Sanding & Varnishing

Our escape to Maine was partly motivated by a recommendation of having Northeast Boat work on Eve’s teak wood interior. Our timing was good because we caught this crew of professionals between projects and willing to give Eve some attention.

But first my captain and I had to empty Eve. We rented a Budget mini moving truck and spent a day carrying most of her contents and our belongings off the boat and into the back of the truck. We left only enough bedding in a locker to pullout each night. Otherwise we’re living on deck or out of “the truck”, which also serves as our land transport.

Once the boat was empty, including mattresses and many of her fixtures, we taped up all the cabinet holes and vents from the inside to minimize dust collecting.

For four days now an experienced team has been sanding and varnishing Eve's teak interior, gradually transforming her sun-bleached and saltwater abused hatches back to their natural beauty and preserving other areas down below. You wouldn’t believe the dust! Thankfully, the guys use a high-powered vacuum that does a great job. The varnishing work will continue into next week.

Maine Morning

Another foggy morning in mid coast Maine.

Passage to Maine

My, doesn’t the summertime flyby?

With the precious days of summer escaping and the ocean calling, my captain and I decided to set sail for Maine, a favorite summer cruising area. Our 220nm passage was foggy and rainy therefore I was usually at the chart table worshiping the radar. At least we were able to sail most of the trip, minimizing the concern of running over lobster buoys that are everywhere.

First stop, Rockport Harbor. Situated along Maine’s mid-coast region, Rockport is a calendar-worthy harbor filled with classic wooden sailboats and working lobster boats. It’s deliberately a quiet town compared to its bustling neighbors; Rockland to the south and Camden to the north. Also, as many of you know, home to Schooner Heron (shown in photo).

Narragansett Bay, July 13th

Good wind for a perfect sailing day in Narragansett Bay!

I'll have to call you later...

I’ve lost count of the number of times I walked into a mobile service provider in June to sign-up for a US plan only to walk away empty handed for one reason or another. In the end, I opted to wait until today, July 11th, for the release of the new Apple iPhone. In the meantime I have visited AT&T stores and read everything online I could about the iPhone so I already have my questions answered and am prepared to make the expensive commitment.

Given the congested shopper traffic at an Apple store on a normal day, I decided to try my luck at AT&T today, especially since I was opening a new mobile account. I did my homework too – I visited my AT&T store of choice (Middletown / Newport, Rhode Island) and confirmed my options, prices and backup plan should they sell out right away. Against my better judgment, I got up early and stood in line (with a good book in hand) before the store opened to ensure I would be able to get the iPhone I want – a 16gig model in white.

I found it odd that the store didn’t open as early as advertised, but was relieved when they finally let a few people through their doors around 9am. About 45-minutes later a store rep came outside to inform us that (despite the one phone per person rule) they were already sold out of the 8gig models and only had ten 16gig remaining. No wonder they didn’t open early – they didn’t have enough phones to sell! They couldn’t have had more than a total of two dozen iPhones because the line had barely budged. Very disappointing. And I really didn’t need another reason to be hesitant about giving AT&T my business.

Disappointing for sure, but what was extremely aggravating was that they waited so long to tell us there were so few phones and then said we could continue standing in line to place an order which would take at least five days. Upon an earlier visit to this store they informed me that should they sell out, I could place an order and receive it the next day. This was why I went to do the queuing up thing…Arrrgh.

I hurried back to my floating home with a new backup plan. I'll order my iPhone online direct from Apple, where I have purchased numerous products without disappointment. Wrong. The iPhone is only available at Apple and AT&T stores. Bummer! Now I’m not sure what I'll do…

Exhaust Exhaustion

Just before the long (and hot) July 4th holiday weekend an abundance of seaweed clogged the raw water intake of our generator, which caused the generator to overheat and shutdown. After replacing the shredded impeller, my captain discovered that the water-lift (muffler) had developed a small hole – this was why the carbon monoxide alarm was going on and off over the past week! – filling the engine compartment with water. With businesses closing early for the holiday weekend, it was Monday before we could question anyone about the availability of a replacement exhaust system. It took most of a day to remove the muffler from the engine room because so many things around it had to be dismantled first.
Our exhaust (Volvo Penta) was old and made of stainless steel. These day’s marine exhaust systems are made from plastic or fiberglass, so replacing what we had is not an option. Four days later we’re still trying to locate an exhaust system that will fit and meet our generators requirements. With fingers crossed, we’ve another option on order. In the meantime we’ve had guests who were unfortunately forced to camp afloat without the basic amenities we’ve become accustomed to on the Event Horizon – no running water (try brushing your teeth and rinsing with bottled water) or cold beverages.

