Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
86 and Sunny in Antigua
Gypsea enjoyed great sailing all day Monday, through the night and into Tuesday morning sailing along at 7.5 knots and arriving abeam of Antigua too soon. We were actually abeam of Antigua around 2200 hours Monday night but chose to sail about 20 miles beyond Antigua to kill some time and tacked back towards Antigua at 0400 to arrive at the entrance of Falmouth Harbor in the morning light.
The passage was a mix of some heavier weather but nothing real severe. The heaviest weather was the approach to Bermuda with 30 knots on the nose and a good sea running. We experienced more than out share of light air which created fuel concerns but with a good beam reach the last day and a half, we had fuel to spare.
The passage was a good one, with excellent sailing mates aboard and Jim Fox was a great cook and kept the entire crew well fed and nourished. He even prepared an exquisite turkey dinner with all the fixings (Swanson's) in the event crew members were not able to get home for Thanksgiving.
The weather in Antigua is a comfortable 86 degrees and I'm waiting for the Admiral(Liz!) to arrive soon.
The passage was a mix of some heavier weather but nothing real severe. The heaviest weather was the approach to Bermuda with 30 knots on the nose and a good sea running. We experienced more than out share of light air which created fuel concerns but with a good beam reach the last day and a half, we had fuel to spare.
The passage was a good one, with excellent sailing mates aboard and Jim Fox was a great cook and kept the entire crew well fed and nourished. He even prepared an exquisite turkey dinner with all the fixings (Swanson's) in the event crew members were not able to get home for Thanksgiving.
The weather in Antigua is a comfortable 86 degrees and I'm waiting for the Admiral(Liz!) to arrive soon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Gypsea is almost there
The wind Gods were listening and the breeze filled in nicely Sunday evening from the East. We enjoyed a nice reach through the night with speeds in the upper sevens and occasional eights. It was such a relief to sail again and turn the engine off for awhile. This period of sailing now gives us plenty of reserve fuel for our approach to Antigua.
During the night the babystay had parted at it's swedge connection at the mast. The babystay is used to tension the leading edge of the mast about halfway up the mast and will be replaced by a rigger when we get to Antigua.
We are currently about 90 miles from Antigua and would arrive around 11:00 PM tonight but we chose to slow the boat down so we may have a daylight arrival at Falmouth Harbor Tuesday morning. In order to slow the boat sufficiently, we furled the jib and are sailing under just a reefed main and we're still going too fast.
During the night the babystay had parted at it's swedge connection at the mast. The babystay is used to tension the leading edge of the mast about halfway up the mast and will be replaced by a rigger when we get to Antigua.
We are currently about 90 miles from Antigua and would arrive around 11:00 PM tonight but we chose to slow the boat down so we may have a daylight arrival at Falmouth Harbor Tuesday morning. In order to slow the boat sufficiently, we furled the jib and are sailing under just a reefed main and we're still going too fast.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
On the Home Stretch
We are in the home stretch now, with 230 miles to go to reach Antigua. The wind is still very light, about 5 to 8 knots true wind and we continue to motor sail trying to optimize the fuel to get the best speed and most distance from the remaining 30 gallons of fuel. We anticipate arrival in Falmouth Harbor late Monday evening or sometime Tuesday morning.
Saturday, 11/21/09
Since there is little to no wind, we are working on the fine balance of stretching the last 45 gallons of fuel to reach Antigua. Present location is 22 degrees 25N 62 degrees 31W. We anticipate reaching Falmouth Harbor Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Saturday, 11/21/09
Since there is little to no wind, we are working on the fine balance of stretching the last 45 gallons of fuel to reach Antigua. Present location is 22 degrees 25N 62 degrees 31W. We anticipate reaching Falmouth Harbor Monday evening or Tuesday morning.
Friday, November 20, 2009
GLORIOUS SAILING!
