Logs

Epiphany - Day 7

It’s almost sunrise on our final morning before Bermuda. We survived the cold front better than most the fleet. Many reported torrential rain and lightning with strong 30knots wind. Somehow, for sure not skipper skill, we found a little hole and had hardly any rain, no lightning and only 10 knots of wind. We had to motor a bit b it crew were happy to avoid the worst of the weather. Still it was a long night for me. Up and down a lot checking the radar which whoever was on watch and reefing/unreefing in case of high winds. At the moment we are crusing in at 7knots on a beam reach. Touching distance behind us is Chiron another ARC boat and looks like we will arrive together. Looking forward to a walk, some nice food and a long long sleep. Another amazing achievement.. read more...

Epiphany - Day 5

The wind has returnedSails are powered Waves gradually pushingAn occasional surf 250 miles to goAnother two nightsBermuda awaitsDark and stormyHigh Sirius in the skyA warning of what’s to comeA front of coldRain and maybe thunderFor now all canvas is outWing on wingBut ready to reef we areFor ahead lies the unknown. image0. read more...

Epiphany - Day 4

Still no fish, but at least the weed has stopped so we can leave the lures out all day.Otherwise all calm. Wind died at lunch today so we started to motor again. It should start up again this afternoon as we hook on the then bottom of a low pressure. A cold front will pass over us too so likely will be some rain and maybe even thunder. All very much expected when heading back to Europe but will be a bit rougher than the last few days.. read more...

Sequel - Day 5 - Sequel

We’re having a “sporty” sail over the last 24 hrs. And expecting same to Bermuda. My Apple Watch told me I’ve complete my 10000 steps! We’re all safe. Getting reasonable rest off watch on the low side bunks.Lots of prepared one pot stews, fruit, peanut butter, water and snacks help.Water maker is fabulous and the new sails are performing excellently. And the new autopilot - fantastic!!Other than the washing machine wave action it’s been a really great experience. We have 200 miles to go in the same conditions until Bermuda.🌊. read more...

Sequel - Day 4 Sequel

We’re making our way from Ft. Lauderdale to Bermuda, 365 miles to go.Currently 7.3kn in the proper direction. The wind is finally favorable. The new sails are performing beautifully. Crew is happy with the meals and the Starlink makes all the difference on the happy scale. We’re happy to be out of the Miami heat and into dry, cool weather on the Atlantic. image0. read more...

Epiphany - Day 3

Yesterday evening we finally got across the area of no wind and picked up a NNE wind from a small high pressure to our NW.  Since then we have been on full sails fully sheeted in trying to beat upwind until the wind veers to the E and eventually SE. Epiphany is a lovely boat but she is not so great heading into wind. She has no battens in her main so it has a big leech cut away which reduces her power quite a lot. On the plus side it means she reefs easily into the mast and if we get his by a squall she can normally manage without a reef. Anyway it means our progress was a little slow overnight and this morning. Topaz Rival (photo) came by us at sunrise managing 0.5-1knots more speed even though they are smaller than us. It may also be our weight. We are full of water and. read more...

Hear's2Us - Little River to Bermuda day 4

Yesterday was another eventful day in the life of S/V Hear's 2 Us!. Our traveler car failed on Day 2 so we Jerry rigged a tack point for the main sheet with lines which worked beautifully for 2 days then last night as we sat down for dinner, the line chaffed through and we again had all hands on deck to secure the swinging boom. Mission accomplished with no injuries other than pride. Since the wind was 9 knots and it was calming even further, we left it 'til morning and motor sailed with the jib until around 0100 Tue am then motored for the rest of the night. This am, crewman Bill Wheary and I made chafe guards from fire hose (graciously supplied by our son Erik Osman and Horry County Fire Rescue and re-rigged our new tack point. We are back in business (if we could only find some wind).. read more...

Epiphany - Day 2

Most of the last 24 hours has been motoring. It was expected and to be honest we sailed more that though we could so far. It was frankly a very dull night and morning. No boats in sight, calm seas, no wind and no fish. Just hot and sweaty. Main excitement was fitting another gas solenoid. I think that’s 5 so far this trip!This afternoon has been better. The wind picked up from the west and now sailing steadily. It’s due to shift NE soon and then remain stable for a few days.Crew are fully into watches now and we started our evening meals together. Yesterday I made paella and today dad has made a sweet potato and bean curry. Otherwise all good. Battery is full charged. We have full water still and way too much food so will not need much more in Bermuda. Without kids there is a lot more. read more...

