Daily Logs

Amandla Kulu - No Kite. First Night.

Captain’s Log. Star Date 21 Nov. Day 1. 1026 GMT.25ª33N015º40W///charades.gigantic.unaccountablyhttps://w3w.co/charades.gigantic.unaccountablyFirst night at sea complete. You’ll find a similar story across the fleet; lack of sleep, rolling sea and a bit of puffy stuff to keep things interesting. Happy to report after first light all showing considerably more colour in cheeks as we settle into some trade wind sailing. Current Adam is actually very pleased with Past Adam’s choices. Plan was simple and has been executed perfectly. Cross line with conservative sail plan. Port tack and hold nerve whilst others head west. Gybe a first light.I nearly got to sleep, luckily, the fruit net which hangs above my sleeping form broke at one end and I was showered by half a tonne of fruit and. read more...

Katy - First Night at sea

Bit of a rough one out here since the start. We've done 103 miles between the start at 13:00 and 09:00 so not too bad. Had wind gusts up to 40 knots and a pretty big sea state so couldn't do much and certainly not cook. We've both been soaked including me getting pooped in the cockpit. Our autopilot broke last night which caused a bit of a kerfuffle and very annoying for it to break on day one. We had the spare fitted pretty quickly and we can actually fix the original but that will have to wait til a calmer sea state. Weather looks to be improvingover the next couple of days and the sooner the better. No sleep yet but i'll lie down now after sending this.. read more...

Bolero - Day 3

Day 3During the night the Genoa furler line chafed through.Night time was not the time to address this problem so we pulled the Genoa in with the sheet and sailed a more downwind course which was a more comfortable point of sail.At daybreak Nick and Ian went forward and were able to tie the two ends of the furler line together. Anything we do takes so much longer, life jackets, repositioning safety harnesses as we move around,and just trying to keep your balance on a moving boat are a real challenge.With the furling line operational again we are able to furl the Genoa.As the wind has eased slightly, we are now able to sail with the furled Genoa goose winged on the spinnaker pole.We seem to be making good progress.The overnight flying fish tally was 3.The drum roll distance to the way. read more...

Sunbeat VI - Day 1 - Departure day

We have finally departed for Saint Lucia, after months and even years of preparations.The start was cloudy bright in force 4 - 5, and went smoothly. The wind was behind us and we were sailing under reefed main and jib. The wind got up to force 7-8 later, so we went down to the 3rd reef in the main and partly rolled up jib. Wind is now force 6-7 and very manageable. We put a gybe in just before it got dark in order to head more westerly. Drac and Ed are seasick, so Steve, Tim, Nigel and Angela will be doing the sailing tonight.. read more...

Bolero - leg 2 Day 2

Day 2Daylight came quickly at 06.30, dolphins welcomed the new day with us by swimming alongside and then under the boat.The morning flying fish tally on deck from overnight was 4.We haven’t ventured forward of the mast today as the boat is rolling and pitching in the quartering seas…… so by the time we find any tomorrow, they will definitely be pongy!Maz saw a whale, possibly a humpback whale because of he way it came out of the water, and Gwyn saw the water spout.Magical.Drum roll distance to the waypoint off Grenada was 1996 miles.WCC distance on yellow brick to finish is 2002, 158 miles in 24 hours. We are currently 47th in the fleet ( including catamarans).We sailed with 2 reefs in the mainsail and a well reefed Genoa in F6/F7 winds all day and night, as a result we have lived the. read more...

Lomvi - Day 3 - Fast but not furious

Dear shamans,What a great day to be alive. At least we hope. Out here we have no idea if it is peace on earth, or if the EU finally launched universal basic income. At this wonderfull place on mother planet where we are it is at least maximum beautiful! The crew have adapted well to these fast conditions. The ocean is somewhat more calm, and the gusts are slightly lighter, but we are still racing across this horizontal waterfall. We managed to produce water yesterday. Solution was to drop the genoa and sail at 4 knots average. That scoop strainer we didn't install on our through hull would probably solve the problem. At least we have a solution that works. Overcast is limiting the electrical power generated by the solar panels. We have tried to hoist the girls up the mast, as they are. read more...

Avventura - Log Day 01: Partiti

First 28nm done, another 2700-ish to go.Partenza da Las Palmas de Gran Canaria alle 13:00 (13:00 UTC) del 20 novembre 2022.Arrivati a (27:44.368N 01:34.050W) alle 16:45 del 20 novembre 2022. read more...

Amokura - Log Day 2 - a bumpy night!