Last evening's sail was as Foxie put it, "A Real 10". Despite the light wind we have been experiencing, Gypsea was sailing to windward all night in the seven knot range in perfectly flat seas and her course was expertly controlled through the wind shifts by "Hans-Solo" (the Monitor windvane). During the midnight to 2:00 AM watch the sky couldn't be more brilliant with clusters of stars everywhere. If you wish to see a shooting star, lay back and wait a few minutes and you'll see several shooting stars. Offshore sailing can be truly spectacular!
Today we are motoring to make-up some easting we had given up to circumvent a low pressure system earlier in the week. Our position is 23 50N 63 31W. We're expecting the trade winds to kick in somewhere around 21N or about 150 miles from the present location. The trade winds should be 20-25 knots from the NNE and should carry us on a nice reach the rest of the way to Antigua. Anticipated arrival time is hopefully on Monday.
Today we are motoring to make-up some easting we had given up to circumvent a low pressure system earlier in the week. Our position is 23 50N 63 31W. We're expecting the trade winds to kick in somewhere around 21N or about 150 miles from the present location. The trade winds should be 20-25 knots from the NNE and should carry us on a nice reach the rest of the way to Antigua. Anticipated arrival time is hopefully on Monday.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
550 Miles to Antigua
As of 10:41 AM Atlantic time on Thursday - from Ed:
Motoring along since 9:00 PM last night, virtually no wind and trying to economize on the fuel by keeping the RPM's down a bit. It's about 550 miles from our present location to Antigua and if we are able to sail and/or motor sail at a reasonable speed, we should be in Antigua Monday evening.
Motoring along since 9:00 PM last night, virtually no wind and trying to economize on the fuel by keeping the RPM's down a bit. It's about 550 miles from our present location to Antigua and if we are able to sail and/or motor sail at a reasonable speed, we should be in Antigua Monday evening.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Two Heads are Better than One!
From Liz: All I can say, is that I'm glad we have two heads on the boat. No other details on that right now - saving it for offline!
Ed's report as of Weds, 11:45AM EST: We have been sailing SW on Herb's advice to skirt around the low pressure trough that would have delivered gale force conditions, so far so good, just far and apart from the rhumb line.
Life on board is going well, we are on a schedule of standing single watches of two hours on and six hours off. This schedule seems to work pretty well. Our current position is 28 17 N 64 33 W and we should (hopefully) be clear of the low and will now sail more direct for Antigua.
Ed's report as of Weds, 11:45AM EST: We have been sailing SW on Herb's advice to skirt around the low pressure trough that would have delivered gale force conditions, so far so good, just far and apart from the rhumb line.
Life on board is going well, we are on a schedule of standing single watches of two hours on and six hours off. This schedule seems to work pretty well. Our current position is 28 17 N 64 33 W and we should (hopefully) be clear of the low and will now sail more direct for Antigua.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Waiting for Wind in Bermuda
Can you believe it? Not ENOUGH wind? November in the North Atlantic? Crazy stuff. And Commanders doesn't expect much wind at all for the passage down to Antigua. No wind means lots of motoring. Which means lots of fuel. (would need about 200 gallons to do the 1000 mile leg to Antigua, and like most boats our size, the max we're carrying, with jerry jugs too, is about 100 gallons)
So, they're waiting for the wind. Hanging out and going a little batty, chomping on the bit to get moving. Last I heard, I think they'll reprovision tomorrow (Monday) and take off at first light on Tuesday 11/17. Factoring in 6-7 days, should make landfall in Antigua by Tuesday, 11/24, just in time to get some of the crew members home in time for Thanksgiving! (but doesn't leave any time for them to play in Antigua)
Stay tuned!
So, they're waiting for the wind. Hanging out and going a little batty, chomping on the bit to get moving. Last I heard, I think they'll reprovision tomorrow (Monday) and take off at first light on Tuesday 11/17. Factoring in 6-7 days, should make landfall in Antigua by Tuesday, 11/24, just in time to get some of the crew members home in time for Thanksgiving! (but doesn't leave any time for them to play in Antigua)
Stay tuned!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
SKYPE is the Best!
