tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15200932899800012112024-03-08T05:12:55.649+01:00Rondje Atlantic True CompanionRon@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-4963253055388745252012-08-28T22:45:00.004+02:002012-08-29T10:33:22.839+02:00End of the trip and start of a new future :-)<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We arrived at Scheveningen Sunday, August 5<sup>th</sup> at </span><st1:time hour="19" minute="0"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">7 pm</span></st1:time><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> after a long 24 hr motoring from </span><st1:city><st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dover</span></st1:place></st1:city><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">… no wind at all. That wasn’t too bad though. We made well use of the time by collecting all our stuff and cleaning the boat </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It felt a bit weird entering the breakwaters of Scheveningen and calling the harbormaster for clearance to enter the marina after almost a year. It’s been quite a trip and now it was coming to an end for real. No more flying back to where I left the boat for the next leg.. this was it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A number of friends and family greeted us standing on the quay and that really felt great. Clare, Marc’s wife was there with the kids and she had picked up my mother too. Jantine’s parents and boyfriend were there as well as a couple of friends of Willem Jelle and Monique. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Frits who sailed with me from </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">St Martin</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> to the </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Azores</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> had come down from Katwijk. Unfortunately, we were too early for Eline to come over all the way from </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Friesland</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> to join the party. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LGWrNDBsI4/UD0xWec7p-I/AAAAAAAABTo/PkhRIKFunuI/s1600/Marischka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LGWrNDBsI4/UD0xWec7p-I/AAAAAAAABTo/PkhRIKFunuI/s320/Marischka.jpg" width="211" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And very, very special to me Marischka was there to welcome me, together with her daughter Ashley </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> During my short stay home in between arriving and leaving the </span><st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Azores</span></st1:place><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> we had really met and had stayed in close contact. She and her daughters had lived in my house during my times at sea and on my way back to Scheveningen we had agreed she would stay living with me </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> So, it was a very special moment for us after four long weeks…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And it still is very special! Starting a new life, finding our way, together with all our kids…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It’s funny if you think of it, Marischka, Ashley and Yentl were all there to say goodbye when we left Scheveningen September last year… It took almost 10.000 Nm to bring us together at the exact spot I left about a year ago. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Still, it was worth every single mile and every day. We are very happy and looking forward to a new future together <3</span><br />
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Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-74867066194847864172012-08-04T23:01:00.000+02:002012-08-04T23:01:55.403+02:00August 4th, position 51°28.497N; 001°55.010E<br />We just finished dinner and are preparing for our last night at sea. The sail through the Channel was smooth and the weather was superb except for Marc's watch last night. He and Jantine had some serious showers but by the time Monique and I took over the sky was clear again and it stayed clear all day. We passed the cliffs at Beachy Head, like the ones at Dover but more beautiful and sailed all the way up to Dover. Then the wind dropped to practically zip and we had to stat the engine.<br /> <br />From Dover we're motorsailing up NE about 30 Nm or so and then turn East to cross the shipping lanes and head for Westkapelle. From there the route is very familiar...<br /> <br />We now can be sure to arrive Sunday but an accurate ETA is still difficult to give. I don't expect us to get there before dinner though....<br /> <br />I feels a bit weird to know this will be my last night before completing my tour around the Atlantic... Tomorrow I'll be back at Scheveningen where I left September last year. <br />It was a very eventful an exciting trip.. It changed my life in more then one way and a new future is about to begin... :-) <br />I'm ready for it and full of energy to make it happen<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-90258986823360805772012-08-04T17:45:00.001+02:002012-08-04T17:45:01.844+02:00August 3rd , position 50°01.137N; 003°57.330W<br />The plan was to point at Brest... well whatever... The wind changed so we gibed and then we were pointing at Lands End :-o <br />Again it was a very nice and sunny day and on top of that we got visited by a pack of dolphins... not just once but three times. The last group was really funny. They were doing all kind of tricks jumping out of the water.. it even looked like they were trying to splash Jantine who was watching them on the bow. Later that day we also saw a huge turtle.<br /> <br />Last night we got to see the first sight of land. Not real land yet but the lighthouse of Bishop Rock just South of the Scilly Isles.<br />From now on we have to be very careful and watch out for other ships. The Sea Me sure helps other vessels to see us but the AIS that's supposed to give us information about the others does not realy work. It only shows vessels that are very, or better, way too close by. It might be that the antenna is too low to work accurately. Which is a bit strange because the one I had before worked fine with the same antenna.<br /> <br />Anyway, we checked in properly with the Falmouth Coastguard and are now way into the Channel just about South of Dartmouth. The wind has died a bit but is supposed to pick up again later today. The direction is fine though and if it stays this way, it'll bring us all the way to Schevenigen.<br />We're still hoping to get there by some time Sunday but that's not yet an EDA :-)<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-86742138106579584352012-08-02T15:34:00.001+02:002012-08-02T15:34:05.396+02:00August 1st , position 48°13.627N; 009°55.388W<br />The wind came indeed... By the time we dropped one of the gennoa's, we also furled in the remaining one a bit and put the first reef in the mainsail. 2 Hrs later we put in the second reef then we dropped the main all the way. So no now we were sailing with only half a gennoa and still doing 8.5 kts average. The wind had picked up to 35 kts and the waves grew bigger and bigger. The boat steered very well but it's you get very tired steering. We decided that because of the conditions, Marc and I would steer through the night.<br />We had some pre made lasagna for dinner but Jantine made a delicious dessert, backed banana with a bit of rum and sugar. That was a treat indeed.<br />As the night went on the wind dropped a bit but the waves were still pretty high, high enough for Marc to set the speed record at 14.9 kts... with only half a gennoa...<br />Overall we did about 165 Nm that day and that's a day record too for this trip<br /> <br />At sunrise the waves had decreased also a bit, enough to set the main again double reefed and we pooled out the gennoa. With a Westerly wind, we're now pointing at Brest. The plan is to then sail NorthEast, to the South coast of England, head for Dover and cross the Channel there. By this we can avoid the South West of England where another depression is foretasted to bring a lot of wind.<br /> <br />Well we'll just have to wait and see. In the mean time, it's a very nice and sunny day today and...<br />we spotted two whales just about a boatlength on our port side :-)<br />They didn't stay long but still, it's amazing to see those huge creatures that close by.<br /> <br />As a very rough indication, we think we'll reach Scheveningen by Sunday night or Monday morning<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-32071660631224179612012-07-31T13:06:00.002+02:002012-07-31T13:06:33.201+02:00July 30th, position 46°19.742N; 16°15.206W<br />Today we celebrated half way :-) It took us a week but that's because we couldn’t sail in a straight line. According to the latest gribfiles we'll have Westerlies from now on and at least 15 kts. Tomorrow even 35 kts so the next half should be considerably faster in time :-)<br />We had champagne and for lunch Jantine backed scones, very nice indeed! She had to to do something not to be thrown overboard... yesterday when I was asleep on deck.. she polished my toe nails.... :-( Of course the rest of the crew did nothing to prevent this molest and they all had a good time when I woke up...