26/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 05 10.178N 081 27.499W
Progress is slow. Downloaded a new Grib chart - got to stop going westor we
will never get to Galapagos, so now pushing to get south of the equator when
we should be able to reach to Galapagos.
27/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 03 32.224N 082 21.789W
Passed Ilsa du Medpedlo around 03:30 about 10nm to port. At sun rise the
clouds conveniently cleared on the horizon and there we could see the twin
humps of the island about 33nm north of us. The starboard motor starting
surging so changed the fuel filter. Somewhere we picked up a lot of dirt.
We are having to motor using both engines as we are battling the current and
head winds. Sorry Ian we are using an awful lot of diesel. But we are
getting to the end of the ITCZ (dolrums) and then hopefully we will be
sailing.
Cheers
Chris
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Monday, June 25, 2012
22-25 June 2012
22/6/2012
The time has at last arrived for us to transit the canal. Roy Bravo brought
the two extra line handlers at about 14:30, so we cast off from the finger
and set off to the 'Flats Anchorage'. Trying to anchored proved interesting
when the windlass won't work. Turned out not to be a problem as all it to be
was the overload switch, but just as we had sorted it out the Advisor,
Fernando, arrived and off we set for the first of the Gatun locks. We were
rafted up to another catamaran and entered the lock behind a cargo boat -
one of the smaller ones compared to the Panamax vessels, which filled the
lock completely. The lock is 110ft wide the Panmax are 105ft beam. Rafting
up released Rob and George from line handling so they were taking pictures.
There was quite a surge as the water flooded into the lock, which kept the
line handlers on their toes. Otherwise it was a simple task repeated three
times until we emerged into Lake Gatun and tied up for the night to buoy - a
large rubber one with us on one side and our companion cat on the other
side. We gave our advisor supper then he left saying a new advisor would be
along at 06:30 tomorrow.
23/6/2012
At 06:30 on the dot the new advisor, Roy, arrived and he wasted no time
getting us going. We motored along the marked channel passed lots of islands
thickly vegetated. Gatun Lake was the largest manmade lake at the time it
was built. Recreational use is allowed, so long as you keep out of the way
of the shipping lanes and apparently there is some good fishing.
It took us about five and a bit hours to get to the Pedro Miguel Lock. We
were loaded in with only a ferry boat and the two cats rafted together, the
lock looked very empty. The ferry went longside while we sat in the middle
with lines out either side. The drop was a lot less turbulent than the way
up. Our advisor decided to change our loading for the Miraflores Locks. So
instead of having our line handlers holding us in the middle we rafted up to
the ferry boat. What simple solution. The exit from the last lock was a
little more exciting as the freshwater mixes with the salt it causes quite a
bit a turbulence. Once passed the bridge of the Americas we dropped Roy and
at Balboa Yacht club we dropped the line handlers together with the lines
and tyres and motored on to the Galapagos, dodging many ships anchored off
Panama City.
24/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC +4 07 54.492N 079 21.633W
Motored all night until the early hours of the morning when we set the genny
in about 10knots of SW wind and even put the main up about 08:30. It didn't
last for long though as the wind backed by 13:30 straight on the nose.
Downed all sails just in time for a squall which brought lots of rain and
wind from the east. For two hours with just the genny, we had an exciting
ride in near storm conditions, with wind gusting up to 24knots. But all good
things come to an end and we were left with a bumpy sea and little wind.
25/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC +4 05 56.082N 080 10.396W
The sea flatten out which made life far more pleasant, with no wind. Pointed
the bow at Galapagos and enjoyed the peace. During the night while I was on
watch I noticed a red flashing light hovering around off to starboard. It
would move towards a ship ahead of us then go back and eventually circle us
before disappearing altogether. As we are off the coast of Colombia I came
to the conclusion it was either drug smugglers or anti drug smugglers. It
was a helicopter.
Again at just after 14:00 a wind from the east appeared but with little rain
this time. Lets see if this is a pattern.
Cheers
Chris
The time has at last arrived for us to transit the canal. Roy Bravo brought
the two extra line handlers at about 14:30, so we cast off from the finger
and set off to the 'Flats Anchorage'. Trying to anchored proved interesting
when the windlass won't work. Turned out not to be a problem as all it to be
was the overload switch, but just as we had sorted it out the Advisor,
Fernando, arrived and off we set for the first of the Gatun locks. We were
rafted up to another catamaran and entered the lock behind a cargo boat -
one of the smaller ones compared to the Panamax vessels, which filled the
lock completely. The lock is 110ft wide the Panmax are 105ft beam. Rafting
up released Rob and George from line handling so they were taking pictures.