Ed and I "Skyped" today - - using the webcams on both of our computers
We spoke for One Hour and it didn't cost us a CENT!! Everyone needs to get a Skype account. You create a User Name and Password, give them a credit card number and set aside a small bank account - like $10 - to use if you're calling a non-skype friend (then it's a whopping 2 cents a minute!)
Great to use for long distance, friends/family in foreign countries. SKYPE is "voice over IP" (internet protocol) Basically, you're talking computer to computer. Or you can CALL US on our SKYPE PHONE NUMBERS (it's a local/US call even when we're far away):
Ed (508)500-0229 SKYPE name: gypsea
Liz (508)444-0684 SKYPE name: LizStott1010
Anyway - Gypsea is hanging out in Bermuda for a couple of days waiting, yet again, for the right weather window! I think they are getting remnants of Hurricane Ida. For the time being, the guys are catching up on emails, phone calls, laundry, provisions, refueling, SHOWERS and SLEEPING.
We spoke for One Hour and it didn't cost us a CENT!! Everyone needs to get a Skype account. You create a User Name and Password, give them a credit card number and set aside a small bank account - like $10 - to use if you're calling a non-skype friend (then it's a whopping 2 cents a minute!)
Great to use for long distance, friends/family in foreign countries. SKYPE is "voice over IP" (internet protocol) Basically, you're talking computer to computer. Or you can CALL US on our SKYPE PHONE NUMBERS (it's a local/US call even when we're far away):
Ed (508)500-0229 SKYPE name: gypsea
Liz (508)444-0684 SKYPE name: LizStott1010
Anyway - Gypsea is hanging out in Bermuda for a couple of days waiting, yet again, for the right weather window! I think they are getting remnants of Hurricane Ida. For the time being, the guys are catching up on emails, phone calls, laundry, provisions, refueling, SHOWERS and SLEEPING.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
In Bermuda
Arrived in Bermuda this afternoon, around 1pm EST I think. After a big time motor job with light winds over the past few days, the breeze filled in yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon and got heavy and on the nose through the night and even heavier today with good size seas. Not very pleasant on the stomach, even for the seasoned veterans.
The casualties of the first leg: the bimini tearing apart and the bimini frame pulling out of the fiberglass (all this despite brand new fixes and frame to the system this Fall!). Ed is going to speak with the local sailmaker tomorrow to see about getting the bimini repaired.
Sounds like they might be getting some remnants of Hurricane IDA and may have to lay low for a couple of days in Bermuda before departing for Antigua.
The casualties of the first leg: the bimini tearing apart and the bimini frame pulling out of the fiberglass (all this despite brand new fixes and frame to the system this Fall!). Ed is going to speak with the local sailmaker tomorrow to see about getting the bimini repaired.
Sounds like they might be getting some remnants of Hurricane IDA and may have to lay low for a couple of days in Bermuda before departing for Antigua.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Closer to Bermuda
From Ed: The temperature today is 80 degrees and we're really enjoying the climate, however, there is and has been a real lack of wind on this trip. Still motoring and we are about 217 miles or less than 48 hours from Bermuda. I'll keep you posted on our progress.
We've spoken with Herb (the weather guru from Canada who volunteers his time to provide weather guidance to sailboats during Atlantic/Caribbean passages) today and the Single Side Band is working great. Herb has been loud and clear and he has received our signal well too. Herb indicates that a low in the Caribbean may merge with the remains of Hurricane Ida and present a complex low in the Bermuda area, so were keeping the boat moving to arrive in Bermuda prior to the low passing through.
The Shepherd's Pie was well received last night and we just about polished it off.
We are currently located at 35 27N, 67 08W and motoring at 6 knots on a direct course of 160 degrees to Bermuda.
We've spoken with Herb (the weather guru from Canada who volunteers his time to provide weather guidance to sailboats during Atlantic/Caribbean passages) today and the Single Side Band is working great. Herb has been loud and clear and he has received our signal well too. Herb indicates that a low in the Caribbean may merge with the remains of Hurricane Ida and present a complex low in the Bermuda area, so were keeping the boat moving to arrive in Bermuda prior to the low passing through.
The Shepherd's Pie was well received last night and we just about polished it off.