<br /> <br />Anyway, for the rest we're doing fine and the weather is real nice, sofar it's been sunny all days and now we have the Westerlies, the wind is not as cold as before. Meaning we be in shorts and T-shirt, as it should :-) Still, during the night it's kind of cool, and we have to gear up properly to stay warm.<br /> <br />We're sailing full speed with double gennoa's, a full main and directly pointing at Scheveningen. Doing over 7 kts average it's only another 120 hrs to complete the round of the Atlantic :-)<br />Tomorrow we might have a rougher day. A depression SE of England is foretasted to give us a fresh breeze. However, the direction is perfect and it might even increase our speed.<br /> <br />I must say, although the sailing is great, I really like to get back home again :-)<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-82315871570690700732012-07-28T19:08:00.000+02:002012-07-28T19:08:36.881+02:00July 28th, position 44°08.2066N; 21°52.449WYesterday we figured out a new watch system where we all could have a decent time to sleep. That wasn't easy with a crew of 5 and 4 beds... that is one for me and 3 for the others.. captains privilege :-). Anyway it took some puzzling but it worked and we all got 8 hours of sleep!<br />That was really nice and we all were very happy with it.<br /> <br />The night was quite comfortable, we made some progress although the wind is still from the North. This morning I downloaded new gribfiles and they looked very promising. Today we'll have very light winds... light enough to motorsail in the right direction and into the area with Westerly winds.<br /> <br />It were light winds indeed we motorsailed with the autopilot in charge. <br />When Jantine woke up at around 11 fresh and completely rested she suggested to reorganize the stuff we have to eat and drink. <br />It turned out into a total clean up, in a way you could never do with real wind. Very good Jantine!!<br />We started after lunch and all worked together cleaning, trashing, repairing and stuff and by 4 pm the whole boat looked again as we were about to leave :-)<br /> <br />In the mean time the wind had backed and now we can start to really sail again. If the wind freshens a bit more we can set the gennoa and kill the engine.<br />So far we only could make a 450 or so Nm leaving us another 1100 Nm to go, meaning we probably won't reach Scheveningen next weekend ….<br />Well, we'll just have to wait and see. Sofar we all enjoy the trip and a day or so longer is not a problem :-)<br /><br /><br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-61337950625960439562012-07-28T00:02:00.000+02:002012-07-28T00:02:04.533+02:00July 27th, position 43°29.7826N; 24°27.608WSince we tagged the wind didn't change much so we're still pointing some North of East .<br />According to the latest gribfiles we'll find some Westerly winds more North the plan is to tag again tomorrow. We'll probably have to motorsail through the center of the high but then we'll find the Westerlies hopefully.<br />Anyway, this trip is more a challenge not only in finding the best course and winds. Also in repairing all kind of little things. Yesterday the inverter stopped working... that could in fact not be the case since I bought that new in Horta. And, it wasn't. It turned out to be a short circuit... but where? All 220V outlets were fine and checking the cables on the breaker box didn't lead to anything. Luckily I also got a new small unit before I left last year so I can at least charge my laptop.<br /> <br />Then last night Marc noticed that the port lower spreader was wiggling...<br />hmm,...it's not supposed to do that. We decided to go up the mast next day to check the fittings. <br />The early this morning while furling out the gennoa a bit more, the halliard broke....<br />We got it down okay and furled out the staysail. I had to go up the mast anyway …<br /> <br />At around 8 it was a smooth-ish to climb up the mast. The halliard was broken and had fallen down the mast... end of the halliard. No big deal though, we can use the uphaul which we did.<br />The fitting of the spreader was okay. But two of the rivets to keep it in place were gone.<br />God thing I have all the stuff and tools to fix it but working half way up the mast mid Atlantic is not particularly my most favorite thing to do.<br /> <br />But, in the mean time the wind had backed a bit and we're steering a much better course and the weather is real nice and sunny :-) <br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-55081216565887639872012-07-27T14:07:00.002+02:002012-07-27T14:07:47.929+02:00July 26th, position 43°31.791N; 27°17.429W<br />We're getting into a sort off routine of living aboard. Yesterday we had a challenging ride... 30 – 35 kts and 4 – 5 meter waves...<br />With the wind from the North East it meant right on the nose... with the second reef and the full staysail the boat was in perfect balance and steering her was very easy. We did made good speed too bet the best course we could steer was due North.. Well anyway, with help of the gribfiles I downloaded I could predict a more smooth ride for the night, which of course came true :-)<br /> <br />The whole night was great, it was a very clear night with an ever amazing number of stars :-)<br />It was a bit colder though, with Northerly winds it's significant cooler then a few days ago. So by sunrise the ones on deck were all geared up. For the first time since... I can't even remember I actually put on my trousers instead of my shorts.....<br />Anyway, sunrise really meant sunrise and with a beautiful sky it's getting real nice and warm again.<br />After I made lunch with bacon and eggs, we cleaned the cockpit and reorganized the mess in the saloon. It sure makes a difference sailing with 5 crew instead of 4, clothwise :-)<br /> <br />We also decided to tag and steer East for a day or so. Hopefully the wind will back as shown on the gribfiles before we hot Spain..<br /> <br />Anyway making use of this beautiful day it also was time for a real fresh ocean shower !!<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-86754803105592832902012-07-26T12:14:00.002+02:002012-07-26T12:14:27.174+02:00July 25th, position 41°24.781N; 27°13.193W<br />Monday morning I took Rutger and Eline to the airport. Eline especially didn't want to leave, more then once she asked if I couldn't change her flight for the next week :-) But then again she didn't feel in joining us for the long sail home, so she left..<br />On my way back I picked up my gennaker which was perfectly fixed and went back to the marina where I found Marc in a very pissed of state. He had been trying to find out what happened to the life raft we had ordered. That should have been delivered by now. He spend quite some time at the phone and finally with the help of the harbor master it was clear that it would be delivered that day at 5 pm....<br /> <br />Anyway Marc and I went to the supermarket and again managed to fill 7 big trolleys with stuff. They had a great service in bringing the stuff right away in a small van. Again we managed to stow everything in a reasonable place sort of... :-)<br /> <br />We had a nice farewell dinner at Internacional and after finishing our painting for good winds and a safe trip we set sail at around 10.30 pm. <br />It was a real nice and smooth start, sailing to Sao Jorge and after that into the Atlantic. Next day however the wind picked up and it became more of a challenge to steer the boat on a straight course. Sailing down wind with 4 to 5 meter waves is not particularly the easiest course to get used to the boat. So Marc and I did the most part of steering until the next day. Then the wind had dropped and on a beam reach it was a bit more comfortable. <br />Speed was great though and after the wind veered to the East were could sail a course pointing straight to Scheveningen .<br />But if there's one thing for sure at these latitudes... it never stays the same for longer times . <br />Today we sailed with all full sails, including the staysail and some time later double reefed....<br />But that's good for getting to know the boat and the rigging of all the lines :-)<br />Anyway, so far everything is okay and we are starting to pick up the routine of doing watches, cooking and cleaning.. and, most important we all enjoy it very much<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-39783304128777831662012-07-23T02:28:00.003+02:002012-07-23T02:28:58.470+02:00July 22nd , Horta Faial,<br />
<br />
<br />
An hour or so when we came back at
Horta again Marc arrived at the airport right on time. We had dinner
at Perter's which took a while... they could have some more people
working there..