There was quite a surge as the water flooded into the lock, which kept the
line handlers on their toes. Otherwise it was a simple task repeated three
times until we emerged into Lake Gatun and tied up for the night to buoy - a
large rubber one with us on one side and our companion cat on the other
side. We gave our advisor supper then he left saying a new advisor would be
along at 06:30 tomorrow.
23/6/2012
At 06:30 on the dot the new advisor, Roy, arrived and he wasted no time
getting us going. We motored along the marked channel passed lots of islands
thickly vegetated. Gatun Lake was the largest manmade lake at the time it
was built. Recreational use is allowed, so long as you keep out of the way
of the shipping lanes and apparently there is some good fishing.
It took us about five and a bit hours to get to the Pedro Miguel Lock. We
were loaded in with only a ferry boat and the two cats rafted together, the
lock looked very empty. The ferry went longside while we sat in the middle
with lines out either side. The drop was a lot less turbulent than the way
up. Our advisor decided to change our loading for the Miraflores Locks. So
instead of having our line handlers holding us in the middle we rafted up to
the ferry boat. What simple solution. The exit from the last lock was a
little more exciting as the freshwater mixes with the salt it causes quite a
bit a turbulence. Once passed the bridge of the Americas we dropped Roy and
at Balboa Yacht club we dropped the line handlers together with the lines
and tyres and motored on to the Galapagos, dodging many ships anchored off
Panama City.
24/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC +4 07 54.492N 079 21.633W
Motored all night until the early hours of the morning when we set the genny
in about 10knots of SW wind and even put the main up about 08:30. It didn't
last for long though as the wind backed by 13:30 straight on the nose.
Downed all sails just in time for a squall which brought lots of rain and
wind from the east. For two hours with just the genny, we had an exciting
ride in near storm conditions, with wind gusting up to 24knots. But all good
things come to an end and we were left with a bumpy sea and little wind.
25/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC +4 05 56.082N 080 10.396W
The sea flatten out which made life far more pleasant, with no wind. Pointed
the bow at Galapagos and enjoyed the peace. During the night while I was on
watch I noticed a red flashing light hovering around off to starboard. It
would move towards a ship ahead of us then go back and eventually circle us
before disappearing altogether. As we are off the coast of Colombia I came
to the conclusion it was either drug smugglers or anti drug smugglers. It
was a helicopter.
Again at just after 14:00 a wind from the east appeared but with little rain
this time. Lets see if this is a pattern.
Cheers
Chris
Friday, June 22, 2012
19-21 June in Shelter Bay
Hi All,
19/6/2012
In Shelter Bay.
Rob and I went back into town on the 08:00 bus, primarily to get the rest of the food and some US$ for the Pacific crossing. When we got to the shopping mall that we went to yesterday we took a taxi into downtown Colon to the National Bank. That was a mistake because they don't speak much English and they don't have facilities to do transactions with foreign banks.
Fortunately for us there was one of the Marina employees in the bank, who recognised us and came to our rescue. He then loaded us into his car and drove us to the Free Zone and the HBSC bank. Thank goodness for him because downtown Colon doesn't look the safest place to wander round standing out like a sore thumb.
I got sorted at HBSC but Rob could not change his old travellers cheques. As the bus was not returning to Shelter Bay until 15:30 we wandered around the free zone. Most businesses only cater for the wholesale trade, but now and again there were shops catering to the retail trade. In one clothing shop which had a good line of shorts, but we could only buy 6000 pairs minimum.
Eventually we tired of looking in shops and took a taxi back to the shopping mall and had to waste time waiting for the bus and completing our food shop.
In the end the bus didn't arrive and we shared a taxi back to Shelter Bay.
20/6/2012
In Shelter Bay.
I spent the day loading the new charts from PC Marine and refining our passage plan. We only need to fuel up and we are set to go. Rob wandered off and found a beach in front of what I assume were the married quarters for the US military when they were here. The whole US military facility is not being use by the Panamanians and is slowly falling in to total disrepair.
Rob went snorkelling and found some old coral and some colourful fish.
Nothing fantastic.
21/6/2012
Still in Shelter Bay.
