Wed Jun 24, The High Seas
Today's entry sponsored by Maritime Medical Access
Note: Our tracker does not appear to be working (sorry). Here is a question from our good friend Paul B: What course will you be steering to the Canary Islands? Thanks for the question Paul! We can't always stay on course because the wind and waves may not allow us to, but the end result will be between 135 and 140 degrees. We are currently150 miles SW of the Azores.
I just got word from Stan on our mileage for the past 24 hrs; 120 miles. Not bad, Vision Quest averaged 5 to 6 knots with the winds averaging 10 to 15 knots. The second leg of our trans-Atlantic has begun! We have full tanks of fuel, water and an ice box full of food. We are well rested showered and excited to be underway again. From the Azore's to the Canary Islands we must sail about 900 nautical miles. After sailing over 2000 n.m. to get to the Azores this seems like a small passage. A short 900 mile sail in warm tropical air and light winds at our back. It's like a walk in the park. I remind myself that " pride cometh before the fall".
Last night we had a crew meeting. The skipper gave me some perspective and made it clear that we are not there yet. There still remains a lot of ocean to sail over. Now is the time to not be complacent and we must work even harder at ensuring we arrive safely in the Canaries. Safety is job # 1. Our crew meeting got us back into sail mode and off holiday relaxation mode. When things go wrong out here they go wrong quickly and often snowball into an even greater problem. This is why it is important to stay focused on safety, be vigilant, and remain prepared for the worst. Together as crew we lookout for each other and ensure safety.
We always wear our harness/life jacket at night and always clip in. For me the most frightening thought is falling overboard at night when the rest of the crew is asleep. What a nightmare, one I don't even like to think about. Chances are if you fall over in rough weather or at night you will not be found. This ocean is so big and can get so rough that it would be extremely difficult if not impossible to find a crew member who fell overboard. This is why we always are clipped in and wearing our harness in rough weather and at night.
Our weather router informs us that heavy weather a gale is coming our way and is expected on Thursday. To the ordinary sailor out for a day or weekend sail this would be an issue and probably result in damage to the boat. V Q 's Crew however is prepared. Out here in he ocean we have no land or reefs to worry about and are really safer than we would be if we were closer to shore. We are in the groove of sailing and ready for heavy weather. As I always say those who stay ready, don't have to get ready.
When the wind starts to build we reef the sails. If it gets stronger we will reef even more. If need be we will alter course and sail on a more comfortable point of sail, putting less stress on the rig - turning the boat putting the wind at our back and running with the wind. We have a storm sail to fly, we have a sea anchor and a drogue to deploy if it gets really rough. Heavy weather is a concern but one we are prepared to deal with.
In preparation for a storm we will remain well rested and well fed. Tonight I will make some pasta and sauce with meat balls. Maybe some garlic bread to help improve the crew's breath!We are all working together to get this little ship across such a great ocean. I know our loved ones at home are praying for us. There is no need to worry we are in good hands. Vision Quest is a very seaworthy vessel with an experienced and salty crew.
Last night on watch between 2 and 5 I heard a rush of air and water. Looking over the starboard rail into the sea of black I could barely see anything but the silver waves cresting on the black water. I could also see the phosphorescence from the photo plankton. This is very cool to watch as the boat glides thru the water. They are little microscopic beads of light coming from plankton. The rush of air and water came from a dolphin swimming alongside the boat. I could not see him but saw the plankton light up as he rushed thru the water. It is so amazing! The dolphins swim so fast and are so agile. They followed along side the boat for 10 minutes or so and then went on there way.
Witnessing this beautiful and magnificent sight made me ponder and thank God for such a beautiful life and opportunity. I know God has a reason for all that we experience in life but it sometimes is so hard to understand. Out here it is easier to hear Him and I have more occasions to pray. There are fewer distractions. Life makes more sense. Our journey and path have more significance and direction. The problems, stress and issues of the daily grind seem less significant. I find clarity, focus, and listen closely for God never yells but whispers softly through the water.
