tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35249019158918563742024-03-13T16:39:50.620+00:00Nic and Steve sailing around the world.Sailing around the world on a yacht.nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-46150272494105311712013-10-22T15:11:00.002+01:002013-10-22T16:01:37.563+01:00The birth of baby LoganWe would like to announce that baby boy Logan was born on the 21st October at 00.38 hrs , weighing in at 7lbs 14oz and that we are still waiting on the French factory to make and send the new rudder, glad we are in no rush!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eY0IbOYtYiI/UmZGKIaP6QI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/QkY9-whaQHs/s1600/DSC_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eY0IbOYtYiI/UmZGKIaP6QI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/QkY9-whaQHs/s640/DSC_0031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-31443280565643394592013-08-23T11:38:00.001+01:002013-08-23T11:42:20.251+01:006 weeks to go!!Just a 'wee' photo of my bump to date! Nearly 34 wks pregnant - with 6 weeks to go - we think!! We are both keeping well - <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgNef5TzKJM/Uhc6v--cT8I/AAAAAAAAA5A/iIbqlbONcXw/s1600/DSCF3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgNef5TzKJM/Uhc6v--cT8I/AAAAAAAAA5A/iIbqlbONcXw/s400/DSCF3736.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bump getting a little heavy now!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Excuse the pj's!!<br />
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Also, whilst I was half asleep on the couch, Stevie got down on one knee, with a rose from the garden, and proposed to me!! We plan to marry on a boat in Loch Lomond in February!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etHa8Fjlaa4/Uhc7aD1amQI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6GYf1gUf4xU/s1600/DSCF3725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etHa8Fjlaa4/Uhc7aD1amQI/AAAAAAAAA5I/6GYf1gUf4xU/s400/DSCF3725.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-3126964491866225772013-08-12T08:17:00.003+01:002013-08-12T08:17:55.536+01:00Still waiting!!So the French shut down for August (the hole month) for holidays, so the rudder will not be made until the start of September, Nic's bump is coming along nicely, she is enjoying being able to speak to the doctors in English and not having to pay for every visit. The lovely weather we returned to has reverted back to a typical Scottish summer - Grey and wet :(<br />
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I hope the boat is fairing well in our absence.<br />
<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-52681717437010095432013-07-11T00:10:00.002+01:002013-07-11T00:10:20.476+01:00Back in ScotlandWell the news is mid September for a new rudder, so home we are for the time being!nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-36928561090731716002013-07-01T19:30:00.002+01:002013-07-01T23:42:50.394+01:00Nics Diary - Part 14 - Bermuda to Azores<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Nic’s Diary – Part
14</u></b></div>
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This blog entry covers our last few days in Hamilton,
Bermuda (start of June 2013), and our second Atlantic crossing to Flores,
Azores (3<sup>rd</sup> June until 20<sup>th</sup> June), and then on to Horta, Azores (22nd June).</div>
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<u>Bermuda:</u></div>
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We had a fabulous time in Bermuda, catching up with my brother
Neil, and his wife Shelly, although the tension on the boat between crew was
becoming a little annoying.</div>
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I enjoyed sharing a “hard” days’ work of a Goslings rep
(Neil), when we visited several pubs in St Georges and the south of the island,
making sure his clients were happy with the service that Goslings (the local beverage
supplier) were providing, and that all deliveries etc were satisfactory. We had
a free lunch at a golf club (another client), overlooking the beautiful
turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Bermuda. Also, an Italian pub owner
gave Neil some home baked bread, and home grown tomatoes, that he kindly
donated to our boat (well appreciated seen as it is $6 a loaf in Bermuda!!).
All in all a fab relaxing day out, and great to get off the boat.</div>
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Neil and Shelly came over to the yacht for dinner, and
Shelly had bought me some baby clothes and other baby gifts. These are the
first baby items I have. I was quite overwhelmed, and very happy with them –
thanks xx<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKWvn1Vi1kE/UdH6JwirnlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/brNj0sa29us/s1600/DSCF3708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XKWvn1Vi1kE/UdH6JwirnlI/AAAAAAAAA4E/brNj0sa29us/s400/DSCF3708.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby starter pack!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chewsy, our friends from home, who towed us the last part of
our last journey, when the engine failed, towed us again around to Hamilton
(from St Georges). Stevie and Steve diagnosed the fault as the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>fuel pump, the diaphragm in it had broken,
allowing the fuel and oil to mix, resulting In the engine overrunning and
failing. Luckily this turned out to be the problem and we were very relieved,
as the new pump cost £100, whereas a new engine is £10,000. Very lucky!! We
breathed a huge sigh of relief, but the next day Stevie found a leaky injector.
The mechanic came out and it turned out be a simple fix, so finally we were
ready for our second Atlantic crossing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ-CJ1BTY60/UdHvhfDfp7I/AAAAAAAAA1o/rww0RN8CkBQ/s1600/DSCF3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eJ-CJ1BTY60/UdHvhfDfp7I/AAAAAAAAA1o/rww0RN8CkBQ/s400/DSCF3618.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy went up the mast to fix our topping lift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Neil and Shelly agreed to chauffeur us around to the farmers
market for fruit & veg, the supermarket, and the DIY shop for a few bits.
Thanks very much for your help. Unfortunately 24 hours before we were due to
leave (after 7 days in Bermuda), one of our crew (Graham) decided to leave us.
We were a little annoyed at his timing, especially as his departure was obviously per-meditated (his flight was booked, and he had taken his custom clearance form
from all of the boat documents). A little more notice would have been
appreciated, but in all honesty we were relieved to see the back of him, as for
a 60yr old, he had a lot of growing up to do. I will spare you all of the
details, but life on board the yacht had been rather depressing and hard work.
I did not realise how much the atmosphere was getting me down, until he left
and I felt the weight lifting off my shoulders. I asked Neil to take me to St
Georges, so I could check the noticeboard for new crew, and put up an advert.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One crew on offer turned out to be a Colombian illegal immigrant from another boat, luckily Stevie was on the
ball and realised that he did not have a visa for Europe – if not, we could
have been fined for bringing him into Europe, and also made to pay for his
flight home (close one!!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, our luck finally changed, and we had a phone call
from an English guy called Chris (who looks like Jack Sparrow), who had dreamed
of sailing the Atlantic, but had just left a catamaran, mostly due to health
and safety issues. He was about to fly home, but after meeting us, and seeing
the boat, he decided to join us. Thank goodness. He has been a god send!!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So after 7 days in Bermuda, all 4 of us are finally ready to
cross the Atlantic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Bermuda to Flores, Azores</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3<sup>rd</sup> – 9<sup>th</sup>
June:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We departed Bermuda at 20.00hrs utc, on the 3<sup>rd</sup>
June, for our 1680nm Atlantic crossing to the Azores (estimated to take around
2 weeks). I didn’t feel the same ‘buzz’ as the last Atlantic crossing, maybe
due to the fact we weren’t destined for the Caribbean, and because we were
headed in the general direction of ‘home’. But never mind, we had good conditions,
and favorable wind, so all was looking good. As we were 4 people, we worked
the same rota as before, with 3 hours on and 9 hours off. It sound like a
‘piece of cake’, but you would be surprised how much it catches up with you,
especially when the conditions are crap, as sleep can be difficult, and
sometimes either Stevie or I will be up all of the time, if required.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the first couple of days we saw pilot whales, dolphins
and turtles. Mostly beautiful clear starry skies, and no other boats.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M75TiKXrVww/UdHxStsFanI/AAAAAAAAA2A/z5lOonNWFV4/s1600/DSCF3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M75TiKXrVww/UdHxStsFanI/AAAAAAAAA2A/z5lOonNWFV4/s400/DSCF3644.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphins playing with the boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days into the journey, I started to feel a little
down. I wasn’t sure why, and put it down to pregnancy hormones. My hips seemed
to be having a growing spurt, which was quite painful, and the baby was giving
me growing pains too. I felt exhausted, uncomfortable, and started to think
that maybe another Atlantic crossing was too much for me when 5 months pregnant.
However, the next day I felt fine, so I think I was just hormonal – maybe I was
just ‘letting it all out’ after the terrible previous passage (engine failure –
Niics Diary – Part 13) or maybe the horrible atmosphere that we had been living
with for quite a while?? or was I having premonitions of what was to come??</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the weather was fine fort the first week, we managed to
enjoy movie nights, and rest quite well (once we got into the pattern of
things). All in all a great first week, and we had covered half of the
distance, with 840nm to go. No records broken, but we had a horrible southerly current trying to push us ever north, losing 20+ NM per day to current was not fun ,on a couple of days we estimated the current was costing us 2 Knots, 25 percent of our speed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPtoNCyz4s/UdH2BHKY4wI/AAAAAAAAA3M/s3H9ZPHJS_w/s1600/DSCF3684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDPtoNCyz4s/UdH2BHKY4wI/AAAAAAAAA3M/s3H9ZPHJS_w/s400/DSCF3684.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many beautiful sunsets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">10<sup>th</sup> - 13<sup>th</sup>
June:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last few days have been a bit rougher, as the wind and
swell have increased. Also, the weather is grey and drizzly. Not so nice – I
think we are definitely on right direction of home (well the med)!! It was
starting to get really cold, and the thermals, water proofs, and willies are
out. I miss the Caribbean!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">14<sup>th</sup> June:</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The day the shit hit the fan!!!</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
300mn to go – approximately less than 3 days to go – or
not!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was approximately 12.30pm and I was on watch, with Stevie
up with me, and luckily he was in the ‘driving seat’. A bit swell caught us on
the starboard aft quarter, pushing us around quite far. I was looking at the
steering wheel, and it did not correct us. I said to Stevie ‘I think the auto
pilot has failed – press standby and hand steer’. At this moment he looked over
his shoulder to see our lovely (f'ing) rudder floating away. Oh crap!!<br />
<br />
Mandy and Chris
were both downstairs, and heard a thud and came up onto deck. I shouted for
Mandy to get everyone’s life jackets, as the boat spun around quite violently
in the big swell. I told Chris to help me put the genoa away (my usual panic
since the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">knock down</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> - </b>Nic’s Diary –
Part 7), but Stevie said to leave them both up, as the boat was naturally
‘heaving too’ (turning side on to the wind with the sails backed – the most
stable position for the boat to sit in these circumstances). When the boat
appeared to be stable, Mandy and I collected all emergency gear from the
microwave (hand held GPS, sat phone, radio, and PLB (Personal location
beacon)), and put them safely in our pockets in case we were knocked over (this
won’t happen unless the swell turns into breaking waves – so really we were
safe). Once the boat stabilised, and we had a few moments to digest what just
happened, I sat quietly trying to calm myself, remembering I was pregnant, and
this stress cannot be good for the baby. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stevie and Chris started discussing plans to make an
emergency rudder, and I suggested that before we did this, that we should
inform Clyde Coastguard (where the boat is registered) of our position and
situation. I also called my poor mum (sorry mum), to tell her of our situation
– we were safe, but if she didn’t hear from me daily, then tell the coast
guard.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clyde coastguard informed the Portuguese coastguard, who put
out a warning to all of the big boats in the area, that we were adrift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got an up to date weather forecast (thanks to Steve my
friend from home), which predicted several days of calm, after tomorrow. Very
lucky to have the winds and swell forecast to drop soon!! (So different to our
previous passage when our engine failed, and we prayed for the wind to stay!! –
Nics Diary – Part 13).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stevie suggested everyone went to bed for the night, to get
a good rest. I said ‘no way – the last thing we need is for someone to hit us,
causing more damage, and that we still needed to keep a proper watch’.
Eventually he agreed – I think he had just had enough.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">15 June:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plans and discussions continued about the new rudder, but
Chris was getting quite anxious to make a start on it. Stevie explained that
there was very little we could do, and also it was quite dangerous to try to
work in the big swell, and that we would have to wait until tomorrow for calm.
Chris then decided that he wanted to leave the boat asap. I explained to him
that this would not be possible, as the risk of damage to ourselves, or another
yacht coming close to us was too high in the big seas. Also, launching a dingy
and trying to get to another yacht in this swell was virtually suicide. I
suggested he rested until the morning, and that Stevie had some ‘time out’
watching cartoons, as his brain processed the plan of action for tomorrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlucky for us, again, thick fog descended in the evening,
making look out for other boats virtually impossible. Once again I called Clyde
coastguard for them to issue another warning to big vessels in the area of our position.
It was a long night, as our 3 hour watches continued, armed with a fog horn
just in case needed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily for us, we had actually drifted very slowly in the
correct direction, towards the Azores, since we lost the rudder.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">16 June:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, a day of calm seas and nice sunshine. Time to start
an exhausting 12 hour day of rudder construction, and steerage ideas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyz9BjIwDvs/UdHx9Be68CI/AAAAAAAAA2I/wAonFfXr2rY/s1600/DSCF3652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jyz9BjIwDvs/UdHx9Be68CI/AAAAAAAAA2I/wAonFfXr2rY/s320/DSCF3652.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudder construction begins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhyQ11MdWAo/UdHyaF1FKcI/AAAAAAAAA2U/6JdxoC3-k8g/s1600/DSCF3660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HhyQ11MdWAo/UdHyaF1FKcI/AAAAAAAAA2U/6JdxoC3-k8g/s400/DSCF3660.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attaching bunk bed base to spinnaker pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp_GuuRamM8/UdH0jfpK1fI/AAAAAAAAA20/so_j4hoLQqE/s1600/DSCF3679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp_GuuRamM8/UdH0jfpK1fI/AAAAAAAAA20/so_j4hoLQqE/s400/DSCF3679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New rudder strapped to back stay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPvdNBnkEtc/UdH3mAIIECI/AAAAAAAAA3k/Kr3_6L2SyKw/s1600/DSCF3691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YPvdNBnkEtc/UdH3mAIIECI/AAAAAAAAA3k/Kr3_6L2SyKw/s320/DSCF3691.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness for strong back stays!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-0R8ypidq8/UdHy9G54bZI/AAAAAAAAA2c/RmCe_m9BjjI/s1600/DSCF3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5-0R8ypidq8/UdHy9G54bZI/AAAAAAAAA2c/RmCe_m9BjjI/s400/DSCF3661.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The idea was to use the emergency tiller for steerage once the new rudder was in the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without a rudder, our boat steers off to the port side, due
to the prop walk. All we could do was turn in circles!! Never underestimate the
value of a rudder!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided that before we started chopping up bits of the
boat to construct a rudder, that we should try towing our dingy (with the
engine on it for extra weight), and to pull it to either side of the back of
the boat, in the hope that the drag from it would be enough to turn the boat.
This took a few hours to prepare, and it didn’t really work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped for lunch, and then decided to try plan B. Use
the spinnaker pole (a n 18ft long 10cm diameter hollow pole), and attach 2
pieces of wood (one on each side), to make a rudder. For the wood, we cut up
the base of a bunk bed, as this was 10mm thick marine plywood – nice and strong
for the job. Luckily we had some 12mm threaded rod, with washers and bolts to
fit. We put these together, and pushed the dinghy anchor and other bits of
heavy metal <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>inside the end of the pole,
to try to keep it in the water, as it would keep trying to float up out of the
water otherwise. We decided the best place to attach our new rudder, with its
long pole, was onto one of the back stays, with several bits of rope around it,
and onto the winches, for a help to turn the rudder. Our topping lift, plus a
few other ropes were used to hold the pole in position.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got this completed, and in the water around 7pm. We were
exhausted. The rudder looked good, and felt really sturdy, but the steerage was
poor. We decided to call it a night, and have a work on the steerage aspect
tomorrow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stevie started discussing that we may have to eventually abandon
the boat. I told him no way – this is my only home, and virtually all that I
own is on this boat!!. We had plenty more ideas, lots of
fuel, water, and food, so there was no chance that we were giving up this
easily. Once again I think he was just exhausted, and he had had enough. (nb steveie says nonsense , stevie was not going to abandon the boat until it was unsafe to stay aboard or we ran out of food/ciggies whichever came first, but we had to consider that it may have to eventually happen )</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">17 June</i>:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The start of day 4 of being adrift. This morning Mandy told
me that both her and Chris had decided that if another yacht came along, that
they had decided that they would leave us. Gee thanks!! I suppose I understood
there side – they had nothing to lose by leaving the boat, but all of us were
in no danger. We had been radioing hourly for other boats to give us a tow for
the last 24 hours, and no-one had responded. It appeared that there was no one
out there – just the occasional large cargo ship!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEj0zHRp0ao/UdHzntv7QeI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Thp2M6MQwKc/s1600/DSCF3667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEj0zHRp0ao/UdHzntv7QeI/AAAAAAAAA2o/Thp2M6MQwKc/s400/DSCF3667.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandy doing her 'message in a bottle' - I think it read 'Help we are in serious shit!!' - Nice and calm ocean though!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris and Stevie began tweeking the jury rudder, adding
additional ropes under the transom to hold it in tight and one mid pole to a
forward winch to hold it in tight and began experimenting with the steering, it
was hard work and would take 3 people to steer the boat, one on each winch and
one watching compass and gps for course. it was far from perfect but would have
gotten us home as a last resort. ( edit by steveie, we were working on ideas for better steering, I almost had it rigged into the emergency tiller via pulleys which would have given us wheel steering, we had probs with the ropes stretching - some dynema or other non stretch rope would have been a godsend and some turnbuckles with eyes for rope would have been great as well)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around 10am another boat radioed us and said that they had
heard that we needed a tow, and that they were going to make their way over to
us. To this day we still have no idea how they heard, but not to worry, we were
very glad of the help. They said that their autopilot had failed, and 3 of them
had been hand steering for around 10 days. They were exhausted, and asked if
one of our crew members would come over to help. Chris immediately volunteered
(thanks Chris). I reckoned that they probably had not eaten very well, and also
as Chris was vegetarian, I set about making big pots of food for Chris to take
over to them. As we awaited our tow, we spotted a massive whale ahead (probably
around the size of our boat). We prayed that this whale did not take a fancy
for Crazy Diamond, and that it did not try to mount the boat!! Luckily he
headed away from us. Some smaller pilot whales then started to circle the boat.
