:00.001-08:00

Day sails to Panama for repairs to propeller.

Bahia Pinas to Las Perlas
Las Perlas to Panama

Haul out at Balboa Yacht Club

Feb 18th 2010 Bahia Pinas to Panama

2010-02-18T01:04:00.000-08:00

Day sails to Panama for repairs to propeller.

Bahia Pinas to Las Perlas
Las Perlas to Panama

Haul out at Balboa Yacht Club

Saturday 13th Feb 2010 - Las Perlas to Galapagos

2010-02-11T16:43:00.001-08:00

Plan to leave Concholon Bay, Isla Del Rey on Saturday Morning for our 830nm trip to the Galapagos Islands. Will travel across the ITCZ and the equator on route. Expect light winds. Will call in on SSB 4 Bravo (4.164Mhz) at 9:30 am each day as well as call the Pan Pacific Net on 8.143Mhz at 9:00am

Saturday 6th, 2010 - Panama to Las Perlas

2010-02-04T14:19:00.000-08:00

Will leave Panama at first light. approx 40nm trip.

*06N-Panama from Panama/Colombia-82W*
WIND: NNW/NNE 08-13 gust 18, except 13-18 gust 23 still likely near 79W.
NNW/NW 05-10 close to the shoreline in the eastern Gulf of Panama.
SEAS: 0.5-1.5m mixed from SW/SSW and NNW/N.
WEATHER: Few/sct cld & isolated shwrs.

Leaving the Caribbean

2010-01-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, hard to believe. Trish and I have sailed Bristol Rose 5,000 miles and are about to leave the Caribbean. With Owen, Elliot and Rex, we are about to enter Colon Harbor, Panama where we will prepare to transit the Panama Canal. For us it is a time of mixed emotions, to be leaving the now familiar Caribbean and the many good friends we have made along the way, as we begin our long awaited return to the Pacific Ocean; the ocean we fondly think of as our home waters. As we sadly say goodbye to the Americas we think just as fondly of our chosen home for the past 13 years in North America, and the good friends we hope to see again. Across the Pacific lies our homeland Australia, about 8,000 miles and 6 months away.

January 23, 2010 - San Blas to Colon

2010-01-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

Bristol Rose will leave the San Blas Islands at first light Saturday 23rd, 2010. We will overnight at Isla Linton and continue to Shelter Bay Marina, Colon on Sunday 24th, 2010.

We will stay at Shelter Bay until our Canal Transit on January 27/28.

Off the coast of Columbia

2010-01-13T08:35:00.001-08:00

Chris Parker announced "uncomfortable, but doable" We sailed into the notorious sea off the coast of Columbia 2 days ago. Jimmy Cornell does not recommend this passage in January. We now know why. Seas very confused and over 10 feet. Winds up to 45 kts. The pattern is for the conditions to moderate during the day then build up during the night. Very uncomfortable for the crew, hard on BR and frustrating to be in such rough conditions, especially at night.

We have be sailing at night with only a double reefed main, flying the yankee during the day. Surfing down the face of waves is making it difficult to keep BR from false jibbing. Power management poor as we are using the auto helm to steer. PC battery is dead and have to use inverter for power.

The damage so far. Snapped the Monitor safety tube, snapped a lug that holds the boom vang, broken china, very tired crew.

We are now 96 nm from the San Blas. Not sure what we will do about anchoring as we arrive after sun set. Will study the charts today.

Robert

8 January 2010 - WARC Day 3

2010-01-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

Wind right on our tail. Started off with spinnaker. Then moved to Wing and Wing with polled out jib. Monitor could not steer BR with this configuration. Seas caused BR to swing from side to side occasionally backfilling either the main or jib. Lot of noise, broke the point of attachment for the boom vang. Needed to pull done mizzen early, self steering could not steer with it up.

Tonight we expect 20 to 30 kt winds and seas building to 10 ft. sailing only with 130% headsail. Monitor is steering very well however following sea is making for a very rolly ride.

