Category Archives for "Amigos Updates"

Marshall Islands Voyage Days. 40-41-42

Marshall Islands,
The Town of Majuro where Jeff is now on lower right hand side

The Atoll of Majuro in the Marshall Islands

Anchorage at Majuro where Jeff is on a mooring ball

 Miles sailed last three days and 6 hrs. 30″ = 481 nm.
Miles left to go-0-.On a mooring in Majuro, Marshall Islands
Total miles sailed=5,775 nm.
Day-40.
Pos. Lat. 10*13′ N. Long. 174*58′ E.
24hr.Run= 161 nm.
Weather: Wind= 12-20 kts. ENE. Seas= 6-8 ft. Bar.=1003 mb. Cabin
Temp.=85*-87*.
The Rest of the Story:
  I’m getting closer day by day now with less than 300nm. to go.
  Last night while asleep I was suddenly awakened by my 6-mile AIS perimeter alarm going off. This alarm is an add on and very loud. I get up and view the AIS screen and there are two 125 ft. fishing vessels there. The closest one will pass 3.5 miles off my port beam. I stay up and read keeping an eye on the two boats in close proximity. These boats were actively fishing and all lit up.
  I should mention that the night before last, I had a Buoy show up on my AIS and I came within 1.5 miles of it and never could see it on radar nor did it appear to be lit, just glad for the AIS. making me aware. This no doubt was a weather buoy or tidal wave warning buoy for Hawaii.
  Searched the boat some and found the quarantine yellow flag that must be flown when entering a foreign country.
  Further research on the lost city of Zinj where solomon’s mines had been located in Zaire, Africa. I turned up some not so good news, and I believe the expedition to go there is most likely a no go.
  It seems in 1979 there were geologists at the site and the city had been rediscovered. The industrial blue diamonds that were worth millions were also there, but on the same day the diamonds were discovered Mount Mukenko erupted and the expedition there on the ground of 11- people only 5-barely escaped with their lives. It seems the site of the mine and city are today buried under a half of mile of Lava. Oh well at least we know where it is.
                                Heading for the “Barn” the Jefe’
Day-41.
  Pos. Lat.08* 12’S. Long. 153*22′ E.
  24hr.run=155 nm.
  Weather: Wind=10-18kts. E. Seas=6-8ft. Bar.=1004 mb. Cabin Temp.83*-89*.
The Rest of the Story.
  “One more night”, and I will be tied up to a mooring in Majuro. Heck, I guess I better brush my teeth comb my hair and put clothes on.
  Today was interesting because I came across two fishing boats up ahead of me and one of them decided to play “cat & mouse” with me. He positioned himself right on my course line and would speed up and slow down so as to stay there. He was about 7 miles distant when this all began. I waited until I was 4-miles from him, then altered course to weather 20* to sail clear of his bow. Now, I would see on the AIS. if he increased speed from his 1.2 kts that was keeping him on my previous course line to enable him once again get directly in front of me.
  Suddenly he switched his AIS. off, so I could not see what he was doing. I go ok and I switched mine off, and cranked up the radar. I watched as he speed up and attempted to get in front of me for about 30 minutes but eventually he went back to fishing slowing back down. I switched my AIS. back on, and after about ten minutes the fishing boat showed back up on AIS.
  The boat had a number rather than a name and the number  had the letters CH in front of it, and was possibly a Chinese fishing boat, as it had a strange appearance, not a Purseiner but most likely a long liner. It was about 100-ft. in length.
  Getting real excited to get in.
              Pounding out the last miles the Jefe’
Day-42 + 6 hrs.30″
  Pos. Lat. 07*15′ N. Long. 171*27′ E.
  24hr, Run=136nm.
  Weather: Wind=8-14kts. ESE. Seas=4-6ft. E. Cabin Temp. 86*-89*. Bar.=1004 mb.
The Rest of the Story.
  One last night and what a doozy as I had to sail in close to the reef and Islands sticking out to the north of Arno Atoll an arm that extends about 10 miles out, and in the same vicinity is a pile of rocks that exists out there. The bottom line is I had to duck under the pile of rocks all in the night and deal with that extension of Arno making it impossible to sleep.
  The sailing had gone well as I heaved to outside the pass waiting for first light. I have been in here before but it was 14-years ago so since daylight was not so far away I hove to under main and mizzen waiting.
  Finally, the first light showed and I headed in the unmarked pass and by staying 1/2 mile off the Island on my port side the least depth I seen was 45 ft. but moved over 1/4 mile over and the depth is 4-ft. whoops!!
  My friend Cary and a guy by the name of chuck helped me get tied up.
  I launched the dinghy and took a 75-cent cab ride to the customs and immigration and was checked into the Marshall Islands for as long as I want to stay and it was all free. I guess they charge you 10-dollars to check out, “How sweet is that”.
  You best believe I will have a couple of rum drinks tonight and sleep like a “dead man”.
                          Thanks for riding along and for all your support Love you all the Jefe’

Marshall Islands Voyage Days: 37-38-39.