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Anyway, next morning we wanted to sail
to Lajes on the Island of Pico.. we did just after lunch when it
stopped raining..</div>
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We had a nice sail and... again saw
some some whales :-)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQnucrPOYBk/UAyaZGQH4VI/AAAAAAAABTI/biWrazDJ9cw/s1600/2012-07-19+09.02.03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQnucrPOYBk/UAyaZGQH4VI/AAAAAAAABTI/biWrazDJ9cw/s200/2012-07-19+09.02.03.jpg" width="200" /></a>The marina was a bit tiny and when we
moored between two other boats... the difference in size did matter..
we were way too big to stay there and moved to a pontoon just outside
the marina.</div>
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Lajes is a nice but very small village.
However it has some very nice places to have dinner and a nice place
to have a drink afterwards.
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Next day we did a number of jobs on the
boat like changing the broken tricolor. Anyway, I spend about 4 hrs
up in the mast while Marc and Rutger did some other jobs and Eline
cleaned out her cabin...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2xZTNwIgt4/UAyZ8hPmlmI/AAAAAAAABS4/HCobHB1jMPU/s1600/P1010169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2xZTNwIgt4/UAyZ8hPmlmI/AAAAAAAABS4/HCobHB1jMPU/s200/P1010169.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Just before dinner we booked a swimming
with dolphins trip for the next morning. The dream of Eline !! So we
didn't stay up too late because we had to be there before 9 am.</div>
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The trip turned out to be a combined
trip, swimming with dolphins and whale watching, with a whole group
on a power dinghy.
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It was a close to perfect trip.. we did
see at least 6 whales, three of them in a group and a whole pack of
striped dolphins. They are really funny, they like to jump real high
out of the water and wiggle their tales but they usually don't stay
with the boat and were not the right group to swim with.</div>
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A bit later we found a good group and
Eline and Rutger went into the water. They really enjoyed very much.
Only two at the time are allowed in the water so when they came back
Marc and I were getting ready to jump in.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFo8ZoFA4hM/UAyaP3wsJ4I/AAAAAAAABTA/wRWnZ5PCLMs/s1600/SANY0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MFo8ZoFA4hM/UAyaP3wsJ4I/AAAAAAAABTA/wRWnZ5PCLMs/s320/SANY0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Just before I did however, I got this
jellyfish on my foot, a Portuguese Warship. That hurts like hell I
can say now.... Holy F.. Half my foot was covered and in trying to
get the shit off I got it on my hands and leg too... It's sort of a
sticking mess that doesn't come off that easy...</div>
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Marc was lucky, he was wearing flippers
and didn't get any of the shit on his foot or leg.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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The thing to do then is to put vinegar
on it but they didn't had any. So the trip was over and we raced back
to the marina. It was only 15 minutes before we would go anyway so we
didn't miss that much.</div>
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It took us 15 burning minutes to get
back where there was someone waiting with vinegar. I ended up for a
check in the hospital but it was all okay.. <br />They told me to just
put some cream on it and take a painkiller, both of which I have on
the boat and they told me that those probably would be better then
the stuff they had.</div>
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<br />
</div>
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So I did and we left for Horta where
Willem Jelle, Monique and Jantine were waiting for us.</div>
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Tonight we all gonna have dinner and
tomorrow Rutger and Eline will fly home again.</div>
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Then, when we have got all the stuff
from the supermarket, we're ready to set sail for Scheveningen :-)</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-62282644537132006762012-07-20T12:24:00.006+02:002012-07-20T12:24:56.176+02:00July 19th, position 38º 24,051 N; 28º 24,207W, South of Pico, Azores<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Angra
do Heroismo is the town were the marina is on Terceira. It's much
more a town then Horta and Eline finally got to go out shopping :-)
She and Rutger went to explore the town while I took a nap. They were
gone for hours and came back loaded with bags..</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0FNovhRs4I/UAkwwjQGIXI/AAAAAAAABSc/fxnkZJIgGVg/s1600/2012-07-17+17.30.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G0FNovhRs4I/UAkwwjQGIXI/AAAAAAAABSc/fxnkZJIgGVg/s200/2012-07-17+17.30.14.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Rutger
wanted to buy some new jeans and Eline helped him together with the
lady from the shop. Ha, they made him try on a load of stuff and
combined all kind of shirts.. in the end Eline of course also had
seen a nice shirt, a dress and the pair of shoes she was looking for
for so long... </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB6bkTNBqu0/UAkuHohv9CI/AAAAAAAABRo/-JEX0tphoO4/s1600/2012-07-18+18.38.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MB6bkTNBqu0/UAkuHohv9CI/AAAAAAAABRo/-JEX0tphoO4/s200/2012-07-18+18.38.46.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Anyway,
since I wasn't there... it was Rutger who paid for her stuff as well,
ha!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">That
night we had diner at a nice restaurant near the harbor and went for
a coffee to the main square It's a real nice and pretty place and a
very good marina. After coffee I went back to the boat while Rutger
and Eline stayed a bit. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Next
morning at around 5.30 I woke up... just in time to see Eline get
undressed and go to bed... :-)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">They
had asked the waitress if she would know a place to go out. She did