As they were smaller, we were not so worried, and just enjoyed the magnificent
sight!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BO_8qfDkIjM/UdH8UOQ6SII/AAAAAAAAA4k/QxymkHEylIY/s1600/DSC00331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BO_8qfDkIjM/UdH8UOQ6SII/AAAAAAAAA4k/QxymkHEylIY/s400/DSC00331.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 of us patiently and happily awaiting our tow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9SPxNL92Iw/UdH9LQKZP4I/AAAAAAAAA4w/T5hnKWyVxso/s1600/DSC00436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o9SPxNL92Iw/UdH9LQKZP4I/AAAAAAAAA4w/T5hnKWyVxso/s400/DSC00436.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circled by whales!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James McDust (the catamaran that offered us a tow), arrived
at around noon, Chris was taken over to them, and we were on our merry way. It
took a while to get going, as without our home made rudder in the water, our
boat just zig zagged all around the place.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuEJFp65vSE/UdH1QSf4c8I/AAAAAAAAA3A/5g9nHgLsibk/s1600/DSCF3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TuEJFp65vSE/UdH1QSf4c8I/AAAAAAAAA3A/5g9nHgLsibk/s400/DSCF3681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James McDust to the rescue - and Stevie rowing Chris over to crew with them</td></tr>
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The 300 mile tow took around 3 days, and our watches
consisted of changing the chafe point of the towing ropes hourly (I almost lost
my fingers once!!), radioing other ships if they looked like they were going to
be too close, and supervising our new rudder to make sure it was behaving!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf2rMPKjLWk/UdH20Iepy5I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/OC5sPrYMbXA/s1600/DSCF3687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf2rMPKjLWk/UdH20Iepy5I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/OC5sPrYMbXA/s400/DSCF3687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On tow once again</td></tr>
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We were greeted by Chris and Steve (our friends from home on
yacht Chewsy) when we got to Flores, the Azores on 20/6. I have to admit, I had
a few tears with Chris (thanks for being so understanding and supportive!!).
They had their yacht all stocked up and refueled, and were ready to come back
300 miles to tow us, until we said someone else was on the way (much
appreciated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I am so glad you didn’t
have to xx).</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9J92EHRqiMs/UdH5UgN3cGI/AAAAAAAAA34/DRsyv_KHRgo/s1600/DSCF3697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9J92EHRqiMs/UdH5UgN3cGI/AAAAAAAAA34/DRsyv_KHRgo/s400/DSCF3697.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So happy to see land!</td></tr>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">22 June:</i></div>
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Chewsy towed us to Horta, a larger island, with better
marina facilities. As it was looking like 3 months for a new rudder, then we
decided that this was a better place to leave our boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4kfF1npEmU/UdH4gPncRPI/AAAAAAAAA3w/4Jqmuj73cn8/s1600/DSCF3695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4kfF1npEmU/UdH4gPncRPI/AAAAAAAAA3w/4Jqmuj73cn8/s400/DSCF3695.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewsy to the rescue once again - our 3rd tow in a month!!</td></tr>
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Both Flores and Horta are beautiful islands, but they are
very secluded, and a bit chilly at night.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Both Chris and Mandy have left us, and we have been
stripping the deck, and cleaning, and vacuum bagging all of our belongings in
preparation to leave the boat for some length of time. It is very sad, and we
are not particularly looking forward to returning to the hustle and bustle of
land life!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I would like to thank Chris and Mandy for their hard work,
support, and calmness during the dramas of our crossing. And also to captain
Stevie for his perseverance – I am so glad he didn’t abandon and sink the
boat!! Also, a big thanks to both mums for helping with sat phone credit top
up, communicating with coastguards, and all of the other dramas! Also, to Steve
our weatherman for being on the ball, and of course to Chris & Steve (Chewsy)
for all of their help and tows!!</div>
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<br /></div>
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We are both looking forward to a wee break from sailing, as
the last month or so has been quite stressful. In particular we are looking
forward to a real bed, a lovely long bath, and some good old Scottish
takeaways!! And of course some big hugs from all of our friends at home.
Looking forward to seeing you really soon xxx</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wCQVHfXQdw/UdH7XppNLHI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/xiki-0smLlo/s1600/DSCF3710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wCQVHfXQdw/UdH7XppNLHI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/xiki-0smLlo/s320/DSCF3710.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">26 weeks and very glad to be putting my feet up for a bit</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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Lots of love, Admiral Nic, and Deck hand baby bump<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g07JJeRqsgs/UdHwaMdkL7I/AAAAAAAAA10/lgxNCQpE45Y/s1600/DSCF3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g07JJeRqsgs/UdHwaMdkL7I/AAAAAAAAA10/lgxNCQpE45Y/s400/DSCF3625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The captain hard at work as always!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-67865387045376209622013-05-26T19:06:00.000+01:002013-07-18T10:19:37.178+01:00Nics Diary - Part 13 St Lucia to theBritish Virgin Islands & Bermuda crossing.<style>@font-face {
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3524901915891856374" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3524901915891856374" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b><u><span lang="EN-GB">Nic’s
Diary – Part 13</span></u></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3524901915891856374" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3524901915891856374" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">Mandys link with her photos: <a href="http://vagabondette.com/sailing/the-bathsdevils-beach-virgin-gorda-british-virgin-islands-photos/" target="_blank">The Baths</a> <a href="http://vagabondette.com/sailing/guadalupe-island-photos/" target="_blank">Guadalupe</a></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></i>
<i><span lang="EN-GB">Places
Visited:</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">St Lucia – Rodney Bay</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Guadeloupe</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">St Martin – Marigot Bay</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">British Virgin Islands (BVIs) – Virgin
Gorda, Virgin Tortola, Norman Island</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Also, a daily diary of our crossing from
BVIs to Bermuda</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">This blog entry covers 28.4.13 – 25.5.13,
from picking up our crew, and our sail to Bermuda.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span lang="EN-GB">St Lucia</span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">On the 30/4 I felt the babies first
flutter, so I was really happy. I asked ‘all the mummies out there’ on Facebook
if what I was feeling was actually the baby as I have no idea!! It was like a
tiny vibration inside of me – really cute.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">After a slight delay with our first new
crew members flight, Mandy (39 years old, from the USA) joined us on the 1<sup>st</sup>
of May. Graham (60 years old from England) joined us a couple of days later. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Finally we collected Stevies sparkly new
passport, and he was dancing with joy all day!! (It’s been 7 months since he
lost his other one, on a drunken night out to the bingo and casino in
Gibraltar).</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We moved out to the anchorage on the 5/5
and all 4 of us spent a good few hours diving under the boat to scrub off the
green slime that always manages to grow!!</span><br />
<br />
Once the hull was nice and shiny, we headed
off to St Martin, to start stocking up for the Atlantic crossing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFBAXXvJYxU/Uaeb6gbMdKI/AAAAAAAAAy4/B3dhVWLxV6s/s1600/DSCF3517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oFBAXXvJYxU/Uaeb6gbMdKI/AAAAAAAAAy4/B3dhVWLxV6s/s400/DSCF3517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe time for some new flip flops?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<u><span lang="EN-GB">Guadeloupe</span></u><br />
<u><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">As the conditions for our sail to St Martin
were getting a little annoying – currents and winds against us – we decided to
stop at Guadeloupe for the night. On our approach it started to rain, and
visibility was poor. We dropped our anchor, dried off, and managed to go to
land for some dinner in between showers. We had a good night’s sleep, and then
headed off to St Martin (once again) in the morning.</span><br />
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<u><span lang="EN-GB">St Martin</span></u><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">We spent a few days here, got in a massive
4 trolley load of shopping in preparation for our Atlantic crossing. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-GB"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3krVe1Gs-0/UaecasOAifI/AAAAAAAAAzA/pd7m4RQ3BwU/s1600/DSCF3515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3krVe1Gs-0/UaecasOAifI/AAAAAAAAAzA/pd7m4RQ3BwU/s400/DSCF3515.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub6B0uXJUgg/Uaecmon4rcI/AAAAAAAAAzI/zPA2-dA7jgA/s1600/DSCF3516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ub6B0uXJUgg/Uaecmon4rcI/AAAAAAAAAzI/zPA2-dA7jgA/s400/DSCF3516.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a wee bit of shopping!!</td></tr>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">We took Mandy on a long walk to see the bar where
the planes fly over really closely when landing. Mental note – do not walk for
over 1 hour, on rough ground, when pregnant, wearing flip flops – my right foot
was killing me.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toFa2ETWlsw/UaedJCGQ4EI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/2LFLEbcXL6k/s1600/DSCF3531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-toFa2ETWlsw/UaedJCGQ4EI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/2LFLEbcXL6k/s400/DSCF3531.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much busier than when we were last here in Jaunary</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-GB">I managed to get a second scan of the baby,
and had the date calculated as 10 days further ahead than I thought, making the
due date the 7<sup>th</sup> October (My best friend Amanda will be pleased, as
this is her birthday). It was fantastic, as I had my own screen, and managed to
see everything. Stevie was allowed in too, and we both had a wee tear. The baby
really is a fully formed baby now – it’s fab to see. The report was again in
French, and we interpreted that the age of the baby is calculated by measuring
all of the organs, and dating them. I wasn’t surprised to see everything
measuring up to be 17-18 weeks old, and the brain to be 20 weeks old –
definitely Stevies baby!!!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_GxFsDEL9c/Uaegh2oIHBI/AAAAAAAAAzk/p0qkB1wmxKg/s1600/DSCF3581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_GxFsDEL9c/Uaegh2oIHBI/AAAAAAAAAzk/p0qkB1wmxKg/s320/DSCF3581.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 wk old - medium sized bump!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gtixy-W0sU/UaelpSGsA-I/AAAAAAAAA0I/ar79QXHj5Hw/s1600/DSCF3600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Gtixy-W0sU/UaelpSGsA-I/AAAAAAAAA0I/ar79QXHj5Hw/s320/DSCF3600.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stevie 30 wks - large bump - he he!!</td></tr>
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<u><span lang="EN-GB">BVI’s</span></u><br />
<u><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">Well, the pain in my right foot worsened
within the next few days, to the extent that I could not walk on it. It felt
like the whole sole had tightened into a spasm. Some serious muscle damage I
think. I had painkillers, and deep heat on the boat, but surprise, surprise
every bit of medication says ‘do not take when pregnant until you consult a
doctor or pharmacist’. Of course, we had no internet to google, so I had to
hobble (tears and all) to the nearest pharmacy. He advised using the things I
had, but the next day it wasn’t much better. As we were about to commence our 6
day sail to Bermuda, I decided it was time to visit the doctor. He gave a
little chuckle when I said the distance I had walked in flip flops, and
prescribed me an analgesic cream, that worked a treat. I got him to do a quick
pregnancy check too, and he confirmed all is well.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We enjoyed the BV!s, although we felt like
we were slowly going back to the ‘real world’, after a few months in the rest
of the Caribbean. The prices were pretty ridiculous, and it was full of charter
boats. The supermarkets were poorer than some of the rest of the Caribbean,
with fresh meat, dated 2012, at room temperature in the freezer – no thanks!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">We had a fab day out at the baths at Virgin
Gorda and the Devils beach. We were unable to bring our dingy ashore, so we
tied to a bouy, and swam the rest of the way. The walk along the beach
consisted of crawling and climbing through some caves, that were formed by
massive granite boulders. Probably
one of my favourite days out so far.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-GB">We moved around to Norman Island, where
there were no houses, but a couple of bars. One of the bars was a floating boat
called Willy T’s, where the alcoholic crew members (and Stevie) enjoyed a night
out!! I opted for a quiet night in with a movie!!</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lmZbW3FZQ0/UaehcLPG-fI/AAAAAAAAAzw/AxCZ1VFxtws/s1600/DSCF3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lmZbW3FZQ0/UaehcLPG-fI/AAAAAAAAAzw/AxCZ1VFxtws/s400/DSCF3538.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BVIs</td></tr>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">We caught up with our friends from home,
Chris and Steve on yacht Chewsy. It was great to see them again. The last time
we saw them was in Antigua, several months ago, and said our ‘final’ farewells,
as we did not expect to be crossing back across the Atlantic at that point.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">On the 16/5 we left the BVIs for our sail
to Bermuda, as the weather window looked good for the next wee while. Chewsy
had left in the morning, also heading to Bermuda.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMyKVsQGz6M/Uaeh4RIW4VI/AAAAAAAAAz4/4Blfe5-9lpw/s1600/DSCF3554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DMyKVsQGz6M/Uaeh4RIW4VI/AAAAAAAAAz4/4Blfe5-9lpw/s400/DSCF3554.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span lang="EN-GB">Daily Diary – BVIs to Bermuda</span></u><br />
<u><span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">So finally we are off. Definitely a sense
of excitement and relief, that we eventually have a descent weather window to
commence our crossing. 850 miles and an estimate of 6-7 days, heading due North
to (apparently) chilly Bermuda. In all honesty, we are all looking forward to
cooling down a little, as 4 bodies on a boat, in the start of the rainy season
in the Caribbean was getting a little uncomfortable!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">17.5.13 – 3am-6am watch</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">My first night shift of the journey, and we
are flying along at 6-7kts, with 18kts of wind close hauled. I am keeping a
close eye on things, such as the dreaded black cloud s!! We are off to a
fabulous start, and Stevie recons that if this progress keeps up, we may make
it in 5 days. All good, so far
wind wise, and no boats around – a lot quieter than I thought this area may be.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">18.5.13 - 6am – 9am watch</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Beautiful sunrise shift, but not a terribly
great day!! I was downstairs at around 6.30pm last night, helping Mandy with
dinner, when Stevie decided to start the engine, to give the batteries a good
charge for the night. Immediately we both knew that something wasn’t right, as
the bang and clatter from the engine sounded awful. I shouted to Stevie that it didn’t sound right, and
to shut it off, but he already knew, and the fuel shut off valve would not work.
The engine would not stop, and it started to over rev, sending big black clouds
of smoke into the air!! Mandy and I grabbed fire extinguishers in case needed,
and Stevie managed to shut off the
fuel supply down stairs. We knew instantly that what just happened wasn’t good,
and after much discussion with Graham and investigation, we found fuel in the sump. Looking like possibly a damaged seal of some sort, and not repairable
until we reached land, the consideration as to whether or not to turn back was
on the cards. With 160 miles covered until this time, and still good winds, we
decided to contact my brother Neil in Bermuda, who put us in touch with the
Bermudan coastguard (via my mum – thanks mum and sorry for worrying you!!). My
friend Steve from home gave us an up to date weather forecast, which predicted
2 days of calm, but no storm to follow, as we originally were worried about.
The other consideration was running out of all power. We had new batteries, but
we were worried about the solar not being able to keep them charged enough to
last the night, also we only had a tiny amount of petrol for the generator. After
considering all of the possibilities, we decided to continue to Bermuda.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">We are still making good progress, but
expect the wind to die down soon.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">18.5.13 7pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Well as predicted, we have had a very slow
day due to the wind dying on us. Morale a little low, so we decided to crack
open a tin of Quality Street, and life suddenly seems a little better with
chocolate!! Most of my watch during the day has been spent trying to turn the
boat a little to stop the sails collapsing so much, reducing the chance of
damage to them or the rigging. Stevie is very worried, that 48hours of no wind
could do harm to our rigging, and then we would really be in trouble. Quite an
intense 24 hours, to say the least. On the bright side, we are well stocked
with food and water, for continuing on to our Atlantic crossing, so there are
no concerns there. In fact, I am starting to wonder if this trip will take
longer than the actual crossing at this rate!! No other boats been seen for a
while, and no exciting wildlife to report.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">19.5.13 5pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Thankfully the wind picked up a little last
night, and for once clouds have become my friends. They tend to bring gusts of
wind with them, lasting approximately 20 mins, and we fly along for this time.
You just need to keep a close eye that things don’t get too carried away, as we
have heard that some of the squalls around here can increase to 35kts in
minutes – a little too much!! I am starting to enjoy the challenge of having no
engine now that we are over the initial shock of it. I have to really think about
sail trim, and the best course to take, when Stevie is resting. It’s taken away
some of the monotony of sailing, and is making it an exciting challenge (you
have to look on the bright side!!). Glad to be making good progress once again.