The swell continued to build as the afternoon progressed. By supper time, which we always have before the start of the night watches, it was becoming difficult to do much down below, so we reheated a bean stew from the freezer. Even then we managed to spill some of it in the cockpit where it clung to the ropes as the boat rolled - yuk! I took the first watch from 1900-2200 and conditions were fairly lively to say the least with gusts of over 30kts. I couldn't see much of the huge cross-swell in the darkness, just the white capped tops looming behind us but I could hear waves roaring up on our starboard quarter, and feel the boat lurch sideways then accelerate off down the face of the wave, greatest speed logged 13.8 kts!  It never ceases to amaze me how Amokura rides the waves, down one. read more...

Falcon - Crossing Day 2

Distance run over the last 24hrs = 176 nautical miles.Miles to Grenada 1831.A slow news day, so some philosophical meanderings…We three aboard took this voyage of enlightenment to harness the power of this vast expanse of oceanic emptiness to reflect, evaluate, and discover the hidden depths of our souls.Clearly we must lead fairly shallow lives as we have all already finished; with the, not unsurprising, result that we are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things!With 2000 nautical miles of empty horizon to cover, we invented a new game to while away the days and hours of this passage; it’s called ‘mileage countdown trivial pursuit’.Earlier on, Gen X girl Bev wowed us with pop culture facts as we eased our way down through the 1990s and 1980s - who knew one person could. read more...

Ida - Log day 3 - Hired navigator

More wind than we like for the parasailor. So we have been heading a little south.Got help with navigation from outside. Had to be paid with flying fish.Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.5a0cab43-ed97-4ddb-aa7d-80d7792bff656652598625354851345. read more...

Dream Away - R: Day 1 - si parte !!!!

The Dream Team. read more...

Bolero - Mindelo

MindeloThe pontoons were buzzing with people swapping stories about their passages.Everyone we have spoken to has enjoyed their passage which bodes well for the next leg.We had a very quiet day on Saturday, tidying Bolero and sorting the laundry for Elizabeth who will collect it on Sunday morning.We ate at the floating bar, so we had still not set foot on Cape Verde soil!On Sunday morning, Gwyn, Ian and Maz set off to find a bakery and came across a cafe which was full of local people and had the most amazing bread.Croissants for breakfast and a lovely loaf for lunch sorted!We met other rally participants for a bus tour around the island of Sao Vicente with our excellent guide Edir. The harsh arid landscape contrasted with the deep blue sky.The people really work hard to grow anything on. read more...

Bolero - The Caribbean calls.

The Caribbean callsWe were up early to make the final preparations for our passage.Gwyn and Maz did a final bakery and market run while Nick and Ian prepared the boat for the passage.Thankfully the Sahara laden winds had eased, we had the usual Mindelo winds.We waited for the boats along the pontoon to leave and soon it was our turn to cast off.We made our way past the harbour wall into the bay to join the other 90 odd boats departing for Grenada.The 10 minute gun sounded, then the five minute gun, and then the count down to the start.All boats crossed the line at the same time,we were all nipping and tucking prior to the starting signal.It was a clean start and we left the island that had been the outer limit of the finishing line to starboard and headed south west.We sailed under Genoa. read more...

Prime Evil - DAY 1 IS HERE AT LAST

We were one of the first boats to arrive in the summer and one of the last crews to check in. I think we have tested everything 3 times now , loaded shopping 4 times , 8 walks to the chandlery for the most minor of things. Like everyone else on the pontoon since Wednesday there has been much banging , sawing , soldering but overall we arrived in a pretty good state. Now is the time to stop worrying about what we haven’t done and haven’t brought and to what we came here to do. Blustery night last night and black clouds above so we will be taking it easy for the next 48 hours until we all get our sea legs back. We have met some super helpful people and Bosun bear our tame pirate seems to have been photographed by the yachting press more than anyone else.IMG_7907. read more...

Xenial - Day 14 - Xenial Standard Time

Today we passed the 24h onboard mark and the less than 2'000 nautical miles to go mark. They don't feel like huge milestones but we have to divide this journey into small digestible bits, so we always have something to celebrate and something to look forward to.The first night onboard was rough for everyone. We were tired from departure day and still getting used to these big waves, very different from the sea we had between Las Palmas and Cape Verde. Hence we didn't get much shut eye, and a few of us have also started to feel somewhat seasick. On the bright side, the wind has been strong and steady, so we make a solid 8-10 knots most of the time. This means we haven't changed our rigging in the past 24h. Flying the main sail with two reefs and our standard foresail. The low activity for. read more...

Jo - Tag 0 - der letzte Tag an Land

Morgen ist es soweit. Um 12:30 Uhr fällt für uns der Startschuss für die ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Nach Wochen der Vorbereitung, schweißtreibenden Tagen mit den letzten Reparaturen, Arbeiten, Sicherheitseinweisungen, dem Bunkern von ca. einer Tonne Lebensmitteln und Getränken, Deckwash, Anbringung und Befüllung von Obstnetzen, und und und... und lustigen, geselligen Abenden ist die gesamte Crew nun mehr als bereit und voller Vorfreude. Einer der letzten Punkte auf der To Do-Liste: Test, ob das Veröffentlichen von Beiträgen in unserem Blog und auf der Seite des World Cruising Clubs via Satelliten Telefon weiterhin funktioniert. Falls ja, werden wir ab morgen wieder täglich - oder zumindest regelmäßig - von unserer Reise über den Atlantik berichten. Ein weiter Punkt auf der. read more...

