Breeze On - We are getting there

We are 143 miles from the Bahamas. It is a beautiful, warm day with a clear sky. The water around us is that gorgeous shade of deep blue. During my evening watch the wind dropped and the sails flogged. We decided to motor sail as long as the winds were so light. I am getting worried about running out of fuel. We are hoping the wind picks up enough to sail soon. The temporary fix that George and Ray rigged to hold the main sail to the boom gave way. They are now using a reef line to hold the sail to the boom. If all goes as planned we will reach our destination tomorrow during daylight hours.. read more...

Breeze On - What a day

Shortly after I sent the last post to this blog the out haul on our mainsail broke. That means that the sail is not attached to the boom and cannot be used. It happened shortly after dark. George and Ray did a great job making sure all of the lines were in the boat and lashing the sail to the boom. We motored the rest of that night and unfurled the jib yesterday. The wind was still in the 20's gusting to the 30's so we were able to sail with the jib only at 7 knots. The seas were so rough, even when we were outside the Gulf Stream.Swells of 8-12 feet and breaking waves coming from every which way. This morning the winds and waves have decreased somewhat. George and Ray are going to rig up a way to keep main attaches to the boom so we can use it.. read more...

Breeze On - We are in the Gulf Straam

We left the dock at 8:10 yesterday morning. We have been sailing ever since and we are now in the Gulf Stream. The conditions are, as Andy Schell says, gnarly. Big waves coming at us from several directions. It is hard to stay put when sitting, much less walking. We are all fine. Each of us is wearing a scopolamine patch and no seasickness so far.. read more...

Breeze On - We leave tomorrow!

Our departure has been moved up a day to take advantage of the wind direction. The wind will eventually be clocking around to the northeast which is not a good direction for crossing the Gulfstream.By leaving tomorrow we hope to get ahead of that.Sent from my iPhone. read more...

Breeze On - Testing Iridium Go

I am sending this post using our Iridium Go satellite phone. It is what we will use when we are offshore. Today we attended seminars on weather and Diesel engines. I also attended a women's round table discussion which was fun and helped to reduce the anxiety I have been feeling (at least a little).. read more...