Roy Bravo sent me our transit schedule. The advisor (pilot) will board at
17:00 at the Flats anchorage and we will transit the Gatun locks that evening, anchoring or tied to a buoy near the entrance to Gatun Lake. Time to fuel up and ready to go.
Tomorrow is the day
Cheers
Chris
Monday, June 18, 2012
18 June
18/6/2012
In Shelter Bay
The bus runs today. It will take us to a shopping mall. 08:00 the bus
departs from the marina and returns at 11:15 from the shopping mall. I
wanted some extra US$ but the banks there were not equipped to handle
foreign transactions. So will have to go to a central bank tomorrow. However
we did a shop at Reys which we will have to top up tomorrow as we ran out of
time. Fortunately the shop delivered all our shopping - the bus wasn't big
enough.
Now we wait for the tyres and ropes for the transit. Roy Bravo, our agent,
has been pushing for an earlier transit, but apparently there has been
maintenance on one set of locks causing a backlog and then the canal
authority is short staffed when it comes to advisors (pilot). So we wait.
Cheers
Chris
In Shelter Bay
The bus runs today. It will take us to a shopping mall. 08:00 the bus
departs from the marina and returns at 11:15 from the shopping mall. I
wanted some extra US$ but the banks there were not equipped to handle
foreign transactions. So will have to go to a central bank tomorrow. However
we did a shop at Reys which we will have to top up tomorrow as we ran out of
time. Fortunately the shop delivered all our shopping - the bus wasn't big
enough.
Now we wait for the tyres and ropes for the transit. Roy Bravo, our agent,
has been pushing for an earlier transit, but apparently there has been
maintenance on one set of locks causing a backlog and then the canal
authority is short staffed when it comes to advisors (pilot). So we wait.
Cheers
Chris
At Shelter Bay Marina
Hi All,
16/6/2012
At Shelter Bay Marina
Early morning excitement was a alligator - not that big less than 2m - swimming amongst the boats.
Got booked in at the marina office and can now connect to the internet via WiFi. The Admearsurer - the person who measured your boat and takes all the details they require to slot you into the transit programme - arrived around 12:00, measured up the boat and filled in lots of forms. Our Agent, Roy Bravo, arrived a little later while I was busy with the dock master. He soon put the dock master to rights about our transit status and avoided the extra costs associated with him.
Rob and I took a lift from Roy to the canal. We paid our $5 and were able to watch ships passing through the Gatun locks into the Caribbean Sea. It was interesting to see the effect of the water flooding the lower lock.
Initially the turbulence caused by the in-coming water is sever but slacks off as the water level rises. For us this could be an interesting time.
Guess the line handlers will have to hang on tight.
So we wait for our allocation of transit - hopefully early next week. We plan to stock up here and not stop at Panama City.
17/6/2012
In Shelter Bay
Roy Bravo has advised us that we will transit on the 22nd. So we will stock up take fuel, transit and continue on our way.
Rob comes up with all sorts of hair brain schemes when in port. Today he wants to hire a bicycle and ride to San Lorenzo - a distance of about 9 miles through the jungle. Somehow he persuaded me to join him. So we duly hired two bikes from the Dock Shop a set off to San Lorenzo. San Lorenzo is in a National Park. The road looks flat but it has a habit of rising steadily if not steeply and in the heat that soon puts the pressure on. It took us about two hours to get to San Lorenzo, which is an old Spanish fort built in 1620 to protect the export route for the treasures plundered by the Spanish from Peru etc. The Chagres River was the main route for these exports and it enters the sea at San Lorenzo. The Chagres River was dammed to form the Gatun Lake, which provides all the water for the locks. Strange fort, its sits quite high above the sea but only has two batteries facing the sea while there are four facing the land. If the jungle that is there now was there 400 years ago, I don't know how anyone could have mounted a serious attack from the land.
From the fort we made our way down to a small beach round the corner from the fort. Lots of flotsam on the beach and no waves and very warm water.
However it provided a good rest from riding and the heat. The only drawback was the that we now had to climb the hill back to the main road. We both gave in and pushed. Once back on the main road things became a lot easier and we got back to Shelter Bay quite quickly. Three beers disappeared remarkably quickly, the a swim and finally I am just about human again.
