It's a Long Shot II

We were on our way to Cordova Bay where we had plans to anchor. The tide was really running so we were making great time, sailing in a beautiful breeze with gorgeous views. Although it would mean stopping and lowering all the sails, we figured we'd stop in at Oak Bay Marina, where we had departed from 15 months previously. Sure did feel weird but good just the same. We managed to get a slip for a month so we won't have to worry about Long Shot II and we can actively sell her. That's when reality set in that our journey at sea was over. What a horrible feeling and I didn't want to go home. Of course this is how it has to be but I was hoping to hold off as long as possible. The packing/unpacking has begun! The boat is a mess and the house, although absolutely spotless thanks to our great friends Darren and Victoria, is an absolute disaster area.

So here is a quick summary of our trip: Total Distance Traveled: 16,000nm Countries Visited: 7 Number of Islands: 40 Days Spent on Passage: 126 Hours on the Engine: 631 Longest Run in a day: 171nm Shortest Run in a day: 3nm (Hove To) Strongest Winds at Sea: 46kts (NZ to Rarotonga) Strongest Winds in Port: 75kts (Nuko'alofa, Tonga) Number of Nights Spent Off the Boat: 8 Fish Caught: Mahi Mahi 30+; Wahoo (Ono) 4; Marlin 1; Skip Jack Tuna 2; Yellow Fin Tuna 8; Big Eye Tuna 6; Short Nose Spearfish (Chucker) 3; Shark 1; Giant Trevally 1; and lots more other types like Trevally, Barracuda, Yellow Tail, Kewie, etc.

Breakdowns: Slipped Steering Cable, Chafed Furling Line (3x), shredded head sail but repairable, mizzen sail worn out and replaced, water in fuel and had to bleed engine, burnt out alternators (3), blockage in sewage pump (plum pit); wind generator blades were clipped but still useable, and killed 2 Cameras, 2 Cellphones and 1 Ipod due to the salt water environment and high humidity. That's all pretty decent as good friends have not faired as well but you have to give full credit to Doug's amazing mechanical and electrical capabilities preparing Long Shot II for whatever might happen. We will blog again with a list of everything we did right and thought to bring, and everything that is on our wishlist for the next time.