January 25th, 2010: Panama Canal Transit

2010-01-01T06:18:00.000-08:00

Bristol Rose is scheduled to transit the Canal on Monday the 25th of January, 2010.

We will leave in the afternoon around 5:00pm, uplock into lake and stay the night. The following morning we will down lock into the pacific, completing the transit around lunch time.

You will be able to see us on web cam, click here.

January 6th, 2010: St Lucia to Panama

2010-01-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

Bristol Rose will depart with the World ARC from Rodney Bay, Noon January 6th 2010. (this will be a first for BR to depart on such a defined schedule)

The fleet of 40 boats will depart Rodney Bay, sail south to Casteries, then head west to Panama.

Weather forecast is for light(10-15kt) winds and 5-6ft swell. However we will want to monitor conditions off Columbia that have a reputation for high winds and seas. I expect it to take 7-8 days to complete the passage to the San Blas Islands.

Bristol Rose will be fitted with a "Yellow Brick" and you can track her progress here I will also log position reports via the SSB.

December 28, 2009 - Marigot Bay to Rodney Bay

2009-12-28T03:44:00.000-08:00

OK hardly worth posting a float plan in this short trip.

We will take the Ronningans on a sail to Rodney Bay today. Maybe stop for some lunch and snorkeling on the way. Looks to be a beautiful day and with luck we will find some wind for sailing.

BR will be in a slip at the Rodney Bay Marina (what, have we forgotten how to anchor, what sort of cruisers are we?) until we leave with the world ARC at 12 noon on the 6th of January 2010.

We have enjoyed our stay in Marigot Bay, peaceful, good Internet, although quite a climb to get to any other place.

Marigot Bay

2009-12-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

Arrived in Marigot Bay this morning. Will stay here for xmas on a mooring. US$30 per day for a mooring is a little steep however, we have good internet on the boat and the anchorage is very peacefull. ie no C&W music blasting into the wee hours.

New Starter Motor is installed and running. All is well

Captain Robert

Sail On, Sail On, Sailor

2009-12-19T16:36:00.000-08:00

They say bad news comes in threes! But more on that to come, in our "This Exotic Life" post on the Bristol Rose main blog page.

As we prepared BR to sail to St. Lucia we started the diesel to charge the batteries and cool the refrigerator. Unknown to us the start switch stuck in the start position. End result; fire down below with a burning starter motor.

Our decision. Faced with no diesel, low battery charge, now means to recharge, little local technical support and no replacement starter motor in St. Vincent we decided to make our way to St. Lucia under sail using paper charts.

BR weighs anchor at 7:00am from Bequia. With a good weather forecast we should be in St Lucia before sunset at 17:00.

A slow start leaving Admiralty Bay, barely enough wind to blow us away from the anchorage. We are becalmed at the entrance to the harbor then with Elliot at the helm we start to move at last into Bequia Channel. We tack again and again eastward all morning to take our course on the windward side of St. Vincent.

As we are about to set our course to St Lucia the winds drop to nothing. Our sails luff as BR rolls in the 4 ft swell for about an hour. Without any power, we start to second guess our decision to leave the safety of Bequia.

Finally a slight breeze, our speed builds to 1 knt towards our destination. Looks like the boys are going to be in for their first overnight sail. For hours we slowly make our way North. After sunset our speed has increased to 3 knts, at this rate we should be in Vieux Fort, at the southern end of St. Lucia, around 3:00am.

By midnight the lights of Vieux Fort are in clear sight and our speed has increased to 7.6 knts. We sail into the harbor and set the anchor. It is now 1:00am. 18 hrs to travel 50 miles.

We are relieved to have the anchor set in a safe harbor and proud of our achievement bringing BR to St Lucia without the help of the diesel or our electronic charts.

Captain Robert

Looking for St Nick in St Lucia

2009-12-16T08:40:00.001-08:00

Will leave Bequia at 5:00am Thursday 17th December 2009 and arrive in Vieux Fort, St Lucia late afternoon. Will check in at Vieux Fort.

Chris Parker has given us a good weather forecast, 17knt 090 winds and 4ft swell.