Epiphany - Day 1

We have been able to sail a bit more than I expected. Last night we have a good steady broad reach of 10-15knots and then first thing this morning we got the parasail out again. Unfortunately the wind has now dropped again so back to motoring. We are at the back of the fleet but I think most people motored past us last night rather than sail slowly. There is a fairly hefty penalty for motoring so our final position is likely to be a bit better than last Otherwise all well on the boat and everyone is settling in to the routine. Fishing gear is out but no luck so far. We had one bite but the line brokeDinner will be paella tonight and hopefully the wind will pickup again but more likely is we motor now till Tuesday morning when a cold front passes over us and the NE trades will. read more...

Hear's2Us - Day 2 Littler River to Bermuda

The 11th started off strong with good winds from the north and nice progress until shortly after noon when the winds petered it. Ended up motor sailing (a lot more motoring than sailing. In the middle of the night e managed to break our traveler car (Lewmar) when a rogue wave unloaded and loaded it. I secured it at 2245 and Jerry rigged a solution at 0630 on the 12th. Late in the am, the winds built to 22-25 from the west and we flew our spinnaker for the first time this season. We saw up to 15 with a small squall with gusts to 29. Chafed through our tack and secured her for the day. Hopefully no more excitement. Have been tagging along w Queso Grande II which has been nice. Tried out our SSB and tracking w Iridiun  at Ocens.com. Starlink is working well and Chris Parker has been very. read more...

Sequel - Day Two_Sequel

We departed Ft. Lauderdale on Friday with the Blue Angles overhead. Our practice runs prior to leaving were very helpful to learn to work as a team.  The weather predictions have been a bit off and we found ourselves motor sailing on day two and maintaining our course now with a favorable VMG.  Looking forward to meeting the WCC Arc Europe 2024 group. Stephen and Barbara Lees. read more...

Epiphany - Day -1. On the eve

On the eve of a passageSkippers calmly preparingSun gradually settingTemperature slowly fallingWind gently rippling through the flagsA sense of anticipation in the airTomorrow a new adventure beginsWe head to the peace of offshoreAt the mercy of natureOnly our skills and training to get us throughAnd yet we still goInto the unknownBecause that is livingMattSV Epiphany HR43-55. read more...

Epiphany - Day -1. We are ready

Crew is here, all boat jobs down, food purchased. We are ready to go tomorrow morning. It’s about a 900 mile passage from Sint Maarten to Bermuda. Normally 6-7 days but we have light winds forecast. 5-10 knots for the first 3-4 days. Hopefully the Parasailor will get us moving if not we will motor sail a little bit. I got an extra 160l of diesel in Jerry cans here in Sint Maarten so I’m today we have 555l. If we go conservatively and motor at 5.5-6knots then we only use 3l an hour and hence have over 7 days of fuel. Enough to get to Bermuda from the start.Towards the end of a passage a low pressure is forecast to come over Bermuda. It should ease but of course we will keep an eye on it.Our plan for watches is a 3 hour rotating schedule. First afternoon we will have no watches but then. read more...

Queso Grande II - T -1

Queso Grande II and crew are ready to go! Final provisioning is today. We plan to depart tomorrow afternoon from Little River SC en route to Bermuda.. read more...

Gian - Day -2: Farewell Party Day

Provisioning is done - everything is stored. Today the life raft presentation will take place in the pool of Simpson Bay Marina. The tracker of the fleet is already online. Next time do yachts will be so close together will be at the Bermudas.Petra & Wolfgangimage0. read more...

Hear's2Us - Departure update

We are still hoping for departure on Sat am, 11 May from Little River, SC. Will keep our eyes out for Carpe Diem out of Charleston. See you all in Bermuda!. read more...

Gian - Day -4: Provisioning day

Today was our 'provision day'. We have already bought many things for the trip to Portugal, as supplies here in Sint Maarten are pretty good. So we only have to buy a few fresh groceries in Bermuda and the Azores.Petra & Wolfgangimage1. read more...

Gian - Day -5: Welcome Party ARC Europe 2024

We had a great opening of the ARC Europe in Sint Maarten Yacht Club. The famous location direct at the bay bridge was an excellent location to meet the crews. The ‚Yellow Shirts‘ have been white today, but everybody knows these helping hands by face !Petra & Wolfgangimage0. read more...