Cheers
Chris
Arrived Shelter Bay, Panama (Rob Browne)
We reached the most northerly point on our trip on Monday 11 June at
13 degrees 57 minutes North 71 degrees 43 minutes West – about 120 nautical miles north of the northern coast of South America above the Gulf of Venezuela where Columbia and Venezuela meet - gybed to port and continued on to Shelter Bay on the Caribbean side of the Panama Cannel where we are moored at present. There are hundereds of mosquitoes here.
The paper work to transit the cannel is quite horrific. Thankfully we have an agent assisting us. The Canal Authorities came and check out the boat and measured it and have given us the OK to go through. Seems they are doing quite a bit of maintainance on the locks which is supposed to finish today, Sunday. This week they have only been using one of the two channels which has reduced the number of boats which have gone through. Ther were over 40 big ships waiting outside the breakwater at the start of the canal when we arrived. So hopefully they will be back to normal next week. The agent has arranged with the scheduler for us to go through on Friday 22nd June so we still have another four days to kill. That is unless a spot comes vacant due to a cancellation. So we are all hoping we will get through earlier. When there is enough space behind a big ship they raft up 3 yachts together and slip them into the locks.
Apart from the last two days on this leg we had good winds since we left Trinidad on the evening of Wednesday 6 th June. The wind averaged in the low twenties with the odd gust above thirty and we made good time getting up to 150 nautical miles a day.
All of a sudden everything came together in Chaquaramas, Trinidad, on the Wednesday afternoon, maybe because the Thursday was a public holiday in Trinidad, which was great for us as once the fibreglass repairs to the starboard rudder were dry and the new port saildrive had been installed and after a quick sea test we cleared customs and immigration, filled up with diesel and were on our way through the channel aptly named The Dragon’s Mouth ( The one at the bottom of Trinidad is called the Serpent’s Head). This was all very fortunate as as you know sailors never leave a port on a Friday.
Joyce and I had earlier in the day paid a visit to the local supermarket and stocked up on food and beer. Lots of things we are not used to on offer like goat meat which was the most expensive cut of meat at R100 a kg. We stuck to beef mince at R45 a kg. A different price structure too with packets of jelly costing R13 while a tin of beer cost half that. Not much fresh fruit or veg available although we did buy some super bananas from a road side stall. Schweppes bottles a magic grapefruit fizzy drink that is not too bitter, something like dry lemon which is very refreshing as it has been extremely hot on this leg and very humid. Not much rain except for the few odd drops so the boat was very sticky to the touch and slippery in parts. We were also very sticky and it does not take long after a wash before you are full of salt again. On the last night before we arrived there was a humungus electrical storm and lots of rain but we were all asleep except for George who had to battle it out. Stupid flying fish also keep jumping onto the boat, one hit me on the sholder on his way into the cockpit. Chris counted 16 on thetrampoline one morning.
While the wind has been good to us they had also swept up the sea and it has been very lumpy. Not nice on the cat as it slams down as each wave passes by sending things flying and keeping us awake when we try to get some sleep. Also because the sea is splashing about we could not open our cabin hatches which makes the cabins very stuffy.
Fortunately this has been one of the shortest legs on the trip totalling only approximately 1200 nautical miles and taken 8 days so we have survived. The new saildrive is going great guns and we have been using the port engine rather than the starboard one to even out the hours each one has been running and because George noticed that the starboard engine which was serviced in Trinidad is leaking a bit of diesel. Not much so no big deal and Chris sorted it out here.
There is a good resturant in the marina here with a two hour happy hour from 5 to 7 pm Monday to Saturday with all local beers US$1 each which we have taken advantage of. The first two after our shower on arrival did not even touch sides. The mosquitoes when we got back to the boat were a bit of a shock. There a masses of them but they are very lethargic and easy to swot. Must be the heat and humidity. Tabard seems to keep them from biting us but they buzz about all night. On Saturday afternoon the agent was very helpfull and even gave Chris and me a lift down to the locks on the Caribbean side to watch two huge ships pass through. There was not even 6 inches to spare on either side as they passed through. Everyone here seems to take it easy on Sundays so we followed suit and Chris and I hired bikes and cycled about 12km to the ruins of an old Spanish Fort which was attacked by Francis Drake and Henry Morgan after which we had a swim in the Caribbean.
Tomorrow we are going into Colon to get as much of the supplies as we can for the trip across the Pacific. The supermarkets here are suppose to be good as there is still a big american influance in the canal zone.We are theoritically in transit and not in Panama so once we are through the canal we will not be stopping in Panama City but be straight on our way to the Galapagos.
