Logs

Epiphany - Day 5

Weather is as forecast. 20-25kts steady from the W. 3m swell. So we are rocking and rolling but making excellent speed towards Portugal. The only challenge is to keep an eye out for squalls. We missed one today and got soaked while we quickly reefed the Genoa. No damages though except wet clothes. I was very glad I had kept 2 reefs in all day as a precaution. We are looking good to arrive tomorrow evening. Hopefully sight land in the afternoon and then we have to cross orca alley. We are getting all the advice from a guy called Rui who runs an information sharing group on telegram. There was an attack yesterday right where we plan to go but they think the orcas are moving N. Anyway not much we can do except get to 20m depth as quickly as possible (Orcas don’t seem to attack in. read more...

Epiphany - Day 4

Conditions couldn’t be much better, a nice wind, ok swell, suns out and it’s not too hot. While I am not taking anything for granted I am very relaxed considering we are still hundreds of miles from land. It’s really a result of little by little. Yes when I was 20 I was an excellent sailor having spent summer after summer in the Solent learning from some of the best British skippers there are. But then I have it up for work and didn’t return to the water till 5 or so years ago. By that point I had to build up again, we started with the easiest flotilla Sunsail have in Croatia. I still remember the feeling at the end of each day when the boat was safely moored - relief. We then gradually progressed to a bareboat charter, trying out a Sunsail catamaran, buying our own little HR26 to use in. read more...

Epiphany - Day 3

Lovely conditions today, finally some downwind sailing on our return to Europe. 15-20kts from the West, we are set up wing on wing and moving along nicely at 6-7knots. This wind is due to remain for a few days which will take us almost to Lagos. We just have a little front scheduled tonight as part of the low pressure over biscay. So will rain and gust a bit but then settle for a few days.  No routing issues either. We got a nice bit of North in day 1 so now headed straight for the cape. Everyone on board is well. Enjoying a reasonably flat boat to rest and relax. . read more...

Epiphany - Day 1

Coming to the end of day 1. The weather so far is much simpler than the previous passage. There is a high pressure centred roughly over the Azores. Yes finally the Azores high is in place!  This means we have nice winds to take us over to Portugal. On top of this finally all the forecasts align in terms of both wind strength and direction so the advised routes are also similar. Not much for the skipper to do!  Do we headed around the island and now a little NE. The reason for this is tonight/tomorrow there is some light winds E of Azores and it should be better further N. The other reason is that as you near Portugal the typical wind will be a strong N down the coast and it will be a lot easier on boat and crew if we approach that from the N and not the S. On the boat we. read more...

Epiphany - Departure day

It was a wonderful start. 10-15kts with and occasional gust to 20. Lovely sunny day and all away safely on our way to Lagos.image0image1image2image3. read more...

Epiphany - A podium

Last night was the prize giving and we achieved 2nd place. Very happy and proud of that.The ARC is full of some excellent and experienced sailors, so to be able to keep pace with them on arguably the hardest ocean crossing there is was a great achievement for our crew. We have one more day in the Azores and then depart tomorrow. It’s amazing how normal ocean sailing has become, for sure we don’t take it lightly but it starts to feel routine, Epiphany is ready, a little fresh food to buy, some more fishing lures and then we are ready to go. Wind looks decent enough, maybe a bit sporty at then end as we approach Portugal and enter the Portuguese trades. image0. read more...

Epiphany - Goodbye Horta

I had a fabulous last day in Horta, went out on the bike with the crew from Galatea. It was a bit hilly but the exercise was actually quite welcome. The island is simply beautiful and we found a lovely cafe for lunch and another one for a beer at the end. In the evening we went to Genuino restaurant, lovely fish stew and hearing the owners stories from his twice round the world solo sailing experiences.Then today we set off for San Miguel, it’s 150m so will take 24-30 hours. Wind is rubbish so will be a motor sail but at least no diesel worries anymore. From there we have a few more days on land before setting off for Lagos.image0. read more...