actually but that was in another town but if they wanted they could
join her and a her girlfriend... they wanted to go out too after
work.. Of course Rutger and Eline didn't mind to wait a bit... but
after work was around 2.30 pm...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Anyway
they went to different places ending up at the beach close by the
marina and stayed there till sunset :-) They had a great time! </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmEnCtTzXdA/UAkuNXSHO1I/AAAAAAAABR4/2QaQ6xbE5UI/s1600/2012-07-18+22.30.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CmEnCtTzXdA/UAkuNXSHO1I/AAAAAAAABR4/2QaQ6xbE5UI/s200/2012-07-18+22.30.26.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">'Next'
day we would leave for Horta but not before midnight since Eline very
much wanted to sail at night. So we spent the afternoon at the beach,
relaxing.. which was in fact our first day at a beach.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Too
bad I only had two decent beach towels, meaning I was on the tiniest
towel you can think off, lying in the sand for the most part :-(</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QysOKSAJnHI/UAkvK3ZaWPI/AAAAAAAABSA/_rG8gbDCOIM/s1600/P1010117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QysOKSAJnHI/UAkvK3ZaWPI/AAAAAAAABSA/_rG8gbDCOIM/s200/P1010117.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">The
water was a bit colder then in the Caribbean let's say very
refreshing. Still it was very nice swimming there. It's surprising
how little tourists there were, I think we were sort of the only ones
while the beach was packed...</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">That
night we would sail around midnight to the South-East point of Pico
and then go West along the coast back to Horta, Faial. It would take
us most of the night to get down to Pico, getting there early in the
morning, the best time and place for that matter, to see whales.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Of
course Rutger and Eline had to say goodby to there new friends before
leaving, meaning I had the first watch :-o</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1kWFBqXp4w/UAkxpNIln9I/AAAAAAAABSs/3x4PSGLEgTQ/s1600/P1010130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l1kWFBqXp4w/UAkxpNIln9I/AAAAAAAABSs/3x4PSGLEgTQ/s200/P1010130.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Eline
stayed on deck too though and she was very excited about the night
scene. It was a perfect clear night with mare stars she had ever
seen. Already in the first half hour she saw 4 shooting stars..
leaving her without wishes :-)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">Later
that night we were welcomed by some 10 dolphins. This was her first
time to see dolphins in the wild and she couldn't stop telling how
COOL is was :-)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">They
stayed with us for at least 15 minutes. Then when they were gone...
Eline was too. very tiered and she went to bed. So did I :-)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">On
my second watch I too saw something new for me: Venus and Jupiter so
extremely bright... it was amazing !! Later I woke Eline to watch the
sunrise which was beautiful too. At home we of course never get to
see the sunset at the beach :-o</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJILaUIxpQc/UAkvf5VH4cI/AAAAAAAABSU/pNy4Gvthd20/s1600/P1010156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJILaUIxpQc/UAkvf5VH4cI/AAAAAAAABSU/pNy4Gvthd20/s200/P1010156.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">After
we rounded the SE end of Pico we saw the little boats that take
people for whale and dolphin watching so we altered our course a bit.
And then suddenly there was this big whale very close by the boat.
Just long enough to see it and realize what we saw and then it was
gone again. Getting closer to the other boats we saw several more,
just relaxing cruising around for a while before disappearing again
into the deep. We also got to see lots of dolphins, little ones that
really jump out of the water and bigger ones that just swam along
side.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman,serif;">In
all it was a exciting trip under perfect conditions except for the
wind which wasn't there..but who cares, we didn't :-)</span></div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-74494115042292496332012-07-16T13:48:00.000+02:002012-07-16T13:48:56.749+02:00July 16th , Porta de Santo Antonio, Terceira, Azores<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Last night we arrived at Terceira after
a superb day of sailing. Great weather, gentle breeze, no swell..we
sailed close hauled for the fist leg to the East end of Sao Jorge and
then beam reach to Terceire. Of course we got the gennaker out as
well :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We arrived at around 9 pm and were
welcomed by the marina staff that helped us getting in a berth.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN1IpNXBqMM/UAP8dZnnsFI/AAAAAAAABQo/ivDv6vAycCk/s1600/2012-07-14+14.17.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zN1IpNXBqMM/UAP8dZnnsFI/AAAAAAAABQo/ivDv6vAycCk/s200/2012-07-14+14.17.10.jpg" width="200" /></a>They are all so very friendly here!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The day before we left Sao Jorge we did
a great hike. There are a lot of trails set out and the one we did
was from the mountain down to the North coast. The view was amazing
and half the Island is covered by Hortensias. We crossed some streams
and went down to a beautiful waterfall.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZLotFgxWcc/UAP9KWfGv_I/AAAAAAAABQw/6cMl-3L1Nn8/s1600/2012-07-14+15.07.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZLotFgxWcc/UAP9KWfGv_I/AAAAAAAABQw/6cMl-3L1Nn8/s200/2012-07-14+15.07.43.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It took us about 4 hrs to walk to the
place were the taxi picked us up again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bO2EXPuwzI/UAP-csKh2XI/AAAAAAAABQ4/gXmEiFeS84k/s1600/2012-07-14+15.37.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bO2EXPuwzI/UAP-csKh2XI/AAAAAAAABQ4/gXmEiFeS84k/s200/2012-07-14+15.37.47.jpg" width="150" /></a>Then the driver told us about the bull
fighting that they had in the other village and he drove us there.