Gas Theft

Last night there were thieves lurking in the Rockwell-like village of Wickford. Boats at the dinghy dock with external fuel tanks not locked down were stolen for their contents. This is the first such occurrence at our marina but apparently reports of gas theft are becoming increasingly common at marinas and on shore. Whether you’re a boater or a land lubber, the Miami Herald recently offered tips for safe guarding your gas.

Nantucket

As I've mentioned a time or two before, I'd rather be out sailing and one of my favorite summer destinations is Nantucket... By sail from Rhode Island it's wise to make this a two-day passage otherwise you need to carefully plan departures according to the tides, especially in Vineyard Sound. My captain and I usually opt to spend a night off one of the Elizabeth Islands or Martha's Vineyard before completing our journey.

Upon arrival to Nantucket Harbor we contact Nantucket Moorings on VHF channel 68 to rent one of their secure moorings. (During high summer season make reservations before you set sail.)

On this visit my friends and I explored Nantucket by peddling down her many bike paths and picturesque dirt roads. (There are numerous excellent bicycle rentals on the island, many of them near Steamship Wharf where the ferries arrive.)

The highlight of our cycling day was a long rest stop at Cisco Brewery were we taste tested their tasty micro brews...

and then we went into their Nantucket Vineyard tasting room...and finally we entered their spirits distillery where we tasted surprisingly delicious infused vodkas made with their popular Triple Eight Vodka. Each tasting costs a fee but each is worth it. Next time I'll pack a picnic to enjoy at one of Cisco's outside tables while sipping their many fine libations.

Stormy Sky, Wickford RI

A stormy view from the decks of Event Horizon moored in Wickford, Rhode Island.

Speedboat

A glimpse of Speedboat as she flew past while practicing for the Newport to Bermuda Race.

Contemplating in Wickford

I've been running around like a mad woman since making landfall in the US. It was a wet trip so there was lots of cleaning up to do once we reached our "home" port of Wickford, Rhode Island, mostly removing salt residue from down below and laundry. Lots of laundry.

Two weeks have already passed and I remain in a state of uncertainty while already feeling the stress and financial demands of being back in the “normal world” – it’s more the fact that you need so much more “stuff”. Apparently I really had simplified my life!

My uncertainty stems from far too many co-dependent decisions yet to be made. Which cell phone carrier (I have a fear of long term commitments such as 1 or 2-year contracts!), what area code, where do I want to call home, or wiser still, where should I live based on income opportunities... believe me the list is long. On the bright side, the world is my oyster so despite my whinging, I’m trying to embrace this period of my life as an exciting time.

But the truth is I’d rather be sailing!

Bermuda to Newport - Day 4

The day began with over 30kts behind us and we kept busy decreasing sail as the wind kept increasing until we had furled the jib and had three reefs in the main. We experienced over twelve hours of high winds well above what was forecasted, including hours with sustained 35-40kts. In truth it didn't seem too bad but that may be because the boat was handling the seas well, which were larger but further apart, and we were making great speed - sometimes surfing over 10kts. Plus we were expecting stormy weather in the evening so we figured things would get worse. I'll share an excerpt from our weather router's email "A pretty significant severe weather outbreak is likely...the potential for large hail, strong damaging winds and tornadoes! As this activity moves off the coast this evening some weakening is likely heading into the night, but some squalls/thunderstorms could still bring you strong wind gusts up to 50+ knots, so you'll want to be prepared for this possibility with the time frame appearing to be 7pm this evening through 3am Sunday. A significant amount of lightening is also likely along with very heavy downpours." So you can see why we were expecting things to get worse. Thankfully we encountered only one squall with moderate wind, no hail and only saw lightening in the distance. Another yacht, with whom we have been keeping in contact and at this point was 50nm behind us, saw plenty of action.

New England welcomed us with dense fog so I worshiped the radar while my captain sailed us clear of any hazards. Not only was the weather exciting - throughout the day we saw several ships, dolphins and a large group of whales just off our port-side.

The day's run was 182nm and another 20 miles this afternoon has put us safely in Newport Harbor. The trip total was 730nm taking 4-days and 3-hours, our fastest Bermuda/Newport passage to date.