Brain Tumor Fact: Brain Tumors are the leading cause of solid tumor cancer death in children under the age of 20, now surpassing acute lymphoblasic leukemia (ALL)
Tue Jun 23, Departing Azores
Today's entry sponsored by Sabre Yachts
After a week in Horta we have set sail for the Canary Islands. I know I will miss the morning breakfast of omelet and cheese with espresso and the wonderful people I have met. Goodbye to the lovely French couple who were forced to stay in Horta because they were demasted offshore...to Allen who was Captain for another French couple docked very close to us..... and to Phil who I just met today an American. Phil single handed a Pearson Trident 27' sailboat from Solomons Island Maryland to the Azores last year. It took him 40 days to complete the trip,not bad for someone who is 71 years old. Just goes to prove that you should never give up on your dreams no matter how old you are.
So the second leg of our trip begins. We have set up the watch schedule and very soon hopefully get back in the sailing groove. My night watch has alway been interesting what with either 35+ knot winds or ghosting along in 10 knots of wind or less. At 35 knots the wind sounds like a frieght train roaring past us and at 10 knots you can hear the water rushing under the hull. Often dolphins will check us out leaving a phosphorescence trail behind them and you can hear them pinging their sonar against the hull. Every 1/2 an hour I will scan the horizon using radar looking for ships or fishing boats making sure they don't get too close. Then I settle back and check out the stars and maybe drink some coffee. It is a very good time to just take it easy and take in the environment which surrounds us and all this at just 4 feet about the surface of the ocean. After 3 hours my night watch ends and Dana will take over. I will go below, take off my foul weather gear and climb into my bunk and sleep like a baby knowing that whoever has the watch they will keep us safe.
A special thanks to all the people that made this trip possible and a special thanks to Deb.
Boa noite (Good night)
Brain Tumor Fact: There are over 126 different types of primary brain tumors which complicates the development of effective treatments.
Mon Jun 22, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
Today's entry sponsored by Kittery Point Yacht Yard
Contrary to the images painted by the daily blog, living on a sailboat has its challenges. And, the tasks associated with preparing a boat to go to sea, are huge. Throw in fund raising for an excellent cause like PLGA and the amount of energy needed to move forward is too great for any one person or family. Our fund raising adventure continues because of the hard work of many PLGA and Vision Quest supporters. Thank you! I would also like to extend a hearty "thanks" to all who have donated so far.
At this point in the voyage it is time for you, the blog reader, to become "rich and famous." Until now you have been living vicariously through us by reading our daily diatribes. Our words create an image in your head. Yet, questions keep popping out. Up to this time they have gone unanswered. The solution is now before you, you can become rich with information and famous by submitting questions to the Blog Master. All you have to do is send your question to landerson10@maine.rr.com with a commitment to make a tax deductable pledge to our cause. Think of it as the "ask now, pay later" program similar to the programs created by our politicians in Washington D.C., yet costing billions of dollars less.
Lisa will organize your questions and pass them to me in a timely manner. Prior to the end of the week the Blog Master will receive your questions and start answering them. The first published "rich and famous" blog reader will be the person with the largest pledge. His/her pledge amount will not be publicized. However, his/her name and question will be published on the Vision Quest Blog, if desired. Don't be surprised if I cut to the bone and tell you what life on the sea is really like. After a few years living on the water with my wife Karen, I can assure you that many of the feel good images created by sailing magazines and books are pure myth. I look forward to publishing your questions and sharing my personal experiences.
Your questions can cover any topic! Aren't you afraid of sharks, pirates, storms, etc? You visited over 25 countries the last several years what do you do when nobody speaks English? Can you survive without fast food, X-Boxes, Fox News, or American grocery store items? What do you do all day? How much does it cost to live in an exotic location on a sailboat, or what type of vessel is best for live aboards? Is it true that all sailors are social outcasts and alcoholics? Do you meet many families with kids sailing the oceans? How do cruising children attend school? What do you do when you run out of fresh water, food, or toilet paper?
Net, net, you make a tax deductable pledge, submit your question, and then become rich and famous. I assure you that no question will be too personal and all questions will receive a reply. And, if your question is better answered by a sailing expert such as Stan the handy man, Bert the jack of all trades, Dana el captain, Karen the Admiral of YOLO, or Lisa A. the fund raiser extraordinaire, I will solicit their expertise.
So blow the dust out of your wallet evict the moths from your purse get rid of the moss in your piggy bank pledge a few dollars for a very worthy cause click on the "Reply" button and submit your question. It is time for you to be rich and famous!
PS: If you have already made a pledge to our cause, you don't have to make another one to submit a question.
