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Thursday 29th of December
Oh, the horror! It started out a beautiful 59deg F sunny day with 7 knot from the NE, and my blue spinnaker out in all it’s glory. How was I to know the string with bright dangling things that Captain led out behind me was a trap for an unsuspectinig creature? I was exciited when he was excited and pulled on the string. His wife was proud of what he pulled in. They exclaimed, “is it Skipjack tuna?” “Should we eat it?” “It’s Bonita, I think. Let’s try it.” They fussed about a bit, then to my surprise, they slaughtered it! Blood of the innocent fish splurted all over my deck. I felt like Carrie but without the powers.
Captain’s wife took the flesh and cooked it. I felt relieved when Captain washed the stain of sin off of me with the anchor chain wash hose. Completely under sail, I went along with it all and watched them with disgust as they ate it and commented on how to prepare it differently next time. Next time! What?
Captain’s wife took the flesh and cooked it. I felt relieved when Captain washed the stain of sin off of me with the anchor chain wash hose. Completely under sail, I went along with it all and watched them with disgust as they ate it and commented on how to prepare it differently next time. Next time! What?
Sunday 25th of December
Captain’s wife was restless upon sunrise, worried that these freezing temperatures were going to damage me beyond what spares and access to resources they had. Not only that, the marina also had freezing pipes - so no more marinia showers and toilets for Captain and his wife, and no water or septic pump outs for me! We had to get out of here and go to warmer waters. She looke down the hall and on this fine Christmas day, didn’t see a neoprene sock hanging in a shower, but a stocking hung with care for Santa to leave a new gas tank fuel line fitting in. She told her husband, and he was just as swelling with hope inside like a little child knowing Santa Claus will always bring the good kids what they want.
Then he agreed with his wife that it would be better to sail south witha broken dinghy to warm waters, because the alternative was to button me up and leave me until warmer weather. No! Don’t leave me! I agree, let’s sail to warmer weather! I can do it!
So, Captain used epoxy to re-afiix the fuel fitting, and we set sail.
Then he agreed with his wife that it would be better to sail south witha broken dinghy to warm waters, because the alternative was to button me up and leave me until warmer weather. No! Don’t leave me! I agree, let’s sail to warmer weather! I can do it!
So, Captain used epoxy to re-afiix the fuel fitting, and we set sail.
Saturday 24th of December
Christmas Eve morning, it was 13 deg F and I had ice on my scope steps and icicles are hanging from every drain on my underbelly above the water.
Captain didin’t realized my generator pump spindle was frozen when he tried to turn it on. Fortunately, he had a spare impeller to replace the one that broke. With engines, generator, and heat pumps all working, and the predictions showing Christmas Eve as the perfect time to set out, they decided to skip celebration of Jesus’ birthday. There was nothing more to do, but make a final run to 7-eleven ATM for cash, lock up car, and slide key under marina office door - since eveyone else was already spending time with their families.
We left the marina at 3:54pm east coast. They hoisted my beautiful main sail and jib, so I sped along at 5 knots speed over ground. At 4:54pm, Captain realized his phone must’ve slipped out of his pocket in the car - yes, the car locked up at the marina. So, they turned me around and held position next to marina to drop my dinghy. This did not go well. The choppy shallow waters made this difficult and Captain lost his footing, landing on the dinghy gas can, breaking the fuel line fittting. “It’s over! We’re done!” he yelled up to his wife. They raised the dinghy back into place, and after a near run aground, finally docked back home. Once I was on shore power and heat pumps were warming me up again at 6:20pm, Captain’s wife said “This is God telling us we can’t miss his son’s birthday.” Captain responded, “Let’s go to mass.”
When they returned, they were in surprisingly high spirits, connected with family over facetime and I baked turkey breast and sweet potatoes with my gas oven for them. With tummies full, toes warm again, they snuggled in bed under electric blanket and watched a Christmas movie.