We tied up along side Goat Island Marina to clear Customs & Border Protection and then refueled. We've just finished picking up a Old Port mooring for the night so we can enjoy ourselves in Newport. But first, a much needed shower!

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Bermuda to Newport - Day 3

Day three was spent in the Gulf Stream fighting the current and due to very light winds we continued to be under engine most of the day. In fact, we've already used more fuel on this short passage than we did on our combined Atlantic crossings. We saw a few ships on the radar but only one was close enough to sight. Sadly, what we have seen lots of throughout the trip is trash, mostly assorted plastic containers. As the sun rose, so did the wind and sea state. By noon, the close of our sailing day, we had a reef in the 100% jib and were preparing to put a second reef in the main as the wind was over 30kts and climbing. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things change out here! The day's run was 182nm, an average of about 7.6kts per hour.

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Bermuda to Newport - Day 2

The passage was easier today although we didn't sail much. Light winds required us to engine in order to make progress. While we try to avoid using the engine, it made for easy night-watches and better sleeps since the bunks were more horizontal than usual. Overall it was a beautiful day with little activity on or around the boat. I did see a container ship, our only vessel sighting, during my last night-watch. When not sleeping, eating or watching what's ahead, I have been reading and my captain spends his leisure time studying weather charts and reports we receive throughout the day via single sideband radio. By the day's end we did another 177nm so we're half-way "home".

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Bermuda to Newport - Day 1

The first 24-hours presented a wide range of weather, wind and sea state. Sometimes the conditions were nice and other times uncomfortable. You can always tell things are unpleasant when this sailor girl prefers to skip a meal. Based on the boats requesting permission to exit St George's Harbour over the VHF radio, we know several are making a similar passage, yet the only vessel we have sighted so far was a southbound cruise ship. The best news to report is that we made good progress - 180nm. Approximately 500 more miles to go...

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S/V Event Horizon Position Update

5/29/2008 @ 12:00 AM(UTC)
32°54.44'N 065°25.30'W
Course 325T Speed 6.9kts
Wind 295T @ 10kts

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Departing BDA

Event Horizon is getting a late start because we have been waiting on a new hatch cover, which is being installed as I type. (Thank you Ocean Sails for your great customer service and excellent canvas work!)

It was nice knowing I could sleep in this morning, but I was up early so I took my favorite walk along the east end of St George’s and also did a bit of beachcombing for sea glass. It’s a gloomy day in Bermuda but the views were still spectacular and the rain held off until after my long walk. Since then the rain has been steady... We are among several boats departing today despite there being no wind this morning and light winds forecasted for the first 12hrs. In the past hour a stiff breeze has arrived so maybe our delay was a good thing.

An interesting fact I want to share is that within 200 miles of Bermuda there are 4 abandoned boats still floating. Alarmingly, two of these vessels may be along our journey’s path. This will keep us wide-eyed and alert during the dark of night!

Preparing for BDA Departure

Our weather router has given us a green light to leave for a few days now but the winds have been light out there and my captain has had a cold so we've been postponing our passage. But the wind is forecasted to pickup and my captain is feeling better so now we’re busy preparing and stowing for an early Wednesday (tomorrow) morning departure, which should put us in Newport by Monday.

Bermuda Day

May 24th...

Recently restored Onion Patch following the Bermuda dinghy races.

The first Bermuda dinghy race of the 2008 season with the St George's Dinghy Club’s team Victory in the foreground.

Summer's Arrival

Yesterday our guests departed by plane, just before the high winds and thick clouds that hampered our social activities all week finally passed over Bermuda. The change in weather also brought the long awaited good weather window for sailing north so there has been a mass exodus of yachts all day.

Lucky for me, there are three reasons why we have decided not to set sail:

1. Our friends aboard Schooner Heron recently arrived and their company is always reason to linger.
2. It looks as though there is another good weather window on Tuesday.
3. Tomorrow is Bermuda Day (May 24th) and our good Bermudian friends insist we stay for the festivities, including the first Bermuda Fitted Dinghy race of the season, which takes place in St George’s Harbour. You can watch it too on the webcam at http://209.240.42.187:1024/index.html

Today is a picture perfect day in Bermuda, as the photo shows. And for a nice change, the weather is warm and the harbour is calm. The same is expected tomorrow for Bermuda Day, one of the most celebrated holidays in Bermuda. It is considered the first day of summer and usually the first day of the year to jump in the ocean. I hope to join in the tradition!