Epiphany - Horta

We have been a few days in Horta now. It’s lovely, very quaint, super restaurants and lovely people. The harbour is busy though so it’s been musical boats for a while. We are now finally rafted up on the wall so all good for a few days.We have refuelled (used 435liters so actually had over 100 left in the tank even though it said empty), fixed a few things on the boat and had a few drinks with new and old friends. The water maker pump arrived today so that’s tomorrow’s job.Today we had a half day tour of the island. It’s so green and lush, but in a European way rather than the jungles of the carribean. Except the west of the island which erupted in 1950s and is still totally ash covered. We also visited a local cheese maker. Dad was in heaven.Tonight is a crew meal with everyone and then. read more...

Epiphany - Arrival

Volcanic mounds rising majesticallyPeaks shrouded in cloudHundred shades of greenSuddenly on the horizon Birds surfing the waves for fishThe long swell gradually goneWinds shifting around the landCoastal sailing has returned A harbour entrance navigated safely Yachts snoozing on anchorYellow shirts waving arrivalFriends new and old reconnected The yacht finally at restHer job well completedAn amazing adventure for all aboardShe truly gave her bestThe emotions of finishing beginning to comePride and wonder welcoming successSkippers responsibility finally easedThe weight of which was the biggest test. read more...

Epiphany - Day 14

What a day! All day into a 25kts headwind and a very bumpy sea. It’s clearly not over till it’s over.We are now 15 miles from Horta, can just about see it in the distance. Even motor sailing we will need to tack to get through this wind and sea. However all is well aboard and hoping to be in before dark.UpwindUp and downUp and downUp and downHowlThe wind as it bitesUnrelenting on its wayEvil and full of angerUp and downUp and downUp and downSplashA wave over the bowSpray falling like rainHorizontal bullets of sea and saltUp and downUp and downUp and downSwooshThe deck a riverSubmerged into the seaSlowly draining awayUp and downUp and downUp and downThudThe hull crashes downInto wave after waveLosing speed all the timeUp and downUp and downUp and down. read more...

Epiphany - Day 14

What a day! All day into a 25kts headwind and a very bumpy sea. It’s clearly not over till it’s over.We are now 15 miles from Horta, can just about see it in the distance. Even motor sailing we will need to tack to get through this wind and sea. However all is well aboard and hoping to be in before dark.UpwindUp and downUp and downUp and downHowlThe wind as it bitesUnrelenting on its wayEvil and full of angerUp and downUp and downUp and downSplashA wave over the bowSpray falling like rainHorizontal bullets of sea and saltUp and downUp and downUp and downSwooshThe deck a riverSubmerged into the seaSlowly draining awayUp and downUp and downUp and downThudThe hull crashes downInto wave after waveLosing speed all the timeUp and downUp and downUp and down. read more...

Epiphany - Day 13

150m to go - about 24 hours. The trip is almost over. We have been motoring for the last day or so, fuel is looking good (fingers crossed) and I released the backup water tank today so everyone is able to have the first shower in 10 days.  All is good aboard and we are looking forward to land fall tomorrow. Some wind expected from NE as we get closer so have come a bit further north to make the sailing angle better. Yesterday we saw loads of pods of dolphins. Such a moral improver to stand and the bow and watch then surf the pressure wave. image0image1. read more...

Epiphany - Day 12

We are starting to get close!Once again the weather forecast is little use. The low pressure we were in has fallen apart and we have a very variable situation. Last night was critical and Charlie pulled a midnight to 5am watch (alarms didn’t go off and she was not sleepy). She managed to keep us sailing till 8am this morning which was fantastic as it brings us within motoring distance (just) of Horta. This is a big step and brings us a lot of reassurance as if anything develops we now have the option to motor away from it. The plan today is motor north north east as tomorrow night a NE wind is due and we would like a nice angle to sail into Horta. Looking more and more likely for arrival on 5th. Hoping for daylight and a beer before bed. Nice to have a flat boat again. We can. read more...

Epiphany - Day 11

Today it is blowing. The forecast was good, 18kts gusting 20kts. Well it’s 25kts gusting 30kts. Thankfully we good the main sail in safely and so now running downing on just the Genoa. There is also quite a big sea running behind us, even had one wave over the stern. Almost got us all soaked. Anyway we are fine and moving a long nicely.Which is good because soon the wind will die and we will be back to motoring. We have about 70 hours of diesel left and depending when the wind dies 50-70hours of distance left. So we are trying to sail as far as possible before this wind goes. As a result we now run directly E as it looks like the wind lasts a bit longer out there. The target is to try and sail till tomorrow evening or 34.00deg W. Then we can motor from there without too much worry. At. read more...