Total miles sailed last three days =468 nm.
Total miles sailed so far=5,294
Miles left to go= -328 [actually less than 400 nm.]
Top speed so far =12.5 kts.
Day-37:
  Pos. Lat.09* 25′ N. Long. 177* 53′ W.
  24hr.Run=157nm.
  Weather: Wind=12-15kts. E. Seas= 4-6ft. Bar.= 1005mb. Cabin Temp=83*-89*.
The Rest of the Story.
  Winds fresher today and still no luck at fishing which might explain no fishing boats in my area as they will normally show on the AIS.
  The mysterious “Ham Grab” has been solved. The explanation is a combination of answers C.-D. First let me say this was all solved without the help of “Scotland Yard”.
  The thing started to unravel when I went to make pop corn. The pan I use for that is seldom washed as it is used only for popcorn and trying to conserve water I just wipe it out with a paper towel between popping. When I went to wipe it out there were two kernels of corn the vegetable, inside the pan. Now this made no sense as other than the two kernels there were just husks of the previous popcorn and some margarine I had melted to go on the popcorn.
  Now I remember clearly having peas with my ham dinner. I dig through the garbage once again and sure enough there is an empty can for the peas and one for the corn.
  I go back to the counter where the frying pan sets that I had cooked my previous potatoes, onions, and egg in and snatch the cover of the pan. Lifting the pan to my nose I smell the smoked ham, and there are even remnants of it sticking to the bottom of the pan. I also smelled a “rat” a pretty big one at that.
  Revisiting the events of the previous evening in my mind, it seems this is what took place. I got up from reading checked outside then came down and cooked dinner having corn as the vegetable. I obviously used the lid off the popcorn pan to drain the vegetables after cooking them in a smaller pan that has no lid, when I placed the lid back on the popcorn pan two kernels of corn stuck to the lid fell in the pan. I then proceeded to eat dinner once finished put the plate in the sink with other plates possibly was chewing on the bone getting those last tasty portions of ham, then went topside for a look around tossing the ham bone over the side.
  Now feeling quite content lay down for a short nap.
  I’m roused from my nap, and that universe, to commotion on deck. I scramble up on deck to fix what ever is wrong and still only half awake mind you. I adjust the course quieting the sails that had been bouncing about and return below. It is still day light and I never bother to look at the time. I glance over and see the pan I had intended to cook dinner in and it is all clean, heavens I must make dinner as now I’m in my new universe and hungry. Next the missing ham and the search that reveals nothing but questions. I get the other piece of Ham out thaw it and dine once again in my new universe.
  So you see the explanation is quit simple, basically went to bed contented in one universe and woke up hungry in yet another universe.
                              Just sailing the “Rum” line the Jefe’
Day-38:
  Pos.09*25′ N. Long.179*50′ E.
  24hr.Run=150nm.
  Weather: Wind=10-20kts. ENE. Seas= 6-8ft.ENE. Bar.=1005 mb. Cabin Temp.= 83*-89*.
  New Top speed for trip= 12.5 kts.
The Rest of the Story:
  Today I sailed into tomorrow crossing the International date line.
Suddenly Sunday becomes Monday, but for the sake of keeping track of the days on the voyage will stay with Sunday.
  Sailing pretty fast this day but not doing very well at alluding the squalls having been hit by three of them. The squall’s were small and no sail reduction was made, possibly why we have a new top speed of 12.5 kts.  Hmm.
  Also had a fishing boat pass 12 miles off my bow, although he was not fishing just beating feet for some place else.
  Now that I’m closing in on civilization once again my watches will become more diligent, do to the increased possibility of vessel traffic.
  Debbie alerted me that Bruno from Fiji has brought his circus to Majuro, now in April, so possibly I can find work in the circus. I feel I have been on this circus ride almost long enough now. Soon to be 40-days and 40-nights.
  Got a lead on one of the lost city’s it’s name is Ninj believed to be located in Africa Lat. 02*N long.03* E. just above the Congo River. This is the ancient Arabian City that is over 4,000 years old, where Solomon’s mines were located.
 Now I must plan another voyage with an attached land expedition into the Congo Rain Forest. This should prove to be one of my most “dashing” adventures so far. The estimated duration is difficult to determine but I believe the likely hood of success is much easier to compute =000%. Volunteers and donations will be greatly appreciated. Just as an incentive if the donations arrive soon enough I will skip the whole Circus gig and be off.
  When one considers that reality is just an illusion, that being the reason no two people see the same thing exactly the same. This brings me to believe that someone will see the Jefe’s chance of success at 100%, and remember I am pretty lucky to.
                                    Jefe’ going “psycho” out here.
Day-39.
  Pos. Lat. 09*57′ N. Long. 177*29′ E.
  24hr. Run=161 nm.
  Weather: Wind=12-20kts ENE. Seas=6-8ft. Bar=1006 mb. Cabin Temp=83*-89*.
The Rest of the Story.
  I’m slowly edging back up to the 10* Latitude as the winds are stronger in the higher pressure and I avoid some of those squalls. I’m moving west pretty fast and the angle to the wind for the other tack is improving by the hour. I hope my next Gybe will see me sail strait into Majuro.
  I have established contact on SSB-radio-6224 frequency and told them I should arrive on their Friday morning and that is my Thursday morning.
  Had a huge strike on the meat line snapping the 200lb. test line about 6-inches below the rubber bungy cord. I have no idea what it was but am pretty sure much bigger than what I need.
                  To rig another meat line or not???? Hmmmmm. The Jefe’
Sunset

Marshall Islands Voyage Days-34=35-36.