We asked for an up to date weather forecast today, and looks like the wind has
increased for our benefit!! Fingers crossed this continues. 370 miles gone, and
480 miles to go!! Current speed 6.5kts – excellent!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">21.5.13 6pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Well the last 24 hrs have been really crap
to put it politely. The wind really kicked off after dinner last night. We put
a second reef in the main, and minutes later there was a bit of a clatter. We
wondered what had happened now, and realised that our topping lift for the boom
had snapped, and was trailing in the water. (problem 2 of the journey – what
next??). We never release our topping lift when the sail is up, as our boom can
gradually lower and hit off the bimney, also the noise of the loose rope can
become annoying. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The whole day yesterday involved strong
winds on our nose, resulting in constantly banging and smashing into the waves.
No chance of sleep for anyone, and a few things flying inside of the boat.
Everyone was getting a little tired of a very crap passage.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Next drama of the last 24 hrs – just to
really rub salt into the wounds - our fridge has quit cooling due to the constant
heeling over and the smashing into waves. (Number 3 problem, and hopefully the
last). This has happened before, and usually turning it off for about an hour
is enough to settle it, but not in this case. Luckily enough, most of our fresh
meat was eaten, and the remaining food (cheese etc) appears to be ok. I am trusting
my super sensitive pregnancy nose to keep us safe!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">It’s been really cold, and we are wearing 3
layers or more on a night shift these days – I miss the Caribbean!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">All in all a truly crap day – but on the
bright side our batteries have been coping really well, and the generator has
only been used to top them up once.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">22.5.13 – 1pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Well things finally calmed down yesterday,
and everyone got a good sleep so we are all feeling much better. The fridge
still isn’t 100% but we are still eating ok. We have seen another boat, and
heard a few on the radio, so finally we are not all alone! Eta 5-6am tomorrow
morning. My wonderful wee brother, Neil, has arranged a boat to assist us into
the harbour in the morning, and I have asked him to bring some cold champagne
as a wee celebration is definitely in order. Also, we made radio contact with our
friends Chris and Steve, who we knew were crossing the same time as us. They
have had a wee leak on their boat, and a bit of a crap time too. They plan to
arrive the same time, and will be joining us for a wee glass of champers!! 95
miles to go!!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Stevie has heated the water with the
generator (as the batteries are fine and we are nearly there), and we have all
been treated to hot showers – luxury!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">23.5.13 – 2.30pm</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Finally we have arrived in Bermuda. Things
didn’t quite go to plan, as we lost all wind during the night, as Chewsy had
predicted. Luckily for us (and a big thank you), Chewsy made their way over to
our course when they heard about our engine failure, and low power causing our
VHF signal to be poor. They reached us around 10.30pm last night – just as the
wind had died. We were having a dilemma as we really wanted to lower our main
sail, and pole out the genoa, as the poor wind had shifted onto our bum, and
this would be the best sail set up for these conditions. However, the dilemma
was, that due to our topping lift for the boom being non-existent, then we
would have to use our spinnaker halliard, but we also needed this rope for the
pole. Decision time - Should we lower the main and not be able to raise it
again, in order to put up our pole – and risk having no control of our boat to
turn into the wind, as this would involve no sails being up for a few minutes?
Chewsy had offered a tow from this point, but as there were still 60 miles or
so to go, we felt that this would be too much to ask. So, using the spinnaker
halliard, we gently lowered our main sail, then, managed to turn the boat to
get the wind onto the genoa, to then raise this sail with the pole out.
Unfortunately, after all of our brainstorming and efforts, the wind was still
so poor that even the poled out genoa was collapsing. So, at 2.30am we decided
to take up the lovely offer of a tow for the remaining 50 miles. Thank you so
much Chewsy – you are a super star!! </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spo0xsP9_1k/Uaengip3jVI/AAAAAAAAA0U/K-dw5M4MRDM/s1600/DSCF3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-spo0xsP9_1k/Uaengip3jVI/AAAAAAAAA0U/K-dw5M4MRDM/s400/DSCF3565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewsy to the rescue!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">The tow was much easier than I expected. No
steering required, and no jerking like you get in a car – just plain sailing!!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">For some strange reason, it appeared that
the coast guard had changed their mind and decided that Neil was not allowed to
tow us in. Steve, from Chewsy, got on the radio, and told the coast guard that
they had been towing us for 50 miles and would be bringing us into the harbour.
As Bermudan customs are strict, they insisted that we must tie up to the
customs dock – even if we did not have an engine!!! Steve, luckily knew what he
was doing, and rafted our 2 boats alongside each other to make this possible.
It appeared that there were several boats hovering around the harbour, some
waiting since 8am, to tie up to the dock to check in. I immediately got on to
the radio and explained that there was no way that if they were going to make
us tie up with no engine, that we were going to hover around, rafted up, for
hours on end, risking damage to both of our yachts. They eventually said it was
ok for us to jump the que. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa5K50nyJvU/UaeoNuFYRjI/AAAAAAAAA0c/F4O9n-2waQ8/s1600/DSCF3571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wa5K50nyJvU/UaeoNuFYRjI/AAAAAAAAA0c/F4O9n-2waQ8/s400/DSCF3571.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rafted up with Chewsy, waiting our turn for check in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">So, finally we
dropped our anchor, after checking in, and opened our well-deserved bottle of
champagne.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">My wee brother
popped around later in the evening, and was telling me how frustrated he felt
about the whole towing in situation – one minute the coastguard said it was
fine, the next it was a ‘no’. Never mind, all good in the end, and it’s been
fab to catch up with him. Drew, my brother in law, has had a wee look at the
engine, and we think it may be repairable, and not a new engine, as we dreaded
it may be.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">The plan is to
tow us around to the Yanmar mechanics in Hamilton in a few days, for them to
have a proper look. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">We went out with
my wee brother and his in laws yesterday on their wee boat. So nice to relax,
and catch up with them. Definitely a nice end to a rather hard going week!!!</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">We also visited Neils new home (which is beautiful), and had a BBQ. My first time in a house for over a year!!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HbNJzvDRirU/Uaeo3i5diII/AAAAAAAAA0o/MmnWyh0MkYs/s400/DSCF3580.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBQ lunch at Neils with Graham, Shelly, Mandy & Neil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0ZmLiBBh88/UaepIeQFVZI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wZIq5Nh4auA/s1600/DSCF3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0ZmLiBBh88/UaepIeQFVZI/AAAAAAAAA0w/wZIq5Nh4auA/s400/DSCF3584.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming with Neil & Pita the dog</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB">Well, that’s
about all for now. We are all well rested and feeling much better. Missing you
all millions, and hopefully be catching up with some of you soon<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3524901915891856374" name="_GoBack"></a>?? Lots of love, Nicola and ‘medium sized’ bump!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-86446591083547547542013-05-09T18:24:00.001+01:002013-05-10T11:28:30.866+01:00Nics Diary – Part 12<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Places Visited:</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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St Lucia – Soufrier, Marigot Bay</div>
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St Vincent & Grenadines – Bequia,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Union Island (Chatham
Bay) </div>
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Carriacou - Hilsburgh & Tyrell Bay</div>
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Grenanda – St Georges, Prickly Bay, Hog Island</div>
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<br /></div>
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This entry covers 5.4-28.4.13. Over the last month or so,
whilst waiting for Stevies Passport to arrive in St Lucia, we decided to head
south and see some more islands. We have recently celebrated our 2<sup>nd</sup>
year anniversary of being together (20<sup>th</sup> April), and our 1 year
sailing anniversary (22<sup>nd</sup> April).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Boy how time flies. We cannot believe that we have been sailing for one
whole year already (apparently I am now a real sailor – says the captain)!!
What a fab time we have had!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Pregnancy wise, everything is going well – even my nausea at
sea has finally calmed down - all looking good for the next Atlantic crossing!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHEf1Akz1EE/UYvaEsdrFgI/AAAAAAAAAyM/bkWuqYNiEWU/s1600/DSCF3512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EHEf1Akz1EE/UYvaEsdrFgI/AAAAAAAAAyM/bkWuqYNiEWU/s320/DSCF3512.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 weeks - and yes my ass is getting fat too!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>St Lucia:</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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We attempted to anchor in the small inlet outside of the bay
in Marigot, but unfortunately the holding wasn’t very good, so we headed
further south to Soufrier and stayed the night. Soufrier was very smelly (of
sewage -not so good for a pregnant sensitive nose!!) and felt a little unsafe
so we did not go to land here, but enjoyed the nice view of the Pitons. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fvJ_oZrM4M/UYvCNmEuiHI/AAAAAAAAAw4/oc85yRi6Y60/s1600/DSCF3440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fvJ_oZrM4M/UYvCNmEuiHI/AAAAAAAAAw4/oc85yRi6Y60/s400/DSCF3440.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pitons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The
next day we decided to return to Marigot bay and take a mooring ball inside the
bay. Marigot bay is very touristy, has a few resorts and restaurants, and a wee
bit of beach where you could swim. We had seen another yacht ‘Hanta Yo’ many
times on our travels, both in the med and in the Caribbean. We decided to pop
over and say ‘hi’. We jokingly told them that they must be following us, as we
had seen them many times over the last year. They didn’t say much, so we
assumed that many people must tell them the same, as they have a very unique,
easily identified yacht, as the name is written along the whole side of the
hull, in bright green.</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDjp3J7zQPI/UYvDEVgSlzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/8D-D7XGP2cM/s1600/DSCF3444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDjp3J7zQPI/UYvDEVgSlzI/AAAAAAAAAxE/8D-D7XGP2cM/s400/DSCF3444.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Marigot bay is a very pretty place, but little to do, so
we checked out, and headed for Bequia.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Bequia:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A wee while after arriving in Bequia, surprise, surprise,
Hanta Yo appeared. They popped over and invited us for a drink. We had a good
chat, and it turned out that they had been to most of the same places in the
med as us, and at the same time, as we had first thought! Talk about a small
world! Both Juergen and Antje (sorry if I have spelt it wrong) were lovely and
it was great to share stories of our adventures. They happened to be heading in
the same direction, over the next week or so, so we agreed to meet in Tobago
Cays in a couple of days. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bequia was quite pretty, with nice beaches, and a lovely shore
walkway. We managed to pick up a wee bit of food, but the supermarket wasn’t so
super so tins were looking like an option over the next wee while. </div>
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<u>Mayreau:</u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hanta Yo left before us, but as there yacht was smaller (and
slower) than ours, we soon caught up with them on the crossing to Mayreau. We
first saw them on AIS, they we put the foot down, so that we could catch up,
and take some nice photos of them sailing, and they took photos of us too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stayed the night in Mayreau, where there was a wee bit of
a town, and some pretty beaches. We were starting to get the feeling that we
were reaching some isolated islands, with still no sign of any reasonable supermarkets!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Tobago Cays:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tobago Cays are a group of wee islands, protected by reefs,
and they were beautiful. Not a house, supermarket, or restaurant in sight
though. Some of the water around the islands was quite shallow, giving it a
beautiful turquoise green colour. There were white sandy beaches, with palm
trees – exactly what I imagined the Caribbean to be like. I have to admit, from
never being to the Caribbean before, and only seeing it on TV or brochures, I
have been really surprised at the lack of palm tree beaches, with beautiful
waters! So, I was really pleased to see what I had been dreaming of. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQQ_Qdg8Q_E/UYvEWtO6yTI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/CMqt7Pq5ilo/s1600/DSCF3453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQQ_Qdg8Q_E/UYvEWtO6yTI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/CMqt7Pq5ilo/s400/DSCF3453.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stayed
there for a few days, and had Hanta Yo over for dinner. I never in my life
imagined inviting neighbours round for dinner, and only being able to offer
them corned beef hash, as we had no fresh meat! They didn’t mind, as they had
little food too. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
The following day we visited another island, had a swim, and
climbed to the top for some stunning views. We called this island ‘lizard
island’ as it was full of big iguanas! Juergen snorkelled around this island in
search of lobster, as Antje really wanted some for dinner. He saw quite a few,
but they were too fast for him to catch!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCdWEF1P9JM/UYvE8mYdUmI/AAAAAAAAAxY/xed90rRnXjk/s1600/DSCF3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UCdWEF1P9JM/UYvE8mYdUmI/AAAAAAAAAxY/xed90rRnXjk/s400/DSCF3455.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeurgen & Antje</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM5Eq8esWbA/UYvMaEG_OhI/AAAAAAAAAxo/xXVhvx9PDNs/s1600/DSCF3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM5Eq8esWbA/UYvMaEG_OhI/AAAAAAAAAxo/xXVhvx9PDNs/s400/DSCF3479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Union Island – Chatham Bay:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Moving on, with Hanta Yo, we went to Union Island to check
out, and decided to stay in Chatham bay for the night. There was nothing there
except for a few restaurants on the beach. Boatie boys from each restaurant
came around the yachts, trying to persuade us to come for dinner. After a
little haggling, all four of us decided to go to a restaurant that was offering
lobster for dinner. We were the only guests in the restaurant, and the lobster
was yummy – to Antje’s delight!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Carriacou:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We travelled here again with Hanta Yo, and after checking in
at Hilsburgh, we moved around the corner to Tyrell Bay. Still with no food on
board, and no real supermarkets in sight, we again decided to eat out. We found
a tiny wee shack on the beach that was offering dinner really cheap, and a camp
fire on the beach to follow. We had a lovely evening – delicious food, then singing
around the fire, with some locals jaming along with drums!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Granada:</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was really looking forward to visiting Grenada as
apparently it was previously regarded as being outside the hurricane zone, and
hence was busy with cruisers who lived there much of the year. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We checked in at St Georges, where I was
absolutely delighted to find a real supermarket, which even gave a discount to
boaties! For me, it felt like Christmas! It even had butterkist toffee popcorn
– fantastic!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Unfortunately we said ‘good bye’ to hanta you here, as they
were heading towards panama, and we would be heading back north, after visiting
some bays on the island. It was so nice to have some female company for a
while. Antje agreed, and was almost in tears when we said goodbye! We had a fab
time with them – you will be missed hanta yo!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We moved on to Prickly bay – which is meant to be the
highlight of the island for cruisers. The marina there did live music on a
Friday night, and the atmosphere was great. We met quite a few people that
night – and really enjoyed ourselves. Unfortnately, the anchorage was really
rolly, so we moved on to an anchorage around the corner. </div>
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This anchorage was next to a tiny island called Hog Island.
Apparently it is ‘the place to be’ for cruisers on a Sunday, as the beach bar
(the only thing on the island) has a cruisers BBQ. We went along in the
afternoon, but didn’t find the atmosphere terribly inviting. We returned to the
boat around 5pm, to find all of the other cruisers just arriving for a sun
downer. By the looks of things, during the day it was a party catamaran (not
cruisers) that dominated, and the cruisers arrived in the evening. Nevermind,
we were too tired to return to the party, so we just had a nosey from the
boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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<br />
<br />
Quite a few yachts in this anchorage
appeared to be permanent residence. The man on the yacht next door seemed to be
going to work each day, and his son was going to school by dinghy! After work
he went to the wee bar on hog island, joined by many other yachties, for a
sundowner. It looked like quite an established permanent yachtie community.
(Not that we spent our time spying on the neighbours!!)</div>
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So, after our wonderful adventures of some of the southern
islands, we headed back to St Lucia for Stevies Passport (which finally did
arrive – thank goodness!), and the collection of our 2 new crew members –
Graham and Mandy. I will fill you in on the stories from this time, when I next
update the blog in a couple of weeks – hopefully from sunny Bermuda!</div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-35667506981077309742013-04-22T22:41:00.001+01:002013-04-22T23:32:13.806+01:00Nics Diary part 11- Gaudeloupe, Dominica, Martinique & St Lucia<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<u>Nics Diary – Part 11</u></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Places Visited:</b></div>
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Guadeloupe – Deshaies, Les Saintes</div>
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Dominica – Portsmouth, Roseau</div>
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Martinique – Fort du France</div>
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St Lucia – Rodney Bay, Rodney Bay Marina</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes I am still a little behind with the blog. This entry
covers 23.2.13 – 5.4.13. At the end of the week a couple of crew members are
arriving to assist with our passage back across the Atlantic, so I promise the
blog will be completely up to date by then.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Good news – for those who don’t know - I am very happy to
announce that I am 14 weeks pregnant. Some major changes have occurred to our
plans, with the news of my pregnancy. Our original plans were to spend a second
season in the Caribbean, then cross the pacific to Australia next year.