Epiphany - Day 10

Charlie is back feeling good and into the watch rotation. As a result I got 7 hours continuous sleep last night. Thank you crew. Sleeping at 30deg incline while bouncing is never easy. For me the best place is actually on the floor between the table and the sofa, with lots of cushions to wedge me in so I can’t move. Since it’s the lowest point in the boat is moves the least. Today sailing was good. Started off light and against current. At one point we were sailing forwards but going backwards with the current. The autopilot was very confused. This afternoon was much better and we keep a steady 7-8knots through the water. 8+ over ground as current is with us. We have this wind till tomorrow lunch and after that it’s going to be light. Maybe a motor for the last few days. Looks like. read more...

Epiphany - The Ocean

A baby blue skyDotted with puffs of whiteA deep blue oceanTopped with horses of whiteA lone yacht small as a speckGliding atop the undulating blueThree adventurers aboardFlying the flags of red, white and blueThe majestic wind filling the sailsPulling tight the sheet of redAn invisible power pulling us homeIn our way no stoplight of redDolphins play out at the bowTheir skins a covered in dotted greyA welcome company in this vast spaceKeeping our hearts warm and not greyThe sound of the waves hitting the bowA continuous wake of bubbling whiteThe rhythm of a life at seaHelping us to remember life is alright. read more...

Epiphany - Day 8

It was another difficult night, this time dealing with light winds. It would blow 10-12 knots for 10 mins and the drop to 5. So the boat would move for a while but then stop and all the sails would bang. We really didn’t want to use any more diesel so we had a rule if the wind doesn’t come back within 10 mins then engine comes on. So many times we did this and then 5 minutes later engine off. Kind of frustrating. It also meant I didn’t get much sleep as I was up and down helping with sail trim and decision to use the engine or not. Finally this morning the wind stabilised and we could set the sails for a while. It seems we just made it into the west of the low pressure. Giving us nice 10-15 knots on the beam. We need a boat speed of 5.5-6 knots to keep progressing through this wind. read more...

Epiphany - Day 7

The weather has eased and life aboard is a bit more comfortable. Yesterday evening I made a tough decision. We could see on the weather that the high pressure we had been on the east side of for a few days was starting to come south. This meant that the wind for getting more and more easterly and our course more and more southerly. Ahead of us is a stationary low pressure. It’s detached from the jet stream and there should not move for a few days. It was critical for our trip to get attached to the west side of this low and pickup NW winds that would give us a beam reach into Horta. However the further south we go the more upwind a NW wind will be for us and we could end up with beating to wind for 7 days into Horta, or even worse not getting to the low and being stuck in a wind hole in. read more...

Epiphany - Day 6

We are still heading into wind. It’s been a little bit uncomfortable but we are all ok and it should ease soon. From the tracker it looks like most of the boats are in the same position as us, trying to track E without going to far S. Sailing upwind is uncomfortable for a few reasons. First Epiphany is healed over 20-30deg so life is at an angle. Second we heading into the waves so the boat is going up and down as well as being at an angle. And third, typically go are not heading directly for the finish point and so it seems to take ages to make progress. We are all feeling a little sea sick and tired. Yesterday I had a diet of Jacob’s crackers and digestives. Today was a step up with a tin of veg soup and spaghetti hoops! It’s partly you don’t have an appetite and partly so. read more...

Epiphany - Day 5

Short one. We found then wind! So now sailing but it’s far from comfortable. 20knots true at 50awa. Feels like 25. Short sharp sea is creating a lot of bouncing and spray. However everyone is fine and in 12 hours it will easy. We so far manage to hold an E course which will help us later in the week but we know we can head more S if it gets too rough. So thankful we emptied all but one Jerry can yesterday. They are suffering a bit on the bow with all the waves and water. We lost only one so far overboard, we also lost our starboard light but have another on the mast so all fine. Not able to try and fix the water maker yet. Too rough to be moving round too much. Anyway all ok and back tomorrow. read more...

