Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday--Docked in Daytona Beach
Around 3 (eastern time) Ken reported that they were docked in Daytona Beach having cleared the Matanzas shoaling area without incident.
At 11:30 yesterday morning Ken reported that it was around 50 degrees and sunny. They went under the bridge with an opposing current of 5.6 knots at 15 degrees to their bow. They reach St. Augustine and spent the night there Friday night. Ken and Gay usually compare most "resort" type towns to places we are familiar with in Colorado, so the following is Ken's report of the last two ports:
Fernandina Beach is a lot like Boulder or Carbondale , CO . Very folksy and exuding tons of upscale charm. St. Augustine was more like Aspen – good restaurants, super high end shopping and art galleries, interspersed with the usual touristy places. The municipal marina in St. Augustine is simply spectacular.
Mark and Sarah will head for the airport tomorrow to return to Oriental. Ken will stay in Daytona Beach to work on the radar and wait for Gay to join him in a few days.
At 11:30 yesterday morning Ken reported that it was around 50 degrees and sunny. They went under the bridge with an opposing current of 5.6 knots at 15 degrees to their bow. They reach St. Augustine and spent the night there Friday night. Ken and Gay usually compare most "resort" type towns to places we are familiar with in Colorado, so the following is Ken's report of the last two ports:
Fernandina Beach is a lot like Boulder or Carbondale , CO . Very folksy and exuding tons of upscale charm. St. Augustine was more like Aspen – good restaurants, super high end shopping and art galleries, interspersed with the usual touristy places. The municipal marina in St. Augustine is simply spectacular.
Mark and Sarah will head for the airport tomorrow to return to Oriental. Ken will stay in Daytona Beach to work on the radar and wait for Gay to join him in a few days.
Friday, February 26, 2010
What a difference a week makes!
Just a week ago, we were on pins and needles waiting to hear how our good friend, fellow sailor and Captain, Will Flannery was doing. Although Will has a long and arduous recovery in front of him, he is home from the hospital. Will's leg was badly injured in the dismasting of the Sally Lightfoot as she tried to pass under the Oriental bridge on Wednesday, February 17. Will and Ken had planned to set sail on the 20th for the more southern climes. Will underwent numerous surgeries because of his broken ankle (in three places), dislocated, torn ligaments, plates, screws and compartment syndrome. Please keep Will in your thoughts and prayers.
Ken debated whether to proceed with his plans to leave on Saturday or whether to postpone and wait until after Will's recovery. As it became increasingly clear that this was not the trip for Will, Ken recruited Mark and Sarah and they set sail. Will has been monitoring the trip at least daily and offering his encouragement--always like Will to urge others to be their best (and to bring out the best in them). We only hope we can return the favor and be there to encourage Will in his recovery. We look forward to many happy sails with Will soon!
The first leg of the ocean trip (all detailed in the last week's posts, below), they covered 250 nautical miles and pulled into Charleston. Except for the radar, Patina has performed admirably. Staying a night in port, they set sail the next day and covered another 200 miles before being forced into Amelia Island, Florida because of brutally cold temperatures and gale force winds.
Today, Friday the 26th, because of the weather, instead of heading back out to ocean, they decided to head down the ditch (the ICW for non-boat talkers), and hope to make St. Augustine today. A text message at 10:22 am indicated that they were crossing the St. John's River that leads to Jacksonville. Patina made her first call for the opening of a bascule bridge.
Ken reports that the radar is still not functioning properly. He has it rigged to work for 30 seconds every three minutes. But any more often than that and it shuts down all the electronics, including the chart plotter. Trying to find the cause is illusive. RayMarine claims they never heard of anything like that. When he reaches Daytona Beach, he will try to get someone in to look at the entire system to see what is going on. Just before leaving River Dunes, he had an additional piece added to the electrical system that was recommended to protect the electronics. Instead, things are worse than before the installation. If you have any ideas/recommendation, please comment below!
Ken debated whether to proceed with his plans to leave on Saturday or whether to postpone and wait until after Will's recovery. As it became increasingly clear that this was not the trip for Will, Ken recruited Mark and Sarah and they set sail. Will has been monitoring the trip at least daily and offering his encouragement--always like Will to urge others to be their best (and to bring out the best in them). We only hope we can return the favor and be there to encourage Will in his recovery. We look forward to many happy sails with Will soon!