Attitude - Getting ready… at st Marteen

SY attitude at Simpson Bay ready to get in the IGY Marina image0. read more...

Hear's2Us - Blog

Hear's 2 Us is in the final stages of prep for the USA to Bermuda leg to join the ARC Europe 2024.Planned departure date is 11 May 24.Will update with any changes.Good luck to the other participants.Rich. read more...

Gian - day -11: Preparations for the ARC Europe are underway….

With just 11 days until the start in Sint Maarten, aboard the yacht Gian still In St. Barthelemy, we're gearing up amidst windy, rainy weather. Hoping for better conditions at the start, we've met some participants and look forward to meeting more. Provisions are partly done, and we're excited to reunite with the 'Yellow Shirts.' Stay tuned for more updates !. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 27 Azores to Portugal

Jour 27 : première pêcheOuf, il était temps… les pêcheurs ont attrapé leur premier poisson ce matin. Il sera servi à table demain midi.Nous avons quitté la navigation au moteur dans la matinée pour passer sous code 0 puis sous génois dans l’après midi. Nous devrions garder cette allure jusqu’à notre arrivée à Lagos, prévue pour demain soir.A bord on continue de vider les frigos: gambas, rôti de porc, vin blanc… c’est Noël en Juin !Pour la nuit à venir, il va falloir être vigilant lors des quarts. Beaucoup de cargos sortent ou entrent dans le détroit de Gibraltar et la carte AIS ressemble à une bataille navale. Il nous reste environ 140 miles à parcourir.. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 26 Azores to Portugal

Jour 26 : soleil et moteurAu petit matin, nous avons rentré le code 0 et mis le moteur. Le soleil a refait son apparition, nous l’avions quitté aux acores. La météo prévoit une molle de vent jusqu’à demain soir. Nous devrions retoucher du vent à l’approche des côtes portugaises.Aujourd’hui nous avons vu nos premiers thons jaunes qui sont venus s’amuser à l’avant du bateau et narguer nos lignes à l’arrière. Deux heures à nous suivre mais pas de succès au bout des hameçons…Une partie de la matinée a été consacrée à trouver un moyen d’échanger des fichiers entre deux MACs, pas facile de travailler sans le cloud.A défaut de thon, nous mangerons ce soir des gambas congelées !. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 25 Azores to Portugal

Jour 25 : grisailleNous sommes toujours sous code 0 et nous avançons bien avec un vent de 15/18 noeuds et une vitesse de 7/8 noeuds avec des pointes a 10. Ce matin nous avons eu un peu de pluie et le temps est reste nuageux toute la journée. Il fait plutôt froid dehors ce qui fait que l’équipage reste au chaud a l’intérieur du carre. Nous avons parcouru 500 miles depuis les Acores.Des nouvelles activités ont vu le jour, en particulier le travail des épissures donnant lieu a de beaux bracelets en dynamar ! Nous ne sommes pas encore a l’heure des bilans mais nous avons note que nous venons de finir notre vingt quatrième tablette de chocolat. Il faut ca pour maintenir le moral de l’équipage. Fort heureusement il nous reste encore 5 tablettes. Les provisions diminuent mais nous n’avons pas. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 24 Azores to Portugal

Jour 24 : Navigation sous code 0Navigation plus paisible aujourd’hui. Nous avons passé la matinée en vent arrière avec les voiles en ciseaux puis le vent fléchissant, nous avons sorti le code 0. Les vagues ont diminué d’amplitude et devraient continuer ainsi jusqu’à jeudi. Nous avons parcouru 330 miles sur les 800 necesssaires avant d’arriver à Lagos.L’équipe prépare l’étape à terre et nous avons sorti les guides pour programmer les différentes visites en fonction du temps qu’il nous restera avant notre départ.En attendant, nous continuons les épreuves de Scrabble, et malgré notre imagination pour inventer des nouveaux mots, notre maîtresse en la matière reste difficile à battre…Les accalmies ont du bon, les chefs sont au fourneau ! Gâteau à la pomme à 4 heures et curry rouge thaï ce soir.. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 23 Bermuda to Azores