Miles sailed last 3-days=325nm.
Total miles sailed so far=4,826 nm.
Miles left to go HA HA=140 nm.
Top Speed so far = 12.2 kts.
Day-34.
  Pos. Lat.10* 03′ N.Long. 171*56′ W.
  24hr.Run=79nm.
  Weather: Wind 5-8kts. E.  Seas 2ft.E Bar.=1002mb. Cabin Temp. 85*-89*
The Rest of the Story:
  The last 48 hrs. have been under spinnaker in very light winds.
  Still no fish. I did have a ship come across my bow about 10 miles distant.
    There is a low in my area and squalls were forming all night long, fortunately I avoided them until 6:30 am when I scanned the radar and seen a large one bearing down on me about 6-miles long and only three miles away. Not wanting to take any risks I doused the spinnaker and put it away in the bag on deck then rolled out the genoa and sailed on. This squall was fragmented and contained little wind about 15 kts was all that came out of it and some refreshing rain. The batteries were getting down as there has not been enough wind to turn the wind generator for the past two days, so splashed up the diesel and powered for several hours taking on a charge. Once the batteries were looking good the winds had also started to improve so hoisted the main and soon we were exceeding 5 kts under working sails once again.
  Just one of those crazy thoughts from the Pacific, do you think that one day soon these sanctuary City’s will build houses and stick them around the neighborhoods and fill them with stuff to steal so that all those criminals they are giving the revolving door to can just go steel from them and not the hard working people that work for what little they have.
                    Just trying to be innovating, as I learn of more neighbors being robbed in my neighborhood.
                                              The Jefe’
Day-35.
  Pos, Lat.09* 36′ N Long. 173*43′ W.
  24hr.Run= 111 nm.
  Weather: Wind: 6-12kts. ESE. Seas: 2-3 ft. ESE.
The Rest of the Story:
  Today I complete week-5 and I actually thought by now I would have arrived, but there was one thing that I had overlooked in planning this voyage and that is the trade winds move more to the North and out of this area in April and who knows possibly this year they are even a little ahead of normal. This all makes for slower going. My next guess was arrive by the 9th of April that also could be a couple of days too optimistic. So, I will go with sometime soon to arrive in the Marshall Islands.
  Still “fishing” and can really see the bottom of the freezer now. Debbie is telling me to put the pole out and try different lures. I’m thinking about it but still have three more freezer meals. Maybe i could drag a bottle of rum and see if that helps.
  I don’t know if you can even begin to grasp the difference between this voyage and the trip around the world solo. I can tell you it is like night and day for me as one was super challenging and this one is just somehow to easy. I guess it is hard to come down from something where you are on the edge day after day to a realm of such predictability. Maybe, like going from the black Diamond ski run, then getting back on the rope tow.
  The distance and duration of course loom large in a voyage such as this, and planning and preparation is in many ways very much the same. I guess I’m just missing the “Adrenalin Rush” of the other, as probably you are to.
  I also realize that I must not become complacent as “shit” can still happen.
                        On Patrol nearing the “date” line. Is this where you “hook up”?
                                    Just trying to find that excitement somewhere.
                                              The Jefe’
Day-36.
  Pos.10*19′ N. Long. 175*56′ W.
  24hr.Run=135nm.
  Weather: Wind=8-14kts. Seas= 3-5ft. Bar.=1005mb. Cabin Temp.=83*-89*
The Rest of the Story.
  The winds are filling back in and the barometer is rising a sign that the trade winds are coming down from the north once again, Yea!! Still no more fish.
  Ok, so you would think by the miles left to go I would arrive tomorrow as the miles if I had sailed the course would be down to zero by tomorrow. I did this purposely to show you something that it took me years to figure out.
  I have learned that by sailing my boat on a broad reach I can go 20% faster,then I can sail going dead down wind, and that is what I would have had to do to stay on the course line most of the time.
  By tomorrow morning when my miles to go should be zero I will still have 620 nm. to go, but when you figure in that by then we will have sailed 4,966nm and that I have sailed 20% faster all those miles that equates to 993 of those total had I have stayed on course and went slower I would now still have 993 nm. to go instead of 460 nm. meaning I’m 373 miles ahead of the staying on course strategy, and normally I was off course by a  good 30*
  To really see this you have to lay this all out on graph paper, so then you get it straight in your mind, and you will do a lot better in your ocean racing over long distances.
  “Mystery Aboard Sailors Run”, went like this. I had decided to cook a piece of smoked ham for dinner. I pulled two pieces frozen together in a bag out of the freezer placing them on the counter to in a bowl to thaw for a few minutes. After about 30-minutes I separated the two ham slices and laid the one to cook in the bowl to finish thawing and placed the other now back in the bag into the freezer once again.
  I sat on the seating around the table and read for about 30-minutes before starting dinner. I go to cook the ham and it is gone-gone. Now, this is where you look at the bowl and then all over the counters and around the stove,under the stove, in the garbage and suddenly come to the conclusion it is gone-gone. I open the fridge and pull the bag out of the freezer and there is but only one piece in that there little bag.
  The mystery still remains unsolved any ideas?
  I had a few:
      a. A bird circling the boat decided it was sick of fish and flew in grabbed it and was gone.
      B. I have a rat on the boat and it snatched it up, and made off with it.
      C. I cooked the ham and ate it fell asleep woke up and decided it was dinner time and was shocked to find it gone so cooked a second ham. Problem with this idea is there is only one ham bone in the garbage and there would have been two and the pan that I cooked in was clean and I had to add oil to it before cooking the second piece.
      D. This my final and the most likely answer is we live in a parallel universe and a warp of that other universe wrapped over the aft portion of the boat while I was reading, and something that lives in that other universe ate the ham, then the warp receded and “bingo” no ham for the Jefe’ to cook.
    You got any other ideas cause I’m truly missing that piece of ham.
                            Somehow suddenly not feeling so all alone out here.
                                    The Jefe’

Sailors Run reporting in from Bahia Caraquez, Ecuador. May-2015

Sailors Run reporting in from Bahia Caraquez, Ecuador. May-2015

Debbie and I are happy to report that the moorings here at Puerto Amistad have been holding the boats in place without any problems and we have been experiencing large tide changes that amplify the normal current running down the Rio Chone, especially this time of year when there is more rain in the mountains.

On security issues here we have had no incidences of theft since we have arrived, and are very pleased with the regular cruise patrol that the security guard does around the boats many times each night.

The good old Sailors Run has been getting lots of TLC in preparation for the “Adventure”. The wind generator is happy to be spinning silently on new bearings and a new set of blades. All the winches are greased and ready to go.

The decision has been made to replace both the Mizzen sail and the Main sail as they are 7- years old as I fear they would most likely be blown out in the Southern Ocean, and I don’t like sewing all that much in confined spaces and heavy weather.

The Sailors Run is on a diet and she is shedding pounds daily and the locals are benefitting as we get rid of things that have not been used in the last year.

THIS IS SOME OF OUR STUFF GETTING OFF THE BOAT AND TO A NEW HOME TO AN ECUADORIAN FAMILY

THIS IS SOME OF OUR STUFF GETTING OFF THE BOAT AND TO A NEW HOME TO AN ECUADORIAN FAMILY

Debbie is packing up and taking all her valuables with her “Just In case”, actually I cannot blame her. I must admit it gives me a sickening, sinking feeling, deep down inside, as I watch her pack up and I must ask myself is she seeing something I’m missing. I can only hope she is just being cautious and I will surely be keeping my senses tuned into the little details before departure.

The other part of pulling this adventure off , is that the skipper has to be up to the many challenges he will surely encounter along the way. The only way I can do that is to get in the best possible shape I can over the next 5.5 months. Debbie and I have found a great running course out across the Rio Chone River across the bridge and back, and have met some great people while out on our runs like the four guys from the capital of Quito, and we had them out to the boat to check it out.