The first leg of the ocean trip (all detailed in the last week's posts, below), they covered 250 nautical miles and pulled into Charleston. Except for the radar, Patina has performed admirably. Staying a night in port, they set sail the next day and covered another 200 miles before being forced into Amelia Island, Florida because of brutally cold temperatures and gale force winds.
Today, Friday the 26th, because of the weather, instead of heading back out to ocean, they decided to head down the ditch (the ICW for non-boat talkers), and hope to make St. Augustine today. A text message at 10:22 am indicated that they were crossing the St. John's River that leads to Jacksonville. Patina made her first call for the opening of a bascule bridge.
Ken reports that the radar is still not functioning properly. He has it rigged to work for 30 seconds every three minutes. But any more often than that and it shuts down all the electronics, including the chart plotter. Trying to find the cause is illusive. RayMarine claims they never heard of anything like that. When he reaches Daytona Beach, he will try to get someone in to look at the entire system to see what is going on. Just before leaving River Dunes, he had an additional piece added to the electrical system that was recommended to protect the electronics. Instead, things are worse than before the installation. If you have any ideas/recommendation, please comment below!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Warmer in Oriental!
Nearly 450 nautical miles into our trip southward and today, it is likely warmer in Oriental than it is here. Gale force winds and temp of 28 degrees. We will probably not go outside today. There was a flood tide coming into the Marina so we hit 8.8 SOG.
As we left Charleston Harbor we ran into a complete wall of fog--and guess what--after a new chip (as recommended by RayMarine) and a bit of work, we still have broken radar. We can get it to work on an intermittent basis (once every 3 minutes) without shutting down all our systems (including our chart plotter). Marginally okay, but certainly not the system we thought we installed. We have had problems with this system since it was installed. Ken will be on the phone with Ray Marine again today. Since leaving RD, we were lucky enough to post averages of around 6 knots (max 7.4 SOG under sail) and fuel consumption of 0.56 gallons per hour for the 54 hp Yanmar.
As we left Charleston Harbor we ran into a complete wall of fog--and guess what--after a new chip (as recommended by RayMarine) and a bit of work, we still have broken radar. We can get it to work on an intermittent basis (once every 3 minutes) without shutting down all our systems (including our chart plotter). Marginally okay, but certainly not the system we thought we installed. We have had problems with this system since it was installed. Ken will be on the phone with Ray Marine again today. Since leaving RD, we were lucky enough to post averages of around 6 knots (max 7.4 SOG under sail) and fuel consumption of 0.56 gallons per hour for the 54 hp Yanmar.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
In Florida--Wednesday Feb 24, 4 pm
Cryptic Message From Ken:
In Florida! I don’t know why they call this the ‘ Sunshine State ’. Weather was going to turn to gales, so we headed in to the municipal marina at Fernandina Beach Marina. The rain and wind started as soon as we pulled in to the slip. We will spend the night here and reassess in the morning.
Left Charleston Tuesday 11 am
Ken texted that they are leaving Charleston with the radar up and running. Expecting to do hull speed on the way south. Direct quote "Florida or bust."
About fourty minutes later he texted that they were passing historic Fort Sumter and the flag there was at half mast.
In a quick telephone call Ken said they were expecting stiff winds and would come back "inland" if they became too strong I wondered what "too strong" was for "waves crashing over the bow Burke" but did not ask. Some things are better left alone!
About fourty minutes later he texted that they were passing historic Fort Sumter and the flag there was at half mast.
In a quick telephone call Ken said they were expecting stiff winds and would come back "inland" if they became too strong I wondered what "too strong" was for "waves crashing over the bow Burke" but did not ask. Some things are better left alone!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Ken's report (Oriental to Charleston)
Ken called in last night to report on the first leg of their trip. The following is Gay's account of that phone call. Please excuse translation errors caused by the Boat Talker-Non-Boat Talker interface (if you do not under this, please refer to the October 29 post (http://sailingpatina.blogspot.com/2009/10/boat-talkers-vs-non-boat-talkers.html)).
They went approximately 250 nautical miles on this leg of the trip, alternating mostly between motor sailing and sailing. They had to slow down coming into the Charleston area as they did not want to come into the harbor under sail in complete darkness. Overall, they averaged about 5.6 to 5.7 knots. They used about 24 gallons of diesel for the trip. Ken reported that it was a really great trip (not without its snags). All onboard were tired. Thunderstorms started just as they tied up in Charleston. They spent Monday night in port (and because of fog, will probably not leave until later in the day).
