Arkouda - Land Ho!

We finally arrived yesterday at about 11:00 local time--21 days at sea, 4 in Cape Verde.I guess we really not ready for it to end--as soon as we crossed the finish line we dropped our anchor and have not moved yet!As we were rounding Pigeon Island we had a call on the VHF from some friends from Lanzarote.Bob from Wahoo who had been waiting for us but had to get to the airport.I am sure our paths will cross again!A half a minute after crossing the finish line our friends from Twixter also called, and then guided us into the anchorage in their dingy.It was all a little overwhelming to see all the boats in the anchorage, smell the land, and hear the sounds of civilization!I think I needed a slow re acclimation, and this has been the perfect spot.We have to head in tomorrow and find a. read more...

Arkouda - Land So Close I Can Smell It!

Position 14 03N, 60 05WThe land is so close that I can smell it...well, not really...the wind is still coming from Africa so any imagined scents are just that, my imagination.We have about 51 miles to go, although the last few hours have been frustrating beyond belief!This afternoon the winds became much lighter, and the seas more manageable--so much so that we finally unzipped that sail bag and put up the main.It is hard to believe that we have not used it since before our last landfall in Cape Verde.We had another fantastic afternoon of sailing--a good breeze, blue skies, great music and company.The winds were even allowing us to "go to" our waypoint set on the chart plotter.When I went to bed there was a fantastic sunset.A few hours later I came up to check on Sean, and he was basking. read more...

Arkouda - 24 hours or so to go!

It is bittersweet that the end is in sight.This journey was so many years in the making--the dreaming, the planning, the scheming, and now our first major ocean crossing is nearing completion.We continue to move along forward, ever amazed at the changing sea and sky, and in awe of how strong boats are really made.We are looking forward to seeing land in the distance, and looking forward to seeing family and friends.We are a little concerned at only having three days to ready the boat for our departure, but we have a good list in hand, and have now done it so many times that it should go very quickly.It is bittersweet that our time together, without any distractions except keeping the boat moving forward, is nearing an end.The good news is that Sean never did decide to throw me. read more...

Arkouda - Getting Closer!

Arkouda12/17/1305:00 UMTPostion:13:37 N54:35 WWe only have approximately 370 miles to reach the northern end of St. Lucia, then its only a few miles around the corner and our Trans Atlantic crossing will be complete!The weather and seas have been a little weird during the night.Instead of the usual steady 20 to 25 knots of wind that we have been having, we are 18 knots one minute, 30 knots for 5 minutes, back to 22 knots for a half an hour.During the day we steer the boat according to the course we want to go, that way we are headed the right direction.This direction does not always make for the smoothest course, so for the last few nights we have steered according to the wind angle, keeping it as close to directly behind us as possible, which makes for a smoother ride.It also makes our. read more...

Arkouda - Can you hear me now?

13 43. 6 N, 52 43. 8SOG 7 kts, COG 284Sunshine, mostly blue skies, blue water, one sailboat in sight.We must have jiggled one of the wires right!Sean and I were enjoying cooler breezes and coffee, when we heard a voice.Wow, its coming from the VHF main speaker.We can HEAR!Okay, the big test.I ran in and grabbed the mike."This is Arkouda, over"."Good Morning, Arkouda.This is Stella, please switch to 68.""Switching 68"I hold my breath--is this where we lose him?"Good morning, Arkouda, where are you from.?"Yea!It works!It will make it easier when we arrive St. Lucia because I am predicting a night arrival on the 19th.The ARC will show you in, but anchoring sounds good to me!"Stella" is just south of us, left the same day from the Verdes.They are from Germany, and have 6 people on board.They. read more...