Captain didin’t realized my generator pump spindle was frozen when he tried to turn it on. Fortunately, he had a spare impeller to replace the one that broke. With engines, generator, and heat pumps all working, and the predictions showing Christmas Eve as the perfect time to set out, they decided to skip celebration of Jesus’ birthday. There was nothing more to do, but make a final run to 7-eleven ATM for cash, lock up car, and slide key under marina office door - since eveyone else was already spending time with their families.
We left the marina at 3:54pm east coast. They hoisted my beautiful main sail and jib, so I sped along at 5 knots speed over ground. At 4:54pm, Captain realized his phone must’ve slipped out of his pocket in the car - yes, the car locked up at the marina. So, they turned me around and held position next to marina to drop my dinghy. This did not go well. The choppy shallow waters made this difficult and Captain lost his footing, landing on the dinghy gas can, breaking the fuel line fittting. “It’s over! We’re done!” he yelled up to his wife. They raised the dinghy back into place, and after a near run aground, finally docked back home. Once I was on shore power and heat pumps were warming me up again at 6:20pm, Captain’s wife said “This is God telling us we can’t miss his son’s birthday.” Captain responded, “Let’s go to mass.”
When they returned, they were in surprisingly high spirits, connected with family over facetime and I baked turkey breast and sweet potatoes with my gas oven for them. With tummies full, toes warm again, they snuggled in bed under electric blanket and watched a Christmas movie.
Thursday 22nd of December
They were happy with the modifications and I was ready for launch. Another force would not let us leave - a cold front was pushing thru with winds and sea state unmanageable. Friday, Captain’s wiife climbed on top of my top to pull cable thru and to the new Starlink antenna for remote work, and pellet sized hail poured down on her just as she finished, and she safely got down just as a strong gust almost blew her over. The weather calmed down, but grew colder. Acceptinig more delay, Captain and his wife invited another family to visit me, and I was tickled happy to have the boys marvel at me as they peeked into every room and out every porthole. After they left, I got colder and colder.
Wednesday 21st of December
Captain and his wife have feverishly been getting ready. Captain has been adding more features to my fabulous systems! Starlink for iinternet everywhere, and a new monitor so they can stay with me while they work. Captain’s wife provisioned food and propane. I am filled with water and deisel. My dinghy has a new gas tank. Captain even cleaned the sea water intakes for cooling my engines by donning 2 wetsuits while in a hot shower, plus neoprene hoodie, red neoprene socks, gloves, and booties, just to dive into 45 deg F water on a 33deg F morning with scuba gear.
His wife hung his wet garments in my port shower brace bar less the red neoprene socks which was cradled by the shower head hose with care.
She also put little led candles in my portholes, and hung little snowflake and snowman lights on my salon windows.
His wife hung his wet garments in my port shower brace bar less the red neoprene socks which was cradled by the shower head hose with care.
She also put little led candles in my portholes, and hung little snowflake and snowman lights on my salon windows.
Thursday 15th of December
Captain and his wife had a Christmas wish to be drinking Dark and Stormy's on a Bahama beach for Christmas with their daughters. Oh, how happy I was to see my owners come aboard after months away. Although their original plan was already altered since one of the girls was not approved for vacation from work for a week or two around Christmas, the couple still aim to get to Bahamas by mid January to meet the girls there.
Sunday 29th of January
Yesterday, my name sake - Heihei arrived! In fact, he took a plane to get to me. So Heihei flies and sails - rere. We can finally get away from this NYC of the islands. I've learned that Bahamas are not really independent - have to report to the King of England, but a drug lord controls water to much of Nassau. The "ghetto" starts at the next road over from our marina which multiple locals warned Captain and his wife, "Don't walk that way." The marina guard tried to get Captain to pay $250 per person for a "taxi" but luckily caught on and found a real taxi - real taxis can only charge rates set by government. Let's get back to the real islands where people are laid back.