Jason Trautz
Brain Tumor Fact: Only 2 new treatments for brain tumors have been approved in the past 25 years
Sun Jun 21, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
Today's entry sponsored by Timeless Art Portraits
Note: We have been informed that our tracker is back online check it out!
Well, no exciting sailing stories to tell since we are still in port waiting for a part to come in. So, I'll share a little about our day. Today we had a leisurely breakfast sandwich and a cafe con lecheat a café in town. We then walked twenty minutes to a beautiful and quiet beach made of black volcanic sand. Because it's black, its very hot to walk on with no shoes. There were less than a dozen other people on the beach. The water temperature is around 66 degrees; perfect for a daily swim and some rest in the hot sun.
After our visit to the beach, we went and got some great cappuccinos at one of the cafés and then came back to the boat where I whipped up a nice batch of Dixie Chile. After our night time strolls along the quay and down the streets, it will be time for our nightly movie and then bed!
I love the way I feel living in the salt and sun, it reminds me of my youth growing up in Cape Neddick. We would spend a good portion of every day in the sun and went swimming in the ocean at least once a day, which is exactly what I'm doing now. All of us are losing weight and feeling good. I feel very fortunate to be able to take the time for this adventure and would like to thank my lovely wife Lisa and all of those that have prayed for our safe passage. That's all for now Adeus!
Brain Tumor Fact: Today, 9 families across America will learn that their child has a brain or spinal cord tumor.
Sat Jun 20, Horta, Faial - Azore Island Group
Today's Blog Sponsored by Timeless Art Portraits
So here we are in Horta waiting for Fed Ex to deliver a part for the autopilot. We wait reflect and try to relax. With so much time on our hands it is difficult for me to adjust. The fast paced life in America is behind us and has been for almost 3 weeks. Island time combined with the European lifestyle is prevalent here and nothing moves quicker than at a relaxed pace.
In life we all anticipate certain events. As sailors we try to anticipate our next passage. We prepare the boat and mentally prepare ourselves for what we might face when we return to sea. In port a sailor is in limbo, waiting and working for the future. When the ship is ready and the weather is right we will return to sea where we are at home, at peace, and feel our best. Once at sea we will anticipate our next landfall.
So here in Horta we wait to sail on to Grand Canaria. Three weeks ago we were at home waiting to go to the Azores. In two weeks we will be at home reminiscing and missing the relaxed pace of life in the Azores. All we have is NOW! So for now we wait patiently even though we cant help but anticipate what life has in store for us in the future and miss our wives and families.
So now it is a beautiful day. The crew is relaxed and in the groove of island time. We tend to ships chores and prepare for the next leg of our journey. We are grateful to have such beautiful weather. Horta is a beautiful port with a luscious array of world class blue water sailing vessels. As sailors we couldn't ask for a better crowd.
Today Stan and I went out to breakfast. The rest of the crew slept in. Stan went out to buy some more fishing lures. He must figure the more hooks he has the better chance he will have of catching the big one. After rall 'more is better'. The Capitan had his general briefing at 1100 and we were all given our marching orders and chores for the day. One of the tasks was to inspect the rig. Stan and I hauled Dana up the rig. When he was at the top 7 stories high we secured the halyards and kept him there just a bit longer than he wanted to be despite his request to be lowered. Jason was instructed to tune the hydro-vane in between his Oprah and Vanity Fair articles.
Our afternoon entailed a walk through town. Dana and I did some window shopping for the Lisa's back home. I was surprised what an eye Dana has for womens fashions. We came upon one of the beaches here in Horta. It was covered with a course black volcanic sand which was very hot on the feet. The water was a mild 65 degrees perfectly warm if you can swim down Maine. We soon found ourselves in the ocean enjoying a wonderfully refreshing swim. The 'man from Vienna' we met inquired as to the water we said it was warm he thought we were crazy.
Siesta is always a good way to unwind from this stressful period of waiting we must endure. Tonight once again we will dine in the cockpit to some beef stew. We will retire after dinner to the salon and commence with the movie for the evening. Another day of life in the slow lane, island time. We wait wander and wonder what lies ahead. Hopefully we can just be, in the now and enjoy this little taste of paradise. Without our wives and families here we anticipate our return home to them and pass the time until we are on our way once again. Home is where the hull is.
Brain Tumor Fact: "Cancer is the white squall of life; overwhelming and dangerous.