Plan to take the windward side to get a better angle on the wind and better winds for sailing.

Bequia Blows

2009-12-11T07:23:00.000-08:00

Trades are up, we have seen gusts to 45kts in Admirality Bay. The first night our anchor dragged on this shallow sand over coral bottom. She's holding tight since we re-anchored in eight feet of water around 3:30am!

Looks like the trades will be strong coupled with high seas into next week. It may be Wednesday before we can leave for Vieux Fort, St. Lucia.

Monday 7th December 2009, Tobago Cays to Bequia

2009-12-06T13:29:00.001-08:00

We plan to sail to Bequia from Tobago Cays.

Forecast wind around 20 kts from East to North East, seas at 8 ft from the East

We will leave before breakfast to ensure we arrive in Bequia with plenty of light.

Boat is staged ready to go.

UPDATE: Good trip, 27 nm in 4.5 hrs. Close Haul 20-25kt winds.

Geetings from Petite Martinique

2009-12-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

Currently at anchor off Petite Martinique, N 12 31.498 W 061 23.420

We will re-fuel and take on water here before leaving for Union Island to check-in to St Vincent and the Grenadines. A very short hop from Petite Martinique.

Since leaving Prickly Bay, Grenada the sailing has been poor. We have motored or motor-sailed all the way. Our route takes us North and East , the Trades are blowing slightly North of East at around 15 knts. Bottom line we are once again going to weather.

Fishing has resulted in a few Barracuda. The locals eat this fish and it is served up at restaurants. We are not taking any chances (Barracuda is known for Ciguatera poisoning) and release all the Barracuda we have caught.

The weather is perfect, early morning temp in the high 70s with day time highs around 85F. Rain at night, however not enough to wash the salt off Bristol Rose's decks. Water Temperature makes for snorkeling trips with out the use of wet suits.

Owen and Elliot are slowly settling into life aboard Bristol Rose. It is quite a change for them, leaving a US winter, work and friends, to a life in the tropics aboard a sail boat. Lots to learn.

Robert

Greetings from Tyrrel Bay, Carriacou

2009-11-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

Trish, Owen, Elliot, Daisie Dog and Robert are safely anchored in Tyrrel Bay. Delightful anchorage although the boys think is is a little too quite. On route to Carriacou we stayed overnight at Ronde Island, in spite of Chris Doyles recommendation against anchoring here, we found it less rolly than Prickly Bay. snorkeled the reefs, Coconuts were gathered on the beach and fish were caught. Elliot hooked a fish that took all the line and lure.

Trish and Robert celebrated one year of living aboard Bristol Rose, very nice night

We set a course on the lee of Grenada, once underway I remembered all too well why I prefer the windward side of the islands. we motored most of the way. We plan to stay a few more days before moving onto SVG (st Vincent & the Grenadines). Looking forward to Petite Martinique, Petite St Vincent and Union Island.

The next few days will be spend exploring the Carriacou. Dinner tonight at the Lambi Queen with the crews of Voyager and Kandia

November 22, 2009 Float Plan

2009-11-22T03:24:00.000-08:00

Wednesday 25th November: Tyrrel Bay
Saturday 5th December:Chatham
Wednesday 9th December: Marreau/Tobago Cays
Tuesday 15th December: Bequia
Thursday 17th December: St Lucia

November 17th, 2009 - Passage from Trinidad to Grenada

2009-11-17T06:04:00.001-08:00

Current location 11 43.804N 061 38.443W

We are now 20nm off Grenada, coffee is brewing, 15 knts of wind, sun is up and life is good. After 3 months in Trinidad it is good to be moving again. although preparing to leave took much longer than we wanted it to. Left in the dark around 8:00 pm

We had a good overnight passage, AIS took some of the stress out of the moderately heavy shipping traffic around Trinidad.

Test Post from Airmail

2009-11-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

This is a test post from S.V Bristol Rose

Almost Done

2009-10-29T04:01:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Hurricane season officially finishes at the end of November however, our insurance company provides coverage within the hurricane box after November 1st.