Jour 23 : Vagues de traversDépart hier après midi sous le soleil et sous le vent de l’île qui nous a permis de reprendre la navigation en toute tranquillité. Passé l’île, le vent a forci un peu et les vagues de travers se sont progressivement imposées; pendant la nuit, nous avons avancé à 7/8 noeuds; durant les dernières 24 heures, nous avons fait plus de 150 miles en remontant vers le nord est pour bénéficier du vent et suivre le routage proposé par PredictWind.Pas de grosse activité à bord du fait de l’instabilité du bateau. Le capitaine a tout de même fait le pain du jour, et le repas du soir (lentilles saucisses) est en préparation…Nous attendons des vagues en diminution demain pour pouvoir reprendre des activités physiques.. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 22 Bermuda to Azores

Jour 22 : dernière étapePendant 10 jours, nous avons pu apprécier les acores. D’abord à Horta pour prendre une bière chez Peter (le RV de tous les marins de passage) et pour refaire un minimum de provisions pour notre dernière étape. Nous nous sommes aventurés sur les routes de l’île en scooter électrique pour faire le tour des Miradouro (point de vue). Les soirs ont été réservés à la gastronomie locale ou aux steaks frites pour les plus affamés d’entre nous… les plus téméraires ont pris le ferry pour aller faire le tour de l’île de Pico où se situent les vignobles inscrits au patrimoine mondiale de l’UNESCO.Les deux derniers jours nous avons rejoint Punta Delgada sur l’île de Sao Miguel. Des véhicules de location nous ont permis de rejoindre les Caldeiras pour nous baigner dans des eaux. read more...

Time Out - Time Out - Day 13 Bermuda to Azores

Jour 13 : ca approche !Nous avons retrouve le vent hier en fin d’après midi. Un vent établi a 10/15 noeuds avec des vagues de cote qui rendent l’allure assez inconfortable. La mer est hachée, nous avons été secoue toute la nuit. De temps en temps, nous rajoutons le moteur pour garder notre allure de façon a arriver de jour au mouillage. L’arrivée est toujours prévue demain matin vendredi.Encore beaucoup de provisions a bord…Le chef nous a concocte un colombo de poulet hier soir, Time Out mérite une reconnaissance dans les guides gastronomiques !Par contre nous commençons a manquer de produits frais, nous pourrons bientôt faire un réapprovisionnement.Nous commençons maintenant la planification de notre séjour a terre avec quelques marches prévues sur l’île d’Horta.. read more...

Avventura - Bermuda - Azores : Day 14

38:31.937N 28:37.495W alle 03:34 (03:35UTC) del 01 giugno 2023. It seemed to last only a moment.From the first sight of blurred islands on the horizon to our entrance in the port of Horta. From the strong winds and waves of the start to the sunny days in the high pressure. From start to finish, from Bermuda to the Azores.Just and instant, a dream. And yet in this moment everything was lived. The joy of being in the middle of the blue, of feeling the wind pushing us forward. The intensity of every moment, good or bad but precious nonetheless because shared between the six of us.These fourteen days of sea gave us more than we could ask for. Every hard day was generously rewarded, Every rainfall had its rainbow. Every bad wave brought a whale. So often, we were left speechless from the. read more...

Time Out - Day 12 Bermuda to Azores

Day 12 in our Atlantic crossingAfter 4 days of bad weather the Northerly systems out of the US finally broke and moved North across the Atlantic, this meant some piece finally with calm winds, blue sky’s and a sea which started to calm. A very nice change even if it did mean motoring for a while. In the bad weather we had a few minor breakages, reef lines which got chafed and other minor things like that, but on the whole the boat and crew did well. We covered a lot of ground with the boat often topping 11kts and surfing the big waves. Thanks to the fly bridge and the autopilot everybody stayed warm and dry during the whole period. This leg of the crossing is now drawing to a close, we are 240nm out from Horta in the Azores, and anticipate an arrival in the morning of the 2nd. We will. read more...

Time Out - Day 12 Bermuda to Azores

Jour 12 : moteur !Nous sommes toujours au moteur... De temps en temps, nous mettons les voiles mais le vent ne tient pas et nous repartons au moteur. Les derniers miles semblent longs. Nous sommes passe par le sud pour chercher le vent que la météo nous prédisait mais au fur et a mesure que nous avançons le vent est absent.Un dauphin est passe à bâbord ce matin mais il était seul et toujours pas de poissons en vue.Le capitaine a réparé le ris 1 qui s’use prématurément au niveau de la bôme. L’équipage continue son maintien en condition physique. Les dos souffrent, les séances d’étirement sont tres bénéfiques !Nous avons parcouru 1800 miles, il nous reste encore 200 miles environ. Nous devrions arriver vendredi dans la matinee.. read more...