For those of you who are not on Facebook or may not have got a notification, I posted some photos on Facebook of our trip so far while I was in Chaquaramas. They are in the public domain so even if you are not a Facebook used you can access them by going to the Facebook site and typing in Rob Browne, Hout Bay. Don’t forget the ‘e’
otherwise hundreds of Rob Brown’s will come up. Then go to the photos section of my page.
Cheers
Rob
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Saturday, June 16, 2012
Arriving at Shelter Bay
15/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 09 34.454N 079 43.130W
05:00 George was treated to an electric storm of note. Lightening flashing all round and the wind got up too. When things had calmed down we found we had a 3-4 knot current against us - we just don't seem to have any luck with currents - with a COG of 2knots we were due to get to Shelter Bay on Saturday. So started both motors and pushed the revs up to give us 7-8knots through the water and about 5knots COG. Still our predicted lunch time arrival was not realised. We finally tied up in Shelter Bay Marina at 16:15.
What a lovely marina, miles away from Colon, but backs on to a jungle nature reserve. What bliss to shower and sip cold beers in the air-conditioned bar.
Waiting for the ad-measurer to come and get us set for the transit.
Cheers
Chris
Thursday, June 14, 2012
14 June
14/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 10 37.835N 078 17.069W
By 22:00 the wind was all over the place. George called for help to get rid of the Main, and ended up with no sails. So we are definitely motoring the rest of the way to Panama. With nowind the seas have becomes flat and that means no banging – what pleasure. However the lack of wind also has its nasty side – that is it now becomes very hot and humid. We have been sweltering in 33C and 91% humidity. There is just no cool place on the boat. Oh for some Dorade boxes to provide ventilation to the cabins.
We should get to Shelter Bay by lunch time tomorrow. That shower is going to be great!!!
Cheers
Chris
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
12, 13 June
12/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 12 45.794N 074 32.159W
The wind dropped and the sea flattened so we put the spinnaker up for a
couple of hours just before sunset. What a difference - almost like sailing.
Dropped it for the night as the forecast (Gribs) indicated variable winds
and I didn't like the prospect having to deal with a wrapped spinnaker.
George had a close encounter with a boat crossing in front of us. All was
fine after a few anxious moments.
13/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 11 42.651N 076 36.892W
As gribs predicted the wind dropped and veered to beam on. This provided an
opportunity to hoist the main - not been used much on this trip so far. The
wind continued to drop so we will be motoring to Panama.
Still hoping for a Friday arrival in Panama, but it seems to be getting
later in the day than I would like.
Cheers
Chris
Position 14:00 UTC -4 12 45.794N 074 32.159W
The wind dropped and the sea flattened so we put the spinnaker up for a
couple of hours just before sunset. What a difference - almost like sailing.
Dropped it for the night as the forecast (Gribs) indicated variable winds
and I didn't like the prospect having to deal with a wrapped spinnaker.
George had a close encounter with a boat crossing in front of us. All was
fine after a few anxious moments.
13/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 11 42.651N 076 36.892W
As gribs predicted the wind dropped and veered to beam on. This provided an
opportunity to hoist the main - not been used much on this trip so far. The
wind continued to drop so we will be motoring to Panama.
Still hoping for a Friday arrival in Panama, but it seems to be getting
later in the day than I would like.
Cheers
Chris
Monday, June 11, 2012
11 June
11/6/2012
Position 14:00UTC -4 13 49.188N 072 13.636W
At 11:00 we gybed on to a heading for Panama. This was our furtherest point
north - so it is all down hill now. It looks like we will get to Panama on
Friday. Sea lumpy so lots of banging and with water coming on board every
now and then we cannot open too many portholes, so ventilation is lacking
and is gets hot in the cabins.
Not much to say today. Rob has put some photos on his facebook - Rob Browne
Hout Bay
Cheers
Chris
Position 14:00UTC -4 13 49.188N 072 13.636W
At 11:00 we gybed on to a heading for Panama. This was our furtherest point
north - so it is all down hill now. It looks like we will get to Panama on
Friday. Sea lumpy so lots of banging and with water coming on board every
now and then we cannot open too many portholes, so ventilation is lacking
and is gets hot in the cabins.
Not much to say today. Rob has put some photos on his facebook - Rob Browne
Hout Bay
Cheers
Chris
Sunday, June 10, 2012
9,10 June 2012
9/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -5 12 46.688N 067 47.384W
Rosemary’s birthday and the Old Fisherman’s Trail Run.