We are currently located at 35 27N, 67 08W and motoring at 6 knots on a direct course of 160 degrees to Bermuda.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Through the stream and into warmer waters
From Ed: Still motor sailing with the only exception being a nice sail from 10:00 PM last night until about 4:00 AM this morning and back to motoring again. We are in the stream as of about 5:00 AM today and should be out of the stream around 4:30 PM this afternoon. As many times as we have traversed the stream, its still incredible to stick your hand in a bucket of water (washing the decks) to be amazed at the water temperature (86 degrees).Earlier this morning there was a large school of Portuguese Man of War floating on by. They look like tiny toy sailboats.
Apparently we had a leak in a water pipe when the pressure water was on and it emptied our starboard water tank but there was not any water in the bilge. I think a faucet had been open prior to the pressure water being turned on and the tank emptied. The watermaker is now on and working overtime to replenish the starboard water tank.
The weather today is a beautiful sunny day with a temperature of 72 degrees. The cold weather only seemed to last for about 36 hours before we noticed it was becoming milder and we are now thinking about shorts and tee shirts very soon. Our position today at noon is 37 39'N 69 04'W and we will probably need to call on Bermuda as a fuel stop.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Update 2pm EST - Sat 11/7/09
From Ed: Our departure from Newport went well yesterday (Friday) just before 2:00 PM local time. The breeze was a robust Northwester delivering very satisfying boat speeds in the 8.5 knot range for the better part of the afternoon and evening. Later the breeze was getting softer and we turned on the engine at 1:30 AM giving up a lot of that hard earned boat speed.
Dinner turned out to be a catch-as-catch-can since everyone was tired and trying to get into the groove for the next 10 days. Meals are now on a more normal basis, whatever that means. Who said real sailors don't eat quiche, it was a great breakfast.
We saw only one boat last night apparently headed in a similar direction as Gypsea. Motoring in this huge high pressure system is eating into our fuel supply but we'll stop for fuel in Bermuda if we have to.
The water has turned to "offshore blue" and the temperature today is fairly warm. The cabin heater works great, it was 79 degrees in the cabin when I woke up this morning for my watch.
Ran the watermaker for an hour and a half today and made 10 gallons of potable water. We'll need to run it for several hours each day to keep up with the normal consumption.
As of noon time today, we have logged approximately 140 miles in the last 22 hours and we are 88 miles from entering the Gulf Stream. Based on our current speed of 6.2 knots we should enter the stream around 5:00 AM Sunday. We are using 38 10'N, 69 45'W as our entry into the stream and should exit the stream at approximately 37 20'N, 68 55'W.
Dinner turned out to be a catch-as-catch-can since everyone was tired and trying to get into the groove for the next 10 days. Meals are now on a more normal basis, whatever that means. Who said real sailors don't eat quiche, it was a great breakfast.
We saw only one boat last night apparently headed in a similar direction as Gypsea. Motoring in this huge high pressure system is eating into our fuel supply but we'll stop for fuel in Bermuda if we have to.
The water has turned to "offshore blue" and the temperature today is fairly warm. The cabin heater works great, it was 79 degrees in the cabin when I woke up this morning for my watch.
Ran the watermaker for an hour and a half today and made 10 gallons of potable water. We'll need to run it for several hours each day to keep up with the normal consumption.
As of noon time today, we have logged approximately 140 miles in the last 22 hours and we are 88 miles from entering the Gulf Stream. Based on our current speed of 6.2 knots we should enter the stream around 5:00 AM Sunday. We are using 38 10'N, 69 45'W as our entry into the stream and should exit the stream at approximately 37 20'N, 68 55'W.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gypsea has left Newport - headed toward Bermuda
Finally got the weather window that Ed felt most comfortable with and they slipped the lines in Newport a little before 2pm today (Friday, Nov. 6). Today was a bit gusty, a nice crisp NW wind, clear skies, sunny - but expect some lighter winds to follow now. Ideally, would love to sail non-stop to Antigua, but expect to be doing some motor sailing and will need to make a quick stop in Bermuda to refuel....