Bristol Rose will splash on Friday 30th of October. New Sail Covers will be fitted on Saturday and we will take delivery of a cruising spinnaker on Monday.

A shake down cruise to Chacachacare and we will be ready to head north to pick up Owen and Elliot in Grenada on the 19th November.

Power Boats

2009-10-12T14:36:00.000-07:00

Bristol Rose is currently in slip C9 at Power Boats yard Chaguaramas.
She will haul on Monday 26th October and our plan is to head back to Grenada early November.

So what have we done this hurricane season

New Batteries
New Anchor Chain
New B-B-Q
New Cruising spinnaker
replace main and mizzen sail covers
Re done the Bright work
New Cockpit table
Bottom Paint
New Cockpit shade covers
Re Build macerator pumps
move the TV and reclaimed a cupboard
Replaced the Microwave with a cupboard
Replaced 4 man life raft with a 6 person raft
Upgrade safety equipment

Tuesday 18th August, 2009 - Grenada to Trinidad

2009-08-16T03:58:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Arrived in Charuaramas. Trinidad around 9:00am after leaving CCB at 6:00pm. Great sail for the first half of the passage, beam reach, travelling 7-8 kts. Second half the winds died and had to motor to Trinidad. Picked up the trash line at 10 miles out. Real shame to see so much trash at sea.

Winds forecast for 10knts, seas 5 ft with 8 second interval. clear skys should make for a good nights sail to trinidad approx 80 nm or 16 hrs.

Plan to leave Tuesday afternoon and arrive Wednesday morning.

We will stay in Trinidad and get our maintenance work complete and ready for Pacific Crossing.

Storm Watch

2009-08-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Update: Invest 90 is now known as TS Bill. Looks like it will pass north of us and will become a Hurricane on Monday. We now have 3 more storm systems in the Atlantic, total of 5 active systems. getting busy! We plan to move onto Trinidad on Monday night.

Invest 99, became TD 2 and this morning NOAA named it Tropical Storm ANA. Ana is forecast to pass to our north. Invest 90 is still of concern and could well become another named strom.

UPDATE: Invest 90 now has a high probability(>50%) of becoming a tropical huricane in the next 48 hrs.

Update: getting busy out here. TD2 looks like it wont amount to much and will pass north of us. Invest 90 is now being tracked. Early days but will monitor situation. We are past due for a named storm in the atlantic.

Maybe, just maybe Invest 99 will amount to a named storm. The good news for all is that if it does develop it will keep out of harms way.

Storm Watch

2009-08-04T05:41:00.000-07:00

Update: Nothing developed.

We are still to see our first named storm for the season. Could this be it? Click Here and here

Plan:
Montor situation every 4 hrs
Prepare boat for departure

July 10th 2009 Saint David's Harbor to Clarkes Court

2009-07-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Brisk down wind sail for 5nm. to Clarkes Court Bay. Met up with Whiskers, Where II, Sea Otter, Tia Anica, Night Hawk, Dignity.

Clarkes Court Bay is where the Book "Embarrassment of Mangoes" was set for the author's summer stop over in Grenada.

Will stay a while. After Grenada Carnival we plan to move on to Trinidad to wait out the rest of hurricane season and get boat maintenance done.

June 30th 2009 - Union Island to St. Davids Harbor Grenada

2009-07-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Chris Parker advised us to get tucked away by Tuesday night. 3 tropical waves will bring 10ft swell, 30 knt winds and squalls.

Made the 40nm trip in 7 hours. 15knt winds and 6ft swell. Travelled on the windward side of the islands. MV Spectra travelled with us.

Left at 7:00am arrived St Davids at 2:00pm

Anchorage protected from the wind, bit rolly, holding marginal.

June 29th 2009: Mustique to Tobago Cays

2009-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

Short 20 nm jump from Mustique to Tobago Cays. Easy sail. Travelled windward side.

MV Spectra and SV Nikita in anchorage.

Saturday 27th June, 2009 - Bequia to Mustique

2009-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Had to tack to get to Mustique.