They have bull fights all the time, every Sunday at least. It's not
really a fight and they don't kill the bull. They let a bull out and
the 'brave ones' tease him until he charges and they run away..</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The bull is tied onto a rope that's
hold by a bunch of guys to keep some control..</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeOru05fcqg/UAP-_g2gDWI/AAAAAAAABRA/lcQ0ngQgeGE/s1600/2012-07-14+16.30.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeOru05fcqg/UAP-_g2gDWI/AAAAAAAABRA/lcQ0ngQgeGE/s200/2012-07-14+16.30.21.jpg" width="150" /></a>Anyway this time the arena was the
parking lot. The bull had no grip at all on the concrete and slipped
the whole time.. That made it a pathetic spectacle and especially
Eline got very upset and angry. I didn't like it either, so we left
pretty quick again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y3CkrlseFI/UAP_h-4VaHI/AAAAAAAABRI/Gf-OcsRZC_g/s1600/2012-07-14+15.56.46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y3CkrlseFI/UAP_h-4VaHI/AAAAAAAABRI/Gf-OcsRZC_g/s200/2012-07-14+15.56.46.jpg" width="150" /></a>Normally they do this on a field or in
the streets, like here in Terceira. Everytime you here a canon, it
means a bull is out in the streets and here that's pretty much the
whole time, even at 8 am this morning :-o</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway, today we'll explore the village
a bit and check on what we want to do tomorrow.</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-21233097058984188672012-07-14T01:25:00.001+02:002012-07-14T01:25:51.916+02:00July 13th Velas, Sao Jorge, Azores<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcl5XlcyeTI/UACssYfslQI/AAAAAAAABPw/b3aFfUtxmSo/s1600/P1010030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fcl5XlcyeTI/UACssYfslQI/AAAAAAAABPw/b3aFfUtxmSo/s200/P1010030.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Today we sailed to Velas on Sao Jorge,
a trip of 35 Nm.
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For some reason I woke up later then
usual and the weather wasn't that nice. However when we left Horta
at around 10:30 the sun was out again and we had a nice breeze.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
After an hour or so the wind dropped
and when we were down to 2 kts we had to start the engine. Not for
long though, an hour later the wind picked up again :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
By the time we got to Sao Jorge the
weather had changed again. Dark thick clouds and visibility had
dropped so much that we couldn't see the Island. Only when we we less
the 2 Nm from the rocks we could see the Island.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg3VMdmckU0/UACtASvd3zI/AAAAAAAABP4/RgqVHQFe_IU/s1600/P1010031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg3VMdmckU0/UACtASvd3zI/AAAAAAAABP4/RgqVHQFe_IU/s200/P1010031.JPG" width="200" /></a>Velas has a vary small marina with even
smell berths. The harbor master was very friendly and very helpful
but the birth he showed me was not wide enough.. We tried but we just
didn't fit....</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway we ended up alongside a 55 ft
Swan :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In all the people over here are very
friendly indeed and it's a real pleasure to visit these Islands</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
They are all different but very
beautiful...
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway, after I had checked in the
clouds were mostly gone and the sun was shining again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8KkK8Vb_cI/UACuDm_DVPI/AAAAAAAABQM/zjC4ylpDeyY/s1600/P1010037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f8KkK8Vb_cI/UACuDm_DVPI/AAAAAAAABQM/zjC4ylpDeyY/s200/P1010037.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne5QN_0VeaY/UACtjDJMKoI/AAAAAAAABQA/Ht_YPnSb2Aw/s1600/P1010036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne5QN_0VeaY/UACtjDJMKoI/AAAAAAAABQA/Ht_YPnSb2Aw/s200/P1010036.JPG" width="200" /></a>We walked around a bit and when I got
back to the boat, Rutger and Eline went over to the supermarket to
get the onions we forgot yesterday. They came back all excited... and
called me to come on deck. It was amazing, a rainbow so close that
the boat seemed just under it...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jojjxxwfCWo/UACuMDpyfFI/AAAAAAAABQU/9gL3csVec_M/s1600/532506_337851556297021_9568098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jojjxxwfCWo/UACuMDpyfFI/AAAAAAAABQU/9gL3csVec_M/s320/532506_337851556297021_9568098_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If the weather is good tomorrow, we
plan to do the most famous hike on the Island. Then on Sunday we'll
leave for Terceira</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-78034918594401910772012-07-13T04:07:00.002+02:002012-07-14T01:26:42.783+02:00Horta July 12th<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMt8GZxO7wE/T_-DdjtR5YI/AAAAAAAABPE/OOS_7Lsnuus/s1600/P1010012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMt8GZxO7wE/T_-DdjtR5YI/AAAAAAAABPE/OOS_7Lsnuus/s200/P1010012.JPG" width="150" /></a>Yeee!, Eline's suitcase did came today.
We went over to the harbor master to check but nothing had arrived
yet. It still was possible, although the plane had landed an hour
ago..<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Half an hour later I got the call from
the airport. The suitcase had arrived and they would send it with a
cab to the marine. That was still on time, the office closes at 8 pm.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Eline was very happy and made sure we
all knew :-) for the rest of the evening.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I must admit.. the night before, when
we went for dinner I asked her if she didn't want to change.. oops..
she got over it eventually but it's much nicer to see her happy
again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6kG11D2tY8/T_-D-TiMDQI/AAAAAAAABPM/X2WvuK-GaUo/s1600/P1010013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6kG11D2tY8/T_-D-TiMDQI/AAAAAAAABPM/X2WvuK-GaUo/s200/P1010013.JPG" width="200" /></a>Today we rented a car and went up to
Caldeira, the volcano crater we didn't see the other time. Today
however the weather was perfect and the view amazing. We walked
around a bit and then drove to some other place on the coast and had
lunch. In a small restaurant.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTD3kRyLJw/T_-EcTGajMI/AAAAAAAABPY/HbITHNbIW-8/s1600/P1010011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQTD3kRyLJw/T_-EcTGajMI/AAAAAAAABPY/HbITHNbIW-8/s200/P1010011.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was a real nice place and the price
was okay too 15 Euro for the 3 of us.. That's a place to remember,
also the car I rented was half the price we paid the other time..</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway, on our way back to the boat, we
drove by the supermarket and got some stuff for the trip. I got some
very useful tips and the plan is now to leave for Sao Jorge tomorrow.
Then from Sao Jorge to Terceira, Pico and back to Faial. The weather
is supposed to stay fine as the Azores high has kicked in and seems
to stay until September.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPeIQrMiG0/T_-E4Do6ExI/AAAAAAAABPk/xtb4TMU--uk/s1600/P1010022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVPeIQrMiG0/T_-E4Do6ExI/AAAAAAAABPk/xtb4TMU--uk/s200/P1010022.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Having the car, we also took the
gennaker to the sail maker, who was back in business again after his
heart surgery. He hmmed for some time looking at the ripped sail but
agreed it would be worth it to fix it. Well anyway, he told me he
would see this as a nice job to get back in the routine and would go
easy on the price.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If all goes well we'll be back at Faial
the 19<sup>th</sup> when Marc is flying in. We then have time enough
to redo our painting... that didn't go too well sofar :-(</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We ended the day at Pete's were we had
dinner and changed flags :-) So now the YSY flag and the flag of
Scheveningen is flying at Pete's.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Dinner was quite funny in ordering..