JEFF AND DEB ON THE BRIDGE OF THE RIO CHONE

JEFF AND DEB ON THE BRIDGE OF THE RIO CHONE

DEB & I MET OTHER RUNNERS ON THE BRIDGE AND SHARED MY ADVENTURE WITH THEM

DEB & I MET OTHER RUNNERS ON THE BRIDGE AND SHARED MY ADVENTURE WITH THEM

OUR NEW FRIENDS ENJOYING SAILORS RUN

OUR NEW FRIENDS ENJOYING SAILORS RUN

ECUADORIANS HANGING OUT ON THE BOW OF THE BOAT

ECUADORIANS HANGING OUT ON THE BOW OF THE BOAT

THE GUYS AND ONE IS READING MY BOOK

THE GUYS AND ONE IS READING MY BOOK

I have also signed up for a local 10-k run that goes off at the end of June, this will give me something to further motivate me. Oh yea! I have to drop 10lbs. as speed comes with weight loss as well as endurance, one of the key ingredients to having a successful passage, especially when it is a tremendously challenging one and endurance often times can make the critical difference.

MOTHER'S DAY DINNER AT PUERTO AMISTAD YUM!!

MOTHER’S DAY DINNER
AT PUERTO AMISTAD
YUM!!

SAMSUNG CAMERA PICTURES

 

ME AND MY NEWER BEAN BAG,MUCH FULLER TOO,COMFORTABLE

ME AND MY NEWER BEAN BAG,MUCH FULLER TOO AND COMFORTABLE

HAVE LEARNED TO COOK A REALLY GOOD CHICKEN STEW IN OUR PRESSURE COOKER

HAVE LEARNED TO COOK A REALLY GOOD CHICKEN STEW IN OUR PRESSURE COOKER

 

Your Amigos Jeff & Debbie on S/V Sailors Run.

The Wrap up, on Sailors Run’s Mexico to Ecuador Passage, April 2015.

The Wrap up, on Sailors Run’s Mexico to Ecuador Passage, April 2015.

Debbie and I sailed the last 15 miles down to the waiting area, where we hung out and waited for our pilot and the high tide. We had requested Pedro as our pilot and were just a little taken back when Arioso a young new pilot came to guide us in. We remembered Arioso from several years ago when we were here and it was a nice reunion. We could only hope he could read the conditions at the bar.

CAPTAIN AND THE NEW PILOT ARIOSO HEAD FOR THE BAR CROSSING

CAPTAIN AND THE NEW PILOT ARIOSO HEAD FOR THE BAR CROSSING

HEADING INTO BAHIA CARAQUEZ OVER THE BAR

HEADING INTO BAHIA CARAQUEZ OVER THE BAR

Off we went and had a perfect crossing of the bar and were very pleased with our new pilot. It was later that things became a little more clear why Pedro was not our pilot, see Pedro is the security guard at Puerto Amistad and one night, sometime before our arrival Pedro was doing a night patrol on the boats moored there when he and his panga were commandeered by four-masked men with guns in another panga and he was later deposited on a beach and they took off with the panga. It was actually the 75hp. Motor they were after and later Pedro got his panga back less the engine. Now Pedro patrols in a much smaller vessel and we are not sure if he will be doing piloting in the future, possibly not until a suitable motor is found.
We however feel quiet safe here on the moorings and as far as we can tell the moorings seem to be standing up to the high spring tides and run-off from the mountains that flows down the Rio Chone River.

SAILORS RUN SAFELY ON THE MOORING BALL WITH SEVERAL OTHER BOATS AT PUERTO AMISTAD YACHT CLUB,ECUADOR

SAILORS RUN SAFELY ON THE MOORING BALL WITH SEVERAL OTHER BOATS AT PUERTO AMISTAD YACHT CLUB,ECUADOR

Tripp and Maje welcomed us to Puerto Amistad where I had a rather laid back birthday party with a few friends and more old friends just keep showing up all the time. Debbie had ordered a cake thru email while we were sailing to the marina and they came through with even my name on it, yummy 

 

Prices are severely on the rise here. Now it is $180 dollars to check in and that gives you only 90-days and if you want an extension of 6-months that is available for another four-hundred dollars, more or less.

Debbie and I were shocked when we went to the new Mall and a “Boogie board”, that short Styrofoam board that you ride the waves with, cost 378-US Dollars. In the states they cost forty-five dollars at Costco and they are better boards. We also heard that the local Ecuadorians put their high heels on lay a way. It would appear that the government is making huge money grabs on any and all imported goods. Now those money grabs are sad, as the poor people must deal with these outrages prices, forcing them to stay down and little chance of moving up. This is Big Government looking out for the People. USA please take note, as you can learn from this report.

A VERY NICE FAMILY WE MET AND HAD THEM OUT TO THE BOAT TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE ON A BOAT

A VERY NICE FAMILY WE MET AND HAD THEM OUT TO THE BOAT TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IT IS LIKE TO LIVE ON A BOAT

Now getting back to putting Sailors Run right entailed getting the refrigeration fixed. We got the most well known local guys out to the boat and after two days and lots of head scratching the reefer is functioning once again. We are not sure what was the actual problem other than some blockage in the lines and they cleaned them all out and it seems to be working fine. The repairman will be back in two days to check it out and his bill was reasonable. With Refrigerant and new filter total cost to us 125 dollars, now if this repair lasts it was a bargain as the import tax on a new system would most likely be 100% of the total cost.

FOR NOW IT'S WORKING AFTER REPLACING THE FILTER AND CLEANING OUT THE LINES

FOR NOW IT’S WORKING AFTER REPLACING THE FILTER AND CLEANING OUT THE LINES

Making the most of Ecuador, Your amigo’s- Jeff and Debbie

THE CAPTAIN AND HIS MATE ENJOYING MY BIRTHDAY NIGHT OUT AT PUERTO AMISTAD,ECUADOR

THE CAPTAIN AND HIS MATE ENJOYING MY BIRTHDAY NIGHT OUT AT PUERTO AMISTAD,ECUADOR

 

Sailors Run’s Passage from Mexico to Ecuador. Days- 13-14-15-April-2015.

Sailors Run’s Passage from Mexico to Ecuador. Days- 13-14-15-April-2015.

