22/Oct/2010, South of George Bank - Atlantic Ocean
As Spruce approached the M/V Snoekgracht the wind built and the ebb current increased making for a rather bouncy sea in which to be loaded aboard. The first vessel was hoisted into the air and placed on deck by one of the massive cranes mounted on the port side of the 31,500 Tonne displacement vessel; then we were beckoned alongside for our turn. A couple of worrying moments as large waves coursed along the side of the ship and Spruce pitched back and forth, then we were hauled out of the sea; a brief pause to allow us to step aboard, a welcome from the captain, and Spruce joined the first yacht on the cargo hatch just forward of the superstructure. Braces were rigged and brackets welded to the deck to prevent movement, large webbing straps were attached to deck cleats, winches and other strong points to lash our little green boat firmly in place for her passage across the Atlantic.
A further three yachts and motor boats were lifted aboard during the afternoon; by the time completed with all gear cleared from the deck and stowed it was dark. Our estimated time of departure was 21:00 local time: as we awaited the arrival of the pilot the main engine was started and the ship vibrated into life. A fast moving contact apeared on the radar and the approach of the pilot vessel was deduced; she came alongside, followed a few moments later by a gentleman in a cap appearing on the bridge. A short discussion between the captain and pilot on handling characteristics of the ship, while the anchor was being weighed, and we were ready for departure from Naraganset Bay. A smart about turn using the bow thruster and main propulsion and off we headed with 10 miles or so to traverse to the sea. "Full speed ahead." requested the pilot and we were soon making sixteen knots towards the Newport bridge. At 168 metres length, 25 beam and an air draft of about 37 metres we both involuntarily ducked as Snoekgracht passed beneath the suspension bridge. The channel which had seemed enormous during our upstream trip aboard Spruce suddenly appeared somewhat narrow.
After briefly slowing to 8-knots, for the pilot vessel to surge alongside and re-embark the pilot, our speed again increased and the bow was pointed towards the traffic separation zone heading south. Once clear of the entrance and with Block Island receding on the starboard quarter it was time to leave the professionals on watch and turn in; enough excitement for one day. The expectation of covering some 60 miles each four-hour watch period was quite novel for those of us used only to making five to six knots.
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21/Oct/2010, Newport - RI
The radio crackled and we heard Snoekgracht calling the Newport Pilot boat. 14 miles away and coming onwards at 16 knots to our rendezvous. An hour later and she steamed past Newport and on up the river to her anchor zone where we'll be loaded in about three hours.
Sprucettes are feeling quite chipper this morning and looking forward to getting on with the next stage of our Atlantic cruise. Our last sunset in Newport was another fantastic affair with great colours and shapes in the sky.
We probably won't be able to do any updates for 8-10 days but will try to have a short film of the trip to upload when back to the UK. Bye for now.
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...and the sunset last night. Impressive or what?
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... and the M/V Snoekgracht goes past with a couple of yachts already on deck, possibly loaded in Florida a couple of days ago.
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19/Oct/2010, Newport - RI
...not quite but times and dates have firmed up with a sudden jolt. Our transport back to Blighty is on her way north from Florida and due to arrive in Newport early on Thursday 21st October. Our loading time is 11:00 local time when we'll be hoisted aboard the M/V Snoekgracht and strapped down ready for the crossing to the UK.
Tomorrow (Weds) we can do the final jobs of stowing gear away ready to go to the loading point 6 miles upstream. Thursday morning we'll haul in our anchor and wave goodbye to Newport. Hopefully by Thursday evening we'll be under way for the 8-10 day crossing to Southampton.
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18/Oct/2010, Newport - RI
A theme party, rum punch, cutlasses and two wild crews came together to help Fran celebrate her 29th Birthday. The Sprucettes scooted around the Saliander showing their colours before boarding for an evening of games and spoils. Fran and son, Zac, were visiting from New Zealand so an excuse good reason for a party as the wind blew and howled outside.
The photo shows from left to right: Pete, Sue, Zac, Andy, Fran and Raewyn.
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