First night out the seas were pretty rough (6-8 foot seas). Lots of crashing through the waves. The boat did very well. It was brutally cold, but the enclosure helped. The second night out they had following seas.
Naturally, something didn't work. In this case, the radar went out. They were able to rig a workaround so that it worked intermittently, but it certainly increased the challenge of sailing in the dark. They had one close call with a very small fishing boat that appeared out of nowhere (before they rigged up the intermittent radar). It followed none of the rules of the road--it did not have appropriate lights on, it did not comply with navigation rules. It forced a quickly planned jibe to just get away from the vessel.
As they started into the Charleston Harbor under sail they were hailed by port pilot telling them that a half mile long tanker coming out and they would need to yield even though they were under sail.
Once in port, Ken worked with Raymarine and others to try to find/fix radar issues. He found a new chip that he will install and program Tuesday morning to see if that fixes the problem. Before leaving Oriental, he had made some additional changes to the battery system to deal with a radar issue that had presented on and off (radar would shut down under certain circumstances related to starting the engine). So, the issues with the radar are not completely new but he had always been able to get the system to come back up in the past.
They went approximately 250 nautical miles on this leg of the trip, alternating mostly between motor sailing and sailing. They had to slow down coming into the Charleston area as they did not want to come into the harbor under sail in complete darkness. Overall, they averaged about 5.6 to 5.7 knots. They used about 24 gallons of diesel for the trip. Ken reported that it was a really great trip (not without its snags). All onboard were tired. Thunderstorms started just as they tied up in Charleston. They spent Monday night in port (and because of fog, will probably not leave until later in the day).
First night out the seas were pretty rough (6-8 foot seas). Lots of crashing through the waves. The boat did very well. It was brutally cold, but the enclosure helped. The second night out they had following seas.
Naturally, something didn't work. In this case, the radar went out. They were able to rig a workaround so that it worked intermittently, but it certainly increased the challenge of sailing in the dark. They had one close call with a very small fishing boat that appeared out of nowhere (before they rigged up the intermittent radar). It followed none of the rules of the road--it did not have appropriate lights on, it did not comply with navigation rules. It forced a quickly planned jibe to just get away from the vessel.
As they started into the Charleston Harbor under sail they were hailed by port pilot telling them that a half mile long tanker coming out and they would need to yield even though they were under sail.
Once in port, Ken worked with Raymarine and others to try to find/fix radar issues. He found a new chip that he will install and program Tuesday morning to see if that fixes the problem. Before leaving Oriental, he had made some additional changes to the battery system to deal with a radar issue that had presented on and off (radar would shut down under certain circumstances related to starting the engine). So, the issues with the radar are not completely new but he had always been able to get the system to come back up in the past.
Monday, February 22, 2010
In Charleston Harbor
After leaving Morehead City around 6pm on Saturday night (2.20.10), Ken reports that they entered the Charleston Harbor Thoroughfare at 6am Monday morning (2.22.10). They had to slow down on the last leg of the trip so they would not have to navigate the harbor in the dark. Shortly after tying up, the thunderstorm started. They plan to stay the night in Charleston and take off to go back out to the ocean (avoiding the ICW at least through Georgia), and be in Fort Pierce FL by the weekend.
Gay is charting the course on a map at the following link (you can click on and enlarge the map to see the touchpoints):
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/g.burke/1/tpod.html
Gay is charting the course on a map at the following link (you can click on and enlarge the map to see the touchpoints):
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/g.burke/1/tpod.html
Sunday, February 21, 2010
In the Ocean
Ken, Mark and Sarah took off early Saturday afternoon and called around dark to report they were heading out into the ocean. Ken reported that they had picked up a strong current and speed over ground was more than 8 knots for a good portion of the trip from Oriental to Morehead City.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Resume Countdown 6,5,4,3,2,
Okay, the plan is that Ken and Mark (and possibly a third) will leave Saturday morning and head out to the ocean. Last minute supplies and provisioning today. Weather window looks for for a few days, so they will strike while the iron is hot.
Making the trip without Will will be bittersweet--Will remains in the hospital (had surgery this morning). Ken has been in contact with Jennifer and continues to monitor progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and his family.