Tuesday 24th of January
I know sometimes I'm more burden than joy. When sailing from Berry Islands to New Providence, Captain's wife noticed the crack in the starboard bathroom wall. Captain pulled the carpet off the other side and found it was through my forward starboard bulkhead. This crack expands and contracts with my motion on the waves and swells. I cracked when I crossed the Gulf Stream ESE, and I am ashamed. While debating how to repair the bulkhead, Captain started the generator intending to run the water maker. My belt is worn 3/4 of teeth off and my starter battery low, and I am ashamed. So, they have been conserving the water like real sailors for a few days. They still have to work 8 hours a day, and fortunately the solar panels support that. Today, they ran both engines to recharge the house batteries and my starter battery, and run the water maker, then use the grinder to prep the bulkhead surface. Unfortunately, his ambition made me so mad that I blew a fuse! So, Captain put the big inverter which powers laptops and internet over to fuse for another circuit. Captain's wife hopes "my husband blew a fuse" is a good excuse to show for work late.
Captain is struggling to figure out how to get the bulkhead crack to compress while the boat is on the water so he can fiberglass it to the proper shape. This would be simpler on the hard, but we are far from a proper yard and access to materials.
Captain's wife is happy she could take a well overdue shower. The fresh food is nearly depleted, so more of the canned stores are coming out! Thank goodness for the potatoes lasted long and Captain's wife bakes soft potato bread. Captain's wife keeps him happy, so he's not so mad at me.
Captain is struggling to figure out how to get the bulkhead crack to compress while the boat is on the water so he can fiberglass it to the proper shape. This would be simpler on the hard, but we are far from a proper yard and access to materials.
Captain's wife is happy she could take a well overdue shower. The fresh food is nearly depleted, so more of the canned stores are coming out! Thank goodness for the potatoes lasted long and Captain's wife bakes soft potato bread. Captain's wife keeps him happy, so he's not so mad at me.
Saturday 21st of January
I have been in the Bahamas 2 weeks and have made alot of friends - starfish, sea turtles, stingrays, spottted eagle rays, yellow rays, barracuda, nurse sharks, staghorn coral, elk coral, sponge coral, sea cucumbers, jelly fish, and thousands or fish small and large. Captain and his wife like to greet them in the water - still maintaining social distance.
Saturday 14th of January
Sometimes my job is to catch wind so we go places, sometimes my job is to hold onto the ocean bottom with all my might so I don't go anywhere. When my Captain calls upon me to keep an anchorage, I take my duty seriously. Captain's wife loosens the clutch let out my chain. I drop my Rocna anchor like a claw into the sand and stretch out my chain like a strong arm as much as Captain wants (it's called scope) as my engines maintain control. After Captain places my bridle on my chain, I dig my anchor into the sand, and prove I will stay put when Captain demands my engines full back. I am securely anchored behind goat island, allowing Captain and his wife work during the day and rest at night. Last night, the winds came at me from the south with force, then the west, then the northwest. With 36 knot winds straight at me, I hold on tight and bobble on the water, with winds whistling over my skin, causing my stays with pvc chafe guard to hum.