Travalled with Where II and Spectra.

Picked up a mooring (US$75 with max 3 night stay)

Wednesday 17th June, 2009 Martinique to Bequia

2009-06-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Left 1:30 am. Skipped St Lucia and St Vincent. traveled windward side.

Good start at 7knts. wind dropped as we approached St Lucia around 5:00am. 2 Local fishing boats passed us 5 miles out.

Hit some squalls, heavy rain.

Wind died at St Vincent. had to motor the lenght of St vincent and into Bequia.

Arrive at sun set. met up with Where II (Matt and Karen)

Monday 8th June, 2009 - Dominica - Martnique

2009-06-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

good day sail to St Pierre. travelled with Beach House, Jackster

Wednesday 3rd June, 2009 - The Saints to Dominica

2009-06-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Easy day sail. Travelled with Choco Bo, Anthem, Beach House, Night Hawk, Inspiration Lady and Spectra

Friday 29th May, 2009 Guadeloupe to Isles Des Saints

2009-05-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Short easy sail. arrived late. anchorage full and water deep. Night Hawk, Inspiration Lady, Beach House in harbour

Tuesday 26th May, 2009 Montserrat to Guadeloupe

2009-05-26T06:45:00.000-07:00

easy day sail, close haul. island effect close to Montserrat. Heard from Inspiration lady and Anthem on the radio.

Sunday 24th May, 2009 - Nevis to Montserrat

2009-05-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

easy day sail, close haul had to tack twice to get to Montserrat. Full days travel

Thursday 21st May, 2009 St kitts to Nevis

2009-05-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Easy day sail to Nevis. Picked up a mooring off the beach. Very loud music all night.

May 19th Saba to St Kitts

2009-05-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Motor sailed most of the way.., Winds ESE seas slight not a bad passage. Need to get water, staying a couple of nights in a marina in Basseterre.

Saturday 12, May 2009 - Culebra to St Thomas

2009-05-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

Great sail all the way. close haul. good wind direction and sea state. Arrived with Spectra and met up with Slow Motion

Saturday 9th May - USVI to St Martins

2009-05-09T00:47:00.000-07:00

Weather forecast predicts Sunday/Monday best opportunty to cross the Anegada Passage to St Martin.

Leave St Thomas on Saturday, 9th, stay Saturday in St Johns (not sure were we will anchor yet). Leave Sunday, 10th, morning, yellow flag the BVI's leave Virgin Gorda Sunday afternoon, arrive St Martin Monday, 11th.

Will check in on French side, anchor in Simpson Bay Lagoon until Barry Tidd arrives from Australia on Thursday.

Sunday 26th April, Vieques to Culebra

2009-04-27T03:42:00.000-07:00

20 knt winds, 6ft short swell with wind chop.

Anchored at Ensenada Honda. Will stay to pick up mail and engine mount. before leaving for:

US Virgin Islands
Bristish virgin Islands

Saturday 18th April - Salinas ot Vieques

2009-04-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

Left Salinas @ 7pm. low swell and wind conditions enabled us to motor sail to Puerto Patillas. Stayed the night left @ 6am for Vieques.

onroute discovered forward starboard engine mount bracket has broken. Sailed to Sun Bay.

Saturday 4th Boqeron - Salinas, Puerto Rico

2009-04-07T05:56:00.000-07:00

Prevailing Easterly Trade winds. Sail South Coast of Puerto Rico. Early morning short trips.

Boqeron
La Parguera
Gilligans Island
Ponce
Caja De Muertos (Coffin Island)
Salinas

Wednesday 1st April, 2009 - Mona Passage

2009-04-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Left Escondido 2:30 pm.

Rough motorboat ride to Hourglass Shoal. First 100nm

Sailed the last 50 nm to Pureto Rico

we made it!

Tuesday 31st March 2009 - Rio San Juan to Escondido

2009-03-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

more easterly winds and seas. Motored all the way

Monday 30th March 2009 - Luperon to Rio San Juan

2009-03-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Left Harbor at 11:30pm slow passage with 20knt winds and waves from the east. Motored all the way.

