Voyage of the Talmid – Bahamas

Captain’s Log

 

 

Departure
Jan 308:11Awaken by a pesky “Halyard Slap” somewhere in the Marina — mine :-/ Jumped To at O’dark thirty to fix.
08:22Found a fishing lure and a bit of attached filament snagged on Talmid’s lifeline. Would have disposed of properly but then decided to save. Could be useful.
17:09Sailing in January certainly does offer a different feel. Apart from the cool temps of course the air is more dense. Sails work better.
18:04The Oak Island flashing light (4 every 10 sec) has receded .Will pass the Frying Pan Shoals for deep water soon. Easy motion.
Jan 402:28Ocean temp is 80 deg. OAT is 57. Cabin temp shows 60
07:44Wind, as forecast is from the North at 10. For the downwind I’ve rigged a boom preventer. Zigging slightly West for better point of sail. Will zag East later.
16:20Took some power out by adding a 2nd reef to the mainsail. It’s expected to blow a little harder after 1900 hrs. It’s been downwind so the headsail is furled.
18:22Carrying 80lbs of Ice for the perishables. An experiment to go sans refrigerator — a big energy consumer
00:43Whitestar II dogging from astern. Only making 1.5 knots. Might be timing his arrival for sunrise?
Jan 507:58Wind 15 gusts 20, diminished from the night. Slight wind shift allowing a direct course. OAT 59 deg. Rain clouds but no build-ups.
10:11A Ship! Anne Maersk. Newark bound, passed 3/4 mm to starboard. I’m sure they were watching me as I was watching them.
14:26It’s been 48 since leaving the docks for a distance of 230 nm made good.
Jan 609:43Positioning West to enter a weather holding pattern. Will spend this night safely offshore
Jan 705:50The weather that was to be avoided has moved off and the approach resumes.
12:10Land Ho!
12:45Entering the channel
14:04Escaped the breaking swells! Inside the reef. Very smooth
Jan 806:44Marsh Harbour anchorage will be home for the time being.
Bahamas to NCReturning
Jan 1710:30Tempest in the anchorage. Sustained wind 20-25 knots with peak gust 34. Supposed to climax in a couple hours as this system moves off. On anchor watch.
17:03Now exiting at Whale Cay Channel. Next stop — North Carolina
Jan 1805:20Deep water and safely offshore. Half Moon most of the night gave welcome illumination for sail handling.
14:26108 miles sailed but course made good somewhat less. I’m inclined to keep this tack as opposed to zigzagging. Looking for a wind shift about Wednesday evening
Jan 2006:18Watching the sunrise. I’ve been on deck for the last 6 hours. This calls for breakfast.
08:54Did some breakage assessment, stowed the stay sail and checked the diesel fuel/oil level. Motoring now in the general direction of home. Looking for a breeze
18:42At last a star filled sky although the Moon is overpowering.
Jan 2101:20Ships that pass in the night: Hanjin Haiphong
03:49Sails ON. Engine OFF.
Jan 2207:07Hand steering on broad run this morning. Triple reefed mainsail, as the wind is supposed to get up later. Air is warm
11:035 hours at the wheel time for a break! Hove to and in the cabin. Lunch time!
18:30In for the day. Impressive display by Mother Nature! All secure topside. Hove to for nourishment and rest. Will finish the job tomorrow
Jan 2306:18The storm past last night. Sailing again in the early darkness. Clawing my way North.
08:09The air much cooler, the sea still warm. = Blowing Fog
17:34Just one more night. Sunday for sure now, unless I just jinxed it
Jan 2419:45Actually reducing throttle RPMs. Like a cruise ship not wanting to arrive too early, I’m adjusting speed.
22:39Passing the distance mark of my last close in aborted approach last week!
Jan 2502:17Land Ho!
05:41I’m on solid ground (not to be confused with aground)
Friday mid afternoon