However, once I found out that I was pregnant, Stevie started looking into
having the boat taken, by a delivery skipper to Australia.<br />
<br />
However,
the costs made it not worthwhile, in part due to Australia making us pay a lot
of tax to have the boat there and also the boats in Australia dropping in value rather rapidly with the high exchange rate. So, once again, plans have changed, and we now
plan to sail the boat back across the Atlantic ourselves, leave it in Spain,
and fly to Australia for the birth.<br />
<br />
Pregnancy wise I am doing great. To begin
with I was a little nauseous when at sea, but fingers crossed, this appears to
have calmed down now. I had an ultrasound at 9 weeks, as we thought a looked a
little larger than expected, but the French doctor confirmed my dates and all
is well with the wee one. We even got to see the wee heart beating away! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As they say, life is an adventure!</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLcobQQ5ups/UXWrKfLQNfI/AAAAAAAAAvs/RS89a4CSIBQ/s1600/DSCF3436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kLcobQQ5ups/UXWrKfLQNfI/AAAAAAAAAvs/RS89a4CSIBQ/s400/DSCF3436.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me 12 weeks pregnant!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FVaW_GQWY/UXWuCisUgcI/AAAAAAAAAv8/EuoCU8iOMwo/s1600/DSCF3510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5FVaW_GQWY/UXWuCisUgcI/AAAAAAAAAv8/EuoCU8iOMwo/s400/DSCF3510.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And at 14 weeks!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Guadeloupe</u><br />
<br />
So, back to sailing adventures, after we finally left
Antigua near the end of February, we headed to Guadeloupe, a French island.
This island appeared to be a lot poorer than St Martin (the last French island
we visited), although it had certain quaintness to it and did not feel like the
Mediterranean, like St Martin did. We climbed a very steep hill, in extreme
heat (not recommended when pregnant!!), to visit some beautiful botanic
gardens. The view was amazing, and although neither of us are particularly into
botany, we had a lovely touristy day out.<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loads of fish at the botanical gardens - could have fed us for a month!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning views! Deashaies - Gaudelopue</td></tr>
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We also managed to find some free
water in a fisherman’s port, so Stevie took advantage of this and did multiple
runs in the dinghy, with jerry cans to fill the tank. Well done Stevie. Now I
can clean, clean, clean!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just as well we found 'free' water as our attempts to collect rain water weren't very successful - and yes, our water maker has broken again!</td></tr>
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After a few days, we moved on to some islands south of
Guadeloupe – les Saintes. These were lovely islands, very back to the future.
The buildings were old and shanty town like, but the people surfed around the
street on electric scooters, and even electric skate boards!! There were a lot
of French white men, with dread locks down to their waists, having a wee smoke.
Very French Caribbean!! We spent a few days here, enjoyed exploring the islands
by dingy, and had a lovely swim at the beach on one of the islands.<br />
<br />
We also bumped into Koza, with Carola & Jim onboard , a couple of ozzies taking the long way back, we met them before in Grand canaria. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portsmouth - Dominica</td></tr>
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<u>Dominica</u><br />
<br />
We then moved onto Dominica, where we met our first boaty
boys. For those who don’t know, boaty boys hang out in the anchorages on their
own wee boats, offering assistance and services to yachties. We thought this
was fab, and Stevie had our guy bring beers to our front door!! In some of the
anchorages they can be annoying, as they pester you, trying to compete with
each other to get your business. However, in Portsmouth, Dominica, they are
very well organised, and provide a very efficient service to the yachties. They
also protect the boats from crime, by beating the crap out of any locals that
rob boats, as the boats will not return, and hence their business will suffer.
Our boaty boy, Andrew, took us to check in, then on a lovely river tour (very
cheap for a day out). He rowed up a river, apparently where part of Pirates of
the Caribbean was filmed, and we had a light refreshment at a wee isolated bar
in the wilderness. It was a very nice, relaxing day out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was lovely to be 'chauffeur' driven and not to have to launch our dingy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew rowing us up the river</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A different boaty boy gave me a nice local flower for the boat!</td></tr>
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We ventured into the
town of Portsmouth, but struggled to find any decent food or supermarkets. It
gave us a sense of a truly poor island of the Caribbean. We met an English couple with Jonathan & Terry, owners of a lovely Privilege 50 cat (nice boat). They invited us on board for a sun downer, and a wee look around.</div>
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We headed south, and dropped anchor for the night in Roseau.
We only stopped for fuel, but did not go to land or leave the boat alone, as
this town was even poorer, with shacks where people lived, and a high boat
crime rate.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were actually people living in these shacks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soufriere - Dominica</td></tr>
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<u>Martinique</u><br />
<br />
The next day we left for another French island, Martinique.
This is where I had my ultrasound done, with the report in French!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wee baby 8 weeks and 5 days old - aww!!</td></tr>
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Martinique
is well developed, with some good shops!! Although a very racist town as on 3
occasions, different local black people came and stood in front of us in a queue.
Hello it’s a queue – obviously they wouldn’t do this if I were a black local –
by the 3<sup>rd</sup> time I was getting very annoyed!! Never mind – I won’t be
back!<br />
<br />
We met a lovely English couple, April and Cain, who we hope to meet up
with again in the next few weeks when we return to St Lucia. I enjoyed a girly
day out shopping with April, however, I struggled to find a bra, with no
underwire, to fit!! Everyone either appears to be large with big boobs, or
small with wee ones – no small people with big boobs in the Caribbean! After
several days of failed attempts to find, just one bra, for pregnancy, I decided
that my bikini tops would do just fine!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort du France Martinique</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Martinique stowaway, some kind of bat stayed overnight.</td></tr>
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<u>St Lucia</u><br />
<br />
Rodney Bay in St Lucia is quite famous, as it is where the
ARC arrives after their crossing. The bay itself is quite nice, and there is a
developed shopping area, with 2 malls, and 2 supermarkets, with a dinghy dock!
The malls have a very American feel to them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodney bay - St Lucia , Anchorage.</td></tr>
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<br />
We took a local bus to the town of
Castries, where Stevie finally applied for his new passport!! Some areas of
Castries showed great poverty, with people living in shacks, but the town
itself had a good few shops – still no bras though!! We got conned by a tour
driver, who promised to take us to several tourist attractions, a local fishing
village, and a lift home – all within an hour – yeah right! We only saw half of
the places he promised, and he still had the cheek to ask for a tip – I well
put him in his place – the cheeky git. It’s funny, Stevie once read about
someone commenting on how lazy the Caribbeans are. They do very little work,
and go out of their way to corner one tourist, and basically rip them off! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should realise that if they charge
reasonable prices, and actually do a days work, then they would have a much
better reputation, and business would be booming. It’s just damn laziness, and
also they are extremely cheeky with it.<br />
<br />
A classic example, we moved into Rodney
Bay Marina for a ‘holiday’ from anchoring, after nearly 4 months at anchor
again. The first boaty boy who approached our boat offered to clean and polish
the hull for $450 EC (this is over £100). We said ‘no’ as I can do this in
one day for free! The next day, another boaty boy came by and offered the same
service for $150 EC (£40) – yes please!! We even asked if they would come back
the next day and do the decks. See, if they just charged reasonable prices,
then they would have ample work, instead most of them try to rob you (the
average wage in St Lucia is around £20 per day).</div>
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Anyway, enough ranting, we had a fab ‘holiday’ in the
marina, with and endless supply of water, and plenty of electricity. We even
plugged in the air conditioning – luxury!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full moon at Rodney Bay Marina</td></tr>
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We treated ourselves to a massage,
although mine was a bit of a half massage as they refused to touch my feet as I
am pregnant, and I had a massage of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>top of my back, lying on my side – not my belly (not quite the same as a
proper massage). Stevie loved his though! We ate out quite a lot, as the food
was reasonably priced. We met another English couple, Fiona & Matthew who
had come out on holiday to help crew our neighbor, John’s yacht. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time we moved on, we were well rested,
and the boat was nice and shiny!! We have headed south to see some more
islands, and will be returning to St Lucia for the end of April, to hopefully
collect Stevies passport, and our new crew members for the ‘back across the
Atlantic’ crossing (via Bermuda & the Azores).</div>
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I think that’s all for now, missing you all millions, love Nic
& Bump xxx</div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-19371154403273443222013-04-17T03:14:00.001+01:002013-04-17T03:14:08.855+01:00Still in the CaribbeanWell Nic has not been updating the blog much, though I'm sure she will get around to it some time soon .<br />
<br />
We finally made it down to Grenada and have been buddy boating with 2 nice Germans on a yacht named Hanta Yo, You can't really miss their boat as it has the name the full length of the hull in big green letters!<br />
<br />
We have arranged for 2 new people to join us for the next big part of the journey and will be leaving the Caribbean islands at the end of the month, it will be nice to see real supermarkets with reasonable prices again and beers at reasonable prices.nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-47813430870170949992013-03-26T23:36:00.000+00:002013-04-05T03:08:48.622+01:00Nics diary part 10<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<u>Nics Diary – Part 10</u></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Places Visited: </b></div>
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Antigua: Falmouth Harbour, English Harbour, Jolly Harbour,
Nonsuch Bay</div>
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St. Martin: Marigot</div>
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To begin with I would like to apologise for my extreme
laziness in keeping the blog updated. After our crossing, life became very slow
& relaxed. The whole preparation for the crossing seemed to take for ever,
and now we have chilled quite a bit. This blog updates us from arriving in
Antigua on 21.12.12 until leaving Antigua on the 23.2.13. (We also visited St
Martin in between).</div>
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When we arrived after our crossing, we decided that as it
was xmas and we still had our crew for a wee while then we would go into
Falmouth marina to relax and refresh (and of course party)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we approached Antigua at night, we
noticed that there were a lot of white and red lights high in the sky. We
assumed this was some sort of suspension bridge, but awoke to realise that we
were surrounded by super yachts, which had well lit masts, so that the planes
could see them. We really were the smallest boat ever in Falmouth harbour. The
bow of the boat across from us in the marina was bigger than the full length of
our wee yacht!! The other super yachts had steps from the pontoon leading up to
them, and we had to crawl down a plank to get onto our boat. One of the big
fancy boats had 2 supply boats (both at least 4 times the size of ours), and
they had helicopters – what world had we just landed in?? It was a great
atmosphere, especially with the build-up to xmas. Every night there were
different crew having parties on the pontoon outside their super yacht. I found
it great to meet them, and to see how the other half lived. I got invited onto
one of them for a look around. Boy was I green with envy. Ensuite (properly
tiled), master bedrooms for the guests, a galley bigger than the inside of our
whole boat, hot tub on deck, jet skis, and glass coffee tables – what you can’t
sail with glass coffee tables – surely they would smash!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw8IJxkt0MY/UVIljlIZDLI/AAAAAAAAAqo/VWUBE2tsp54/s1600/DSCF3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bw8IJxkt0MY/UVIljlIZDLI/AAAAAAAAAqo/VWUBE2tsp54/s400/DSCF3184.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me daintily crawling down the plank in the posh marina!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRO8Cd71cPU/UVImIixDG0I/AAAAAAAAAqw/XZIn45omizk/s1600/DSCF3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WRO8Cd71cPU/UVImIixDG0I/AAAAAAAAAqw/XZIn45omizk/s400/DSCF3185.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got the feeling that this marina didn't really cater for wee yachts</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpIFDLZvx90/UVImyFcxybI/AAAAAAAAAq4/XNkZKDxPTdc/s1600/DSCF3196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IpIFDLZvx90/UVImyFcxybI/AAAAAAAAAq4/XNkZKDxPTdc/s400/DSCF3196.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't resist 'borrowing' a plant for a xmas tree in our fancy marina!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2S7rsnxuNw/UVI1bqTGbnI/AAAAAAAAAs4/2feGH4388Cc/s1600/DSCF3280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2S7rsnxuNw/UVI1bqTGbnI/AAAAAAAAAs4/2feGH4388Cc/s400/DSCF3280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An example of one of the super yachts (this photo is in English Harbour)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qq8_-CEkMo/UVI2uj5uxYI/AAAAAAAAAtI/W7qnkKswEUw/s1600/DSCF3293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Qq8_-CEkMo/UVI2uj5uxYI/AAAAAAAAAtI/W7qnkKswEUw/s400/DSCF3293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wee yacht next to a super yacht - only joking it's a remote control toy one!!</td></tr>
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We spent around a week in this marina, and attended several
parties. We went to Shirley Heights; a bar with a BBQ, live music, and a great
view of the whole of the island. We were invited to a BBQ on Pigeon beach,
organised some crew from a super yacht. On xmas day all 4 of us went into
Nelsons Dockyard for dinner, and then there was an outdoor champagne party.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the 'big boys' out playing in Antigua - a common sight</td></tr>
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We fully enjoyed Antigua, as everyone was so friendly. The
locals smiled and said ‘hi’ in the street. Stevie and I enjoyed all of the
parties, as there was always a quiet corner at where we could ‘relax’ and hang
out with some local old guys – mon!! There were plenty of nice beaches, and in
a way the place reminded me of Bermuda, with its nicely pastel coloured houses.
Many of which were converted to the shops in the village – all very quaint!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very proud of our new sun shades for the boat!</td></tr>
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After xmas Stevie and I decided to move on to St Martin, as
we really needed to get some new batteries so that we could live at anchor
again, as our crew members were leaving us soon. Stevie had a bit of a crap
time trying to check out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Iona had found
a new boat, so her new skipper had to be there so Stevie could sign her off and
onto the other boat. James had rented an apartment, but Antigua require someone
who is staying (leaving a boat) to prove their accommodation, prove a flight
home (which he didn’t have as he wasn’t sure when he was leaving), and prove
100 US dollars in the bank per day to live on (who can eat and drink that much
every day??).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately for James,
they would not sign him off the boat, so he had to come to St Martin with us,
and purchase a return flight from there – what a joke!! </div>
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We agreed to give a Swedish guy, Goodstuff (as he pronounced
his name?? real name Gustaf), a lift to St Martin. It was great for me. I made
the dinner for all 4 of us, and then I was told I did not need to do a night
watch, as the 3 men would do it as I cooked. Excellent – a night off – thanks
captain!!</div>
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We were in St Martin for New Year, and decided to travel by
dingy to the Dutch side for the celebrations. We found a beach bar that had a
bonfire and some fireworks. It was ok, but not the same as home – I really
missed Scotland and all of my friends – boo hoo xx</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A 'passer by' in the street in St Martin</td></tr>
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We got our new batteries, and Stevie was very happy to get
his new Tohatsu 9.8 engine that he has been wanting for months. I admit it has
turned our beautiful snow white (the dingy) into a smoothly planing limousine!!</div>
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St Martin has an inland lagoon, which stretches from the
French side to the Dutch side. The lagoon contains many trashed boats from a
hurricane some years ago. I called it ‘the graveyard anchorage’. Some of the
boats had no masts, or rigging etc, but people still lived on them. It was as
if they were cruisers who had had their boat trashed in the hurricane, maybe
didn’t have enough money to repair them, and decided to just live there
permanently. Some of these boats had extensions built onto them of floating oil
drums, with wooden huts built on top. Quite a sight!! The rest of St Martin
just felt like the med. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many 'trashed' boats in the lagoon</td></tr>
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After walking several hours, the long way around the runway
at St Martin airport, we finally found the famous bar where the planes land
very close overhead. It was quite scary as they were so near; it felt like you
could almost touch them. There were warning signs that the close planes may
cause death, but no-one cared!! Fab view!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying an ice cream on our long walk to find the runway bar</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stevie being polite as always!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Was difficult to get a good photo of how close the planes were due to the delay on my stupid camera<br />
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<br />
After around 2 weeks in St Martin waiting for the right
winds, we returned to Antigua. This time we checked in at Jolly Harbour as it
is much cheaper than Falmouth or English harbour (no park fees etc). Jolly
harbour is quite nice to see, as there are lots of villas with their own
private boat docks all along the harbour side. Although it is called Jolly
harbour, there is no atmosphere in the place, and we quickly moved onto English
Harbour (next to Falmouth where we had been before).</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jolly Harbour</td></tr>
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The anchorage in English harbour is by far the worst we have
visited with regards to being overcrowded, and the current and wind pushing the
boats in all sorts of unpredictable directions. We had a few sleepless nights,
but really enjoyed our time here otherwise. We ended up spending nearly 5 weeks
there – the longest we have ever been in one anchorage. The thing with the
anchorage being so packed is that very quickly you get to know your neighbours.