Same old gybe same old wind slowly making progress. No ships.
I was watching some birds flying around the boat – must admit I do not know what they were; not albertros – straighter winds and black and white – then I saw flying fish darting across the water. One of the birds dived down andappeared to wait just in front of a wave. As a flying fish came by the bird snatched it up.
10/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 13 23,029N 069 43.320W
At 12:00 I thought we could make better progress on the other gybe. It turned out to be too directly down wind and the swell not helping. Just couldn’t get the auto-helm to hold course so gybed back. Hopefully later tonight we will be able to gybe and will then be over halfway to Panama.
I was hoping for a realy fast trip this leg, but finding the wind too much for the spinnaker and too little for the genny, but making resonable progress. Panama maybe Friday.
Cheers
Chris
Friday, June 8, 2012
6,7,8 May 2012
6/6/2012
The day got off to a bad start when Gittans' crew didn't arrive to complete
the sail-drive and service. Adian got all upset because I had asked Peake's
management how I could get hold of him and Adian though I was complaining
about his service. After some argie- bargie he calm down and got the job
finished in time for us to be launched before the yard shut down. Quick sea
trail round the bay, of to Immigration and Customs (all on overtime now that
it is after 16:00), then the fueling dock and we were on our way just before
18:00. Motored out to the Bacos del Dragon, then set the genny. This is
quiet a busy shipping lane so had to watch out for ships. Had one close
encounter just out of Bocas del Dragon.
7/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 4 11 32.458N 063 26.813W
Good winds with some rain, but too much for the spinnaker so we soldier on
with the genny. Lots ships with one close encounter in the early hours of
the morning.
George was in the curry making mood and produced a fantastic curry for
supper.
8/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 12 04.812N 065 39.901W
Just after midnight George called me up to identify what was directly ahead
of us. It was the five islands or rocks of Ilas dos Hermanos. A quick turn
to port and we missed them. Fourteen miles further on was the Ilas dos
Blanquilla which we passed a good 7nm south - a lot more than comfortable.
That was enough excitement for the day. Fewer ships, but wind has held.
Cheers
Chris
The day got off to a bad start when Gittans' crew didn't arrive to complete
the sail-drive and service. Adian got all upset because I had asked Peake's
management how I could get hold of him and Adian though I was complaining
about his service. After some argie- bargie he calm down and got the job
finished in time for us to be launched before the yard shut down. Quick sea
trail round the bay, of to Immigration and Customs (all on overtime now that
it is after 16:00), then the fueling dock and we were on our way just before
18:00. Motored out to the Bacos del Dragon, then set the genny. This is
quiet a busy shipping lane so had to watch out for ships. Had one close
encounter just out of Bocas del Dragon.
7/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 4 11 32.458N 063 26.813W
Good winds with some rain, but too much for the spinnaker so we soldier on
with the genny. Lots ships with one close encounter in the early hours of
the morning.
George was in the curry making mood and produced a fantastic curry for
supper.
8/6/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -4 12 04.812N 065 39.901W
Just after midnight George called me up to identify what was directly ahead
of us. It was the five islands or rocks of Ilas dos Hermanos. A quick turn
to port and we missed them. Fourteen miles further on was the Ilas dos
Blanquilla which we passed a good 7nm south - a lot more than comfortable.
That was enough excitement for the day. Fewer ships, but wind has held.
Cheers
Chris
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
30 May - 5 June
30 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC -3 10 07.980N 059 24.012W Still motoring. Wind
variable, but current against us. We picked up the counter current, looks
like we should have been closer inshore. Another rain squall, which lasted
much longer than the others.
Supper Bully beef stew and mash
31 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 3 10 47.176N 061 31.977W Shore line lights of Tobago
off to starboard from about 0300. Through Galleon's Passage by 0700 and
started down the east coast of Trinidad for Bocas del Dragon. We haven't
seen too many ships all the way across and as we exited Galleon's Passage
there are ships all over the place missing us by 500m and more.
About 13:30 we entered the narrow channel between the mainland Trinidad
and Monos Island. The current comes out flowing north at over 3knots and
was forming a bit of a rip.
Got to Peake's just before 15:00, but were waved away to go to Immigration
and Customs first. Cleared formalities and back at Peake's by 17:00.