The guys are excited to FINALLY for real, be on their way and do what they came here to do - GO SAILING! Say your prayers for safe, swift and comfortable passage. God Speed.
The guys are excited to FINALLY for real, be on their way and do what they came here to do - GO SAILING! Say your prayers for safe, swift and comfortable passage. God Speed.
The Crew of Gypsea
Here they are, all gung ho and ready to go last week on Sunday morning (11/1/09) in Beverly. Well, they made it to Newport and hung there for a few days!
From Left to Right: Shaun Deinstadt, Ed Stott, Jim Fox, George Smith, Jim Bunton
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Still Waiting in Newport...
They are sitting in Newport, maybe til Saturday. And I'm sure they are all bored silly. None of these guys are "sit around" types.
They were planning on leaving today which would put them crossing the gulf stream by Thursday - perfect timing I guess, for the stream. But now Ed says that he (and his weather routers that he uses) see a Low pressure system forming off the coast, blowing 40 and gusting up to whatever (a lot).
The crew has suggested that they move the boat to NYC "for something to do" - but that doesn't necessarily make sense, because you have to go way in and then back out - and it eats fuel big time ($$$) and time.
It was also suggested to go to Cape May, NJ - which would bring them further south, into warmer weather and closer to the stream - but when they looked at charts, it's too shallow there for the boat (draft of boat = 9 ft) to get into harbors there....
So, I guess they are in the preparing to prepare mode - - tensions can get high during these times, especially in the close quarters (!), so let's say our prayers that things open up SOON and these guys can get moving on.
Cheers,Liz
They were planning on leaving today which would put them crossing the gulf stream by Thursday - perfect timing I guess, for the stream. But now Ed says that he (and his weather routers that he uses) see a Low pressure system forming off the coast, blowing 40 and gusting up to whatever (a lot).
The crew has suggested that they move the boat to NYC "for something to do" - but that doesn't necessarily make sense, because you have to go way in and then back out - and it eats fuel big time ($$$) and time.
It was also suggested to go to Cape May, NJ - which would bring them further south, into warmer weather and closer to the stream - but when they looked at charts, it's too shallow there for the boat (draft of boat = 9 ft) to get into harbors there....
So, I guess they are in the preparing to prepare mode - - tensions can get high during these times, especially in the close quarters (!), so let's say our prayers that things open up SOON and these guys can get moving on.
Cheers,Liz
Waiting in Newport
The crew is waiting to hear from Commanders Weather about how the gulf stream is looking and what sort of low pressures are cooking out there in the Atlantic. I just took a look at 48 hour surface charts and some satellite imagery - and it all looks pretty decent by my eyes, but then, I'm not the one out there doing it! There is a Low Pressure system about 400 miles east of Bermuda - - however, it's expected to move N/NE and dissipate over the cold waters, so I'm hoping that is not going to be an issue for them.
I have a feeling that they will leave Newport tomorrow (Tuesday, 11/3) but will be waiting to get the update from Ed.
http://wwwghcc.msfc.nasa.gov/GOES/goeseastconusir.html
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Gypsea has headed Southbound!
From Liz - I want to THANK ALL OF YOU for your support, thoughts, and prayers. It just so happens that today is All Saints Day (I'm a bit of a lapsed Catholic!) - and all of the crew are saints for helping out. I also hope all of the angels and saints are looking over our guys and guiding them safely and swiftly on their journey.
Ed has skippered many boats to/from the Caribbean over the years, and I've watched him prepare for all the deliveries over the past 11 years. For those of you who don't know Ed's "M.O.", I want to assure you that he is an exceptionally prudent and capable skipper and sailor.
He is mechanical and can fix most anything. He is a superb team leader and manager -a skill that is most important when keeping a crew of five, sometimes strangers, glued together, feeling supported, and in the end, hopefully walking away with their sailing skills enhanced, more confidence, and a tighter bond to each other.