Day-13-24hr,Run=86NM. Weather: Wind SSE-SSW 5-14kts. Seas: 3-ft. from the south.
Position: Lat. 01*44’N Long. 81* 25’W.

Day-14-24hr. Run=115NM. Weather: Wind: S to SSW. 8-15kts. Seas-South at 4ft.
Position: lat. 00*15’N Long. 080*40’W.

Day-15-10hr. Run=42NM. Wind from South to SW 8-10kts. Seas less than 3′ from the South.
Position; Anchor down at Cabo Pasado Anchorage fifteen miles north of destination. Lat.00*21’S Long. 80*28’W.
Anchored for the night as the protection here is better than off Bahia Caraquez.

Top speed so far=9.3kts.

Distance sailed so far=1373NM.

Distance to go 15NM.

The Rest of the Story:

Day-13.

Debbie and I think we have finally sailed clear of the caldron where all the Hurricanes that pound Hawaii and the Mexican coast are brewed up during Hurricane season. This our third trip through the area and has been the lightest most inconsistent winds we have ever experienced. We think this must be the result of it being an El Nino year.
I also made my second “sv Freedom” bread using all beer and no water and cut the salt to ½ a teaspoon and the bread was totally “yummy”.
I also appreciate the many food tips that are coming in as they are very helpful for planning an extended stay at sea.

Day-14.

We sailed along with a nice light breeze throughout the day encountering at least 6-long liner fisherman operating out of panga’s out here 80 miles off shore. We had one with 3 men aboard pull up alongside, as he was concerned that we were sailing towards his long line that was stretched across our path. Debbie explained to him that we had a full keel with nothing that would catch on his long line and that it would simply go smoothly under our boat. The three men in the panga watched as we smoothly skimmed over their long line and seemed pleased as they fell off and went about their work.

PANGA FISHERMEN APPROACHING SAILORS RUN 80 MILES OFF OF COLOMBIA

PANGA FISHERMEN
APPROACHING SAILORS RUN 80 MILES OFF OF COLOMBIA

Day-15.

This day is an eventful day as at 2 pm Debbie & I crossed the Equator for our 11th time :

I suppose when you sail 85,000 miles out on these oceans,as we have your bound to have to cross the equator many times

It is exciting to get ready for this event as the time clicks off on the GPS,we had our message in a bottle and we pulled out our Best Tequila to give to King Neptune for a safe passage as well as some good wind.

At exactly 00’00.00 we took the tequila bottle poured plenty into the sea ,thanked King Neptune and then we both had tequila shots and threw our message in the bottle. What was amazing as we prepared to do all this many Dolphins arrived for the ceremony,they were 7ft long,grey with black spots and were jumping all around the boat, as if they knew this event was happening. They were beautiful and brought tears to our eyes and we took many pictures for our blog,so you all will be able to share the event in a few days

AIS SHOWS OUR EQUATOR CROSSING FOR THE 11TH TIME

AIS SHOWS OUR EQUATOR CROSSING FOR THE 11TH TIME

DEBBIE READY TO THROW MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE OVERBOARD

DEBBIE READY TO THROW MESSAGE IN THE BOTTLE OVERBOARD

GIVING KING NEPTUNE HIS SHARE OF TEQUILA FOR SAFE PASSAGE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

GIVING KING NEPTUNE HIS SHARE OF TEQUILA FOR SAFE PASSAGE IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

NOT ONLY DOES KING NEPTUNE GET TEQUILA BUT THE SKIPPER AS WELL

NOT ONLY DOES KING NEPTUNE GET TEQUILA BUT THE SKIPPER AS WELL

THE DOLPHINS THAT MYSTERIOUSLY COME TO JOIN IN OUR CELEBRATION OF OUR EQUATOR CROSSING

THE DOLPHINS THAT MYSTERIOUSLY COME TO JOIN IN OUR CELEBRATION OF OUR EQUATOR CROSSING

About the message in the bottle for the 11th time,in all the times we have thrown our messages, only 1 bottle was found. We had crossed the equator for the very first time in 2001 sailing to the Marquesas, after our bottle had bobbed around for 17 months it arrived at Savaii Island, Western Samoa 2002. A gentleman from Auckland, New Zealand was swimming behind the reef by his hotel and the bottle popped up into his hand. He found the note and wrote to our email and said when we get to New Zealand to look him up. What was amazing when he contacted us we were anchored on the next island from him at Apia, Western Samoa. So needless to say our bottle was 40 miles ahead of us. We tried to call the gentleman but we were not able to hook up while in New Zealand, but we know now that messages in a bottle are found

We now have this passage down to the short hairs and with just 50 miles to go and the winds light out of the SW we are able to sail the course.

We had to schedule our pilot for Friday the 17th as we were unsure of when we could get there so played it safe. As night was approaching we decided to anchor at Cabo Pasado for the night to get a good night’s sleep in a more protected anchorage allowing lots of time the next morning to sail down to Bahia Caraquez for our 3pm bar crossing.

The bar crossing is very challenging and requires a pilot that you pay 30-dollars for; a truly good investment for safety sake. We will let you know how this goes with a final installment to this adventure to come in a couple of days.

Happy to be here ,Your Amigos -Jeff & Debbie

P.S APRIL 17TH, FRIDAY WILL BE MY 69TH BIRTHDAY AND MY BEST PRESENT EVER IS DOING WHAT I LOVE-SAILING

I also share my Birthday Day with 4 other friends a Anniversary as well

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO: SHERRI ON SV REFLECTIONS, CLIFF ON SV ICICLE, LESTER FROM HAWAII AND JOHN PIERRE IN ISLA ROATAN.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR NIECE & HER HUSBAND- MATT AND JESSICA

Sailors Run’s Passage from Mexico to Ecuador. Days-10 11-12. April 2015.

Sailors Run’s Passage from Mexico to Ecuador. Days-10 11-12. April 2015.

Day-10-24hr. Run=61NM. Weather: Wind 0-10kts.SSE. Seas 3-ft from the South. Temperature 87-94*.
Position: Lat. 04*36’N Long.84*25’W.