We had a lovely English couple, Karen and Nigel, who were next to us on a Sigma
38 yacht- Persephone. They <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>had participated
in the racing division of the ARC and did the crossing faster than many larger
boats. We climbed up to Shirley Heights with them one day, and had a few beers,
as you do! We also went on a few coastal cliff walks in the area. There was a
quiet beach with no houses on it, which became our regular Sunday BBQ and
bonfire. There were around 7 yachts in the far side of the anchorage that
remained there permanently. Many of these yachties became good friends, and we
enjoyed their company at the BBQ. There was also a cruisers dinner at the local
‘hot spot’ café, where we also had a good catch up with the other cruisers. And
not to forget, the friendly turtle in the anchorage (I first thought his brown
head was a poo floating by!!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Shirley Heights - Our wee boat is somewhere in the first anchorage that you can see</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us with Karen</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live music at Shirley Heights</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Sunday BBQ - with my good friend Lilly in the brown dress</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigel & Karen (our neighbours) at the BBQ</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our good buddies Dana & Joe</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyones transport home from the BBQ - We loved Sundays!!</td></tr>
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Stevies almost step sister was coming to Antigua to get
married. We decided to move our boat back round to Falmouth harbour, quickly
visit the supermarket there, and then go on to Nonsuch Bay (close to where the
wedding was). Our ‘quick’ visit to the supermarket ended up being quite a
nightmare, as when we dropped the anchor, and the boat moved backwards, the
dingy rope tangled around the propeller, and cut off our engine. Oops – our
silliest disaster yet!! Also, we forgot that the holding wasn’t so great in
Falmouth Harbour, and to add salt to the wound, we dragged back quite a
distance, and became ‘a little too close for comfort’ with another yacht. Next the
chain started to slip through the windlass – making us even closer. I quickly
tightened the clutch, and luckily the boat stopped moving backwards, as the
anchor finally dug in. We had to apologise to the boat behind us, explained
that we had stupidly got the painter wrapped around the prop, and promised we
would move to a better spot when we fixed our errors!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We both jumped into the water, and attempted
to free the rope. It was wrapped around the rudder too, and after several
attempts realised that we could not manage. Luckily the really nice and
understanding man (Ian) on the yacht behind us had diving equipment, and quickly
came to our rescue. We thanked him kindly. He and his wife (Mary) and their 2
children had just arrived from crossing the Atlantic, so we cooked them a nice dinner
as a big thanks!! We rarely tow the dinghy and had only towed it as it was such
a short distance, Steven had forgot to tighten up the painter(the rope that
attaches the dinghy to the yacht) before reversing –ooopppsssss.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maltese Falcon in Falmouth Harbour</td></tr>
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The following day we set off to Nonsuch Bay, and sought out
the wedding party at the Grand Pineapple Resort. Talk about tight security – we
were closely followed around the resort by the security guards until we found
Kimberly (the bride) and Ashley (the groom). We made arrangements for the
wedding day, and agreed to see them then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We had a day pass for the wedding, allowing us entry at 10am until 2am.
Including all we could eat and drink. The day was great, although I must admit
I did slightly abuse the ‘all you can drink’ aspect (as you do)!! We arranged
with the wedding party (of 8) to take them out for a day sail. Unfortunately 3
of our guests turned a little green even though they had taken sea sickness
tablets. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr & Mrs Kimberly & Ashley</td></tr>
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Shortly after the wedding, we made our way back to Jolly
harbour, where our friends from home (Chris & Steve) were. It was, once
again, great to see their friendly faces, and catch up on their stories.
Unfortunately, this is probably the last time we will see them, as they are
heading north, to return home by August. I will really miss you both – and
thanks for all of your sailing wisdom and tips (including advise on how to live aboard with a man!!)xx</div>
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We loved our time in Antigua, with lots of friendly people
whom I shall always remember. If we ever return to the Caribbean, no doubt
Antigua will be first on the list. We have seen a few Islands since Antigua,
but I will talk about them shortly on my next blog entry. At present we are in
St Lucia, and won’t be drifting too far until Stevie finally gets his new
passport!! I appear to still be gaining weight – I wonder why that could be??
Missing you all millions, lots of love Nicola xxx<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The captain hard at work!</td></tr>
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nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-87295973082624946062013-03-26T15:02:00.003+00:002013-03-26T22:25:27.884+00:00Things we miss about living on land.As the title says this is about things we miss about living in a house.<br />
<br />
A bath - oh heaven<br />
An address - try living with no address<br />
A proper bed - speaks for itself<br />
Take away food - be nice to have a chinese without cooking it or a restaurant<br />
Internet - that works 24/7<br />
A car- though not driving but for shopping, being able to bring more home than you can carry in one go.<br />
Hot water- unlimited<br />
Not having to limit electricity use at night nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-3314663276919783702013-03-17T20:27:00.000+00:002013-04-05T02:56:58.775+01:00Martinique then St LuciaSo we left Guadeloupe after a few days and headed down to martinique to fort du france, very rolly with the ferry traffic during the day, stayed only a few days then down to St Lucia- Rodney bay where we are now, lively and feels a bit like the med with jets skis, speed boats and the odd power boat. Nic keeps promising to do a proper blog update!!! Maybe one day!nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-5889662838793714472013-03-09T11:45:00.001+00:002013-04-05T02:58:04.412+01:00DominicaSo we are really motoring now, two islands in under two weeks, well my emergency passport is running out and St Lucia is looking like the best bet to renew it. I'm sure Nic will write a proper blog of all the thing that have happened and people we have met.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portsmouth harbour Dominica.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic's stomach, the says shes only 2 months, I say 5 months!!</td></tr>
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<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-50060105208567215322013-03-03T13:46:00.000+00:002013-04-05T02:59:01.157+01:00GuadeloupeSo we finally got off our backsides and left Antigua, we had a great time there and it was very nice to meet so many people and feel like a part of the community, we spent close to 2 months there. My only grump was the cost of beer, just too expensive, but hey rum is very very cheap!!!!! (and also has a very very bad hangover)<br />
<br />
So we left Antigua and went down to Guadeloupe, back to all things French, now I did french for 4 years at school, but god I don't know if they take the michael here or just the accents, I will say the same word five times in french , eventually they get someone who speaks english who then goes ahhhh le vin, in the exact same bloody accent i said it in.. mmmmm<br />
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Everyone rabbits on about the bread and cheeses, but we can get the exact same stuff back home, usually tastier and a whole lot cheaper, the restaurants are more like blackpool (poor quality) than haute cusine.<br />
<br />
We checked in at daishaies, then moved to the Les Saintes at the bottom of the Island, its quite nice down here, we are waiting for the winds to stop blowing from the south east before trying to head further south.<br />
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<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-9096167852503790792013-02-22T20:10:00.001+00:002013-02-22T20:12:56.050+00:00A farewell to Chris and SteveChris and Steve left Scotland not long after us, we met up with them in the canaries and in the cape verdes and lastly in Antigua, where I think we may not see them again. Now sorry Steve, when you see this pic, I just couldn't help myself ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris n Steve upping anchor and off.</td></tr>
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<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-24179583965017057262013-02-22T20:06:00.002+00:002013-02-22T20:07:15.995+00:00RORC 600 2013A pic or two of the boats at the starting line.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maltese Flacon out and about!</td></tr>
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<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-38011149657848441722013-02-19T21:43:00.000+00:002013-02-19T21:43:50.395+00:00Bloody watermakerSo every time we think we have full independence, the piece of excrement water maker goes on strike, looks like the same fault again and it looks like we need another onenicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-47118175980949632662013-01-28T12:53:00.000+00:002013-01-30T20:12:52.405+00:00Still in AntiguaWe've not moved much since getting to the Caribbean,only to St Martin and back.<br />
<br />
The solar panels are struggling here with the short days and lots of cloud, but it is slowly improving.<br />
<br />
The new batteries are doing well and the water maker is actually keeping up with nic pouring it back down the sink.<br />
<br />
The anchorage has a great community feel to it, though the boats swing all over the place as the wind and current both eddy through it.<br />
<br />
I may have to go home for a new passport or wait maybe in st lucia for 6 weeks for a new one to come, will toss that coin soon.<br />
<br />
I'm sure nic will do a proper blog soon with pics and all.<br />
<br />
We are back to just being the 2 of us on the boat, nice to have room again.nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-33185913384531228842012-12-24T19:37:00.002+00:002013-04-05T03:07:56.118+01:00Nics Diary Part 9 Atlantic Crossing<br />
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<b><u>Nics Diary – Part 9 – The Atlantic Crossing<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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Thought I would write a wee diary of the adventures of a 16 day ocean crossing. Something to amuse myself with, if nothing else!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 1 - 5.12 – 3pm – 2150 miles to go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So finally we are off!! After weeks of preparing e.g. new
crew, rotas and massive shopping lists, it feels like such a relief to finally
be doing our crossing. We left the Cape Verdes approximately 1 ½ hrs ago and
the sun is shining, and the swell is much calmer than we thought it may be. A
lot of boats (at least 10 diverted from the ARC plus others), have been coming
into the marina over the last few days. Some had no masts, and others had their
sails torn to shreds. So as you can imagine, we were all a little anxious as to
how it was out here. But fingers crossed, it appears to be fine. My first watch
is 12-3am, so hopefully things will remain calm until then. I am about to
settle into the 3<sup>rd</sup> 50 shades book, then a little rest, before James
cooks us some homemade burgers for dinner. All good xx<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 2 - 6.12 – 5pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, so far (be careful what you wish for) we have been
pretty disappointed with the trade winds. Last night we were totally becalmed
for a little while, and we heard other yachts on the radio saying the same. We
are hoping that as we progress further, the winds may pick up a little, if not
we should have enough fuel to motor half of the way (cheats I know). My night
watch was pretty uneventful, except for the same clunk noise reappearing (Nics
Diary – Part 7). Our first worry was that the welded steering plate was broken
again. It turned out to just be loose – so problem easily solved. Today I have
amused myself preparing stewed steak (or is it Cape Verde dog meat?) for
dinner, and making some banana (Cape Verde - 1 day old mushy ones) and white
chocolate cookies – yummy! Then we will probably have a movie night. We often
sit down together after dinner and watch a wee movie. It gives us all a chance
to relax and think of something else, other than sailing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I struggled to sleep last night (pretty normal for the first
night), and thought I would fill you in on what it feels like when trying to
sleep. You lie in the unconscious position to prevent yourself rolling over.
You are aware of your skeleton and rib cage etc being quite rigid, but all of
your muscles and organs swish swosh around and inside of you. I always tell
myself ‘rock a bye baby, on the tree top’ and try not to think ‘damn
rollercoaster’. Anyway, now that I should be getting a little more used to it,
I should hopefully sleep tonight.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Has my nephew been born yet?? Today is the 6<sup>th</sup>
and I am waiting a sat phone message to say all is well, and then I will have a
wee glass of wine to celebrate.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My birthday is in 2 days, and my only wish is for Stevie to
bake and decorate a cake for me. I think it will be a whole day of
entertainment watching him juggle flour, scales etc (you need to be an octopus
to cook on a boat). Apparently he has never baked a cake before. I am hoping I
can persuade him to wear my apron so that I really can have a good giggle.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 3 - 7.12 – 5pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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I got up during the night last night, on Stevies watch, as I couldn't sleep. Still no wind, but we had the jib poled out with our new super dooper
pole, that prevents the sail flogging on the swell and in light winds. One
large swell came, and there was a thud. I assumed that something downstairs had
fallen, but found nothing. A couple of mins later Stevie noticed that the jib
had dropped a foot. Not good news. We rolled it away, as it was too dark to
investigate. A whole night of worrying what had broken. Either the jib was
torn, the shackle or rope had broken (we have spares of all 3), or the drum at
the top of the jib had broken meaning we could bypass the furling and use it like a hanked on sail.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James posing with our new pole behind</td></tr>
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Stevie
and I decided to unfurl the jib this morning to have a better look and the damn
thing fell straight into the water – Emergency stop, and shout up all crew to
help pull it back onto the deck before we got it mangled in the propeller. Iona
then went up the mast to investigate, and luckily it was the shackle that had
broken, and the noise I heard was it bouncing off the deck. Problem easily
solved, and thanks Iona.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iona up our 60ft mast mid-atlantic!</td></tr>
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Still poor wind (8-12kts wind and 5kts speed), but James
cheered us all up by catching another dorado – well done!! Dorados – colorful
tasty fish. When we catch them they are a turquoise-green colour. When we pull
them onto the deck they change colour to white-yellow, and when they are
killed, again they change to a navy blue-black colour. Magnificent to watch the
colour changes, a little sad to kill them – but they are a delicious tender
white meat!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another dorado - where's all the tuna gone!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another messy massacre!<br />
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Day 4 - 8.12 6am<o:p></o:p></div>
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Happy Birthday to me - thanks for my pressies mum xx and for
all my sat phone messages everyone!! xx<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well I hope it is a happy birthday as we have major battery
failure!! (Problem 3: and hopefully the last for a while). Stevie has been
doing an unbelievable amount of calculations, as we are considering diverting
to Brazil. The batteries for our housekeeping are failing (not the ones to start
the engine – they are fine). They are no longer holding their charge for longer
than a couple of hours. Also, still no wind!! From what I gather, if we motor
too long then we are frying them more– and without any wind, what choice do we
have. At the end of the day, they are pretty dead anyway.<br />
<br />
Worst case scenario,
we hand steer (no auto pilot, and no electronic GPS at night), however, we do have a
hand help GPS, that runs on batteries, and we can charge it during the day with
solar (unfortunately we may lose the fridge). Really it could be far worse. As
I said to Stevie ‘If we had been struck by lightning we would be really in
trouble so we are fine’. (conclusion -destination is still planned for Caribbean
– solar will keep us going in day light and we will run the engine when
required at night – until the batteries totally fail??).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 5 - 9.12 4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday turned out to be a fab birthday (after we got over
the battery drama) and the sun finally came out! We had pink champagne and a
dorado feast for lunch, followed by punch and TWO cakes (made by Stevie and
Iona). (Between me and you, I think Stevie really enjoyed baking and hand
decorating his first ever cake (although he denies it)). He refused to wear the pinny though, as it was
quite hot. Then we had a curry feast for dinner, and also decorated the boat
for xmas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNMEP8PJTR0/UNi1_TEmXGI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/NyP6eDZRJvM/s1600/DSCF3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNMEP8PJTR0/UNi1_TEmXGI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/NyP6eDZRJvM/s400/DSCF3030.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The look of concentration!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful job - it even tasted yummy too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa surfed out back the whole way - he had a ball!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner alfresco on my birthday</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iona made a sticky toffee cake which we had with custard - my favourite - yummy!</td></tr>
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<br />
I bought everyone advent calendars, so we have been enjoying them
too.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Hello to little Oscar, I look forward to seeing the photos
when I reach civilization and congrats to both Zoe and my big bro xx</div>
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Yesterday I asked my mum to text Steve, our weather man, and
tell him we need wind - and today it came. Thanks Steve!! We are finally
sailing the great Ocean. It feels a relief to be making some proper progress.
The batteries are holding in there, and (touch wood) there have been no further
dramas & of course, we have beautiful sunshine!! This is more like what I
signed up for!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 7 - 11.12 9pm – 1270 miles to go!<o:p></o:p></div>
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So last night at around 4am on my watch we started to see an
average of 17 knots of wind, and we have been flying along since. Just now we
are seeing an average of 20kts and we are a little anxious, as if it increases
to 25kts during the night then we will all have to get up, and work in the
dark, on a rolly deck to remove the pole from the jib and reduce the genoa (big sail at front).
Let’s hope it doesn't increase anymore. We are seeing between 7-8kts of speed,
and this is a bit of a problem, as we need to run the engine (with revs) every
few hours during the night because of our crap batteries. This means that we
will fly along even faster, and this can become a little dangerous. I don’t
think Stevie will be sleeping tonight.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGWH75bWdRc/UNi52EqLs5I/AAAAAAAAAmg/20t90zwfUbg/s1600/DSCF3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nGWH75bWdRc/UNi52EqLs5I/AAAAAAAAAmg/20t90zwfUbg/s320/DSCF3053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The swell got a little large!</td></tr>
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Yesterday we caught a 3<sup>rd</sup> dorado. We tried to
gently remove the hook and put it back as we are a little dorado’ed out, and
would really like a tuna (also I am tired of cooking something different for
Stevie, as he claims not to like dorado). Anyway, the poor big guy died, so
once again it has been fish soup for lunch, probably another fish pie, paella,
and anything else we can come up with. It’s quite funny as all we seem to do is
eat food that needs to be eaten NOW. E.g. just now we are trying to ‘think
bread’ (as well as fish) as it has expired and we still have 3 massive loafs. Also,
more bananas and other fresh fruit have been past their best, so we have been
making different desserts etc. It has been very adventurous with regards to
food and what needs to be eaten.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We haven’t seen any boats for days. Occasionally we call
over the radio ‘Is there anybody out there??’, and we have had no reply. We
really are in the middle of nowhere!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of our daily routine now involves removing dead flying
fish from the deck each morning. Obviously the wee things don’t have very good
night vision. They are beautifully turquoise coloured fish, which fly about a
foot above the ocean, and we guess, at around 20 mph. They vary from around
1-10 inches long. James has been hit twice in the chest by them, and I now lie
down on a night shift, with my hood up, as I recon it would really hurt if one
of these slapped you in the face, never mind the fright!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We have had a few starry, starry nights, which are made even
more beautiful by the phosphorescence glowing in the wake of the boat. Unsure
where the moon is these days though?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We are planning a half way pirate party. (Depends on the weather,
as drinking punch is not recommended in rough seas!!). We have been collecting
our biodegradable (over board) rubbish, and are planning to build a little sail
boat out of empty beer cans, and paper plates etc, and to launch it for our big
party! We have pirate hats, and are also planning on baking pirate cupcakes and
decorate ginger bread men. Things you do to amuse yourself!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I had a ‘stitch and bitch’ session with Iona yesterday. A
what? Basically I repaired 3 items of clothing, (it’s like having a whole new
wardrobe again) and we sat and bitched. Mostly about the weather, but Stevies
smelly feet were also mentioned!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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All in all, we are having a fab time. I am really surprised
not to be bored yet, although some proper exercise would be good. I am also
really happy to say that I appear to have gotten over my knock down fright.