Second Wave - Second wave

Second wave have been enjoying the rally pre race fun Captain Annie 30 6940540321 20221115_15362220221115_20532520221116_092729. read more...

Circe - Circe Ready

96 Well Circe is ready to go!  All crew aboard, last minute items completed and checked off.  Ready to tackle the Atlantic. Next stop St Lucia!. read more...

eXite - Exite 19/11 - Autopilot problems and a gibe

We have had a problem where the autopilot, when using wind wane, sometimes “set a new wind angle” for itself. Always around 20 degrees more to windward than our usual angle. But we thought it was sorted out as it hasn’t happened for about 2000 miles.When I went to rest at 15.00 it happened for the third time since leaving Mindelo. Though this time it didn’t work after a reset as it usually does.This time the drive unit to the autopilot also stopped working, so we were actually looking in to where the closest marinas are (Fogo at 200 miles or South America at 1100 miles….).After searching through the whole boat and disconnecting/connecting various sources we found a faulty nmea2000 connector that we replaced. It has probably been hit by the 10kg of rice that was packed away close to it.. read more...

Katy - The Eve of Departure & Free Spuds - Report 1

We are now fully loaded and a few kilos more than expected due to a vegetable related incident so will have to start eating through provisions vigorously and urgently after departure. Katy is down to just above her waterline but the scuppers are clear so we should be ok. The departure looks to be challenging with a force 6 forecasted and up to 2.5 metre waves for the first 24 hours. This is further exacerbated by the Canaries acceleration zone. We'll aim to go offshore a few miles and clear the island before putting more west in our course. Paul from Pelican (a 50' cat opposite) has recommended clearing the island and striking out on a course of 250 degrees. This also keeps us away from the higher winds which could gust to beyond force 7 around the airport. He has completed this crossing. read more...

Dream Away - Day -1

Si va a cena. read more...

Dream Away - Day 0

Ci prepariamo a partire. read more...

Amokura - Log Day 1

After a busy few days in Mindelo, repairing ourselves and the boat, it was time to put to sea again.  We have banked some great memories of the Cape Verdes, the music, vibrancy, and the warm welcome from the people as well as the stunning scenery, will stay with us as we start the next leg. The start line was predictably busy, with catamarans starting at the same time as monohulls. It was exciting sailing in close quarters and dodging other boats but no mishaps occurred. As we got clear of the port, the wind died, probably due to the effect of the land. We hoisted the parasail and accelerated away. Where was the wind acceleration zone we had been warned about? 45 minutes later we had found it, and so had other yachts flying poled-out headsails who were broaching and slewing up into. read more...

Amokura - Log Day 1 - an exciting start

After a busy few days in Mindelo, repairing ourselves and the boat, it was time to put to sea again.  We have banked some great memories of the Cape Verdes, the music, vibrancy, and the warm welcome from the people as well as the stunning scenery, will stay with us as we start the next leg. The start line was predictably busy, with catamarans starting at the same time as monohulls. It was exciting sailing in close quarters and dodging other boats but no mishaps occurred. As we got clear of the port, the wind died, probably due to the effect of the land. We hoisted the parasail and accelerated away. Where was the wind acceleration zone we had been warned about? 45 minutes later we had found it, and so had other yachts flying poled-out headsails who were broaching and slewing up into. read more...

Betelgeuse - BETELGEUSE Saturday 19/11/22

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Avventura - Partenza minus 18h

Evening before the big day. Boat and crew are ready, the food is stored - everything has finally found its place. We are happy to start tomorrow.. read more...

Lomvi - Day 1 and 2 - Back in Neptun's dojo!

Brave lovers of the ocean!We have concluded our first day at sea of the looooong crossing from Cape Verde to Grenada. 2200 nautical miles. We expect to arrive some time before Christmas this year. Remember how smooth sailing was from Las Palmas to Cape Verde? Working hypothesis is that it was only to trick those sitting on the fence regarding their participation on leg two, to believe ocean sailing is only sun, calm seas and banana pancakes. Conditions right now are not the complete opposite, but definitely on the other end of the pleasure scale. 11 to 16 s/m of wind and 2 to 4 meters waves with periods down to 7 seconds. For those of you not familiar with the meteorological terms we have acquired lately, it is a rollercoster out here. We do prefer calmer conditions, but the boat is. read more...