Wednesday 4th of January
After Captain replaced my green running light, my anchor was lifted and we left St. Augustine. They said, "We are going to take you through the Gulf Stream." I thought that sounded like fun, but I was wrong. The day started out bright and sunny, with a propelling wind. Then a front came from the Florida shore and tailed us with heinous winds, so they reefed my main sail. Some dolphins lept off around our bow and then said, "See ya! Wouldn't wanna be ya!" and disappeared. Even a shark seemed to circle by my starboard with a jagged top fin in the air, to say, "You're crazy to come out into this," and sauntered on his way. The thunder rumbled after my stern, so I went faster but the thunderstorm caught up to me. When I looked off to my port by about 5 miles away, I saw tendrils of a lightning bolt dancing across the water. The light flashed along the bolt through the many tendrils sprawled like roots of a tree that seemed to prance way too close to me. I imagine it was tickling the top of the ocean. Rain came and went, wind kept shoving me. I kept my Captain and his wife protected from all the elements with the clear enclosure that Captain newly sewed and fastened. The storm washed me well and eventually moved on, but the worst was to come as I continued off coast going east. Swells of 2 meters and chop from the force of the southerly arriving behemoth they call the Gulf Stream slammed on my hulls and bridge. The warm waters seemed to whisper and cackle - don't you want to go north? My Captain ever so determined to go east, kept coaxing me with sheeting my main and jib. My two rudders kept to the angle the autopilot wanted. Hours, upon hours of an uproarious sea state that lulled Captain's wife to sleep, kept me awake. Finally, after about 75 nautical miles, I felt a cool, gentle current going south. Captain changed course and I could finally give a sigh of relief. Let me tell you, if I ever go back there again, I will go with the flow.
Sunday 1st of January
I spent New Year's Eve with this big guy! I anchored right beside USS Yorktown. She's an old lady that doesn't travel anymore. She served in WWII, earning 11 battle stars, and Vietnam, earning 5 battle stars. I respect the big lady. Captain and his wife left me for a few hours to go to Saint Mary the Annunciation to celebrate St. Mary the Mother of God mass, eat a steak dinner, and grab some groceries. They said the church was older than USS Yorktown and was undergoing restoration of artwork from 1810. We watched fireworks over Charleston and had a good night's rest. My new big friend says 2023 will be the best year yet! She knows, because she's been through some of the hardest.
Tuesday 21st of February
Other boats have hyped up the Great Exumas, and I really looked forward to seeing sea friends in Stingray Reef and other dive spots, marked in my navigation maps. The see life around the Great Exuma Island is sparser and duller than people witnessed in the past. This part of Bahamas is not Jacques Cousteau's Bahamas. It is tourist Bahamas. I know, I know - I just told you Nassau was to be avoided. I'm not saying avoid The Great Exuma Island, just know what to expect. In my humble opinion, as a sailing catamaran, the Great Exuma Island is great for my humans to catch flights, re-provision, and socialize, but are not the greatest of the Bahamas for sea life. I'm not sure if much of the reefs and life have been affected by storms or more so by humans. There a large number of boats that anchor here, without ever moving out for many weeks (which means they must be dumping their black water here). Also, locals have over fished the area. Where Conchs are rarely found, are mounds of hundreds of conch shells, some long built up by humans that they can be mistaken for rock.
If you go to the Bahamas, keep to Abaco, Eleuthera, Berry, and northern Exuma Islands to see the sea life. Don't let your humans dump their black water near the islands - it doesn't take long to go into the great blue and let it disperse. Fish responsibly - only what you'll eat.
I loved the Berry Islands and could live there if it was my choice. I enjoyed the northern Exumas too. Those two areas are where Captain's wife has posted the most you tube videos. I can't wait to see Eleuthera.
If you go to the Bahamas, keep to Abaco, Eleuthera, Berry, and northern Exuma Islands to see the sea life. Don't let your humans dump their black water near the islands - it doesn't take long to go into the great blue and let it disperse. Fish responsibly - only what you'll eat.
I loved the Berry Islands and could live there if it was my choice. I enjoyed the northern Exumas too. Those two areas are where Captain's wife has posted the most you tube videos. I can't wait to see Eleuthera.
Monday 6th of February
Petite Femme is a first rate sailor - anchoring me, steering me, and helping with sheets.
Whai took some glamour shots of me. She loves me. She had to harness into topping lift to capture me in action, sailing in the Exumas.