There were a few times after that incident, that I was really unsure that I
would be able to continue. It really scared the crap out of me. Anyway, let’s
not think about that just now- as I hear the wind pipe up outside!! Time for
some rest xx<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 9 – 13.12 – 1pm – 1075 miles to go – half way – yippee
yippee yippee!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stevie was wondering - did the world end yesterday? Will we
be arriving in the Caribbean, for it not to be there anymore?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Today we have lots of wind (up to F8 38 knots) and we are
surfing some big waves, at an average of 7.5 kts speed. We were hoping to have
our half way party, but unfortunately it’s too rough to drink much, but we will
be having one wee beer! I have spent my watch (9am-12) trying to take a good
video to show you all the fun we are having in the big waves. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Unfortunately we haven’t seen the sun for a few days, and we
have had the odd shower. No more starry starry nights! Also, movie nights have
become a thing of the past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night on my watch I saw another sailing boat. It is the
first in around 7 days. I said ‘hi’ on the radio, and also I wanted to make
sure they had seen us, as they were coming up from behind (sometimes you forget
there are other boats out there, as you haven’t seen one for so long).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 11 - 15.12 – 850 miles to go!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well since the wind came on day 7, it has done nothing but
slowly increase, and cause some pretty crazy seas. Unfortunately it has been
too wet outside to sit (rain and a lot of spray), and too hot and humid
downstairs. We are covered in bruises from slipping all over the place. One pot
meals were all I could manage, and the uncomfortable circumstances were
beginning to take their toll on my patience!! The wind originally came from the
west, but turned round almost 90 degrees to the south over time. Some of the
swell was mountainous, the rest a little smaller. The 2 different wind
directions produced some messy swell, that gave the boat a big knock on the back
corner, and splashed all over the cockpit, and making it a pretty bumpy ride.
Also, little creepies (as I called them) - breaking bits at the top of the
mountainous swell that would spray over the back and helped to give the boat a
good clean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night the lightening started, and my knock down fear
returned. A massive dark rain cloud passed behind us, and seemed to draw 20
knots of wind towards it (onto the nose of the boat, from the west). This is
completely the opposite direction from where it had been coming from, so the
swell turned really weird, producing small waves on the top, in completely the
opposite direction. As a result, at 18,000 revs, we were hardly moving forward
(usually we would get around 5-6 knots from these revs.) As the night went on,
the swell completely calmed, the lightning storms stayed in the distance, and
eventually the stars came out. Relief. Today we have sun, and are planning our
half way party (although a little late!!). Everyone appears to be getting along
fine, and we are all happy to be making gingerbread men today!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the things I really enjoy about sailing was that even
though you are stuck on the same boat, in the same massive ocean, with the same
people day after day – no 2 watches are the same!! Sometimes there are stars,
dark clouds, big moon, no moon, rain (too cold), sun (too hot), big swells,
becalmed, no wind, too much etc. Weird how it’s never the same, although
everything else is!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 12 – 16.12 – 4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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Yesterday evening the wind and swell slowly started again.
We made our ginger bread men, an army of pirate cupcakes, and by the time of
pouring the filling into our quiche, the swell had become a little crazy,
resulting in it pouring out everywhere. However, it still cooked well in the
oven. We came to the conclusion that there should be a Baking Scale instead of
a Beaufort scale – with 1 = Fine and calm, bake anything you like especially
runny quiches! To 10 = Wild and swelly, not advised to attempt to juggle flour,
sieves, and scales etc. High risk of scalding from oven. Guaranteed to make a
big mess with the quiche filling!<o:p></o:p></div>
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We decided to abandon the build and launch of our little raft;
however, today we are becalmed (again), so it looks good for our raft. Also, we
are having a little punch again. We have come to the conclusion that Cape Verde
Fanta is full of illegal (in the UK) E additives and preservatives. It is
fluorescent in colour, and a lot of the locals seemed to prefer it to beer in
the pub. We have been adding it to our punch, and I would definitely say it
adds to the kick!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDkPC8i4QY0/UNi6cR5tVxI/AAAAAAAAAmo/4SWsXCi49oU/s1600/DSCF3107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDkPC8i4QY0/UNi6cR5tVxI/AAAAAAAAAmo/4SWsXCi49oU/s400/DSCF3107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't ever remember making ginger bread men in my life - it was fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPEsFPup7JQ/UNi7HeQeuQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/tjrjQJ3xj_Y/s1600/DSCF3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JPEsFPup7JQ/UNi7HeQeuQI/AAAAAAAAAmw/tjrjQJ3xj_Y/s400/DSCF3115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An army of pirate cup cakes!!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPBvK3lmtI8/UNi7hiXRxZI/AAAAAAAAAm4/BY9m8ePr87U/s1600/DSCF3096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zPBvK3lmtI8/UNi7hiXRxZI/AAAAAAAAAm4/BY9m8ePr87U/s400/DSCF3096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And of course we all dressed up for the occasion!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlnIuyAm_C8/UNi_evLF14I/AAAAAAAAAoE/n5A4_5HCj2I/s1600/DSCF3120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wlnIuyAm_C8/UNi_evLF14I/AAAAAAAAAoE/n5A4_5HCj2I/s400/DSCF3120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Stevie building our wee raft</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7XExFMK6J4/UNi_5xFQfxI/AAAAAAAAAoM/mukyZBEbC2o/s1600/DSCF3128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r7XExFMK6J4/UNi_5xFQfxI/AAAAAAAAAoM/mukyZBEbC2o/s400/DSCF3128.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The big launch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3yVG0npFfI/UNjAUKaf-CI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7PcpMM_gaPQ/s1600/DSCF3134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3yVG0npFfI/UNjAUKaf-CI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7PcpMM_gaPQ/s400/DSCF3134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Stevie both went for a mid atlantic swim</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We did a stock take the other day, and I am really pleased
to say that we are not going to run out of anything that I didn’t predict, and
we still have quite a variety of meals to cook. We even still have some fresh
food (potatoes, carrots etc). Also our tank and drinking water supply is doing
well. The rod is out today though, and we are still hoping for yellow fin tuna!
Failing that, it’s Morrisons ham roast – yummy (thanks again Has)!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 14 – 18.12 – 4pm<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well in the last 36 hours or so, the wind has completely
turned 360 degrees (we think we must have been passing the centre of a high
pressure area??). It has been good to change and use all points of sail, and
for most of the day yesterday we were close hauled, gliding along at 7-8 knots
all day. The boat cut beautifully through the water, like a hot knife cutting
through butter. Speaking of which, it is actually true that you head south
until the butter melts, then turn west to head for the Caribbean. Not just is
the butter melting, but so are our advent calendars!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Yesterday was by far the best day of sailing, also the first
time for a long while that we had dolphins, and lots of them, cruising along
beside the boat – beautiful!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sleep still varies from day to day, with an average of 5 hrs
a night – sometimes it is so hot that Stevie and I sleep in shifts in the bed.
Apparently when people arrive, they have a good few beers, and then sleep for
around 24 hours – sounds good to me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We just caught another Dorado – the biggest yet! Fresh meat
– yummy – I was dreading having to use tins of chicken curry etc (yuck).
Instead it looks like fish curry tonight, fish chowder soup, and maybe
fishcakes tomorrow night. Stevie is finally starting to accept that fresh fish is
ok (so long as I try to disguise the flavour in curry etc).<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DLR1QhROpM/UNi8L_MuwOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/82r2D3nfVwE/s1600/DSCF3149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DLR1QhROpM/UNi8L_MuwOI/AAAAAAAAAnA/82r2D3nfVwE/s400/DSCF3149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took both boys to land this monster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLfd4XzjX6c/UNi8rYG2AAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Wue15aegKao/s1600/DSCF3164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLfd4XzjX6c/UNi8rYG2AAI/AAAAAAAAAnI/Wue15aegKao/s400/DSCF3164.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home made dorado fish fingers (for Stevie) and mushy peas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Day 17 – 21.12 – 1pm – 78 miles to go!! 15 hours until we
safely drop anchor and breathe a sigh of relief!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can’t believe it’s our last day! Although it has been a long
time, it really has passed quite quickly – and I am really surprised I have not
been bored! Today I have a busy day, updating and minimising this blog,
painting my nails for xmas, and I have more stitching and bitching to do as the
strap of my dress broke. Hectic life, this life at sea!! Unfortunately we will
be arriving around 2-3am, and we have a severe lack of booze to celebrate
(plenty of red wine, but the boys aren’t too keen on it). We are going to drop
anchor in Falmouth harbour, Antigua. We plan to move to the marina in the
morning, where we hope to find a supermarket for some supplies for xmas, then
going for a late lunch, and some well-deserved drinks. The next plan is to
sleep until we waken (hopefully we don’t miss xmas!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday we got a little bit carried away (drunk) with
another punch. We are unsure why this one was so potent, as it contained the
same alcohol as the rest of them. All we can assume is the cola mixer (cape
verde), was full of hyper active E numbers – nothing to do with the alcohol. We
started drinking around 1pm and all 3 of us passed out around 5pm. Luckily Iona
doesn’t drink so she held the fort for a couple of hours (thanks Iona).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night I enjoyed my last 2 night shifts. I was lucky as
I had the best shift (9pm-12 and 9am-12 UTC). We have now passed through 4 time
zones, so sunrise is around 9.30am (UTC) = 5.30am ‘real time’. This morning the
sunrise was beautiful. We have also been planet spotting, and have identified
Mars and Jupiter. 3 boats have been spotted recently – more than we have seen
all journey!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day before yesterday I read about the weather and had a
wee lesson from Stevie– different types of scary clouds etc. We also discussed
the different weather fronts that we have witnesses on our journey:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 7-10 = strong wind, big swell, and a little rain –
conclusion = we were passing the edge of an area of low pressure <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 11-12 = Lightening and calmer seas – conclusion = we
passed through an occlusion zone<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 13-14 = Poor wind (turning 360 degrees over 24 hours),
hot & humid – conclusion = we passed through the middle of a high pressure
area.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is what we think – we could be wrong – but I would like
to believe that I have learnt something useful from my experience of an ocean
crossing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As it is our last day I would like to take the opportunity
to say a few thanks:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Firstly, to our wonderful Crazy Diamond: You never fail us,
you are tough as old boots, and I have so much faith in you. Thanks for keeping
us all safe and coping with all conditions! Secondly, to Steve our weather man:
Your updates were appreciated. Sorry it was such a busy time of year. My mum:
for keeping everyone up to date on our progress. Our wonderful crew members,
Iona and James. Iona I would like to thank for your motivation and creativity
in cooking and baking. I would have struggled without you. And James, for being
keen and eager to learn. I think you motivated us all to open the odd textbook,
and I am sure Stevie has very much enjoyed your company. You are both welcome back anytime! And of
course, last but not least, my dearly beloved Captain Stevie. Well done on your
first ocean crossing. You had some pretty difficult decisions to make, little
sleep, and 3 big problems to solve in our first 3 days. Well done for keeping
us all safe and coping so well!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well that’s about all from me, merry xmas to everyone and thanks
for reading. All my love, second in command, Admiral Nic xx<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Edit by steven , overall we covered 2300nm in 16.5 days, not the fastest crossing, but we arrived safe and well , we averaged 139.5 miles per day, An average of 5.8 kn.</div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-70074113095857816342012-12-04T13:59:00.003+00:002012-12-04T13:59:37.580+00:00Nics Diary - Part 8 Cape Verdes<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Nics Diary – Part 8<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Places Visited:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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Cape verdes; Sal & Sao Vicente<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just a brief update before cross the Atlantic to the Caribbean:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had quite a calm 6 day sail from the Canaries to the Cape
Verdes. It has been great to have Iona and James to help out and once our
rotas were put in place, everything ticked over nicely. James caught us a nice
fish for dinner (possibly a derado??), and it was so nice to have the time to experiment with my cook
books. I made a lovely steak, mushroom and red wine pie, a trifle, and Iona
made a yummy banana cake. What a difference to my last 5 day sail when it was
just Stevie and I. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M72btKecjD0/UL39YDLT6RI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Y1wS5KSHjDg/s1600/DSCF2947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M72btKecjD0/UL39YDLT6RI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Y1wS5KSHjDg/s400/DSCF2947.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well done James - It was yummy!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I did get quite a fright on one of my night watches, when
there was a bit thud on the deck, followed by a lot of fluttering noises. I
jumped out of my skin! Sneaking around with the torch to investigate, I found a
flying fish and a nice big puddle of blood on the deck. The poor thing had flown
splat right into the boat, killing himself almost instantly. Apart from that,
there hasn't been much wildlife around in the water.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We met up with my sailing instructor Steve, and his wife
Chris in Tenerife and again in the Cape Verdes. They have sailed from Troon
(in August), and are also headed for the Caribbean It has been great so see
familiar faces from home, and to catch up on their sailing stories and
adventures. Hopefully we will meet up again on the other side.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQucK0KXagg/UL4AVLxT-rI/AAAAAAAAAis/HFh5rqr0v3c/s1600/DSCF2970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQucK0KXagg/UL4AVLxT-rI/AAAAAAAAAis/HFh5rqr0v3c/s400/DSCF2970.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James, Steve & Chris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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After over 6 months of sailing in the med, the Cape Verde
islands make me finally feel like I am abroad. We visited a beach which had
beautiful turquoise water and white sandy beaches, and great surf. This place
just misses the tropical green look. Unfortunately the town keeps loosing
electricity which is a bit of a nuisance, as there is only one port in the whole
place where you can plug in for internet (unless you pay a fortune at the
marina).<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, we have restocked with some interesting local
produce for our Atlantic crossing, and we plan to leave tomorrow. I am really
looking forward to reaching the other side, as I feel like I have been waiting
and planning this trip for a long time now.
Lets go!! Stevie is baking me a cake on route for my birthday, and I
have a small tipple to celebrate the birth of my first nephew – I hope all goes
well Zoe x<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hopefully internet will be a little easier on the other
side, and I look forward to Skypes when I get there. Merry Xmas to you all,
will be thinking of you Nic xx <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 of us - still getting along great!</td></tr>
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nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-17726485470826528502012-11-20T22:55:00.000+00:002012-11-20T22:55:17.814+00:00Nics Diary - Part 6<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u>Nics Diary – Part 6 – 5.11.12<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<b>Places visited:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Majorca – Magaluf<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ibiza – Ibiza Town<o:p></o:p></div>
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Spain – Benidorm, Mar Menor, La Linea<o:p></o:p></div>
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Canaries – Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Teneriffe<o:p></o:p></div>
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This diary entry covers Magaluf until leaving La Linea
(15/9/12- 5/11/12). Apologies for the delay in this entry, but at the end I
will give you a brief update as to where we are, and what we are planning just
now.<o:p></o:p></div>
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My mum was on the boat with us for 3 weeks, and we
arrived in Magaluf on the 15<sup>th</sup> of September as my best friend Amanda
and her boyfriend Steven were coming for a week’s holiday. We had a fab time.