Day-11-24hr. Run=91NM. Weather: Wind 0-14kts. All directions. Temp.85-90*.
Position: Lat.03*54’N Long.83*11’W.

Day-12-24hr.Run=92NM. Weather: Wind 7-25kts with some higher gusts going from SSE to NE then back to SSW. Temperature 84*-87*

Position: Lat.02*45’N Long.83*20’W

Top speed so far 9.3kts.

Distance sailed so far= 1074NM.

Distance left to go=226NM.

The Rest of the Story

Day=10:

Today was a very rainy one with little wind to report. We fired up the diesel and just putted along at times to maintain steerage.
The really good thing about today is I tried out David & Aliason’s Bread recipe,that they suggested would be easy for my trip and whom are our friends off the yacht Freedom.
This is a stove top recipe that is quick and simple; it also includes beer as part of the catalyst.

Basically you mix 1.5 cups of flour -1 teaspoon salt, ¼ tsp. yeast,mix all together than add 5 tablespoons beer and 4 tablespoons of water. Knead bread lightly put in covered bowl overnight.
Next day lightly knead bread and place in frying pan with 1 tablespoon of oil in it; flip bread over so both sides have oil on them and leave to rise for 1-2 hrs. Next turn burner to high heat for a minute then to low heat for 5-7 minutes, when bread is lightly browned flip over for 5-7 minutes. Be sure the pan is covered when baking.

Mine turned out a little salty so less salt next time, yet this bread was a lot better than the other breads we have on board and I am now considered on Sailors run a great bread maker,thanks to sv freedom

MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT SV FREEDOM'S STOVETOP BREAD RECIPE, YUMMY!

MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT SV FREEDOM’S STOVETOP BREAD RECIPE, YUMMY!

 

Day-11:

This day began with large squalls in our general vicinity that were kicking up 3-ft. wind waves from opposing directions not to mention the already 3ft. swell running out of the south. This combination created some of the most uncomfortable conditions to try and sail in that Debbie and I have ever encountered. Sailors Run does not normally hobby horse but on this day she was a “Bucking Champion”.
It was after 3-hours of bucking Debbie & I were totally frustrated as we had ever been on a passage together. The winds were light and we were forced to tap our remaining twenty gallons of fuel once again to maintain steerage as we bashed into square waves for another 3-hours, before the seas settled down and the winds filled in from the SSW and we were off on a most appreciated wondrous sail.

Day-12:

The winds remained steady and it appeared a great day of sailing was in order. It was when Debbie and I were playing our daily card game below decks when the sky darkened and it appeared night fall was coming about 3-hrs. early!
Once we were up on deck it was obvious that we were being overran by a huge squall about 20-miles in length. This squall looked very threatening and we watched intently for any signs of waterspout development. Another strange thing about this weather was that it was coming in against the prevailing winds.

We fired the diesel and tried to out run the system as we appeared to be near one end of it. After just short of 10-minutes, the first gusts of wind from the opposite direction were hitting us and I hurried to furl the head sail all the way in, and even with having done that we still charged along with just main and reefed mizzen at 7-knots.
The squall lasted for over two hours and at one point the wind and rain were so intense that it appeared like a white squall as it came upon us but in the end the wind was 30kts or less and the rain just gave us another thorough cleansing.

SAILORS RUN JUST BEFORE BEING OVERTAKEN BY A HUGE SQUALL AND 180' WIND SHIFT

SAILORS RUN JUST BEFORE BEING OVERTAKEN BY A HUGE SQUALL AND 180′ WIND SHIFT

We are hoping to get into Bahia Caraquez,Ecuador on Thursday if we can just find the wind.

I thought I should mention that on my upcoming “World Record Attempt” at rounding the world nonstop, solo, via the 5-great southern Capes, I will be doing everything to document it including carrying a spot locator, documenting the start and finish as well as entering the northern hemisphere just above Bahia Caraquez before diving south towards Cape Horn going West to East around.

I know Dodge Morgan from the USA did it in a 60 footer in 150 days. If my dreams come true I will do it in Sailors Run my forty footer in 150-days or possibly considerably longer.

What I really would like to know is how many Americans have done it and on what size boat?

I’m pretty sure I will set the record for the Baba 40-Ketch as I believe there are only two of them and the other one isn’t going yet. I will also be 69 years old when I start out and possibly 70 by the time I get back.

Please let me know anything you know about prior US, solo, nonstop circumnavigators south of the 5-great Capes?

Your Amigos, Jeff & Debbie -Still anxiously Hanging in there

Sailor’s Runs Mexico to Ecuador Passage-Days-7-8-9-April-2015.

Sailor’s Runs Mexico to Ecuador Passage-Days-7-8-9-April-2015.

Day-7: 24hr. Run=67 NM. Weather: Light winds from the South 0-8kts. Seas: Low 3ft. swell from the south.
Position: Lat: 06*10’N Long:86*23’W.

Day-8: 24hr. Run=44 NM. Weather: Light Winds from North East 0-8knts. Low 3ft. swell from South.
Position: Lat: 05*42N Long: 85*49’W.

Day-9:24hr. Run=63 NM. Weather: Light winds from South East 0-10kts. Seas: Low swell 2ft. from the South. Position: Lat: 05*17’N Long: 85*08’W

Top speed for trip: 9.3 kts.

Total miles sailed so far: 830 nautical miles

Miles left to go to Ecuador:447 nautical miles

The rest of the Story:

Day-7   was yet another day of light winds that truly tested our patience as sailors. The light and fluky winds are even more elusive for us, considering our wind-X at the top of the mast [A big arrow that points in the direction the wind is coming from.] is no longer operational thanks to frigate birds in Acapulco that took up roosting on it at night. I have tied yarn onto many of the shrouds holding the mast up to be able to see what the wind direction is and that works well in the daylight, but at night they become almost invisible, because the only yarn I had was “black”.

This trip is to be my last shake down passage before the trip around the world, and I had planned on looking for things that could be changed to make things safer and easier for a single handler. The one thing that has become all too obvious is that since I’m sailing unassisted around the world meaning “no engine” that my weather routing that I intend to do myself is going to have to be spot on to accomplish this passage in 5-6 months, as the old Sailors Run needs 7 knots of breeze to sail effectively against adverse currents, and to actually avoid getting caught in the center of a high pressure system somewhere.