Rutger and I ordered a steak and Eline a small steak. Then the waiter
asked how we wanted our steak.. Rutger and I both said medium.
Looking at Eline he asked: medium.. no, small she said... yes, but
medium? No, small... Yes I know, but do you want it medium? NO, SMALL
!! with the look of what don't you understand ?!?!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgk9IKYGgR0/UACulKrBLFI/AAAAAAAABQc/QAhF2jYAV6Y/s1600/165851_4374634529719_890793526_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zgk9IKYGgR0/UACulKrBLFI/AAAAAAAABQc/QAhF2jYAV6Y/s200/165851_4374634529719_890793526_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Too funny, eventually it was clear what
he meant, but still :-)</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-56689669086260865102012-07-11T21:18:00.002+02:002012-07-11T21:18:44.017+02:00Titel July 11th Back in Horta, Azores<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Last night we arrived in Horta again.
The flight was ok but it still took us a whole day. Especially Eline
didn't enjoy it very much, she doesn't like flying, too boring and
too much waiting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It turned out to be a real disaster for
her... when we finally arrived, her suitcase was missing..</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For a 17 year old.. that's about the
worst thing that can happen. On top of that, the weather was not as
good as in the brochure :-o</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It took her some time but in the end
she was okay[ish] again.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We had dinner at Internacional and that
was real good. Afterwards Rutger and Eline went for a walk and we had
another drink before going to bed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This morning the weather was really
fine and sunny. First thing we did after breakfast was go get some
stuff for Eline and when she found a nice dress she was happy again.
Then we had some things to do on the boat. Rutger had already done
most of the cleaning when I was shopping with Eline. Then the bilge
pump turned out dead .. it's not even a year old. Anyway we fixed it,
replaced the also diseased inverter for a new one. I also had ordered
a new unit for the fuel inlet since the cap went overboard mid
Atlantic. Rutger tried the cap first and we were very lucky: it
fitted, so we didn't have to replace the whole unit :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
This afternoon we found a nice spot to
put our painting and did some preparations in making it nice and
white. Tomorrow we'll try and finish it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Jean Pierre, who looked after the boat,
told me that Teceira would be a nice island to visit. There's a lot
going around, so he says. It's only a 12 hr sail so it's worth going
there and if we're lucky we'll see some whales on the way.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway that will be the plan for
Friday, tomorrow we'll explore Faial.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In the mean time, I hope very much
Eline's suitcase will turn up. Usually it does the next day they told
us. We'll know in an hour or so... fingers crossed.</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-60459612369743496542012-06-23T02:15:00.002+02:002012-06-30T01:11:38.608+02:00Rijswijk, June 23rd, late...It took some time but... I added a few pics to the ocean updates.<br />
If it works out, I'll try and upload some video's too .. tomorrow that is :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EQgJITGErAg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jpnUXyWrJm8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-86671442627212029922012-06-21T14:08:00.000+02:002012-06-21T14:08:04.995+02:00Thursday, June, 21st ,Rijswijk Netherlands<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx7o_5VIy1w/T-MNeQRU9WI/AAAAAAAABDg/QPrpJN7xu4s/s1600/P6200003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mx7o_5VIy1w/T-MNeQRU9WI/AAAAAAAABDg/QPrpJN7xu4s/s200/P6200003.JPG" width="150" /></a>After a long day traveling we're back
to base...
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We had a long stop over at Lisboa, so we took the bus and went downtown for a few hours.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For
me the only place so far I went before on my to the Caribbean. A bit
strange, but still nice even though, to my recollection, it was a bit
warmer last November :-o</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY2umBVoKAc/T-MN2eTDr6I/AAAAAAAABDw/PbaGUSg8onw/s1600/P6200006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gY2umBVoKAc/T-MN2eTDr6I/AAAAAAAABDw/PbaGUSg8onw/s200/P6200006.JPG" width="200" /></a>We all have to try and pick up 'normal'
life again. In many ways, this trip wasn't just a vacation.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Being on the ocean for 16 days,
covering almost 2100 Nm's on a small boat with 4 different
personalities that are there for different reasons and hardly know
each other is an adventure:-)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk1mWI3EMsY/T-MNw1sz99I/AAAAAAAABDo/O445AsCR3qA/s1600/P6200005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uk1mWI3EMsY/T-MNw1sz99I/AAAAAAAABDo/O445AsCR3qA/s200/P6200005.JPG" width="200" /></a>It all worked out great though and for
me it's another unique experience which I share with people that are
very dear to me.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I'm very lucky anyway because I'm still
not there.. Next month the final leg, back to Scheveningen, is still
waiting. I guess then it will be way harder to adjust to normal life
again. So if anyone has any tips to share, please let me know :-)</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-83242172596037899722012-06-19T13:05:00.002+02:002012-06-21T14:15:30.154+02:00Horta June 19th<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyMSEqpjPVM/T-BcxHQSL2I/AAAAAAAABDU/xpiWxbpMaW0/s1600/sunny+horta.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wyMSEqpjPVM/T-BcxHQSL2I/AAAAAAAABDU/xpiWxbpMaW0/s200/sunny+horta.JPG" width="200" /></a>At last, the sun is back :-)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The world looks very different now and way better to remember for our last days at Horta !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs8lsJgW2IU/T-MP74DrZeI/AAAAAAAABD4/oq30Pj-H43g/s1600/horta+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs8lsJgW2IU/T-MP74DrZeI/AAAAAAAABD4/oq30Pj-H43g/s200/horta+sun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-68850016247534935032012-06-19T00:34:00.001+02:002012-06-19T00:34:25.857+02:00Monday, June 18th Horta Fayal<br />
<br />
Still raining... never thought off so
much fresh water for free, no need to rinse the boat :-)
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We got the paint to put our mural on
the wall but with this kind off weather there's no chance it will
last for more then a day. I guess this will be a project for Rutger
and Eline when we come back in July.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Last night we had a great time watching
the match at Internacionale, the local pub. Bruno had our table
ready, in the middle of all dressed up Portuguese.. I brought my
Dutch flag and my fog horn, just in case...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gS4237Ellc0/T9-stv9eCqI/AAAAAAAABDI/mI1sp1AK3B8/s1600/P6170038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gS4237Ellc0/T9-stv9eCqI/AAAAAAAABDI/mI1sp1AK3B8/s200/P6170038.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was an exciting and fun match to
watch! Especially the first 20 minutes :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Since none of us is really really into
football, we didn't mind that they won eventually, and it was a great
match to watch.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVlWlRx6d6s/T9-sU5cUlkI/AAAAAAAABC8/G7osUB_ughg/s1600/P6170039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVlWlRx6d6s/T9-sU5cUlkI/AAAAAAAABC8/G7osUB_ughg/s200/P6170039.JPG" width="200" /></a>After the match we had some drinks and
Eline had to buy Bruno and the rest of the staff a drink :-o</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Today more rain … so we did some jobs
on the boat, adjusting the belt tension, putting some new rivets in
the boom rail and the vang. The inverter also broke down but they
can't fix it over here...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tomorrow we planned to go on a whale
watch trip. However.. when we checked later, the trip was canceled
because of the bad weather... another thing left to do coming back in
July :-*</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Anyway, it still is a nice place to be
but we all are quite curious how it'll look when the sun is shining</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-9159122357564114762012-06-17T01:45:00.001+02:002012-06-21T14:19:00.883+02:00Saturday, June16th Horta Azores<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tomorrow Frits is flying home so today
was his day.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcGhjhuPRTI/T90aV9qhziI/AAAAAAAABCw/o00aQQX1dgg/s1600/New+Image3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qcGhjhuPRTI/T90aV9qhziI/AAAAAAAABCw/o00aQQX1dgg/s200/New+Image3.JPG" width="200" /></a>We rented a car to explore the Island.
