03/09/2010
While feeling relieved that an important part of the mission had been successfully completed, the crew also realized that over 1000 nm lay between Jacmel, Haiti and home. We were giving each other high fives, while we also raised sail, and set a course for Jamaica. We had planned to make a stop in Jamaica as a contingency, in case we had a medical or mechanical emergency. It turns out, we were low on fuel, and needed to stop in Jamaica to refuel.
The first night out, one of the strangest and most frightening encounters I have experienced at sea occurred. At 0200 while the schooner Liberty was about 10 miles from shore, passing the small peninsular west of ile le Vache, the watch on deck saw ships lights in the far distance on our starboard side. Unable to determine the course and speed of the ship with confidence, the crew roused Captain Jared. At this time the vessel appeared to be more than 5 nm away. From the configuration of its navigation lights, it was difficult to determine its course or speed. One minute it appeared we would pass ahead of it by a long way, and then the next, a collision seemed likely. The next moment, that ship was very close, within 1 nautical mile, and on an apparent collision course. We hailed them on the VHF, while we accelerated to full ahead, and made a hard turn to port. We continued turning and turning and calling them on the radio, until we had done a complete 360, and were still on a collision course. It had become apparent that these were hostile actions. At this point, the ship, had cut inside our turn, and was standing off, 300' away, bow facing us. We slowed down to a stop, and continued to hail them on the radio, identifying ourselves as a US flagged vessel, and that we now considered their actions dangerous. While floating there, the ship accelerated straight towards us, and passed our stern by 40' at about 10-15 kts. We had a good look at her. She was a military vessel of some kind, similar to a US Coast Guard cutter, but with no identifying marks we could make out, of about 200' in length. Then they came on the radio, an nonchalantly announced they were a "freighter" bound for the Dominican Republic, they thanked us for diverting from our course, so they could "hold" theirs, wished us well on our continued voyage, and "have a good night"! It was the kind of conversation we have with ships that are more than 4 miles away, and there is no ways they held their course. They then proceeded to sail back the way they came, to hide behind the peninsular.
Of course, after everybody calmed down, there was much speculation about the incident. We believe it was some kind of covert military operation, perhaps checking for drug smuggling, and it was our adherence to radio procedure, sound collision avoidance maneuvers, and that we had identified ourselves and started giving position reports out, that convinced them that we were indeed who we said we were. Another point was that, anybody can raise an US ensign, but the hailing port is only visible on our stern. Perhaps the final rush towards us, passing astern of us, convinced them we were legit.
For the next 2 days we were becalmed. Running low on fuel, we had no choice but to be set back towards Haiti by over 30nm by the current. It was a frustrating time, and in hindsight, the log entries are hilarious. "Thoughts of murder", "impale me on the bow sprit", "lets swim with the sharks" are a few of the entries.
Early morning on the fourth day out of Jacmel, we sailed into the idilic harbor of Port Antonio, Jamaica, only to find out the diesel supply had run out the day before we arrived. Much fun was had, but what happens in jamaica, stays in Jamaica. We waited for the diesel to arrive from Kingston. The crew was well rested by the time we sailed for home.
The return trip was uneventful, until we rounded the western tip of Cuba. The wind built to gale force, from the north, and with wind against current, we had some large, steep seas. Also, Cuba was a lee shore, and just then we broke the arms of our worm steering gear. We had to rig up the emergency steering, which meant sailing a 50 ton boat by tiller. We lashed a block to the strong backs, and by using the mechanical advantage of a block and tackle, we were able to quite easily steer the boat. She was well balanced, and would stay on course for long streches, without needing to be tended.
We sailed into Key West on day 6, tired and ready for a juicy burger. We got a hero's welcome, not only because many people knew what we had done, but also, because Liberty had a celebrity there for 15 years doing charter work.
We are right now planning a second voyage, here is our press release:
The schooner Liberty, having recently returned from a successful relief voyage, is now looking for support to once again transport relief supplies to Haiti. In partnership with the Haitian Health Foundation (www.haitianhealthfoundation.org), the schooner Liberty, is planning to deliver 10,000 lbs of essential food and medical supplies to their hospital in the coastal town of Jérémie. Founded in 1985, HHF provides health and human services to more than 200 000 people from the surrounding villages. The unique capabilities of the schooner allow it to deliver supplies directly to HHF, avoiding the delays and red tape associated with getting supplies through Port-au-Prince. Call Sharon (973-309-1881) if you want to help us get to Haiti.
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03/09/2010
In case anybody missed the Peter Greenberg Worldwide radio interview with Greg Bennick, while we were at the dock in Jacmel Haiti via satellite phone. Listen here......
photo credit of Greg by Thomas Hudson Photo.
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03/03/2010
I have created a new poster, that can be put up at your local store, at your front desk, in your office cubicle or emailed to your friends. It provides all the basic information that can help you get the word out about our next voyage. If you would like a high resolution copy, please send me an email. Staples or Kinko's can make color copies very inexpensively for you. Help spread the word. (liberty.schooner@gmail.com)
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03/01/2010
I have just completed a editing a video I made of our trip. Enjoy.
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03/01/2010, Miami Beach, FL
We have hardly had time to settle back into a routine here in Miami Beach, and we are already planning our next relief voyage to Haiti. We are driven by a passion to bring aid and comfort to the people of Haiti, now more than perhaps before our last trip, after seeing with our own eyes the scale of the devastation.
The rainy season has started and millions of people are living in the streets without food or medical care. Frequent aftershocks that make existing structures unsafe, contribute further to the anxiety of a population that has already suffered so much. The catastrophe that is Haiti, has merely begun.
Many people have asked if we think our small contribution to the people of Haiti has made any difference. I have dwelt on this question, and unequivocally the answer is YES. The people we have touched certainly think so. They have shown their appreciation in so many ways, and a clinic we brought supplies for, closed the day before we got there, after they ran out of life-giving medicines. Our small load, enabled them to re-open and continue to serve the community. Subsequent supplies have kept it open and the lives of people have been positively impacted. We can't help everybody, but we have helped a few. Thats why we are going back.
Our next voyage is planned to depart in about 3 weeks from Miami Beach Marina. Your continued support is always very much appreciated, and if we can be of any assistance to you or your organization in bringing aid and comfort to Haiti, please call Sharon at 973-309-1881 or by email, liberty.schooner@gmail.com
Photo courtesy of Thomas Hudson, a crew member aboard the schooner Liberty on our first relief voyage. (http://www.tomhudsonphoto.com)
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After our Relief Voyage to Haiti, we found it necessary to re-rig the schooner Liberty before we undertake another relief voyage. Rod at R&W Rope kindly gave us a huge discount on the 600' of 1/2" and 600' of 3/4" line we purchased. R&W deserve your support. In times of economic hardship it is wonderful dealing with a company that has a big heart for Haiti.
R&W Rope has been in business since 1985, and started supplying the historic ship market with the formation of the Traditional Rigging division in 2003. R&W Traditional Rigging & Outfitting has been serving the historic ship, wooden boat, and classic yacht market since 2003. We have grown the selection of gear we are able to offer to the most comprehensive line in North America. Besides rope of all types, including real hemp, and synthetic hemps, we supply wooden blocks, deadeyes, bronze winches, bronze and brass hardware of all descriptions from Davey of England and Toplicht of Germany, as well as a variety of sundries such as tar, oakum, Jeffrey's deck glue, bosun's tools, etc,
Give Rod a call at (800) 260-8599 or visit their website at http://www.rwrope.com
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