Even though Gypsea is a "vintage" Swan (1979), she is very well-founded, with safety and maintenance updates done on a consistent basis. New rudder, new hoses throughout, major engine PM (preventative maintenance), heater installed that runs on engine power (nice for the cold nights and days during the first leg of the trip!), new water maker that makes 6 gallons an hour when the engine is running - may not seem like a lot - but it's really an amazing addition to the current water storage - and will actually allow the crew to indulge here and there in a hot shower!
New Single Side Band with Pactor modem (email capability) - - it does not allow attachments, but will allow Ed and crew to keep us updated when they are out to sea. It's operating on very small/slow bandwith - and the system stops after 90 minutes of weekly transmission.
New VHF radio, new liferaft, new dinghy.
Monitor Wind Vane which allows the crew to relax a bit more while on watch, and let "Hans Solo" or "Hans Free" as we call it, do all the steering, and very accurately, when they are under sail. The boat also has an auto pilot which allows steerage while under power.
Ed is super knowledgeable about weather/meteorology - and this is perhaps the biggest piece of this whole thing. As he says, when you're out there and you encounter bad weather - you deal with it - but you never KNOWINGLY go out in it.
This is the predicament now...the biggest concern is always the Gulf Stream - any bit of bad weather gets exacerbated a zillion percent there - so the goal is hit it when it's favorable - least amount of unfavorable wind direction, skinniest part of it so you get through it quickly, hit it without opposing wind/current conditions....it's all very tricky and requires careful analysis and real good timing.
From what we heard this morning from Commanders Weather (Gypsea's weather routing service), there are a bunch of Low's (low pressure systems) lurking around the Atlantic - and the Stream will be a cauldron on Tuesday/Weds of this week. However, it should become more favorable late Weds/into Thursday. It takes two days to get from Newport to the Stream - so they are planning on sailing to Newport today - getting into the Cape Cod Canal around slack current (8:40pm tonight, Sunday) and getting to Newport by 2am Monday.
Crew member George Smith, bless his heart, knows everyone and has his great connections - and was able to arrange a 70 ft (!) dockside slip in Newport - where they will hang all day Monday/Monday night, and then plan to head south into open sea on Tuesday.
They are not sure if they will be calling on Bermuda or going straight through to Antigua. If they need any repairs or fuel - they probably will do a quick 1 day stop (provided they don't have any bad weather that holds them there....)
I've provisioned them pretty well I think - food is something you really look forward to during a delivery - although it's never fun to be the one in the galley prepping it while underway - so I tried to keep some of the main meals as easy as possible.
It's extremely difficult to think about 5 men, 12 days, 3 meals a day (180 total meals!) plus snacks, treats, etc. I made about 8 frozen meals for dinners - nothing gourmet but it will stick to their ribs (Shepherd's Pie, Vegetarian pot pies, Lasagnas, Chicken enchiladas, etc), and then there is some frozen shrimp, pastas, rice/beans, soups galore. Eggs, oatmeal, cereal, cheeses, turkey/ham, english muffins, bagels, pita pockets, tuna, chicken, crabmeat, cookies (a bunch of homemade choc chips, oatmeal raisin and magic cookie bars), M&M's, leftover Halloween candy, chips, crackers, zone bars, and then healthy stuff too - apples, oranges, canteloupes, lemons, onions, peppers, tomatos, spinach/salad stuff for a few days, canned veggies/fruits....
Please rest assured that the guys are as safe as possible and in good hands with a very capable boat and skipper. Please PRAY for the most favorable weather, for guidance from above, for a safe and swift passage.
You may track Gypsea's actual location by checking our Blog - http://svgypsea.blogspot.com/ and click on "Where's Gypsea Now" (top right corner)-which will give you the Lat/Long.
Cheers to our Gypsea and our Crew: Jim Bunton, Jim Fox, Shaun Deinstadt and George Smith and Captain Ed!
Ed has skippered many boats to/from the Caribbean over the years, and I've watched him prepare for all the deliveries over the past 11 years. For those of you who don't know Ed's "M.O.", I want to assure you that he is an exceptionally prudent and capable skipper and sailor.