Lothlorien - Tag 1 - Die Spannung steigt

Wir stehen jetzt 24 Stunden vor dem Start am Sonntag, den 20. November um 13:00 Uhr Ortszeit. Wir haben unseren ‚yellow brick‘ erhalten, der ständig unsere Position im Internet sichtbar macht und unter https://www.worldcruising.com/arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx einzusehen ist.Sind wir klar zum Start? Heute Morgen habe ich uns aus dem Hafen abgemeldet und gerade das ‚Skippers Briefing‘ erhalten. Wir haben eingekauft, repariert, optimiert und vieles, vieles mehr. Ich denke, wir könnten auch noch eine weitere Woche füllen und würden genug Arbeit finden. Wir sind jedoch gut vorbereitet und fiebern dem Start entgegen. Also ja, wir sind startklar.Für die kommende Woche werden uns moderate Passatwinde in Aussicht gestellt und es sieht nach einer guten ersten Woche auf See aus. Leider müssen wir uns. read more...

Charisma - CHARISMA | ARC Vorbereitung Tag 8

ARC Vorbereitung Tag 8 - die letzten Vorbereitungen laufen. Aber erstmal geht es zum Nautor's Swan Frühstück, zu dem wir als Crew eingeladen sind. Danach hat jeder dezidierte Aufgaben ...Last Minute EinkaufEin Abordnung macht sich nochmals auf in die Stadt - ein paar Dinge haben wir bei El Corte Ingles nicht bekommen und die 75 Eier müssen auch nachgekauft werden. Auch Spezialrecherche ist gefragt, gegen 15 Uhr meldet Ulfilas die Sichtung von Sauerkraut - juppiee!! VorkochenDirk's Job ist das Vorkochen für die ersten zwei Tage - ob die Fleischlieferung für das Gullasch wohl noch kommt? Wenn nicht, muss umdisponiert werden. Ausreichend Zutaten haben wir ja an Bord.Skipper-BriefingUm 12 Uhr ist Skipper-Briefing des World Cruising Clubs. Hier werden die Informationen zum Start und zum. read more...

Charisma - CHARISMA | ARC Vorbereitung Tag 7

ARC Vorbereitung Tag 7 - heute kommt die Lieferung des Frischemarkts. Die Zeit bis dahin wird mit weiteren Technik-Themen gefüllt.Tauwerk KontrolleDie Spischoten werden kritisch geprüft und an ihren Enden nochmals mit dem Heißschneider sauber abgetrennt. Dann kommt die Takelkiste an Deck und es wir genäht! Drohnen TestflugDas Gemüse lässt auf sich warten - eine Abordnung geht an den Strand und übt mit Drohnen-Käpt'n Jelli starten und landen. Für die richtige Abstimmung des Fang-Equipments muss noch gesägt werden. Aber dann läift alles.Obst & GemüseUnd dann plötzlich steht die Frischelieferung am Steg. Alles raus aus den Kisten, unter den Wasserstrahl und hoch an Deck. Die leicht angeditschte Obstware wird gleich an Ort und Stelle zu Obstsalat verarbeitet - lecker! Währenddesse. read more...

Charisma - CHARISMA | ARC Vorbereitung Tag 6

ARC Vorbereitung Tag 6 - heute bestimmt die Lieferung und das Verstauen des haltbaren Proviants den Tagesablauf. Wir haben bei El Corte Ingles den vormittaglichen Lieferslot bekommen, bis 12 Uhr sollte die Ware am Steg sein.MedizinbriefingDie Zeit vor der Anlieferung nutzen wir für das Medizin-Briefing. Bordarzt Linus erläutert den Aufbau und den Inhalt der Bordabpotheke. Alle geben die im Vorfeld ausgefüllte medizinische Selbstauskunft (Alergien, Medikamente etc.) ab – auch für den Notfall sind wir gut vorbereiten. Nach dem Briefing kommen der Ulmer Koffer mit den Medikamenten und die Tasche mit der Hardware (Verbandszeug, Schienen etc.) wieder an ihren Platz. Auf dass wir sie nicht benötigen!Zoll-CheckoutIm Anschluss kommen zwei Zollbeamte an Bord und klarieren uns und die CHARISMA. read more...

Helia2 - Day 1 of Leg 2 to Grenada

Winds have been steady at 25+ knots for most of the night…after finally breaking free of the island shadow effect around dinner time.We are under a reefed main and full genoa keeping apparent wind under 20 knots with swells quartering our stern and mostly helping us…. Everyone has settled into our shift routines after the first night and is doing well.We lost 6 eggs to a rogue wave…but gained 3 flying fish overnight (one made it all the way down below in one of the hulls). Here is a moment from 6:30 this morning captured by AIS showing Helia2’s top speed on the back of a wave…image1. read more...