Antares - ARC 2014 - As we near the END

As Antares completes her task of keeping the eastern border of ARC safe from all intruders, we prepare for the final dash to the finish.We may be just a little later than we anticipated but light winds, no spinnaker and no diesel refuel stops along the way have slowed our progress.But, progress is in the winds for today and we hope to see the rum punch welcome by tomorrow PM.As we complete this journey, we have had several reminders of the highlights. On the 6-9 AM watch this morning, the whales greeted us off our stern.Although they didn't stay long, they had covered OUR eastern border and were probably telling us "you are on your own".And, our last two dinners have reminded us of Joe's mastery of the sailing kitchen -- chicken curry Wednesday and spaghetti on Thursday. Finally, Scott. read more...

Antares - ARC 2014 Day 20 Tonight is better

Saturday was about as picture perfect as a Caribbean day could be. Beautiful sky, no waves, no swells but NO WIND.This was as close to a State 0 sea as I can imagine.Monday AM, we are on a beam reach, the skies are filled with stars I never see in the city, the seas are smooth and it is a perfect SAILING night.We continue to close our target but are maintaining a watchful eye on the eastern border of the sailing pack.I think the other boats are still safe. No fish today - Joe is losing his touch.We have eaten through the fresh foods and are doing a good job on the freezer.Another thought on the whales of a few days ago - a Cuvier's beaked whale.Size is about right, too.Thanks to all who follow our log and who comment through our email. This has been fun but we are ready to see Rodney. read more...

Antares - ARC 2014 Day 18

A beautiful day in the tropics except no wind.And, that is the near term forecast, too.Still have seen no commercial traffic in over a weekNo more whale tales, no fishing yarns -- just making a ditch through the ocean.Thanks to all who keep up with us and answer our questions.Still Tres Amigos.Bobby. read more...

Antares - ARC 2014 Whale update

Yesterday, we were so excited to see a small whale and commented in our blog.Later, he brought his mother or dad and another sibling along side for a view of the odd creature floating slowly in a westward direction.They stayed well after dusk with an occasional breath sound noting their presence.Outside advisors have guessed that this may be a Minke whale and the description fits well.It is about time for supper and Scott is hard at work on a vegetarian dish to add in. They may be waiting for my entre' but I am way to busy with the Antares daily log.To each based on their needs, from each based on their skills (or something like that).Until later, we remain Tres Amigos.Bobby. read more...

Antares - ARC`2014 - Day 16 A Whale of a Day

Winds are lighter today as our forecaster had predicted.Otherwise, it is a breezy, sunny, BEAUTIFUL day.About 1 PM, a long, slender swimming mammal appeared on our windward side.As of now, the 5-6 meter long swimmer has stayed with us swimming under the boat, in front of the bow then returns to our windward side.It seems as curious of us as we are about him/her. This has continued for over 2 hours.We have called this our first official whale siting as it has a white belly, white on the inner surface of fins behind the head and is very large for a dolphin.It is solitary, has a very small dorsal fin and only broaches with its dorsal surface every 10-15 minutes.If anyone has a firm idea about this unidentified swimmer, please post it and maybe our stateside watchers can forward your id.What. read more...