We first stopped over at Mid Atlantic Yacht Service to pick up some
stuff for the boat. It's a small shop but very well equipped and very
knowledgeable staff.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IavyeovpGG8/T90X_IAToPI/AAAAAAAABCY/J8rSj300NEU/s1600/New+Image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IavyeovpGG8/T90X_IAToPI/AAAAAAAABCY/J8rSj300NEU/s200/New+Image.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0FxyACCEJ4/T90WlIi7q2I/AAAAAAAABCI/hFap9BuBo_4/s1600/foto%27s+frits+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u0FxyACCEJ4/T90WlIi7q2I/AAAAAAAABCI/hFap9BuBo_4/s200/foto%27s+frits+106.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i3o7E-Dd2c/T90YCK8GG5I/AAAAAAAABCg/9YuYx9GvyEg/s1600/New+Image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7i3o7E-Dd2c/T90YCK8GG5I/AAAAAAAABCg/9YuYx9GvyEg/s200/New+Image2.JPG" width="200" /></a>The sailmaker recently had a double
bypass operation and not in the mood to fix my gennaker. Well we'll
see when I come back in July...</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
We had a very challenging drive all the
way up to the crater of the vulcano. The [dirt]road was steep, with
lots of hairpins ad the higher we came the thicker the clouds, until
we couldn't anything at all.Half way up we had a flat tire, just in a corner of the road... but with 4 guys we had it fixed in no time.. :-)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohUDgof1GZY/T90W_j-SxgI/AAAAAAAABCQ/CCqGz9szl4w/s1600/foto%27s+frits+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ohUDgof1GZY/T90W_j-SxgI/AAAAAAAABCQ/CCqGz9szl4w/s200/foto%27s+frits+109.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The crater itself we never got to see ..
but anyway.. we drove on to the West point of the Island where we did
see the lighthouse and the lava stream that ruined the village some
50 years ago.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
In all we had a great day anyway, in
spite of the rain that's pouring down for two days now :-o</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Later this week the weather is supposed
to clear but the occlusion front seems to be very stable.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tomorrow will be an exciting night. we're gonna watch the football match Portugal - Holland in a local pub ..</div>
our table is reserved :-) <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-5634435927786215802012-06-15T17:34:00.001+02:002012-06-23T02:08:39.088+02:00Friday, June 15th Horta, Azores<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1s3QA50Oo/T-UI65ZKWyI/AAAAAAAABLE/fb42JMjxeKw/s1600/foto%27s+frits+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iv1s3QA50Oo/T-UI65ZKWyI/AAAAAAAABLE/fb42JMjxeKw/s200/foto%27s+frits+084.jpg" width="200" /></a>This morning at around 7:30 am local time we arrived at Horta. It took us 16 days in all. 16 days of great sailing, no storms, only 2 showers and only 3 days with no wind :-)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U17D-lDQiE/T90LLk4fPHI/AAAAAAAABB8/zI3Dn3-D3oU/s1600/P6150197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0U17D-lDQiE/T90LLk4fPHI/AAAAAAAABB8/zI3Dn3-D3oU/s320/P6150197.JPG" width="320" /></a>After clearing with port control, immigration, customs and the police we were free to go to Cafe Sport for lunch. Walking on the hard again was not easy. The whole place sees to be wobbling all the time..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJF244B88AA/T-UIkSQVEEI/AAAAAAAABK8/w6bGTHEixb0/s1600/foto%27s+frits+093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJF244B88AA/T-UIkSQVEEI/AAAAAAAABK8/w6bGTHEixb0/s200/foto%27s+frits+093.jpg" width="200" /></a>Right now we're all sort of exhausted and in for an afternoon nap.. probably till dinner time :-)Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-79187440178078414362012-06-15T14:36:00.003+02:002012-06-23T02:03:28.645+02:00Thursday, June 14th Position 37°45.172 N; 31°02.610 W<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6Kpxuz4Yg/T-T2rMKOOSI/AAAAAAAABIQ/-GIQDQYcXPQ/s1600/P6060033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vA6Kpxuz4Yg/T-T2rMKOOSI/AAAAAAAABIQ/-GIQDQYcXPQ/s200/P6060033.JPG" width="200" /></a>We're sailing again:-) After a day and a night motoring this morning at around 6am, the wind picked up enough to set the sails and get a decent speed. While setting the sails, we had some real rain, first time since we left the Caribbean :-)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ix4TdxfBxXE/T-UHsewVPFI/AAAAAAAABK0/-1prCi5WY7o/s1600/P6060032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ix4TdxfBxXE/T-UHsewVPFI/AAAAAAAABK0/-1prCi5WY7o/s200/P6060032.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
We didn't see much wildlife either. Some dolphins and an occasional bird. We did see a lot of Portuguese Warships, funny little jellyfish, quite colorful, sailing upwind. We tried to catch one but that didn't work out. I guess I'm fine with that, wouldn't know what to do with it and how to get it out of the net …<br />
<br />
We're getting close to Horta now. While typing we were called over the vhf. A Portuguese fishing vessel called for a chat :-) For us the first sign of life in 2 weeks...<br />
<br />
According to my latest grib files, the wind will hold for the next 24 hrs., by then we'll be there.<br />
So, next update will have some foto's :-)Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-14206091736446728842012-06-13T16:43:00.002+02:002012-06-23T02:00:00.264+02:00Wednesday, June 13th Position 36°53.466 N; 33°40.766 W<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORmyEat7Ku0/T-UCD0p0qXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/xJ_iEWMnRXY/s1600/P6140182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORmyEat7Ku0/T-UCD0p0qXI/AAAAAAAABJ0/xJ_iEWMnRXY/s320/P6140182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The wind has dropped a bit and we started the engine to keep up the speed. The ocean is flattening and there's only a nice swell that easily rock you to sleep :-)<br />
