One More Bubba

Bloody Sunset Compliments of Hurricane Ike

I snapped this picture at sunset. The clouds have been thickening all day as Ike nears the Islands. Ike should pass about 290 miles to the north of San Juan, so tack on a smooth 50 miles and that gives me 340 miles of cushion, thankfully. I really really feel for the folks that are in the path. I am very gratefully that Ike is tight and compact. Not sure if we'll see thunderstorms from the outer bands or not. Hopefully nothing like the outer bands of Hanna which were just brutal and relentless.

Capt Chris

Microburst in Salinas Anchorage

I was aboard Wandering Dolphin enjoying some tasty pancakes. Kristopher was giving me the brief on his new Home Depot bought awning and how the grommets were holding up surprisingly well. It was then I noticed black clouds streaming just overhead very very rapidly. It was time to head home. Not three minutes later I was glancing over my shoulder as I piloted the dink in an incredible burst of energy from mother nature. The grommets were not doing so hot, in fact the awning was just about gone. At that point I was in instant swells in the anchorage. As I passed large center cockpit boat named Psyche the blast of wind hit it and she went on her beam with the entire keel exposed. I felt what I can only describe as a shock wave. The wind splayed out in all directions, the temperature dropped dramatically and by the time I got back to Christa I was shivering.

When I watched SV Psyche go over on her side I knew something very abnormal was happening. I believe that the initial blast of wind was 60 to 65 knots. It took me about a minute to get back to Christa. I struggled in the wind and sea in the dink to aim her so I could land on Christa. The blue kayak parted its bow line and hovered in the air, attached only by the stern line, then crashed alongside just as I was making my crash landing in the dink. I watched Christa go over on her beams end several times as she came taut on the anchor line. I remember yelling "hold on Christa hold on." I barely made it aboard. The cabin was a mess as everything slide and crashed that wasn't stowed. I got the engine fire up and the screeching wind generator off. I then rigged a secondary snubber as I was worried that the snubber would part and the strain would jerk square onto the windlass which I feared would have been ripped out of the deck. I engaged the engine to try and alleviate the strain on the ground tackle. The rain was driving but I could see that the boats in my immediate vicinity thankfully were not dragging, most were on two anchors. Just then I noticed poor Don on Sunshine dragging his mooring rapidly and heading for someone's docks and then front yard. He with help of a couple of other cruisers were able to get a hook down. Amazingly no damage was done to anyone. I am amazed that my tackle held up so well. I was on a 6 to 1 scope, all chain with the 44lbs Deltaset anchor. I think I may have moved up to five feet. Hard to say exactly, but if I did move it was not by much. I think the wind was steady in the 45 to 50 knot range with the higher gusts. The initial blast was like a bomb. Kristopher watch a waterspout knock several boats over. The weather service reported several known waterspouts in the area. Just crazy.

What is ever crazier is all of this was spawned by a tropical storm many hundreds of miles away. The feeder bands yesterday brought in wave after wave of torrential rain and thunderstorms. Thankfully only one microburst. So in other news were all keeping an eye on Ike which should pass more than 300 miles to the north of Puerto Rico. A very powerful but compact storm. At current track I'm not sure we will feeling any effects. Lets hope not!

Capt Chris

Squalls Spawned by Tropical Storm Hanna

Somthing to Be Concerned About

The month of September is always the most active time for hurricane development. Right on schedule a spasm of tropical activity is cooking to the east of my neighborhood. You can see Tropical Storm Ike bearing down on the island chain. Things can be very tricky in the forecasting department. As shown in Gustav forecasting, the hurricane specialists were good at forecasting storm tracks but shaky on intensity. What can you do. Science is pretty good but still anything passed 72 hour forecasts are highly suspect. Ike is forecast to pass from 100 to 300 miles north of Puerto Rico. The forecasters have a high degree of confidence with this track. When confusion exists, such as with Hannah, which took a 90 degree turn to the south, the forecasters will say ambiguity exists. So far so good, plus Salinas sits about 90 miles from the north shore of PR, with large mountains in between. This provides a little more cushion. As always, Semper Paratus, I'm ready to move to the mangroves as needed.

Tropical Storm Josephine formed this morning near the Cape Verde Islands. It is very far away and has some cooler patches of water and windshear to deal with in a few days which could slow it up. However the track appears to be following a similar path as Ike. So I won't be doing much over the next couple of weeks except watching and discussing weather with my fellow cruisers. We spend alot of time speculating. So far I feel fortunate, Puerto Rico has been spared and am optimistic we'll get through this season unscathed. Although I have learned about myself that I may not be geared to be in the hurricane belt during hurricane season regardless of the availability of mangroves. I think next h-season next year will be spent outside the hurricane belt. More later.