Epiphany - Day 4

More motoring. But we will get wind tonight. The boats north of us already have it and it’s heading our way. It will be a bit into wind but for sure better than motoring. With a bit of luck we should then have wind for several days. Good times ahead. All else is quiet on board. Unfortunately last night the water maker pump overheated and cut out. It’s still working a little but making a lot less water than normal and cutting out after and hour or so. It’s either the pump motor or a blockage in the intake. Either way I can’t fix it till we stop motoring as I have to sit on the engine to access it. Luckily we still have about 500l of water in the tanks and a hand water maker as an emergency. Hence no stress. Just no more showers for a while. We put the rest of the cans of diesel. read more...

Hear's2Us - Day 3

Today started w a beautifully calm day. No wind. Around 8 am, shook out our reef and began sailing slowly in light winds. Wind died so we again motored for an hour or two before the wind returned and we were finally able to secure the engine. Around 1430 we raised our asymmetric spinnaker and we able to coax 8.5 knots +/- for the next 3 hours before Kim prepared a marvelous meal.  Then doused the spinnaker and settled in for an evening of motorsailing in light winds. Looking forward to more sustained winds tomorrow we hope!Rich and Kim and the crew of Hear’s 2 Us!. read more...

Epiphany - Day 3

We are sailing! We started to get wind late last night but it was dark so we just used the main and Genoa on a broad reach. Managed only 3-4kts but it was a nice break for the motor after 50+ hours so far. When morning light came and I finally woke up my Dad and I got the parasail out. Initially it was collapsing as we still have only light winds but once we furled the main sail it started to work properly. We are now doing 4-5 knots in 7-10 true wind at 160 apparent wind angle. This keeps us on course of about 50deg so a little north of the great circle route but it’s fine as after the weekend we expect NE winds which will push us south again. The other job for this morning was to fill diesel tank while the sea is still flat. 5.5 cans went in about 120litres. Meaning we still have about. read more...

Epiphany - Day 3

We got updated weather this morning and after lots of reviewing and thinking we have decided to alter course a little to the North. All the forecasts agree that tomorrow lunch there will be a 10kt SW wind there for us. Recently it’s been unusual that all the forecasts agree so that’s a good sign. It means we go a little off the direct route but should be overall faster as we simple can’t motor the whole way. Staying on the great circle route the wind would have been another 24-48 more away. The other reason is that there is a small tropical low coming up from the carribean. Nothing crazy but likely to bring rain and thunderstorms and by going a bit more North we should miss these. Looking at the fleet some have the same idea but same stay on the great circle route or even go a bit. read more...

Epiphany - Day 2

The calm winds continued all night so on and on we motored. We are all quickly back into the watch system. Getting as much sleep as possible off watch. Unfortunately we heard today that Smooth Operator have to head back to Bermuda with technical issues. We helped them notify Rally Control and Bermuda radio and said a quick goodbye. They were on the same plan as us and just behind us all night. Was nice to have company but now we are almost alone. Thankfully we have Ariel nearby, a HR 53, also Italian and skippered by the lovely Paolo.After helping Smooth Operator we were rewarded with some wind and have been sailing for the last few hours. Heading a bit SE to keep powered but it’s ok as it looks like a little low pressure and the wind should veer to N and NW over the next 24 hours allow. read more...

Sequel - Sequel_Azores

Day 2 to Azores Great time in Bermuda.WCC plans well and makes the trip fun and efficient for us. Many thanks. We departed Bermuda May 22 for Azores. No wind predicted for several days.And it’s true. Sailing with full sails and the iron Genoa. Played trivia games with the fleet last night thanks to LEMA for instigating and connecting us all while we’re floating out here in the middle of the ocean. The calm seas are amazing but we want to sail.Searching for wind…Beautiful sunrise and full moon rising captured by us. image1image2. read more...

Hear's2Us - Auspicious start to ARC Europe! Day 1 and 2

Hello from Hear's 2 Us!.We have had a slow start to the sailing portion of the race.Most of the boats have been motor-sailing for the first few days as have we.Winds light rarely above 9 knots but beautiful calm seas with a very full moon and clear skies.We got off to a good start crossing the line #5 out of 32 yachts.We have made about 125nm per day for the first 2.We were able to put out the jib for some help with the motor-sailing and on day 2 (May 23) actually sailed for about 7 hours making about 5.2knots +/-.Last night it's back to motor sailing but with a slight push making 6+ knots with motor assist.Day one, we landed our first fish.A small mahi (called a peanut dolphin).Could have served lunch for 2 but we let her go to grow larger for the next fisherman.Waiting on the. read more...