Peake's knew about us but had not received a date, so hope fully we will
be out tomorrow. But more important to shower and feel clean once more.
Beer and supper at the Power Boats. Then early to bed.
1/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Thought we would go out today, but between Peake's and Gittens there was
no chance. The travel-lift was booked all day - a stream of boats being
hauled out for the hurricane season - and Gittens had not received payment
and the Bank was on strike. So we have a whole weekend to find something to
do I found a Raymarine agent at Crews Inn, where young Durban chap worked.
He very happily came across to the boat and sorted out the wind instrument.
Let's hope he has fixed it really well as we have been sailing - according
to it - with the wind off our port quarter ever since Cape Town.
Rob and I walked over to the TTSA (the local yacht club). Met Roger who
introduced us to Mike. Sunday racing around the five islands. Mike offered
Rob and I a berth on his 30ft boat, which we gladly accepted.
2/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Rob went off on a sight seeing trip to Port of Spain and a popular
northern beach. Joyce and George went off to the Yacht club. I spent the
day sorting out the Pacific crossing and looking round the boat yards.
3/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Today there is a minor motor boat race. The minor part is only because it
is a qualifier for some major race in August. Now these are mean machines
- crew of four, two monstrous engines that develop over 3000hp and have a
top speed of 150 - 170mph. The crew are encapsulated in a module that if
there is a disaster they are theoretically protected. We watched the
Peake's machine - Monster - being put in the water and set off for the
races. Apparently there is no gearbox - only forward and reverse - so the
engines are started in gear and off they go. We didn't get to see any of
the actual races as we were otherwise occupied else where.
One of the Monster's shore crew gave Rob and I a lift to the Yacht Club.
As a result we arrived a little early ready to sail on Loose Goose, a
thirty footer owned by Mike. We were six on board; Mike, Kurt, Burt, Ray
and Rod & I. Motor sailed out to start near the Five Islands. If you ever
thought our starts were chaotic. Suddenly we see boats heading off on the
race. As a consequence we were last to cross the line and that's the way it
stayed. Still there was a lovely breeze - full main and No 2, but no
spinnaker. The owner doesn't like broaching. The course was about 20nm
long. Windward/leeward then a trough triangle. I think Mike had a thing
about tacking so pinched like crazy and lost out in a big way. Needless to
say we were last across the line. Plenty of beer was consumed both on the
boat and afterwards at the club. I was sun-burnt and exhausted by the time
I got back to Discovery.
4/6/2012
In Chaguaramus.
Bad start to the day when I learnt that the money transfer had not come
through and therefore no sail-drive today. Spent the day chasing up Gittins
to clear the money transfer, with success at 16:00. So tomorrow we come out
the water and hopefully back in a few hours later.
In the late afternoon Rob and walked over to Crews Inn for a beer.
5/6/2012
In Chaguaramas on the hard.
Things looked good to start with. We were lifted out of the water at 09:30
- only a half hour late. But then things started going backwards; The
starboard rudder was split at the bottom. It had been previously repaired,
but not very well. There was no bonding to the main body of the rudder with
the result all the glass that had been applied had come off some where
between here and Cape Town. Then the sail drive only arrived at 16:30.
Complete installation will only be completed tomorrow - I hope. The rudder
will also be finished then. So hoping to get back in the water tomorrow.
Must as Thursday is a holiday.
Frustrated and hot but otherwise OK
Cheers
Chris
Position 14:00 UTC -3 10 07.980N 059 24.012W Still motoring. Wind
variable, but current against us. We picked up the counter current, looks
like we should have been closer inshore. Another rain squall, which lasted
much longer than the others.
Supper Bully beef stew and mash
31 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 3 10 47.176N 061 31.977W Shore line lights of Tobago
off to starboard from about 0300. Through Galleon's Passage by 0700 and
started down the east coast of Trinidad for Bocas del Dragon. We haven't
seen too many ships all the way across and as we exited Galleon's Passage
there are ships all over the place missing us by 500m and more.
About 13:30 we entered the narrow channel between the mainland Trinidad
and Monos Island. The current comes out flowing north at over 3knots and
was forming a bit of a rip.
Got to Peake's just before 15:00, but were waved away to go to Immigration
and Customs first. Cleared formalities and back at Peake's by 17:00.
Peake's knew about us but had not received a date, so hope fully we will
be out tomorrow. But more important to shower and feel clean once more.
Beer and supper at the Power Boats. Then early to bed.