Capt Chris

My trip to PR

Sorry everyone for not writing any sooner. Ever since coming back from Puerto Rico I have been busy. I have been working working, preparing for my dive certification, and preparing for my next three month adventure on American Cruise Line. I will be moving up to Bangor, ME and traveling down the inner coastal waterway of the East Coast.

Thank goodness I took off a week to visit my sailor man Chris in Salinas, Puerto Rico. My arrival to Puerto Rico last Tuesday was not all pleasant. Due to Fay there was a lot of turbulence on my flight. You could imagine once I made it to land how pleased I was. Even better when I saw Chris. Chris took me to an amazing hang out called Pinky's. Pinky's menu was simple and healthy. I had a turkey wrap with mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Chris had a bagel with cream cheese and lox. After our luncheon we headed back to Salinas. Being back in Salinas brought back some memories from my last visit in March of 08.

After settling in with Chris and S/V Christa, I felted relaxed. We headed to the Cruisers Galley and I met an amazing family from Wondering Dolphin. "Mrs. Sandra" from Wondering Dolphin had prepared an amazing dinner at the Cruisers Galley for her customers. On Tuesday night she prepares meat loaf, on Thursday she has movie night with pasta, and on Sunday she puts out a spectacular brunch of fresh fruits and Eggs Benedict with a side of potato hash. Believe it or not, but this was my first Eggs Benedict. I love to cook so I now it's all about the Hollendase sauce. Now I see why this is one of Chris's favorite dishes. Thank you "Mrs. Sandra" and your side kick husband for an amazing time at the Cruisers Galley.

My trip did not just consist of food of course, even though I don't mind. Chris and I did have a chance to sight see a little around Puerto Rico. We got to visit Coamo, Ponce, Patillas, San Juan, and Old San Juan. We spent a day in Coamo visiting a hot springs pool believed to be the fountain of youth. This particular spring was discovered by Ponce de Leon. I could say that Chris and I looked 10 years younger after dipping into the steaming hot springs. Boy am I lucky! :-) Even though the hot springs were not well kept, the place still had charm with a rustic feel to it. There were lush green mountains and an abundance of one of my favorite colorful plants the bougainvillea.

After our trip to Coamo, we took out another adventure to Patillas to check out the beach and Chris's next possible anchorage. On our way to Patillas we stop at a local restaurant called "Tranquil". The restaurants ambiance was awesome. Its patio faces the big blue waters of the ocean. While waiting for our food we decided to relax under two huge trees in a hammock. There was a nice breeze and Latin beats playing in the background. We would of loved to stay longer at the restaurant but we had a city to discover.

On another sunny day we headed over to Ponce. Downtown Ponce was a mission to find. We ended up asking at least two people for direction before we stroke gold. Downtown Ponce reminded us of Old San Juan. Ponce is the second largest city to San Juan. Also, the first Fire Station for Puerto Rico was establish in Ponce. You want to experience full history Ponce is the place to go. The City is not overwhelmed with tourist so you will have more of a better chance to socialize with the locals.

My last day in Puerto Rico was spent in San Juan. Chris and I visited the two famous Forts, El Morro (covers 200 acres) and San Cristobal(covers 27 acres). To our surprise, admission to both Forts was only $5.00. What a deal to visit a little piece of history. The Forts admission welcomes you back within the week again (up to 7 days). I suggest for those who pass through this area pack a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. Old San Juan is filled with a variety of restaurants and shops. Once again we would of loved to walk around the city more, but we were drenched by the heavy rain and we were hungry. We headed back to the hotel to change to warm cloths so that we could have a nice dinner. It was a nice dinner for Chris since he was desiring to have some sushi. I on the other hand had curry chicken. Not such a great idea to eat chicken in a Chinese restaurant. The next day my stomach was turning and you could imagine the rest. It took me two days to recover after I left Puerto Rico.

Even though my last day in Puerto Rico was not all pleasant, I was glad to have visited Chris in Salinas, Puerto Rico. I got to get to know him a little more. Over all we laughed at each others silliness and just relaxed. Hopefully if all goes well, I will join Chris on his next journey this winter.

Talk to you all soon

Janina

Bound For Puerto Rico

At Sea and bound for Puerto Rico.

 I will try and stop belly aching about these Dominican Cape's that we have to negotiate. Plus if things keep going smooth, Team Chrisa may be in Puerto Rico tomorrow. So anyway, once again I update you via my Sat Phone.  Yesterday we dropped anchor in Rio San Juan with the following sailboats. Hearts Desire, Snark, Irese and Ultima Noche. Jerry Juggs were jugged into town and all hands topped up on fuel. I now have  the distinct pleasure of having a crew. So Tony and Laura were dispatched to   gather Christa's fuel. I stayed aboard and caught up on sleep, checked the engine and her fluids, downloaded some weather and reviewed the navigation plan.