Last week, Captain and his family went on dinghy adventures almost every morning to snorkel, then relaxed the rest of the day while Captain's wife worked. I have seen many beautiful beaches and fishes. Now, I have to say goodbye to
There was quite a flocking of sailboats going south just like us today. I found 5 sister boats - other Mantas! SV Imagine www.instagram.com/penelopecruisingcat/?hl=en, SV Charm www.svcharm.blogspot.com, SV Sea Seeker, SV Indie indiemarine.com, and SV LadyJ www.facebook.com/ladyjadventures/ were anchored north of Georgetown, along with dozens of other boats.
Whai took some glamour shots of me. She loves me. She had to harness into topping lift to capture me in action, sailing in the Exumas.
Last week, Captain and his family went on dinghy adventures almost every morning to snorkel, then relaxed the rest of the day while Captain's wife worked. I have seen many beautiful beaches and fishes. Now, I have to say goodbye to
There was quite a flocking of sailboats going south just like us today. I found 5 sister boats - other Mantas! SV Imagine www.instagram.com/penelopecruisingcat/?hl=en, SV Charm www.svcharm.blogspot.com, SV Sea Seeker, SV Indie indiemarine.com, and SV LadyJ www.facebook.com/ladyjadventures/ were anchored north of Georgetown, along with dozens of other boats.
Sunday 26th of March
I was a lonely boat while Captain and his wife left me in Bahamas and flew to the states to see family. Just as I was getting worried, Captain came back to me without his wife. He was lonely, until a friend and his 8 year old son joined him in Georgetown. Immediately, I knew I liked them. The boy swung on my canopy bars like a jungle gym and climbed up thru every hatch. Just like any sailor, they played hard. Days were filled with petting swimming pigs on the beach, dinghy races, and fishing. The little fisherman caught a schoolmaster at a small reef. Another day, they even explored Thunderbird Grotto - an island with a hidden cave - a unique experience swimming in a cave where there are bats hanging from the cave ceiling and the water is teeming with fish. Whenever Captain had to work, the little fisherman kept himself busy swinging from canopy bars, stuffing the froggtoggs jacket and pants to make Otto the Autopilot, and pretending to be pirates. I was filled with joy and absorbed the energy from the enthusiastic visitors. After they left, a couple of days later Captain's wife came aboard. Captain says I am his home.
Saturday 15th of April
Captain and his wife woke up at 4a.m. Nowell creek was very still, the marsh creatures all quiet, and the air crisp with freshness. I pulled up my anchor without a hitch. Captain was relieved he didn't have to dive into the alligator waters to free me this time. I idled along Wando River without a care under a crescent moon flirting with wisps of clouds. As we passed under a bridge, we crept by the tall loading cranes placing containers on 3 cargo ships. Light breezes brought the smell of sweet honey suckle from the opposite shoreline of Daniel Island, and lights from docks glistened on the small ripples in the water. Passing under another impressive bridge. As I left Charleston Harbor, I said goodbye to U.S.S. Yorktown, the Carnival Cruise ship, and the shuttling ferries that were not yet into their work day. Along the channel, many cargo ships overtook me with their big engines but I maintained my modest single 60 hp engine at 2400rpm with integrity. During mornings like this, I thank my Captain for setting me free to do what I was built to do. As the sun rises, blessing us with hues of warmth and opportunity, I look forward to spreading my sails.
Monday 10th of April
Last Wednesday, winds died down and I have only so much diesel. Captain brought me into Charleston and anchored me in front of my old good buddy - U.S.S. Yorktown. Captain and his wife enjoyed the moderate weather and took the dinghy to attend Holy Thursday mass and Good Friday live Stations of the Cross at Saint Mary of the Annunciation. They stocked up on groceries, as well as browsed the fancy stores for lighting and dish ware, and ate at Fire Asian Fusion on Thursday and Hyman's Seafood on Friday. Both excellent menus, they said. Captain took me to the Charleston Maritime Center to fuel up and top off water tank. Then it became very windy. NOAA posted a gale warning. I'm glad I'm not out in the Atlantic now. It was so dreary and dangerous that Captain and his wife stayed on board and watched Easter mass online. I kept them warm with heat pump on generator and heating blankets.
