Peacekeeper - End of Trip - Part 2

The enthusiasm and positive attitude got us to the finish intact. Captain and crew were still speaking even though we were anxious to have some space after 11 days at sea in close confines.Our combined efforts and skill resulted in a second place finish in our class, beating much larger, well appointed yachts.A proud moment for us and a journey that will be reflected upon over the coming months and years.Peacekeeper will remain in the Caribbean for at least the winter.. read more...

Peacekeeper - End of Passage Report

The journey to BVI was completed at 0439 on 16 November as we crossed the finish line at Scrub Island.Three days have elapsed since our arrival and with an internet connection now it's time to reflect on the 11 day passage. Peacekeeper and it's double handing crew experienced conditions at sea that challenged our resolve physically and mentally.What was said some time ago by a friend - your boat will be able to withstand much more than its crew - was certainly true.The heavy weather was something never before experienced but has now given a certain confidence in handling adverse conditions.We faced our first challenge when the genoa double wrapped around the forestay and the sheets became knotted. It took over 24 hours to get the sail down below.Without this sail the going would be. read more...

Peacekeeper - Fish, Repairs and More

Peacekeeper like most boats in the fleet suffered some form of damage due to high winds and seas. However, before all that set in Russ caught this fish on day 2.(can not figure out how to transfer pic from phone to here!)Today is so different than what we experienced the last two days.The tally of damage/repairs made is as follow:Wrap Genoa - 2 days to get it off the furling and it was toast!Broken WindexShattered deck block for main halyard. McGivered solution.Single reef line lost inside of boom. McGivered solutionLost ring bouy.Little wind today so back to fishing.. read more...

Peacekeeper - Our time in Portsmouth

We're here and ready for the start.Kitty flew home to take some time off after a month of sailing and south.Russ Lake arrived they same day to take over duties as first mate and bottle washer. He's done much more than that and has contributed greatly to our readiness.After a week of seminars and preparation we have gotten the word that the rally will start a day earlier than scheduled to take advantage of a weather window between front.Though for us it seems we'll have a fairly rough time for the first 48 hours or so.Here is Russ "the navigator" doing some prep for tomorrow. image1. read more...

Peacekeeper - Preparation Part 2

The next stop on our journey was to be Annapolis for the start of the boat show.But not before Kitty and I had some nice stops in Chesapeake City and Rock Hall.On arrival we we got in touch with Wendy (single handler captain) and Diane who we had met earlier in the year in the Bahamas. They were great getting us around to the chandlers and DC touring.Here is the early morning view from our very cold anchorage in Spa Creek.image1. read more...