About 7pm the wind just died as it usually does in a harbor. You see that is the rub. You can have a total calm at anchor but just a scant mile away one of the dreaded Cabo's (Capes) can have 20 knots and blistering (relative of course) seas. We all felt pretty good about 9:30pm and so we left.   But......in true fashion we had a hitch or two. I went to crank the engine and heard the starter click click click. I believe I have a  "dead spot" somewhere in the starter. I have had the click before but then after one or two she turns over. Last night not so. I pulled out an old trick and tapped the side of the starter and she fired. But now I was behind the 8 ball as the other boats were leaving. So I started hauling the anchor and wouldn't you know it, the hook was snagged and I mean good. I'll spare all hands the gory details, but in short I left my 45LBS CQR and 200 feet of 3/8 on the bottom. That should set me back $700 big one's. My only alternative was to stay the night and hire a diver from somewhere as the hook was in 30 feet of water and I can't free dive that. This would have knocked out the window for Puerto Rico plus separation from the fleet. I decided to take the hit. Once underway we immediately started to round a monster Cape named Cabo Francis. It was blowing, bumpy and uncomfortable but nothing like two nights ago leaving Luperon. That was the worst. I   love the Dominican Republic and would very much like to explore the island more, but I have had it with the north coast sailing. I'll will be happy to leave it behind and as I gaze off to starboard I am doing just that. I pretty much just rounded the last Cape and am very shocked and pleased to report a dead calm! Beautiful. I say pretty much because now my trackline gradually distances me off the coast  into the Mona Passage. The north point of Hour Glass Shoal is 76 nm away and according to the GPS we should there in 14 hours or so. This is an area were the water is about 100 feet or so but is butts up to the Puerto Rican Trench which is the second deepest spot on the planet. Of course the Marinas Trench being the first. My point is it can be nasty with the huge volumes of water and it's associated energy being dispersed onto the shoal. We will give it a wide berth indeed.

So onto my crew members. The night before I was leaving Luperon I was at the computer at Capn Steve's restaurant taking can of business. I strike up a conversation with the fella next to me. Tony tells me he and his friend Laura came to the DR just a few days ago to backpack around and stay in the many hostels here. So they rub up against all the sailors in Luperon waiting to move east and they mention they would be interested in going on a jaunt. I tell him I am keen on finding some help moving Christa to PR. He says he is interested and that he and Laura would discuss it and sleep on it. Next day they said they would like to come along. Viola, just like that. We had to do some fancy dancing with Immigration as they came via aircraft and are leaving on a boat. Confusion abound, but of course a "gift" got things situated. They both are from Bar Harbor Maine and have some boating experience. Laura is 22 and Tony is 26. They are responsible and mello and am very glad to have them aboard. We haven't spent alot of time talking as a low grade exhaustion has set in on us all. So when not on watch we all spend time trying to sleep.

Currently Christa is motor sailing on a port tack at 5 knots with about a 5 to 8 knot breeze but a bit of a sloppy sea. The forecast for the next two days is close to stellar. Apparently the Atlantic High has been pushed far far south and may even be sitting right over us. This has/will cause the trades to stay very light out of the ESE. Tony and Laura are splayed out on deck marveling at the 82 degree weather and the blue sea that surrounds us. Lets not forget they were in Maine less than a week ago. SPF 45 is flowing. I am perched in my  blue chair tapping away and taking it all in. Am pleased and really   looking forward to getting this difficult passage over with. My best  guess is we will be in Mayagueze on the west coast tomorrow afternoon or evening. Please keep Team Christa in your thoughts and prayers.

Capt Chris

Sumner Point Marina Capt Chris, squalls 01/12/2008, Rum Cay, Bahamas

Sumner Point Marina

Capt Chris, squalls
01/12/2008, Rum Cay, Bahamas

So far I have been pretty good about updating the blog daily or at least every two days. But the anchorage here at Rum Cay is really really rolly. So much so that just setting down the computer to connect the sat phone would have risked all the equipment.

But now I am in the marina. You may be asking why didn't I just get a slip in the first place? Well the entrance into the marina is downright treacherous. With the current weather prognosis I will most likely have another three or four days. I didn't want to sit in the anchorage for another moment so I decided to enter the channel as the marina said they would help "guide me in" on the radio. A dangerous debacle ensued that just about put Christa and I on a reef. The entrance has markers maintained by the marina that should have made the entrance crooked but manageable. As I am closing the third marker the guy on the radio tells me that the rest of the markers are missing and come right and steer 110 degree's. He also started pouring on way to much information. Keep in mind that I have zero margin for error with coral heads all around. Now the electronic chart is pretty accurate and provided me with some guidance. I asked the guy on the radio if he could see me and if I was in the ballpark. He tells me that he is 1/2 inland and later on I meet him and he tells me he actually was sitting on the toilet. I was not amused. I am unable to steer, talk on the radio, identify coral heads, sight the white house on the hill and watch the chart at the same time.