Sailed with Slow Mocean, Buddy, Anthem, Night Hawk, Double Dutch, and Short Sail

Friday 20th March, 2009 - Luperon

2009-03-20T15:07:00.000-07:00

Great weather window allowing sailing from Provo via French cay to Luperon.

Problems with Mast wedges worked loose. Decided to motor to Luperon.

Good Passage.

Sailed with Slow Mocean, Buddy, Anthem and Water Music.

Wednesday 18th March - Provo

2009-03-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Great motor sail from Rum Cay to Provo. 160nm in 24 hrs.

Sailed with Slow Mocean.

Sunday 15th March, 2009 - Rum Cay

2009-03-14T15:02:00.000-07:00

Rough trip from Conception Cay to Rum Cay. Winds out of the SE at 20 to 25 knts. Seas to 7ft.

11th March 2009 - Conception Island

2009-03-11T14:56:00.000-07:00

Staged at Fowl Ca.y, a little rough

Light winds out of the east, slight swell. good day trip.

Solveig joined us. Met Spectra at Conception.

We now have SSB airmail and Postion Reporting working

2009-03-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

Were is Bristol Rose?

Saturday 28th February 2009 - GeorgeTown Exuma

2009-02-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

At long last the winds started to abate, we left rudder cut for the short 20nm sail to Georgetown.

Winds out of the SE at 20knts, seas 4ft. Motor sailed all the way

Thursday 19th February 2009 Great Guana Cay (Black Point Settlement)

2009-02-17T05:34:00.000-08:00

Short sail from Staniel Cay to Black Point Settlement. 8 nm

Wind Forecast SE clocking S - SW - NW 10 to 15 kt

Tuesday 17th February 2009 Staniel Cay

2009-02-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

Winds N NE 20kts

Sail 20 nm from Warderick Wells to Staniel Cay via Exuma Banks

Leave 10:00 AM arrive 2:00 PM

Sunday 15th February, 2009 Wardrick Wells

2009-02-17T05:19:00.000-08:00

Winds Light from the south.

Pick up a mooring at the Land and Sea Park HQ and ride out the cold front that will pass Monday afternoon.

13th February 2009, Shroud Cay

2009-02-16T07:09:00.000-08:00

Winds Light and Varable. Anchored at Shroud Cay. Exuma Land and Sea Park. Explored Mangove lined creeks in dinghy

Thursday 12 February, 2009 Normans Cay

2009-02-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

Met up with Starshine and anchored at Normans Cay

Wednesday 11th Febuary 2009, Davis Harbour to Allens Cay Exumas

2009-02-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

30 mile sail from Davis Marina, Eluthera to Allens Cay
Winds forcast at 060 at 20 knts
Seas at 5 ft

Should be a good sail on a broad reach.

Plan to leave at first Light so we can visually navigate the Highborne Cut

UPDATE:
Sailed on a run in 20 to 25 knts, seas 6-8 ft. Entered via Ships Channel. Highborne Cut to rough with onshore winds against a strong current.

Monday 9th Febuary, 2009 Rock Sound to Davis Marina

2009-02-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Winds out of the East North East at around 20 knts
Short day sail to marina to fuel up, water and laundry prior to leaving for the Exumas. hopefully on Wednesday.

Longer than expected stay in Rock Sound. Pinned down with 10 days of winds upto 40 knts.

Thursday 28th Janruary 2009 Governors Harbor to Rock Sound

2009-02-01T09:53:00.000-08:00

Another day of beating into the wind.

Sailed into Rock Sound to meet up with our good friends on Homeward Bound (Pat and Randy)

Plan to stay put, ride out a couple of cold fronts and watch the supperbowl. Gooooo! Steelers!

Free internet at market with shell service station. Cool!

Tuesday 27th January 2009 Mutton Fish Point to Governors Harbor Eleuthra

2009-02-01T09:50:00.000-08:00

Full day sail, beating into the wind again. Spent 2 days in Governors Harbor. Pink Sand beachs and bone fishing!