Today, they wanted to move to a new anchorage that was less roll-y. This morning was full of problems! First, my port engine didn't want to start. Captain tested power and contact, and reseated it. Finally, I got my engines started. Upon the Captain's command I pulled on my chain with the windlass winch, sometimes I just didn't have enough strength and the chain would let out on its own. Captain spun me back and forth to keep taking up my chain as it had tangled shifting current and wind this way and that. Finally, it was apparent to Captain's wife that it was at the final rode and the anchor just wasn't coming out. Captain put on his wetsuit and dove into the 60 deg F murky water. He found that my chain was caught in a big piece of metal with a notch in it. His wife let the chain loose while Captain unhooked it. I was able to lift my anchor. Whew! On our way up Wando River, my port engine got too hot and the starboard engine warned low oil pressure! Really, I just had an oil change 40 hours ago? We did make it to a quiet, calm creek and anchored finally. Captain took a hot shower and his wife made him hot cocoa and chicken noodle soup. Days like these make us miss the warm blue waters of the Caribbean.
Today, they wanted to move to a new anchorage that was less roll-y. This morning was full of problems! First, my port engine didn't want to start. Captain tested power and contact, and reseated it. Finally, I got my engines started. Upon the Captain's command I pulled on my chain with the windlass winch, sometimes I just didn't have enough strength and the chain would let out on its own. Captain spun me back and forth to keep taking up my chain as it had tangled shifting current and wind this way and that. Finally, it was apparent to Captain's wife that it was at the final rode and the anchor just wasn't coming out. Captain put on his wetsuit and dove into the 60 deg F murky water. He found that my chain was caught in a big piece of metal with a notch in it. His wife let the chain loose while Captain unhooked it. I was able to lift my anchor. Whew! On our way up Wando River, my port engine got too hot and the starboard engine warned low oil pressure! Really, I just had an oil change 40 hours ago? We did make it to a quiet, calm creek and anchored finally. Captain took a hot shower and his wife made him hot cocoa and chicken noodle soup. Days like these make us miss the warm blue waters of the Caribbean.
Monday 3rd of April
(to the tune of Hotel California)
In the dark anchorage of the cay Not far from the pier Warm smell of cinnamon Rising up through the air Next to us another boat It's shimmering anchor light My anchor grew heavy as my windlass drew chain Misses made dough last night There she stood at the oven I heard the Apple Watch bell And I was thinking to myself "This could be leavened or this could be tell" She always bakes before a long sail She prepped meals all yesterday Even pita bread and hummus I thought I heard them say Welcome to the Gulf Stream East Coast Such a stormy place (such a stormy place) Such a flowing pace Plenty of chop at the Gulf Stream East Coast Many times of year (many times of year) You can find it here Her mind is Epicurean-twisted She got the big pots and pans She got a lot of pretty, pretty knives That she calls friends How she kneads on the counter Sweet summer dough Some fry to refrigerator Some grill to freezer |
So she called up the Captain "We are ready to go?" He said, "Anchors away, sun is rising behind us today" And still those voices are calling from far away Wake you up in the middle of the night Just to hear them say Welcome to the Gulf Stream East Coast Such a stormy place (such a stormy place) Such a flowing pace They try stayin' up nights in turn for 80 hours While I roll side to side (While I roll side to side) And stern to bow Spinnaker unfurled He calls champagne sailing And she said, 'There may not be internet here For your own device" And in the Captain's chambers She takes her turn for a snooze While Captain licks icing from his fingers Putting the islands behind him in the east Last thing I remember, I was Running for the Atlantic I had to find the passage back To the place I was before "Course, " said the night man "We are programmed to follow. The south winds are the way you like but do you want to leave" |
'22 - '23
BAHAMAS!
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December
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January
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February
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March
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April
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