Amanda and Steven stayed in a hotel, but were welcomed on-board with a lovely
bottle of champagne and some fabulous sunshine!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So nice to see you xxx</td></tr>
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We had alot of fun going for early morning swims (so white
Steven could avoid the sun), playing crazy golf, and even venturing out on a
padelo. I enjoyed doing the different touristy things for the week. Poor Steven ended up in
bed with food poisoning, so that was a little unfortunate. All in all though,
we all had a fab week. It was so nice to catch up with Amanda and get all of
the gossip for home. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crazy golfers<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steven and his tan!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor Steven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">amanda enjoying the pedalo</td></tr>
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My mum left the same time as Steven and Amanda, and Stevie
and I started to head towards La Linea to finally get our rudder bearings
replaced. We arrived in La Linea on the 7<sup>th</sup> October, and began
arranging our lift out and other boat repairs. (Stevie has talked already
talked about the work done on a previous blog entry).<o:p></o:p></div>
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The lift out was quite cool, and it was good to meet the
underwater parts of the boat that I had never seen before. Boy was it in need
of a good clean. I spent 2 days polishing the hull, and stevie antifouled the
rest of the hull, and she looked great when we had finished. Unfortunately, as
Stevie previously said, we found that there was play in the rudder shaft, so
our 2 day lift out ended up being 8 days. It got pretty exhausting moving from
hotel room, to another boat, the back to the hotel, and I was really happy when
we finally got back into the water. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please be careful with our wee boat!!<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jbvvKhwG2w/UKwCSv53CWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/G56spzcWl0I/s1600/CIMG0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jbvvKhwG2w/UKwCSv53CWI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/G56spzcWl0I/s400/CIMG0458.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJbjGnuI6s/UKwCln77a4I/AAAAAAAAAgY/WhmT2IY7Gxw/s1600/CIMG0466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xLJbjGnuI6s/UKwCln77a4I/AAAAAAAAAgY/WhmT2IY7Gxw/s400/CIMG0466.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and after!!</td></tr>
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We really enjoyed our 4 week stay on pontoon 12, where we had
a lovely little community, and some really nice neighbours. We met an
Australian couple Carlin and Mark, who joined us for a night in Gibraltar at
the bingo and casino. I was really happy to win £100 in bingo, and Stevie
celebrated by drinking much whisky. Unfortunately he woke the next morning to
discover his passport missing. (After much debate and research, Stevie has
decided to get a temporary passport that allows him entry to 5 different
countries and we will wait for 6 weeks somewhere in the Carribean for a new one
to be issued).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Won £100 at bingo - with the Aussies!!</td></tr>
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We also met Aston, whose boat we rented for a little while
when we were homeless, and who I practised some of my new hairdressing skills
on!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">thanks for being my guinea pig aston - I am getting good at this!!</td></tr>
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Further along the pontoon were Eric and Sandra. Eric carried
out some of the repairs to the boat, and we really appreciated his help and
speed with dealing with Spanish welders. Sandra and I shared many bottles of
red wine and enjoyed a great banter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric & Sandra</td></tr>
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Much of my time in La Linea was spent shopping for dry foods
and many visits to Morrisons in Gibraltar in preparation for our Atlantic
crossing. I would like to thank Has, the fridge man in Morrisons, who had seen
me hovering around his ham department for a couple of weeks and helped me out
alot. I was looking for the longest lasting dates on fresh ham, so that we
could still eat some real meat on week 3 of our atlantic crossing. Has said that he was happy to freeze all of
the ham, gammon steaks and real bacon for me to take home frozen, and wedge in
our tiny freezer for the long journey. So, our poor freezer is working
overtime, but I am glad to not have to rely on too much tinned meat.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I carried around 20kg each trip, and must have done at least 10 trips, each one 4 miles each - was great fun - the border control was as crazy as I could imaging cycling in Bankok!!</td></tr>
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At present we are in Teneriffe. We have 2 new crew members
Iona and James. Both appear to be settling in well, and we are very happy for
some extra help. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome aboard Iona and James - I hope you enjoy the adventure as much as we do!!</td></tr>
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Today we are all planning a big trip to Carrefour for all of
our fresh products, fruit and veg etc. Tomorrow the plan is to leave for the
Cape Verdes (approx. 6 days), then we will move on to our Atlantic crossing
(hopefully around 18 days). We are all quite excited, and looking forward to
Stage 2 of our adventure (The Atlantic and the Carribean). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, that’s about all for now, Love to all, miss you
millions, and do not worry about us, we are now 4 sailors with plenty of
experience between us!! xxx<o:p></o:p></div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-25312044376450520662012-11-10T18:35:00.001+00:002012-11-11T14:01:40.705+00:00Nic's diary Part 7<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<u>Nics Diary – Part 7 – 10.11.12</u></div>
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(You may, or may not, notice that this is part 7 of my
Diaries. Part 6 – Majorca to La Linea is still ‘in progress’ and will be posted
soon)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">La Linea to Canaries</b></div>
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I thought I would do a little diary of watches as we sail
our first 5 day trip with just the two of us, from La Linea (next to Gibraltar)
to the Canaries. This is the longest sail we have done yet on our own, so we
expect it to be quite a challenge. Many yachts have been waiting for a decent
weather window for the last 3 weeks, so, as you would expect, when the chance
came, I counted around 50 boats, all heading the same way (to the canaries to
either take part in the arc (Atlantic Rally Crossing) or to wait for another
weather window to cross the Atlantic on their own, like us). </div>
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<br /></div>
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6.11.12 – 6.30am-10.30am</div>
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So, we have been sailing for around 24 hours now, and it is
dull, wet, and I am feeling pretty exhausted. (I have a soggy bum!!). There is
quite a swell behind us, so it’s a bit of a rolly ride. I am sure as the sun
comes up, I will feel a little better. A massive cargo ship just passed, and I
was feeling a little envious, as I wonder what it must be like to do a watch
with an enclosed cabin, windscreen wipers, a comfy chair, and heating! It must
be nice! Never mind, I bet his breakfast isn’t as yummy and appreciated as my
delicious smoky bacon from Morrisons, and my Tetley tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a new crew member this morning to keep
me company, Jack the sparrow (as I have called him). I told him that he is more
than welcome to come along for the ride, and to have some rest and shelter, but
not to poo on any of my clothes, and that Stevies jacket is much more comfy to
sleep on (He, he!). 4 hour watches do get a little boring and lonely, as you
may have guessed. Stevie and I just really see each other in the passing, and
for dinner (the highlight of our day). Hence why I decided to write a wee diary
of some of my watches.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElfGLs0zFBo/UJ-dPpmEy9I/AAAAAAAAAes/GgWw56WiQnE/s1600/CIMG0499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElfGLs0zFBo/UJ-dPpmEy9I/AAAAAAAAAes/GgWw56WiQnE/s400/CIMG0499.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack the Sparrow (or some sort of wee bird)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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We have been very worried as the clunk noise that we used to
hear, and we had put down to the rudder bearing needing replaced, is back, and
it is worse. Stevie is pretty stressed about it, as he has just spent a small
fortune having the bearings replaced, and it now seems that there is another
problem with the steering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just
hope we make it in one piece and we don’t have to get the tiller out to hand
steer the whole way. That would not be fun!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
6.11.12 – 4pm-8pm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am feeling a little better as it’s a day watch not a night
watch. No matter how tired you are, you really notice the difference when it’s
night. I was quite amused when I woke to find Stevie proudly introducing me to
his new best friend – Ben (another bird of unknown species). The whole of the main
cabin is scattered with little piles of bread crumbs, and of course poo. Stevie
has told me that he has been talking to Ben all morning, and has discovered
that little Ben got caught in a big wind, and couldn’t find his way back to
shore, so he has been hopping from boat to boat<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>for some time, hoping to eventually see land again. OK Stevie, so I thought
I was a little mad just naming my sparrow – never mind pretending a whole
conversation – boredom eh!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The rain has stopped, and the traffic has scattered out
across the ocean, leaving a rather boring watch, with only 1 boat in 4 hours.
Just as well I have started reading the next Fifty Shades of Grey book, to keep
me amused. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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The good news is that Stevie has managed to find where the
terrible clunk noise is coming from. A loose plate that holds the steering
mechanism in place (or something like that). He has managed to tighten it, and
the clunk has stopped. Thank goodness all is well!<br />
<br />
[steven edit: There is a snapped bolt which needs welded] </div>
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<br /></div>
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7.11.12 – Midnight – 4am</div>
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Pitch black outside and raining. In the distance there is a
thunder storm, so we have hidden our back up GPS, and hand held radio in the
microwave again (and yes we are sober, so we will remember they are
there!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No boats, and no wind, boring!
I will just have to spend the watch enjoying some of the delicious UK munchies
that I bought from Morrisons such as Cadbury Whole nut, and beef monster munch
– yummy! (I have no idea how people claim to lose weight when sailing!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
7.11.12 – 2.30pm – 6.30pm</div>
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This morning I was a little bit of a shock – to say the
least! I had been on watch for a couple of hours, and I was thinking of sitting
down to write about the usual – Stevie was happy when I got up as Ben had
returned – I had fun frying my egg, as it spun round in the frying pan and came
out more scrambled than fried etc. But…………… we got hit by a mini tornado/ squall
and all things changed from my calm morning to a hell of a fright!</div>
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<br /></div>
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When Stevie went to bed around 8.30am, he told me that all
was well, the jib was out, and not to change the engine revs as if we kept up
this speed, then we would arrive in daylight. So, I popped my head up and
checked that all was well. The wind was behind us, and gusting up to 17 knots (apparently
it was at 8 knots on the starboard forward quarter when he went to bed 20 mins
earlier)– we were reaching 10 knots when surfing down the swell – we were
flying! I did wonder why Stevie hadn’t left me instructions to reef the jib
when we hit 20 knots of wind – like he usually would. I popped my head in to
ask him, but he had passed out within 10 mins. About 30 mins later, when I
noticed the wind reaching 26 knots, I decided to try to furl some of the jib
away. I was having difficulty, so I decided to waken Stevie, who had just woken
anyway (I think he has a sixth sense!).</div>
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<br /></div>
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I asked him to get dressed and give me
a hand, as a weather front was approaching and I was worried after seeing 26
knots of wind a few times. By the time he got dressed it started to pour – like
bucket fulls of rain. We managed to furl away half of the jib, when monsterous
hail stones started to fall. They were at least the size of marbles, and they
really hurt so we both dived downstairs for cover. Within 30 seconds of being
downstairs we were very confused, as the jib had backed (the wind had spun 180
degrees). There was a hell of a noise going on, so we ran back upstairs to put away
the rest of the sail. I was winching like my life depended on it (which it
did), and Stevie was doing his best to turn the boat into the wind to ease the
strain off the sail. He soon realised that the wind was in a big swirl, and
reaching up to 70 knots. One massive gust caught the sail (of which only 1/2
was still out, equating to only 1/3 of the full surface area) and pushed the
boat right down onto her starboard side. This was the side that I was winching
on. The water gushed up onto the deck, and the boat did not self-right. We were
pinned there at 75-90 degrees for what felt like minutes - Stevie says about 10
seconds (apparently this is called being knocked down). Stevie released the jib
sheet, and immediately we came back up, and again I started frantically
winching in the jib – as I felt like my life really did depend on it this time!
My sleeves were filled with water, but this was the least of my worries.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s funny, the
thoughts that passed through my mind when we were pinned down were ‘Ok we’re
going under, we will self-right, hold on tight, and thank god I am wearing my
life jacket’. I am so surprised that I was not afraid – I just seemed to accept
it and brace myself! After it was over, we both looked at each other and said
(excuse my French) ‘What the fuck!!’</div>
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<br /></div>
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The boat was a little trashed downstairs, but no major
damage. I cleaned up, and we cracked open our first beer of the journey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then issued a broadcast warning on the radio (pan pan) to advise other yachts in the area.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49564&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1352614013" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Click image for larger version
Name: Look behind you!.jpg
Views: 11
Size: 59.2 KB
ID: 49564" border="0" class="thumbnail" height="300" src="http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=49564&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1352614013" title="Click image for larger version
Name: Look behind you!.jpg
Views: 11
Size: 59.2 KB
ID: 49564" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apparently something like this is responsible, although I don't think it was quite so dramatic as this picture. Pretty rare and pretty unlucky to land in the middle of one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yb2000DSqI8/UJ-eArCfo6I/AAAAAAAAAe0/guWTsZQp2bE/s1600/CIMG0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yb2000DSqI8/UJ-eArCfo6I/AAAAAAAAAe0/guWTsZQp2bE/s400/CIMG0503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No real damage - just a bit of a mess - note the purple loaf of bread that shot from a surface on the opposite side of the boat, and neatly wedged itself on a shelf straight across the boat!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twW-pbPhNac/UJ-e5z-wVTI/AAAAAAAAAe8/HlBBjDlZ6pQ/s1600/CIMG0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twW-pbPhNac/UJ-e5z-wVTI/AAAAAAAAAe8/HlBBjDlZ6pQ/s400/CIMG0504.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean dishes flew off the draining board, and a tray of 36 eggs landed in the sink with none broken!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fECg5XolH0/UJ-fxwbc1nI/AAAAAAAAAfE/M1swkzczSRI/s1600/CIMG0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0fECg5XolH0/UJ-fxwbc1nI/AAAAAAAAAfE/M1swkzczSRI/s400/CIMG0502.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun was shining 1 minute after knock down!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well I guess the whole experience has prepared me for what
to expect, and what to do if we ever hit another squall again. Brace, don’t
panic, and release the sails if they pin us down! (remind me never to complain
that I am bored on watch again!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So anyway, things are back to normal now, and we are keeping
a closer eye on the weather fronts coming in (some have fork lightening so it’s
still a bit scary). The jib is having a break, and we have been motoring the
rest of the day. Ben has been singing all afternoon – he probably has plenty of
energy after eating so much bread. Anyway, time for some dinner, and I think I
will treat myself to a glass of wine (just the one!!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8.11.12 – midnight – 4am</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Stevie went to bed there was no wind. He left me the
instruction that if wind came I had to put up the sail. I expressed my fear,
but was kindly reminded that we most likely did not have enough fuel to motor
all the way, so we must use the wind. By 2am there was a steady 11 knots of
wind on the side, so after a little encouragement from myself, the sail is up.
I have been petrified since. My legs have turned to jelly, there have been a
couple of tears and I think the realisation of this morning’s events have
finally kicked in, plus thorough exhaustion. On the plus side, there are
beautiful stars in the sky and all signs of weather fronts and fork lightening
have gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, my wishes
when I saw a shooting star have now changed. 70 hours down and only 36 hours to
go. I have never so much looked forward to safely dropping the anchor, drinking
a full bottle of wine, having lots of cuddles and sleeping forever!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9.11.12 – midnight – 4am</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today we were talking to some other boats on the radio who
have been discussing our little event yesterday. They are friends of the
Aussies we met in La Linea, and they want to meet up for a beer and hear our
story tomorrow when we arrive. I am not allowing myself to consider or think
about what actually happened until then, as it is not benefiting me just now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I am keeping my thoughts positive throughout my watch –
such as how many bars of chocolate can I eat in 4 hours? Today was a beautiful
day, sun in the sky and nice smooth wind on our side. It has been nice to sail
properly, and today is much more like what I signed up for. Little Ben hasn’t
been around today. I think all of his chirping and tweeting yesterday was a big
thank you and farewell to us. Good luck Ben, it was nice having you.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lcXDKKd9uE/UJ-hHeUenzI/AAAAAAAAAfM/_mcEqLWwkqw/s1600/CIMG0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_lcXDKKd9uE/UJ-hHeUenzI/AAAAAAAAAfM/_mcEqLWwkqw/s400/CIMG0510.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much more like it weather wise</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With only 10 hours to go, I think this may be my last watch
of the adventure. All in all, I have really enjoyed myself. Obviously
yesterday’s event has been a bit of a shock, but it hasn’t put me off sailing,
if anything it has taught me a lot about what to expect, and more importantly
what to do, and has also confirmed that we have a good solid boat. Exhaustion
and trouble getting to sleep on my 4 hours off are taking their toll. I am
really glad to be arriving tomorrow. We definitely are getting crew for the
Atlantic crossing, so that we can get a proper rest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDVdREAmJnM/UJ-holz8QuI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZmoiG3TWFS8/s1600/CIMG0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sDVdREAmJnM/UJ-holz8QuI/AAAAAAAAAfY/ZmoiG3TWFS8/s400/CIMG0520.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never lost our sense of humor as we pulled out our party hats when overtaking another yacht</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww09BvjjUf0/UJ-j5I9s49I/AAAAAAAAAfg/XqF4uhT6vBg/s1600/CIMG0521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ww09BvjjUf0/UJ-j5I9s49I/AAAAAAAAAfg/XqF4uhT6vBg/s400/CIMG0521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset as we passed by another yacht</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9.11.12 – 6pm</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have decided to come to a marina at the south of
Lanzarote, as other boats were reporting that the anchorages were really rolly.