Free internet in town at the realto office opposite the boat ramp

Monday 26th January Royal Island to Mutton Fish Point

2009-02-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Beat into Easterly winds at 15 to 20 knts
Interesting passage though the current cut (runs at around 4 knts!)
Sailed past the Glass Window and anchored off a delightfull beach at Mutton Fish Point

Sunday 25th January 2009 - Abaco (Cherokee Sound) to Eleuthra

2009-01-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

Full days sail from southern Abaco to Royal Island.

Leave early morning plan to arrive afternoon.

Winds from the N - NE at 5 to 10 knts

The cruise down western shore of Eleuthra before heading West to the Exumas.

UPDATE: Anchored off Little Habor (bit rolly) and motor sailed across to Royal Island. Caught a Mutton Snapper and Mahi Mahi as we left the Little Habor Cut. Crossed with 4 other boats.

Thursday 15 January 2009 Abaco's

2009-01-15T04:53:00.001-08:00

Winds out of the North East.

Plan to stay around Man Of War Cay, Great Guana, Elbow Cay and Marsh Harbor area until Sunday.

Head south Monday. now Wednesday

Update: 2 Cold Fronts on there way. High winds forcast. Will stay anchored in Marsh Habor untill after the blow on Tuesday.

Sunday, January 11, 2009 Lake Worth to Green Turtle Cay

2009-01-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Depart morning around 8:00am

Arrive Memory Rock, Bahamas, around sunset

Over night across Little Bahama Bank

Monday, Day trip to Green Turtle Cay to Check in

UPDATE:
Great passage. motored, motor sailed and sailed for 26 hrs. Checked in at Green Turtle Kay at 11:00am. Full moon lite the way across the Little Bahama Bank. Gulf Stream very calm.

Friday, January 9th, 2009 - Vero Beach to Lake Worth

2009-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

Depart Vero late afternoon.
Anchor out at Fort Pierce overnight
No wind, motor down ICW to Lake Worth
Arrive Ft. Pierce late afternoon, anchor Causeway Is.

December 29th, 2008 - St Augustine to Fort Pierce

2008-12-23T17:31:00.000-08:00

Weather:
ST AUGUSTINE TO FLAGLER BEACH FL OUT 20 NM-

MONDAY WEST WINDS 10 TO 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP. SCATTERED SHOWERS.
MONDAY NIGHT NORTHWEST WINDS 15 KNOTS. SEAS 2 TO 3 FEET. INLAND WATERS A MODERATE CHOP

COASTAL WATERS FROM FLAGLER BEACH TO VOLUSIA BREVARD COUNTY LINE OUT 20 NM-

MONDAY WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. CHANCE OF SHOWERS

COASTAL WATERS FROM VOLUSIA BREVARD COUNTY LINE TO SEBASTIAN INLET OUT 20 NM-

MONDAY WEST WINDS 5 TO 10 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. CHANCE OF SHOWERS

COASTAL WATERS FROM SEBASTIAN INLET TO JUPITER INLET OUT 20 NM-

MONDAY WEST WINDS 5 KNOTS. SEAS 3 TO 4 FEET. CHANCE OF SHOWERS

THE APPROXIMATE LOCATION OF THE WEST WALL OF THE GULF STREAM BASED ON SATELLITE DATA AS OF MONDAY DECEMBER 22 AT 2 PM...

44 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF PONCE INLET.
32 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF PORT CANAVERAL.
24 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF SEBASTIAN INLET.
16 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF FORT PIERCE INLET

Distance: approx 187miles

Depart: Monday morning 9:00am
Arrive Tuesday mid-afternoon

Plan to stop at Vero Beach to re provision for the Bahamas. Most likely depart for the Bahamas from West Palm Beach

UPDATE:
We arrive around 4:30pm. Our departure was a little latter than planned.
Nice start to the passage with a beam reach, latter wind died down and moved to the north. Picked up to 20-25 kts over night and died back down again for the day. Motor sailed more that we had wanted to

December 20, 2008 - Fenandina Beach to Saint Augustine

2008-12-19T21:18:00.000-08:00

Forecast: winds SW.