Team Adamo to the rescue. Philip (14) and Doug (16) come wizzing in their RHI. Doug hops onboard and starts spotting coral heads, Phil strikes out in front of Christa in the dingy sounding the water. Between all three of us and the chart we made it in. Thank you Team Adamo. The marina has no surge and that is a delight. Plus the wi-fi.......but my frustration with the Bahamian attitude is growing rapidly.

I shall vent here and lay out some opinions. What we have is a culture clash that, at least for this American, cannot be overcome. It is the attitude of "no problem mon." I have come to realize what they mean is that when things go bad It ain't my problem "mon." Bahamas is a very poor country and will always remain so until a huge shift in attitude takes place. I'll give you a couple of examples of minor frustrations. At a previous stop I asked the staff if they had wi-fi. They answered in the affirmative and I paid my $20 fee for the day. What they failed to tell me was the network was down and had been down for a few days. Two hours later I learn this little tidbit and they say "no problem mon" parts are coming on the plane. Never occurred to them to tell me or refund my money. Now I'm forced to be the ugly American and ask for a refund. You see they have wi-fi, whether it works or not doesn't seem figure into the equation.

My poor Maui Jim's were shipped December 28th from Florida. They sit in Georgetown Exumas at a shipping agent who just won't communicate. Does not keep to posted office hours but does respond to emails. Unfortunately he keeps emailing asking where he should forward it to. I respond each time with Luperon Dominican Republic. He simply pushes reply and asks the same question. I am flummoxed. I have many more examples, especially from others that are much worse but my rant is over.

The plan of attack from here is to leave maybe Monday morning. I have hired a local pilot to guide me out on Monday morning. I asked if he will be here at the dock Monday. "No problem mon." But remember my rant is over. I will be traveling with Adamo and they even plan on loaning me their 16 year old son, Doug who you all are now familiar with. Please take the time to check out Adamo's blog that I have linked. They are so much fun. Anyway the wind and seas are forecast to be nearly calm. So we plan on motor sailing the 125 miles to Mayaguana, get a little rest and then push the 50 miles to Turks & Caicos. See you Bahamas.

I'll post soon! Hope all are well. Gotta go mon.

Capt Chris

PS: New photos added under My Google Photo's and I uploaded one new video in Youtube.com
Blam!

The Before Boomkin Shot

Capt Chris, NW Breeze, not so humid
09/28/2007, Deltaville VA

Here is a picture of the old boomkin prior to pending replacement.

Capt Chris

The Yards

Capt Chris, humid
Deltaville VA

Hello All. I left Reedville VA after spending a quiet night at anchor bound for Deltaville Virginia which is my spot for some respite and repairs. The wind has swung around to the southwest for the first time in at least two weeks. Even though we observed the autumnal equinox on the 21st were in a summertime like weather pattern down here in the Chesapeake. So I had some head winds to contend with for a few hours which slowed my progress. But not to worry as all is well. I moored port side too Chesapeake Bay Marine Railway, which is the shipyard I'm hauled at.

So yesterday morning Christa was hauled out and hung from the 50 Ton travel lift. With trepidation I stood as Christa was raised. It's always a curiosity to see how well the bottom paint has held up and even more importantly if any of the dreaded blisters have reared up. She had not been raised for three years and knowing this would be the case I gave the bottom job in California extra attention. So a good lesson learned, it paid off. Christa's bottom is in near perfect shape which means less expense and hassle during this yard period and for the first time ever I will pay the yard to do the bottom job since it will be less labor intensive.

After lunch Christa was blocked up and my work began. Lots going on, time is money as the saying goes. I contracted with the yard to mill new Douglas Fir wooden boomkin pieces to replace my existing one's. This is a big job and I estimate it will take the next four days of my life to complete. The boomkin is two pieces of wood that extend off the stern that provide the anchor point for the backstay, which prevents the mast from falling forward. Attached to the boomkin is my self steering vane, radar and wind generator mast, the block and tackle that attaches the tiller to the self steering and maybe other stuff, I don't know. It's a Clampitt type situation back their. But I spent the whole afternoon removing all the equipment and the old boomkins. The yard carpenter took measurements and milled two beautiful pieces of wood. I was able to put two coats of epoxy penetrate on the new wood in the yard shop.

Today, I should be able to put a coat of Cetol on the new boomkins and fit them in place. A rigger will swinging by to take measurements to replace the babystays, which attach to the boomkin and provide the counter pressure to the upward pull of the backstay. Confused? Don't worry about it! Then a metal fabricator will swing by to figure out a new mounting method for the base of the radar, wind generator
and the Racor fuel filter in the engine room.

So, gottta go time is money!

Capt Chris