Since its very calm we fueled up a bit. All went well without spilling a drop, but wen I got the hose out, the little chain that's securing the cap broke and next moment it was gone..<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfhvMzCIMvU/T-UFQaRjs6I/AAAAAAAABKc/Zy6bxVqXYKI/s1600/foto%27s+frits+048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PfhvMzCIMvU/T-UFQaRjs6I/AAAAAAAABKc/Zy6bxVqXYKI/s200/foto%27s+frits+048.jpg" width="149" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9AOkItK5Vw/T-UDt5Fol8I/AAAAAAAABKE/BAVU1xxaZhI/s1600/foto%2527s+frits+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9AOkItK5Vw/T-UDt5Fol8I/AAAAAAAABKE/BAVU1xxaZhI/s200/foto%2527s+frits+045.jpg" width="200" /></a>I had to use one of the wooden plugs as a cap and added another thing on my to do list when we get to Horta.<br />
<br />
We thought to be very lucky catching a real big fish. There was something serious hooked on, and it took a while to get it in. However, when I could finally sea it, it turned out to be a fishing net, and of course no fish in it... So, corned beef stayed on the menu...Today Eline will show us how to catch a fish. That's what she promised anyway... we'll sea...:-) <br />
<br />
Our ETA is now Friday afternoon, providing the wind picks up according to my latest grib files.<br />
Sofar they were pretty accurate, so hopefully we don't have to motor the last part of our trip.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QX3L6svle50/T-T99qmdbSI/AAAAAAAABIk/oGEbP9kpIGo/s1600/P6100072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QX3L6svle50/T-T99qmdbSI/AAAAAAAABIk/oGEbP9kpIGo/s200/P6100072.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmS75CHPX8c/T-T-z3hovnI/AAAAAAAABI0/OlflQV8t228/s1600/P6030143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmS75CHPX8c/T-T-z3hovnI/AAAAAAAABI0/OlflQV8t228/s200/P6030143.JPG" width="150" /></a>With about 250 Nm still to go, we all are starting to look forward to make landfall. Obviously we're all in for a real long shower and a nice long night of sleep After having some drinks at Cafe Sport of course !!<br />
<br />
It would be nice if we get there Friday. That gives us some days to explore the Island.a bit.<br />
Eline and I already booked our flights to Asd. leaving the 20th . Frits and Arie have to check at the airport when we get there. Frits is looking for a flight on Saturday or Sunday so hopefully there's still an open seat. Arie is planning to stay some more days, I guess he won't have a problem to get a ticket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-22664761095985839182012-06-12T10:16:00.001+02:002012-06-30T11:00:36.154+02:00Monday, June 11th Position 35°38.483 N; 37°27.002 W<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWhIpqgpmNg/T-UAuDcN5gI/AAAAAAAABJU/D75Usp5Qa6A/s1600/P6040011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWhIpqgpmNg/T-UAuDcN5gI/AAAAAAAABJU/D75Usp5Qa6A/s200/P6040011.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5TD3WByPDU/T-UBAHkWukI/AAAAAAAABJk/nt3n8heYcX0/s1600/P6080065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5TD3WByPDU/T-UBAHkWukI/AAAAAAAABJk/nt3n8heYcX0/s200/P6080065.JPG" width="200" /></a>Today we again crossed a time line and gained another hour. Officially that is.... I was supposed to cook dinner tonight but woke up late from my afternoon nap, so I decided to stick to the time zone and adjust the clock tomorrow. So, I was still n time and we didn't have to change the watch times.<br />
Captains privilege, ha.<br />
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Last night we had the best night so far starwise. The sky was completely clear and bright. There were so many stars, you could hardly find the ones you know, amazing!!<br />
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After breakfast we changed the sails. The night before we put in the first reef and furled in the staysail, still doing over 6 kts. We took out the reef, set the staysail again and changed the genoa for the gennaker. For some reason the gennaker didn't hold, it wasn't the wind really. Anyway, we ripped it and an hour later we were back to the sailplan we started with...<br />
Well I guess shit happens and sofar we're very lucky weatherwise, so it's not a big deal and easy to fix.<br />
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Tomorrow we're gonna celebrate Eline's birthday :-) and of course I'll give her a call over the sat phone :-)Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1520093289980001211.post-55397441079065028152012-06-11T13:01:00.002+02:002012-06-23T01:54:28.698+02:00Saturday, June 10th Position 33°58.090N; 42°02.437WSince yesterday we have real great winds. We're sort of sailing on the edge of a high that gives us a 15 kts on a beam reach. With all sails set, we're doing over 8 kts for hours, heading strait to Horta.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XAq_1-7k6I/T-T_Wq1sg3I/AAAAAAAABI8/PZuKIXqUtx8/s1600/P6100157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7XAq_1-7k6I/T-T_Wq1sg3I/AAAAAAAABI8/PZuKIXqUtx8/s200/P6100157.JPG" width="200" /></a>With only 700 Nm to go, the chart plotter already gives us an ETA, estimated time of arrival, of about 96 hrs. Providing of course that the wind stays like this.<br />
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Every day we're looking for a reason to celebrate and propose a toast. Today is fathers day, what more do we need :-)<br />
Eline made us all a nice tie: for the dearest father of the whole ocean!<br />
She also backed a raisin bread, for sure the best bread she made, delicious !!<br />
Too bad I can't upload any pictures from here, but I'll add them as we come to Horta.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDf5HUFa7YU/T-UAOJZW0yI/AAAAAAAABJE/iVI3e3On_EM/s1600/P6110170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDf5HUFa7YU/T-UAOJZW0yI/AAAAAAAABJE/iVI3e3On_EM/s200/P6110170.JPG" width="200" /></a>The nights are getting cooler by the day :-) but during the day, it's real nice and warm and most of all sunny. Clear enough to take some more sights :-)Ron@Seahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15359527629563501606noreply@blogger.com4