Just to keep things interesting our refrigeration system has died on us, and Debbie had to cook up all the meat in the freezer and now we must keep making ice twice a day with our ice maker that “thank God”! we have to keep the meat from spoiling until we can eat it all up. We were disappointed that the system failed as it is only 4-years old and it seems the pump is froze up and our last system made by the same company lasted 11-years in the same harsh environment. I had a spare control model and swapped that out, and nothing changed as it is still flashing a red light three times in a row meaning problems with the compressor. We will find out what they can come up with in Ecuador before attempting to get a replacement unit sent down.

Day-8 Finds us drift sailing along, and thank God the current is with us at about one half of a knot so at least we continually move towards our destination. Today was a very relaxing day as I think there is little left that will likely fail on this passage. The winds can’t diminish much more as they are practically nonexistent at present.
Debbie and I played BA-HA Rummy a card game and I actually beat her twice in a row something that seldom ever happens. So that was eventful

Day-9 things have become more difficult as the winds have decided to blow from the direction we want to go, and also the current that was once with us is now against us, all part of that equatorial current scheme of things. Now if the wind is less than 4 -knots, we can no longer move towards our destination under sail and with our fuel down to the last 20-gallons we are praying the wind Gods will smile upon us and keep that wind up in the 10kt range.

Debbie redeemed herself at rummy, handing me a severe loss on this day.

Reporting on the vessel that I mentioned last time: Sv Nirvana Now, with Randy & Mona was scuttled . It had lost its rudder and makeshift rudder as well as it’s forestay due to wave action. They were ¾ of the way to Hiva Oha,Marquesas. The crew was picked up by another vessel SV Continuum and are now heading to the French Polynesia. The 203 ft schooner came as well to rescue them, but decided to just stay on the vessel that rescued them. The couple is well known thru out the sailing community and we all are very sad for their loss, but thankful they are safe

I’m so happy to report that it appears the foul weather gear issue has been resolved in a wonderful way. Our good friends Brent and Susan off the boat SV Akauahelo ,that we did the BA-HA-HA with back in 1999 are donating a set that Brent has never used and realizes a friend can put them to good use.

“Thanks Brent & Susan you’re the best”.

Hanging in there sailing the “Rum” line, Your amigos ,Jeff& Debbie

Sailors Run’s Passage from Chiapas,Mexico to Bahia Caraquez,Ecuador. Days-4-5-6, April 2015.

Sailors Run’s Passage from Chiapas,Mexico to Bahia Caraquez,Ecuador. Days-4-5-6, April 2015.

Day-4-24hr. Run= 147 NM. Weather, wind- ESE 15-25kts. Seas 8-10ft. Cabin temp 78*-91*.

Day-5-24hr. Run=136 NM. Weather, wind- ENE 5-15kts. Seas 5-6ft.Cabin temp 78*-88*.

Day-6-2hr.Run=63NM. Weather-Wind -0-12kts. Seas 3ft. Swell from the South. Cabin Temp,-88*-95*

Top speed for the trip so far=9.3kts.

Total distance sailed so far=676NM.

The Rest of the story:

Day -4 Brought us our strongest winds and sea conditions so far, and consequently our best mileage day so far as well. We were joined by hundreds of spinner dolphins that were putting on quite a show for us in the turbulent seas that surrounded us aboard Sailors Run as we were reefing the main. The night time temperatures are much lower now dropping to 78* at night.

SAILORS RUN FLANKED BY MANY DOLPHIN

SAILORS RUN FLANKED BY MANY DOLPHIN

 

Day-5 The winds dropped down a bit and we had our nicest sail of the passage so far. A couple of interesting things happened on this day; one was a swallow that kept trying to land on our boat that finally came to roost under the dodger on my tennis shoe. The swallow looked totally exhausted and had no problem with me holding a cap full of water up to him so he could have a drink; I was surprised when he declined my offer as it seemed that possibly he needed something much stronger. Soon the bird had ruffled up his plumage and was sound asleep, seeming never to be the slightest bit concerned as Debbie and I passed within twelve inches of him every time we entered or exited the boat.

OUR SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE EVENING AT SEA ON DE BOAT

OUR SPECIAL GUEST FOR THE EVENING AT SEA ON DE BOAT

The next day I noticed the swallow looked much more alert and had straightened out his plumage and was obviously readying his self for flight. I gathered up a larger bowl of water that he once more declined and then without so much as a peep he flew out from under the dodger on a bee-line for China not even doing a fly-by or appearing to look back. I can only hope he can refuel in flight or finds a freighter heading his way before he drops from the sky.

The second interesting thing was our encounter with a huge ship during the night. We now have AIS.(A collision avoidance system on board] The AIS shows all vessels that have an AIS transmitter and gives there course speed and usually the name of the ship and how close it will come to you, as well as its size and in some cases its destination,
Debbie spotted the ship 37-miles out and noted that our courses were converging and alerted me. I was not very concerned as he was far away and would see that I was under sail. I became a little more concerned when at 10-miles he was still bearing down on Sailors Run. When he was at 6-miles and still bearing down on us I put out a” Security, Security” call stating the name of our vessel, our position course and speed. I also stated his position course and speed and explained that we needed to talk, but I had no ships name.
After about 3-calls like this suddenly lots more info about the ship shows on the AIS including the name. So I transmit the fourth call calling Glory-One and at last there is an answer. The person running the ship asks how he can help? I say can you see us and what are your intentions are? He assures me that he will stay clear of me and asks if I want to pass port to port or starboard to starboard, I choose Port to Port as that makes it easy for me to fall off the wind a little helping us to clear each other.
I thanked him and was much relived when I seen him alter course a few degrees to give us a miss as Debbie really wasn’t really in the mood for company or abandoning ship!

Day-6  found us becalmed and motoring for awhile during the day. I had had an encounter with a pair of “Boobies” on our first day out and not only were they showing up frequently but now 5-days later I was still not comfortable about the way they had affected my serenity, and the love of sailing, but also conditions were right to once again assume the position and shake the tangle out of my baggy wrinkle.
Did I mention the pair of “Boobies” were a couple of sea birds that were trying to land on my spreaders and when one did, I took the spinnaker halyard and gave him a snap on the rear end that set him immediately into flight. I thought I had won until the slack in the halyard went out past the spreaders and took a double wrap around two of my “baggy wrinkles” above the spreader and locked itself into the stay. “Shit”.!!