I was happy that we decided to go to land, and when I first stepped off the
boat, I went down on my knees and kissed the ground (well the pontoon)!! Relief
– time for some beers and a good sleep. Stevie has been told that if I don’t
waken tomorrow – not to bother wakening me as I love and have missed a good
sleep!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope my stories haven’t been too long winded, and please
don’t worry too much about us – it’s all part of the adventure. Stevie was
unsure that we should tell you all at home about the knock down in case it
worried everyone, but apparently it only happens to all sailors once in a
lifetime, so I am positive we will be fine from now on. Big hugs to you all, lots
of love Nicola xx</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-41197228358358648642012-10-28T07:35:00.001+00:002012-10-28T08:49:59.852+00:00Lifting out!I've not updated the blog for a while, we had a mad dash back from Mallorca to Gibraltar, stopping at Ibiza ,Torrivieja & Mar Menor on the way back, as per usual with the med it was almost all motoring.<br />
<br />
We were hoping to change the rudder bearings, one backstay chainplate and a wheel bearing, while adding a spinnaker pole on a track and a rigid boom vang.<br />
<br />
As usual with boats things have not went quite to plan, we have much of the work done and are in the process of addding a few extras, while patiently watching the weather for the trip to the canaries.<br />
<br />
Many boats are in limbo at the moment due to unseasonably bad weather and winds from the wrong direction.<br />
<br />
So we had the boat lifted out to do the rudder bearings and a coat of anti foul, while renewing the bearings we found some play in the rudder between the stock and the rudder itself, which involved cutting some holes in the rudder to repair. then the hot water tank decided to burst, I suppose better now than mid atlantic.<br />
<br />
So far we have renewed the backstay chainplates, the rudder bearings, wheel bearing, jib furling line and a few other things, still on the to do list are davits for the dinghy, the spinnaker pole and a rigid boom vang , the last two are in transit and have been for silly amounts of time, could be an issue soon.<br />
<br />
Some pics.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrp2GHSSX9E/UIzddGik3rI/AAAAAAAAAb8/MUDe9xhBa2s/s1600/CIMG0449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rrp2GHSSX9E/UIzddGik3rI/AAAAAAAAAb8/MUDe9xhBa2s/s400/CIMG0449.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boat in travellift</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ILNiduTsj8/UIzdg02WXhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/4fK3kSYQvRQ/s1600/CIMG0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ILNiduTsj8/UIzdg02WXhI/AAAAAAAAAcE/4fK3kSYQvRQ/s400/CIMG0461.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to be cradeled</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1PQZOilny4/UIzdj4cyTDI/AAAAAAAAAcM/nxQ6V-E5cok/s1600/CIMG0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X1PQZOilny4/UIzdj4cyTDI/AAAAAAAAAcM/nxQ6V-E5cok/s400/CIMG0464.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this would explain some loss in speed! A large bag like they use in builders.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXCSpox0vIg/UIzdm8klitI/AAAAAAAAAcU/wSoohVqZ4c0/s1600/CIMG0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXCSpox0vIg/UIzdm8klitI/AAAAAAAAAcU/wSoohVqZ4c0/s400/CIMG0467.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New paint going on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxYEYhOXsSo/UIzdpOXOeII/AAAAAAAAAcc/NrvcqiO5Qg4/s1600/CIMG0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WxYEYhOXsSo/UIzdpOXOeII/AAAAAAAAAcc/NrvcqiO5Qg4/s400/CIMG0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow a real - large bed, first in six months!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNF84RLPX7M/UIzdtJHweYI/AAAAAAAAAck/U5-2pBibjxQ/s1600/CIMG0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yNF84RLPX7M/UIzdtJHweYI/AAAAAAAAAck/U5-2pBibjxQ/s400/CIMG0473.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many Socts, English and South Africans does it take to change a rudder bearing?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok6r4ig6_no/UIzd8lvlhyI/AAAAAAAAAcs/2uUtVlEaG8Y/s1600/CIMG0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok6r4ig6_no/UIzd8lvlhyI/AAAAAAAAAcs/2uUtVlEaG8Y/s400/CIMG0482.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filling in the rudder after the rods were welded.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h9dSxtIH6w/UIzeMqinB1I/AAAAAAAAAc0/UdaXuZ0oIOk/s1600/CIMG0483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8h9dSxtIH6w/UIzeMqinB1I/AAAAAAAAAc0/UdaXuZ0oIOk/s400/CIMG0483.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing some pre Atlantic stocking up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7e3uDQvxpM/UIzebJQGr_I/AAAAAAAAAdA/2DCaRf4nqiM/s1600/CIMG0484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u7e3uDQvxpM/UIzebJQGr_I/AAAAAAAAAdA/2DCaRf4nqiM/s400/CIMG0484.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic gets her essentials, Chateau du cardboard, well at 1 Euro per liter it can't be bad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYybg86b-w4/UIze084ymDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/NWSkhRTnKAo/s1600/CIMG0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYybg86b-w4/UIze084ymDI/AAAAAAAAAdI/NWSkhRTnKAo/s320/CIMG0487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just when you thought you had enough work, along comes more!<br />
The water ain't supposed to be coming out of this hole!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-60193541618316184422012-09-17T08:59:00.001+01:002012-09-18T09:43:44.708+01:00South of France, Menorca, Majorca - Nics diary part 5<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<u>Nics Diary – Part 5 – 16.9.12</u></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Places visited:</b></div>
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South of France – St. Tropez, Isles de Poquerolles, Cassis</div>
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South of Spain – Roses, Cala de sa Riera, Palamos, Blanes,
Llorret de Mar</div>
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Menorca – Fornells, Mahon, Cala Granalda</div>
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Majorca – Alcudia, Pollensa, Soller, Santa Ponsa, Magaluf</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well, to begin with I (we) must hang our heads in shame and apologize to Mar Menor for cursing the town for robbing us (Nics Diary – Part
2). We had a thunder storm a few days ago, and decided to hide all of our
electrical items (laptop etc) in the microwave for protection, and you’ll never
guess what was in there – Duh - the 2 cameras, our hand held radio, and a chart
plotter that we thought was stolen from our deck in Mar Menor!! Yes, as
mentioned before, we were very drunk that night!! (shame the dinghy that was
stolen in Corsica wasn’t in there too).</div>
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<br /></div>
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So moving on swiftly, as usual, the last month has flown in.
One of the last places we visited in the South of France was some beautiful
Islands called Isles de Poquerolles. These islands had real character. It
looked like a wee village from back in time. It had palm trees, crystal clear
waters, everyone cycled, and a lot of the young children came out in the night
to set up wee street stalls to sell all sorts, like jewellery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKcph2gKjok/UFbxHuXaMdI/AAAAAAAAAZE/EPi8B7TtIGw/s1600/CIMG0262.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKcph2gKjok/UFbxHuXaMdI/AAAAAAAAAZE/EPi8B7TtIGw/s400/CIMG0262.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isles de Poquerolles with palm trees!</td></tr>
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The South West coast of France had fascinating cliffs and
rock formations. We managed to find an anchorage between 2 cliff faces –
certainly different from the normal views!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning anchorage!</td></tr>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breath Taking Rock Formations!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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Our travels then became all about getting to Blanes (near
Gerona airport) to collect my mum, who has now been traveling with us for 3
weeks. I was really worried about her coming as she has a big fear of deep
water, and the last thing she would ever imagine doing was traveling, full
time, on a yacht – that was until I decided to travel the world for 3 years, on
a yacht!! She couldn’t resist the ‘once in a life time opportunity’, but I have
to admit, she has been coping really well, and has shown no fear, even though
we have seen some of the worst Mediterranean <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>seas since she arrived.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mum enjoying being a tourist of the sea!</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
It turns out that the Gulf of Lyon area (where the South of
France meets the south of Spain, and also dips down to Menorca), is notorious
for big storms and heavy seas – so we have recently learned, and fast!! We have
basically become’ storm dodgers’ (instead of ‘storm chasers’!). </div>
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<br /></div>
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Being on a deadline to collect my mum meant that we had to
keep a close eye on the weather. Crossing the Gulf of Lyon had to be well
timed, and still we hit some really thick fog at 3am. Stevie was on watch, and
wakened me at 7am as his fingers and toes were all wrinkled up (like when you
have had a long bath), and he needed a well-earned break. I was worried when he
left me alone, as I have mentioned before, I hate the thick fog, as I always
picture a massive boat emerging and not having much time to do anything about
it! However, I was lucky, and the fog cleared quickly. I was just left to steer
around approximately 20 fishing boats that charged towards me, as they must
have been waiting for the fog to clear.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layer of thick black fog under the sunrise!</td></tr>
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When we finally arrived at Blanes we tied up (illegally) to
a harbor wall for the night. As it was Saturday night, no one was around to
move us on. A young boy in a boat further along said it was ok to use his water
hose, so we waited until dark, then spent most of the night twin tubbing all of
my clothes, taking showers, scrubbing the deck, then filling the water tanks –
all ready for mum coming. Oh how I miss a never ending supply of water (we are
still trying to get the water maker fixed). We taped some money to his hose to
say thanks for the water!<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twin tub day on the boat!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
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When my mum arrived (on Monday 27<sup>th</sup> August) we
moved on to Menorca immediately, as the weather was due to turn again,
introducing her to a 26hr sail on her first day with us!<br />
<br />
Menorca is very different to Majorca, with far less British
tourists, much quieter, and not much in the way of beaches. We assumed that
Menorca is less popular due to the storms coming from the Gulf of Lyon. Our
first stop was Fornells, which was nice and protected from the sea as it was
situated in almost an inland sea, with only a small gap out to the real sea.
This proved to be great for protecting us from the nasty sea outside, but also
meant we were stuck there for a week, as once you get the boat in, it is really
difficult to get it back out. We tried to leave one day, and had to turn around
as there were rather large breaking waves<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">
</b>(our rudder still hasn’t been repaired, so we have to take it easy). </div>
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<br /></div>
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We have now storm dodged, our way back to Magaluf, Majorca,
where my friend, Amanda, and her boyfriend, Steven, will be coming for a
holiday tomorrow. Stevie’s mum, Lorraine, and her boyfriend, Kevin, will also be
coming in a few days. It will be great to see them all. They both have
accommodation on land, but I am sure they will be spending much time on the
yacht. (Brace myself for yacht chaos as 2 on the boat can be cosy – never mind
7!!!).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shreaded Scotland Flag from all of the storms</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As so many visitors are expected, Stevie was anxious to buy
a new rib that is a little bigger and more stable, than the wee soft deck
dinghy we have been using since our last rib was stolen (Nics Diary – Part 4).
We had a nice wee day out together, wandering in industrial estate trying to
find a new rib, and success! We have a beautiful, smooth planing, extremely sparkly
new rib called Snow White, and she is all ready to safely transport our guests
(the 7 dwarfs!), and, of course, for Stevie to spend many hours playing on!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plans (time wise) are still coming along nicely for heading
to Tenerife, to cross the Atlantic in November. When our guests leave, we plan
to head to Gibraltar for some work to be done to the boat (including the rudder
bearings getting fixed) and also so I can spend many days stocking up shopping
at Morrisons!!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI6pA8iFro4/UFbke4acdpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ePTc5Kl2AM8/s1600/CIMG0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RI6pA8iFro4/UFbke4acdpI/AAAAAAAAAXo/ePTc5Kl2AM8/s400/CIMG0372.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new rib Ab VS9 well made and spacious (snow white!!)</td></tr>
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We decided to buy (for a trial) a dried and cured full leg
of ham to experiment using it in several meals for the Altantic crossing! (long
life meat). We pigged (he he) out on it the first day, and sickened ourselves
without trying it out for cooking. We then left it for a week, or so, in a
sealed plastic bag, and when we went to get it, it was all mouldy. Lesson
learned - as it must sweat! It was tasty though, so we will probably get one
for our crossing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiXDQm3FLUo/UFbkxFhpBSI/AAAAAAAAAXw/i0--WWo03AA/s1600/CIMG0294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiXDQm3FLUo/UFbkxFhpBSI/AAAAAAAAAXw/i0--WWo03AA/s400/CIMG0294.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am a little worried about how much Stevie enjoyed carving it up!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHn2sqkEdJU/UFbupjcv2MI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Smyufk5QjI0/s1600/CIMG0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dHn2sqkEdJU/UFbupjcv2MI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Smyufk5QjI0/s400/CIMG0306.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tastes really yummy - but you have to try not to think about what it is that you are actually eating!</td></tr>
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<br />
My home baking has been coming along nicely. My soft dinner
rolls turned our really tasty, as did my home made pizza. I just need to buy 100
bags of flour from Morrisons and we will be fine! (It will be handy to be able
to read the writing in English and to know what type of flour I am using, as
just now it’s a bit of a guess).<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ho3KCFtqcw/UFbleccKQKI/AAAAAAAAAYA/lIHHrf8RVvA/s1600/CIMG0339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ho3KCFtqcw/UFbleccKQKI/AAAAAAAAAYA/lIHHrf8RVvA/s320/CIMG0339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwsxYDeQYuM/UFblWdSUu9I/AAAAAAAAAX4/s-U7UkeGqEo/s1600/CIMG0327.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OwsxYDeQYuM/UFblWdSUu9I/AAAAAAAAAX4/s-U7UkeGqEo/s320/CIMG0327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I better get back to my final preparations for our
guests arriving. It will be great to see some more familiar faces. I just wish
everyone could be here too for a catch up. Luv to all, miss you millions, nic
xxx</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oos2EaONRGQ/UFb47gMLsoI/AAAAAAAAAaE/3ogmuYh-ho4/s1600/CIMG0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oos2EaONRGQ/UFb47gMLsoI/AAAAAAAAAaE/3ogmuYh-ho4/s400/CIMG0381.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stevie, me & mum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i>Some photos from our ‘stolen’ camera that match up with Nics Diary –
Part 2 (Gibraltar & Mar Menor)</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GlnyvoO6b3I/UFbXslszUAI/AAAAAAAAAWM/9mnALOgr1CA/s1600/DSCF2865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFtj-m_RdsA/UFbg2gj7VcI/AAAAAAAAAXM/OkKYinGsbd4/s1600/DSCF2865.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFtj-m_RdsA/UFbg2gj7VcI/AAAAAAAAAXM/OkKYinGsbd4/s400/DSCF2865.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rock of Gibraltar - Cars and people crossing the runway!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIvO0mQ8sZo/UFbZYCK33VI/AAAAAAAAAWY/rFBV6CWr7gY/s1600/DSCF2874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIvO0mQ8sZo/UFbZYCK33VI/AAAAAAAAAWY/rFBV6CWr7gY/s400/DSCF2874.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took the cable car up the rock - scary!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEwxcUX0e4w/UFbad2jGzSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/04ujDxCy6oY/s1600/DSCF2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qEwxcUX0e4w/UFbad2jGzSI/AAAAAAAAAWg/04ujDxCy6oY/s400/DSCF2883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbary Apes - the local residents of 'the rock'</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHPzD-rvMUQ/UFbbR1amYvI/AAAAAAAAAWo/RyB-I_AiTE4/s1600/DSCF2895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RHPzD-rvMUQ/UFbbR1amYvI/AAAAAAAAAWo/RyB-I_AiTE4/s400/DSCF2895.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morrisons has a bar that you can smoke in - don't mind shopping here on a regular basis!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWgv4F4pCbQ/UFbdZj7yxiI/AAAAAAAAAWw/78lf2dovJ5I/s1600/DSCF2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JWgv4F4pCbQ/UFbdZj7yxiI/AAAAAAAAAWw/78lf2dovJ5I/s400/DSCF2908.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wee tuna that I caught - was a bit yucky to eat though!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4qLu7YjIOo/UFbhtCUDmRI/AAAAAAAAAXU/URhalFz2Q-U/s1600/DSCF2909.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K4qLu7YjIOo/UFbhtCUDmRI/AAAAAAAAAXU/URhalFz2Q-U/s400/DSCF2909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And extremely bloody to gut! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DY1tSJ5AbW0/UFbf2gKoztI/AAAAAAAAAXE/qv2t4zORgvk/s1600/DSCF2918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DY1tSJ5AbW0/UFbf2gKoztI/AAAAAAAAAXE/qv2t4zORgvk/s400/DSCF2918.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draw Bridge opening to let yachts through - Mar Menor</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IKcph2gKjok/UFbxHuXaMdI/AAAAAAAAAZE/EPi8B7TtIGw/s1600/CIMG0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3524901915891856374.post-89178757866262354532012-09-04T00:45:00.002+01:002012-09-18T09:45:02.018+01:00More random pics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUP3QAXYMfM/UEU7sYDyibI/AAAAAAAAATc/k5W-R_9Y3yU/s1600/CIMG0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PUP3QAXYMfM/UEU7sYDyibI/AAAAAAAAATc/k5W-R_9Y3yU/s400/CIMG0089.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is it a boat , no its a bar!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzNifXmFcSs/UEU73_knEeI/AAAAAAAAATk/UVT2b6wDNN4/s1600/CIMG0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzNifXmFcSs/UEU73_knEeI/AAAAAAAAATk/UVT2b6wDNN4/s400/CIMG0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sucking it in...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNGBXZtYnYo/UEU8CRLj6iI/AAAAAAAAATs/Gf8lTFautdQ/s1600/CIMG0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNGBXZtYnYo/UEU8CRLj6iI/AAAAAAAAATs/Gf8lTFautdQ/s400/CIMG0126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At least 4000 years old, zero maintenance</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0KX6uXot24/UEU9IJDHErI/AAAAAAAAAT0/NuOHRkgo48Y/s1600/CIMG0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0KX6uXot24/UEU9IJDHErI/AAAAAAAAAT0/NuOHRkgo48Y/s400/CIMG0036.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Scottish boat outside magaluf, they sailed from venezuela</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xK6vqoIGQI/UEU9QbqyolI/AAAAAAAAAT8/SPBPujl6mgQ/s1600/CIMG0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5xK6vqoIGQI/UEU9QbqyolI/AAAAAAAAAT8/SPBPujl6mgQ/s400/CIMG0043.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't get any calmer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja49vZnslfg/UEU9X1t2NrI/AAAAAAAAAUE/isLzJiYGjnM/s1600/CIMG0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja49vZnslfg/UEU9X1t2NrI/AAAAAAAAAUE/isLzJiYGjnM/s400/CIMG0044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALRabK6Oixs/UEU-3S2O3dI/AAAAAAAAAUM/V8_sX4-RVuo/s1600/DSCF2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALRabK6Oixs/UEU-3S2O3dI/AAAAAAAAAUM/V8_sX4-RVuo/s400/DSCF2863.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horst from puddle duck, donning the scottish hat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-008e32sVc6U/UEU_fxJ4bqI/AAAAAAAAAUU/r_psYRfA084/s1600/DSCF2876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-008e32sVc6U/UEU_fxJ4bqI/AAAAAAAAAUU/r_psYRfA084/s400/DSCF2876.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cheeky monkeys</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UMi-qxw68Y/UEVAHNB3PRI/AAAAAAAAAUg/MvwFfbQF3kI/s1600/DSCF2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3UMi-qxw68Y/UEVAHNB3PRI/AAAAAAAAAUg/MvwFfbQF3kI/s400/DSCF2920.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The canal entry to mar menor</td></tr>
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<br />nicandstevehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16968886910226266614noreply@blogger.com1