Making the trip without Will will be bittersweet--Will remains in the hospital (had surgery this morning). Ken has been in contact with Jennifer and continues to monitor progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with Will and his family.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Countdown, 10, 9, 8, 7 Abort Abort Abort
Ken and Will Flannery have been planning the trip south and were ready to head out to the ocean and make a run for it sometime later this week. Jerry cans, heaters, strobe/spot lights, EPIRBS all on board.
BUT FATE INTERVENED.
The beautiful Sally Lightfoot (pictured in the 2/12/10 blog post) was dismasted today as she tried to sail under the Oriental bridge. Photos of the boat are posted on the towndock website. http://towndock.net/on-the-cover/dismated-ct-yawl. Ken was not on the Sally Lightfoot for this trip. Just Will and Don (the owner).
Unfortunately, Will Flannery was injured in the accident--he is now in the Greenville hospital and doing well. Definitely an injured leg that will take some time to heal. I do not know much more at this time.
After Will had EMT treatment (including something for pain), his last comment to Ken (before being whisked to Greenville) was "I will still be ready to leave tomorrow." Despite his hopes, that is not likely to happen.
Ken is driving back to Oriental from Greenville right now and will take some time to evaluate whether to close up the boat or try to make the trip in another fashion. Remember that post at the end of the year that said "Let's see what Murphy (of Murphy's Law) has to say about our plans!"?
Seriously, we are so glad that Will was not more seriously injured and wish him a speedy recovery. Since Will's life is the water, a cast will not likely be much fun.
BUT FATE INTERVENED.
The beautiful Sally Lightfoot (pictured in the 2/12/10 blog post) was dismasted today as she tried to sail under the Oriental bridge. Photos of the boat are posted on the towndock website. http://towndock.net/on-the-cover/dismated-ct-yawl. Ken was not on the Sally Lightfoot for this trip. Just Will and Don (the owner).
Unfortunately, Will Flannery was injured in the accident--he is now in the Greenville hospital and doing well. Definitely an injured leg that will take some time to heal. I do not know much more at this time.
After Will had EMT treatment (including something for pain), his last comment to Ken (before being whisked to Greenville) was "I will still be ready to leave tomorrow." Despite his hopes, that is not likely to happen.
Ken is driving back to Oriental from Greenville right now and will take some time to evaluate whether to close up the boat or try to make the trip in another fashion. Remember that post at the end of the year that said "Let's see what Murphy (of Murphy's Law) has to say about our plans!"?
Seriously, we are so glad that Will was not more seriously injured and wish him a speedy recovery. Since Will's life is the water, a cast will not likely be much fun.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Sally Lightfoot--a gaff rigged yawl
Ken and Will went out today (in the very cold) on the Sally Lightfoot (owned by one of Will's friends that recently arrived in Oriental). Ken said it gave him a much greater appreciation of what it took for sailors to go around the world on only sail power in all seasons. This is a photo of Ken at the helm.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dolphins, Dolphins, Dolphins
Two short videos of dolphins in the Neuse today. (Videos from Will Flannery). Absolutely amazing.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=301157428333
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=301094923333
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=301157428333
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=301094923333
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Dolphins at Work!
Yesterday, 0n the way back to River Dunes, we encountered about 12 dolphins, including a couple of babies. They frolicked around the boat at the Broad Creek Entrance. Very Cool!
(It was 38 degrees, we were triple reefed and still managed about 7.5 knots on a beam reach.) We went out towards Adams Creek and then returned to the River Dunes Entrance where we noticed the dolphins. At their closest, the dolphins were about 10 feet from the helm along the starboard beam
(It was 38 degrees, we were triple reefed and still managed about 7.5 knots on a beam reach.) We went out towards Adams Creek and then returned to the River Dunes Entrance where we noticed the dolphins. At their closest, the dolphins were about 10 feet from the helm along the starboard beam
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Patina's First Sail of 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
November, December, January....
Okay, so we are behind schedule. We had hoped to have the boat in the Southern climes by this time. Ken was delayed in his return to Oriental and the weather is certainly not cooperating. The boat is almost ready to go. Ken is working on the details. Looking for a weather window. Gay is debating whether to join in on the migration or just meet him when he gets to the sun! We will keep you posted (pun intended) on our progress.
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