 

THIS BOOBIE BIRD DECIDED TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE ONBOARD THIS GREENBACK TURTLE RATHER THAN ENDURE THE HARASSMENT HE RECEIVE'S ABOARD SAILORS RUN

THIS BOOBIE BIRD DECIDED TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE ONBOARD THIS GREENBACK TURTLE RATHER THAN ENDURE THE HARASSMENT HE RECEIVE’S ABOARD SAILORS RUN

Now on day six Debbie hoisted me up the mast in rolling seas to free the entangled halyard using the anchor winch to hoist me up. Soon the halyard was cleared and we would be able to hoist the much needed spinnaker on that side of the boat.
I made out with just a few bruises and looked very much forward to an ice cold drink to quench my thirst. Deb got some great pictures as well which we will put on the blog later

BAGGY WRINKLES ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THERE CRACKED UP TO BE

BAGGY WRINKLES ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THERE CRACKED UP TO BE

We hoisted the spinnaker and ran it through the night in the weakest of winds doing from 0.7kts to 4kts. Debbie showed her spinnaker trimming skills as she babysat the spinnaker tightening and slacking it as need be, just to try and get it to fill, after three hours of that you are definitely ready to be spelled from watch,as your neck hurts from looking up for hrs.

It is truly wonderful to have our SSB Radio to communicate everyday our position, etc to Nets that can hear us as far away as Puerto Vallarta,Panama, Hawaii as well as chat with our sailing friends for conversation.
We also heard that a sailing vessel sailing to the South Pacific 1,000 miles out had lost its forestay, and had sent out a Mayday, they have put out there sea anchor to keep them in place and now there is a sailing schooner 203 ft called Althos of London to rescue them, we heard everyone on board is doing fine, and were hoping that somehow the boat can get fixed to continue their journey

I thought of something else that someone might be able to help me find. I’m looking for some good foul weather gear for my upcoming Round the World Voyage and it seems like the cheapest decent stuff I see out there costs about 600 dollars on up. It would seem there must be a web site somewhere that sells decent gear for less; any info would be greatly appreciated. “Thanks”

You’re Amigos,(on a Slow Boat to Ecuador)-Jeff & Debbie

Sailors Run’s Passage from Chiapas,Mexico to Bahia Caraquez,Ecuador April-2015.

BEAUTIFUL EVENING AT SEA

BEAUTIFUL EVENING AT SEA

Sailors Run’s Passage from Chiapas,Mexico to Bahia Caraquez,Ecuador April-2015.

The Statistics:

Day-1-24hr-run=127 nautical miles.

Position: Lat.13*12″N Long.91*24W

Weather-winds 5-12 kts when there was any,squalls with rain and lightning several times over night,but little wind in squalls. We had to motor for 5.5 hrs.

Day-2-24hr. run=108NM.

Position: Lat. 11*59″N Long. 90*41″W

Weather -winds 5-12kts. Motored for 8-hrs.

Day-3-24hr. run=95 NM.

Position: Lat 10*33″N Long. 90*13 W.

Winds were steadier from east but still light 5-10kts, with the exception of one large 20kts squall in the early morning. We motored for about 2 hrs.

The rest of the story:

This passage from Mexico to Ecuador is about 1200 Nautical Miles. [7-Nautical miles = 8 Statute miles]. Debbie and I try to sail as much as possible but if the winds die completely, and there is a swell running that causes the boat to roll from side to side and the sails to flog, we fire up the iron jenny [engine] and power at a very low 1400 rpm, normally making close to 4-kts.

Day-1 Debbie and I seen the very large 200- foot-3-masted schooner “Atlantic” motoring to the North along the El Salvador coast. We also noticed our wind generator has stopped spinning in winds of less than 12kts. I have new bearings for it and had planned to install them in Ecuador, as they are 6 years old and should be replaced about every 5-years of continues use. Debbie enjoyed the sailing all but the squalls and the nearly full moon was with us through the night.

Day-2 Finds Sailors Run motoring along for nearly 18-hrs on glassy seas under a bright full moon. Our 54hp Yanmar burns only ½ gallon an hour at 1400 RPM,this is important as Sailors Run’s fuel tank had but 40 usable gallons left in her 80-gallon tank upon departure. Debbie and I never worry about how much fuel we have, because we never burn more than what is in the tank, and with just 1200+ miles to go we should arrive with at least 20 gallons left in the tank. It’s important to know that our sails represent a vast amount of fuel for Sailors Run. I should also mention on my upcoming solo nonstop sail around the world I plan to do it unassisted, meaning that the wind will be my sole source of propulsion.
Deb and I enjoyed the total eclipse of the moon that came as a total surprise and happened in the early morning hours 3-5AM.

Day-3 Got real exciting when a large squall moved down upon us and we had full sail up. I went to furl the genoa in about half way. I tugged at the furler line to take the slack out of it before putting it on the winch, it was then that I realized something was very wrong as the line never became taught and just kept coming to me. A quick trip forward brought to light the problem. I looked on in disbelief that all three screws from the torque tube on the drum connection were gone.

I scurried back to the cockpit as the squall engulfed us, there was little I could do but slack the sheets and run off in front of it. The winds were about 20 kts and we charged off before them at a very uncomfortable 9.3kts. Soon the strongest winds had passed and we were able to steer clear of it after about 30-minutes.
I dug up three more screws and some lock tight and replaced them and the furler was back working once again. Those screws are now on my regular rigging inspection list.

So far the passage is going a little slower than expected, but hopefully day four will find us in the papagayo winds and blast us along.
HAPPY EASTER- Your Amigos, Jeff & Debbie

BLOG: WWW.SAILORSRUN.COM

BOOK:CAPE HORN AHEAD OR BEHIND FOREVER ON MY MIND ON AMAZON & BARNES & NOBLE IN KINDLE BOOK AND PAPERBACK

1 2 3