He is mechanical and can fix most anything. He is a superb team leader and manager -a skill that is most important when keeping a crew of five, sometimes strangers, glued together, feeling supported, and in the end, hopefully walking away with their sailing skills enhanced, more confidence, and a tighter bond to each other.
Even though Gypsea is a "vintage" Swan (1979), she is very well-founded, with safety and maintenance updates done on a consistent basis. New rudder, new hoses throughout, major engine PM (preventative maintenance), heater installed that runs on engine power (nice for the cold nights and days during the first leg of the trip!), new water maker that makes 6 gallons an hour when the engine is running - may not seem like a lot - but it's really an amazing addition to the current water storage - and will actually allow the crew to indulge here and there in a hot shower!
New Single Side Band with Pactor modem (email capability) - - it does not allow attachments, but will allow Ed and crew to keep us updated when they are out to sea. It's operating on very small/slow bandwith - and the system stops after 90 minutes of weekly transmission.
New VHF radio, new liferaft, new dinghy.
Monitor Wind Vane which allows the crew to relax a bit more while on watch, and let "Hans Solo" or "Hans Free" as we call it, do all the steering, and very accurately, when they are under sail. The boat also has an auto pilot which allows steerage while under power.
Ed is super knowledgeable about weather/meteorology - and this is perhaps the biggest piece of this whole thing. As he says, when you're out there and you encounter bad weather - you deal with it - but you never KNOWINGLY go out in it.
This is the predicament now...the biggest concern is always the Gulf Stream - any bit of bad weather gets exacerbated a zillion percent there - so the goal is hit it when it's favorable - least amount of unfavorable wind direction, skinniest part of it so you get through it quickly, hit it without opposing wind/current conditions....it's all very tricky and requires careful analysis and real good timing.
From what we heard this morning from Commanders Weather (Gypsea's weather routing service), there are a bunch of Low's (low pressure systems) lurking around the Atlantic - and the Stream will be a cauldron on Tuesday/Weds of this week. However, it should become more favorable late Weds/into Thursday. It takes two days to get from Newport to the Stream - so they are planning on sailing to Newport today - getting into the Cape Cod Canal around slack current (8:40pm tonight, Sunday) and getting to Newport by 2am Monday.
Crew member George Smith, bless his heart, knows everyone and has his great connections - and was able to arrange a 70 ft (!) dockside slip in Newport - where they will hang all day Monday/Monday night, and then plan to head south into open sea on Tuesday.
They are not sure if they will be calling on Bermuda or going straight through to Antigua. If they need any repairs or fuel - they probably will do a quick 1 day stop (provided they don't have any bad weather that holds them there....)
I've provisioned them pretty well I think - food is something you really look forward to during a delivery - although it's never fun to be the one in the galley prepping it while underway - so I tried to keep some of the main meals as easy as possible.
It's extremely difficult to think about 5 men, 12 days, 3 meals a day (180 total meals!) plus snacks, treats, etc. I made about 8 frozen meals for dinners - nothing gourmet but it will stick to their ribs (Shepherd's Pie, Vegetarian pot pies, Lasagnas, Chicken enchiladas, etc), and then there is some frozen shrimp, pastas, rice/beans, soups galore. Eggs, oatmeal, cereal, cheeses, turkey/ham, english muffins, bagels, pita pockets, tuna, chicken, crabmeat, cookies (a bunch of homemade choc chips, oatmeal raisin and magic cookie bars), M&M's, leftover Halloween candy, chips, crackers, zone bars, and then healthy stuff too - apples, oranges, canteloupes, lemons, onions, peppers, tomatos, spinach/salad stuff for a few days, canned veggies/fruits....
Please rest assured that the guys are as safe as possible and in good hands with a very capable boat and skipper. Please PRAY for the most favorable weather, for guidance from above, for a safe and swift passage.
You may track Gypsea's actual location by checking our Blog - http://svgypsea.blogspot.com/ and click on "Where's Gypsea Now" (top right corner)-which will give you the Lat/Long.
Cheers to our Gypsea and our Crew: Jim Bunton, Jim Fox, Shaun Deinstadt and George Smith and Captain Ed!
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