Plan to motor down ICW to St Johns River, anchor out and decide on Sunday if we will go outside to Saint Augustine or continue to motor down ICW.

Depart Saturday morning 9:00am, Arrive in Saint Augustine on Sunday afternoon.

UPDATE: Decided to continue down the ICW. Limited anchorages along this stretch so we are staying at Palm Cove Marina and will leave in the morning, as the tide allows, for the 30 mile stretch to St. Augustine.

Arrived in St. Augustine around noon, Sunday. Winds out of the SW at 20 kts. Anchored first at Salt Run. Shallow and limited facilities. Moved to the South side of the Bridge of Lions. Crowded with tidal current. Put out 2 anchors. Will stay here until December 29th after Owen and Elliot return to Maryland.

December 16th, 2008 - Charleston SC to Fernandina Beach FL

2008-12-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

180 nm offshore run. 28 hours of motor sailing. Winds variable 0-5 knts. Heavy Fog. Seas 4-6 ft becoming 3-5 ft.

Departed 10:00 am on Tuesday, heavy fog in Charleston Harbor. Arrived 2:00 pm on Wednesday in heavy fog.

December 2, 2008 - Southport, NC to Little River, SC

2008-12-01T23:30:00.000-08:00

Weather: Highs in the 50's, west winds 8-10 mph
Route: 30 nm trip down ICW.
Leave around 9:00am (after refueling)
Arrive around 3:00pm

November 30, 2008 - Carolina Beach to Southport NC

2008-11-30T15:11:00.001-08:00

Weather: Rain and windy (20-35 kts)
Short 15 mile trip. need to stop and do 2,000 hr engine maintenance.

Update: Stayed extra day in Southport due to high winds

November 29th, 2008 - Beaufort to Masonboro Inlet, NC

2008-11-28T16:24:00.000-08:00

Depart midnight Friday, arrive Masonboro around 4pm Saturday.

Weather: expecting North winds 5-10 knots becoming NE 10-15 knots during the day.

Seas 2-5 feet. 70 miles.

UPDATE: Completed offshore passage without incident. Assisted with dolphins to guide us on our way. Rained for most of the trip. Arived Carolina Beach cold and wet.

November 26th, 2008 - Belhaven to Orienal, NC

2008-11-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

46 Nm trip, via Pamlico Sound, Hobucken Cut,Neuse River

Leaving Belhaven NC, Mile Marker 135.5 at 7:30am

Arrive Oriental NC, Mile Marker 181.5 estimated 4:30pm

Weather: West Winds 10-15 knts, Highs in the middle 50's

November 23, 2008 - Elizabeth City to Pungo River

2008-11-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Weather Window of light winds suitable for a trip across the Albermarle Sound.
Depart at 4:00AM
68 mile trip via Pasquotank R, Albemarle Sound, Aligator R, Aligator River-Pungo River Canal to Pungo River.

November 21, 2008 Dismal Swamp to Elizabeth City

2008-11-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

Cold 27F to 39F
47 nm trip

November 20, 2008 - Norfolk to Dismal Swamp

2008-11-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

Strong winds. Cold.
10 nm trip down ICW. Called ahead to check the Dismal Swamp for depth and decide to take this detor.
Anchored at the lock to get the 8:00 am passage.

November 19th, 2008 - Ferry Point to Norfolk, VA

2008-11-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Weather outlook:
Sunny, Temperature 40F to 31F (Cold)
Wind from NW at 13 mph to 5 mph SSW

Plan to depart noon Wednesday 19th, sail all night to arrive in Norfolk in the morning of Thursday 20th.

Will move into the ICW and look for safe anchorage for Thursday Night.

Will have Cell phone and will monitor Channel 16 on VHF

Ferry Point Marina

2008-10-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

Bristol Rose is currently docked at Ferry Point Marina on the Magothy River, MD