1/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Thought we would go out today, but between Peake's and Gittens there was
no chance. The travel-lift was booked all day - a stream of boats being
hauled out for the hurricane season - and Gittens had not received payment
and the Bank was on strike. So we have a whole weekend to find something to
do I found a Raymarine agent at Crews Inn, where young Durban chap worked.
He very happily came across to the boat and sorted out the wind instrument.
Let's hope he has fixed it really well as we have been sailing - according
to it - with the wind off our port quarter ever since Cape Town.
Rob and I walked over to the TTSA (the local yacht club). Met Roger who
introduced us to Mike. Sunday racing around the five islands. Mike offered
Rob and I a berth on his 30ft boat, which we gladly accepted.
2/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Rob went off on a sight seeing trip to Port of Spain and a popular
northern beach. Joyce and George went off to the Yacht club. I spent the
day sorting out the Pacific crossing and looking round the boat yards.
3/6/2012
In Chaguaramas.
Today there is a minor motor boat race. The minor part is only because it
is a qualifier for some major race in August. Now these are mean machines
- crew of four, two monstrous engines that develop over 3000hp and have a
top speed of 150 - 170mph. The crew are encapsulated in a module that if
there is a disaster they are theoretically protected. We watched the
Peake's machine - Monster - being put in the water and set off for the
races. Apparently there is no gearbox - only forward and reverse - so the
engines are started in gear and off they go. We didn't get to see any of
the actual races as we were otherwise occupied else where.
One of the Monster's shore crew gave Rob and I a lift to the Yacht Club.
As a result we arrived a little early ready to sail on Loose Goose, a
thirty footer owned by Mike. We were six on board; Mike, Kurt, Burt, Ray
and Rod & I. Motor sailed out to start near the Five Islands. If you ever
thought our starts were chaotic. Suddenly we see boats heading off on the
race. As a consequence we were last to cross the line and that's the way it
stayed. Still there was a lovely breeze - full main and No 2, but no
spinnaker. The owner doesn't like broaching. The course was about 20nm
long. Windward/leeward then a trough triangle. I think Mike had a thing
about tacking so pinched like crazy and lost out in a big way. Needless to
say we were last across the line. Plenty of beer was consumed both on the
boat and afterwards at the club. I was sun-burnt and exhausted by the time
I got back to Discovery.
4/6/2012
In Chaguaramus.
Bad start to the day when I learnt that the money transfer had not come
through and therefore no sail-drive today. Spent the day chasing up Gittins
to clear the money transfer, with success at 16:00. So tomorrow we come out
the water and hopefully back in a few hours later.
In the late afternoon Rob and walked over to Crews Inn for a beer.
5/6/2012
In Chaguaramas on the hard.
Things looked good to start with. We were lifted out of the water at 09:30
- only a half hour late. But then things started going backwards; The
starboard rudder was split at the bottom. It had been previously repaired,
but not very well. There was no bonding to the main body of the rudder with
the result all the glass that had been applied had come off some where
between here and Cape Town. Then the sail drive only arrived at 16:30.
Complete installation will only be completed tomorrow - I hope. The rudder
will also be finished then. So hoping to get back in the water tomorrow.
Must as Thursday is a holiday.
Frustrated and hot but otherwise OK
Cheers
Chris
Friday, June 1, 2012
FW: Discovery
Hi All
30 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC -3 10 07.980N 059 24.012W Still motoring. Wind variable, but current against us. We picked up the counter current, looks like we should have been closer inshore. Another rain squall, which lasted much longer than the others.
Supper Bully beef stew and mash
31 May 2012
Position 14:00 UTC - 3 10 47.176N 061 31.977W Shore line lights of Tobago off to starboard from about 0300. Through Galleon's Passage by 0700 and started down the east coast of Trinidad for Bocas del Dragon. We haven't seen too many ships all the way across and as we exited Galleon's Passage there are ships all over the place missing us by 500m and more.
About 13:30 we entered the narrow channel between the mainland Trinidad and Monos Island. The current comes out flowing north at over 3knots and was forming a bit of a rip.
Got to Peake's just before 15:00, but were waved away to go to Immigration and Customs first. Cleared formalities and back at Peake's by 17:00. Peake's knew about us but had not received a date, so hope fully we will be out tomorrow. But more important to shower and feel clean once more.
Beer and supper at the Power Boats. Then early to bed.
Cheers
Chris
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