30 September 2011

Dog watch

In maritime usage the dog watch is the name for the two 2 hr watches from 1600 to 2000. Adding an extra watch each day results in an uneven number of watches thus ensuring even distribution of the night watches from one night to the next. (confused?) Well on Kairos we have a different kind of dog watch. Our watch is always 2 hrs long and for that two hours we are responsible for entertaining Ballantine. The dog. (Otherwise she gets bored and licks everything in sight.) Dinner might or might not fall during our dog watch.

29 September 2011

Grey

We departed from Provincetown at 1756 EST just as the sun was setting. Unlike the sunset which welcomed us to P-town our departure sunset was a subdued affair fighting to be seen through the clouds. We raised the mizzen with a double reef and unfurled a bit of the jib as we passed Long Point light. The forecast predicted S/SW 10-15 gusting to 20 with 2-3 ft seas. We raced along making between 5.5 and 7.3 knots toward the North entrance of the canal. The seas were uneven and straight on our beam making for a sloppy ride. We arrived at the canal entrance at 2230 and as planned raced through with the tide making between 6 & 8 knots at only 1000rpm. The forecast predicted that the seas would lie down as the night progressed so we dropped the hook off of Mass Maritime for a short snooze. By 0245 we were up and motor-sailing down Buzzards Bay. As we approached the Narraganset Bay shipping lanes a dense fog set in and the wind died but large rolling swells continued. At 1330 we entered the breakwater for Old Harbor, Block Island and after attempting to reach the harbor master picked up a vacant mooring. The harbor master's answering machine stated that it was off season and that they closed at 1300 daily. Ballantine enjoyed a leisurely walk ashore as the fog rolled back in.
Plan: Sleep. Then head to NJ in the morning ahead of TS Ophelia. (Photo was taken offshore South of Buzzards Bay in the early morning.)

28 September 2011

Ice!

An unexpected treat. We have partitioned off the section of the refrigerator closest to the evaporator plate, and created a freezer! Large enough to hold a quart of Haagen Dazs it also makes ice! So far I have only enjoyed an ice coffee but I foresee many gin & tonics in my future.

27 September 2011

Gulf of Maine

25 September 2011 : 2148 UTC (1748 EST)
 Departed from dock in Thomaston, Maine



After 36 hours awake working and moving I watched the sun set, had a sandwich and retired below for a nap.



We stood 2 hour watches from 2300 until the sun rise. Friends had been asking if I was scared of the offshore night passage. My response was always in the negative. I was not scared I was thrilled with the expectation of seeing the stars again as they are only seen offshore. The flow of night watch quickly returned as I donned wool hat and self-inflating PFD / harness and clipped into the tether which would hold me securely on deck. I climbed into the cockpit and scanned the horizon. The configuration of navigation lights aboard other vessels returned from the deep recess of my brain to which they had been relegated. During the night I saw cruise ships heading North and other small vessels running our parallel course. In the early hours of the morning a trawler crossed our transom with their full complement of light - red over white fishing at night. I extended my final night watch to welcome the morning with the sun.
The day progressed - large SW swells but only a ripple on the water as we motored South. Around 1600 we sighted the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown 15 miles off. At 2234 UTC (1834 EST) as the sun set we anchored off of Long Point Light in 8' of water 1 hour off low tide - the water clear and the crabs on the bottom visible. We dropped Chronos (the tender) and rowed Ballantine to the beach. The sand was soft, the water warm and boat framed before the town of Provincetown. Leg one of our trip complete.



25 September 2011

1748 EST September 25, 2011

Underway!

Pre-departure breakfast of champions

Fortification for the final push to the end of the must do list. Delicious. Thank you.

24 September 2011

Weather

As the proposed departure date (Tuesday) approaches I have been keeping a close eye on both the tropical and offshore forecast. This morning they started forecasting 4-6 ft seas for Wednesday. (Now up to 5-8 ft). In light of this we had to decide if we were going to wait until late in the week to leave - or whether we should rush to depart and they wait for the seas to calm down in Provincetown. Desiring a vacation and a walk on the beach we are rushing to complete pre-departure chores and checklists for a Sunday departure.

19 September 2011

Proposed Route South

Here it is - the Google Maps edition of our planned trip South - subject to change pending weather and life. The general idea is offshore stretches of sailing from Maine to the Chesapeake. Then take the ICW inside from Norfolk to Cape Fear so we don't have to wait for a weather window to avoid Cape Hatteras. Finally we will sail outside until we arrive in the Miami area where we will create a new plan to enjoy any remaining days. The anchors mark locations we want to explore in Southern Florida. All of this planning might change because Ballantine is joining us - and she has yet to take a "walk" on the boat, so doggie bodily functions could change everything. Stay tuned!
View Proposed Route South in a larger map There is more information embedded in the map so click away! 

10 September 2011

Ballantine

Ballantine snuggled on her cushion in her companionway- feels secure while the boat rolls with the swells.

09 September 2011

Port Clyde, Maine

Anchored off of Port Clyde after first real test run of new engine down the St. George river.

02 September 2011

Mizzen sail cozy

                                                                                                   Here it is! The installed mizzen sail cover.  I am so pleased with how it turned out. If you will remember it was on my to do list #3. After more cursing at the sewing machine - and adjustment of every possible knob and moveable part - here it is! 

In process:



First on my living room floor  -




Then the great zipper installation.. not as scary as I expected! I went on to sew in two additional zippers on the leading edge.


Next up: Mainsail cover! 




Standing Rigging

Finally. New standing rigging on the main mast, and new roller furler installed.