Gypsea Winds

Vessel Name: Gypseas Winds
Vessel Make/Model: Beneteau
Hailing Port: Newport RI
Home Page: Http://www.sailblogs.com/member/Gypseawinds/
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23 May 2016
16 May 2016
10 April 2016
06 April 2016
26 March 2016
13 March 2016
08 March 2016
09 February 2016
25 January 2016
14 January 2016
23 December 2015
14 November 2015
09 November 2015 | Vero Beach
03 November 2015
30 October 2015
21 October 2015
08 October 2015
03 May 2015
14 April 2015
Recent Blog Posts
23 May 2016

Lots of Rain

We left Solomoms and headed north to St Michaels. St Michaels is another on of those charming towns in the Chesapeake that we always wanted to stop at but never found the time. We anchored close to the marina so we had a short dinghy ride into town. Our first day was real nice however our next 2 days [...]

16 May 2016

Our Journey Home

Our crossing went well if you like 7 foot seas that make the boat roll and roll. Lunch consisted of crackers and humus. After a 10 hour sail. Yes we could sail. We landed in Ft Pierce. Spent almost a week in Vero Beach. While we were in Marsh Harbor a girlfriend that I hadn't seen in 20 years approached [...]

10 April 2016

It's Time

06 April 2016

Great Sailing

Today we had a great sail from Great Sail Cay to West End. We sailed most of the morning at about 7 knots with a north wind. Wind died down in the afternoon which turned out great as we need a high tide coming through Indian Cay. Our 6 foot draft has made many of our sailing days a challenge in the [...]

26 March 2016

Lubers to Hope Town

The weather this past week was nearly perfect. Although there were a few days we would have liked a bit more wind for sailing. We started the week off with a sail to Lubbers Quarters. A small island just west of Elbow Cay. We had lunch at Cracker P’s and spent the rest of the afternoon walking [...]

Lots of Rain

23 May 2016
Karen
We left Solomoms and headed north to St Michaels. St Michaels is another on of those charming towns in the Chesapeake that we always wanted to stop at but never found the time. We anchored close to the marina so we had a short dinghy ride into town. Our first day was real nice however our next 2 days we had rain. It was a great time to check out the museum and learn about the history of the Chesapeake.
Weather finally changed and we had a pleasant trip to Rock Hall. We docked the boat at The Sailing Emporium. A beautiful Marina with a great pool. Had it not rained we may have enjoyed it. Our friends on Blue Sky, David and Cherir have a home here overlooking the harbor. We took sometime to wash down the boat before heading over to Dave and Cherie. We had planned to spend 2 nights with them however the weather once again took a turn for the worst and we stayed 4 nights. We had a wonderful time and made the best of the weather. Movies, cards and lots of eating and drinking. Their son, Paul and his wife Emily also came for the weekend. Dave and Cherie were the perfect hosts and we thank then for all their hospitality. We finally decided that we needed to leave rain or shine on Monday if we were to make it to Cape May for a Wednesday departure to Falmouth. Today we headed north up the Chesapeake and through the C and D canal. So far the weather is cooperating and we think we see a ray of sunshine. We're hoping things will warm up.
Finally we have removed the long sleeve shirts and pants. Stopped for fuel in the C&D. We have anchored for the night about 9 miles south of C&D in the Delaware River. I have waited all day to get a great picture but what you see here is about the best I can do. Not a great scenic day. I'm sure Maggie is happy to be heading home. We will revisit the weather and consider a Tuesday departure

Our Journey Home

16 May 2016
Our crossing went well if you like 7 foot seas that make the boat roll and roll. Lunch consisted of crackers and humus. After a 10 hour sail. Yes we could sail. We landed in Ft Pierce. Spent almost a week in Vero Beach. While we were in Marsh Harbor a girlfriend that I hadn't seen in 20 years approached me on the beach. They live in CT and also spending time in the Abacos. Small world. They also crossed the day after us (smart move) and also were in Vero. Had fun times catching up with them.
After Vero are next big stop was Seabrook Island where my sister lives, just south of Charleston. It was my sisters husbands , John birthday and we stayed the week with them and their other house guests, cousin Sonya and brother Michael. We had great weather, did a few touristy things and I got to play tennis several times. A wonderful time was had by all.
On Sunday we left at first light to take advantage of the slack tide in Bohicket Marina. The problem with Bohicket is you must leave and arrive with the slack tide which makes it almost impossible for day sail. We decided to go off shore and head to the Beaufort NC inlet. We had great weather heading up the ICW. We traveled 308 miles. Then came the boring next couple of days that we left at first light and just kept motoring all day until we would anchor again. Repeat. We arrived in Solomons Island in the Chesapeake late on Thursday. Everyone at the Yacht Club were so friendly and accommodating. We stayed a few days, longer than planned due to winds. We had a surprise visit from our friends on Sloop Jon Dee. Denise and John. They drove down from Anapolis and we spent the afternoon with them on Friday. We enjoyed the restaurants downtown and also The Calvert Museum. There really is so much history in the Chesapeake. The Yacht Club was having its annual Opening Day / Blessing of the Fleet festivities this weekend and they invited us to join them. Gypsea Winds was officially blessed,followed by free drinks and a barbecue.
Waking up on Monday to 45 degree temps prompted us to find our fleeces and socks. Back in the Chesapeake, heading north on a cold, sunny morning . With the wind on our nose. Of course.

It's Time

10 April 2016

So we arrived here on the 5 th and have been waiting for good weather for crossing. We were not actually disappointed that we couldn't cross on the 7th. I don't think either of us were ready to say good bye to the Bahamas. We have enjoyed our time in West End and also enjoyed the company of the other cruisers that are also waiting to cross. As of now there are at least 5 boats leaving tomorrow. Some going to West Palm and others joining us and heading to Ft Pierce. It is about 85 miles and we hope to be there before the sun sets. Shouldn't be a problem. We will have near 20 knots of wind in the morning then it will lighten to 5 to 10 Iin the afternoon. Looks like a motor sail. Rich has brought out our code zero sail that works well in light winds.
Good bye Old Bahama Bay. Will we see you next year?

Great Sailing

06 April 2016
Today we had a great sail from Great Sail Cay to West End. We sailed most of the morning at about 7 knots with a north wind. Wind died down in the afternoon which turned out great as we need a high tide coming through Indian Cay. Our 6 foot draft has made many of our sailing days a challenge in the Bahamas. Very shallow waters here.
West End also known as Old Bahama Bay is a great waypoint for cruisers crossing the Gulf Stream between Florida and the Bahamas. We have started or journey back. We had 20 days of company while we were in the Abacos. We also had great weather and some fine sailing as we visited many of the Cays in the Abacos. We left Abaco Beach Resort with mixed emotions. We had a wonderful month there and met up with old friends and made some new. Some will cross our path again but I am sure many will not. We are excited to spend a few days in Old Bahama Bay. Last year was a quick overnight stay and we did not get to explore the island. We are not sure how long we'll stay. Our weather guru, Chris Parker says there may be an opportunity to cross on Thursday the 7th and not again until the 11th. We are not in any hurry and will enjoy the beautiful Sandy beaches and crystal blue waters.

Lubers to Hope Town

26 March 2016
The weather this past week was nearly perfect. Although there were a few days we would have liked a bit more wind for sailing. We started the week off with a sail to Lubbers Quarters. A small island just west of Elbow Cay. We had lunch at Cracker P’s and spent the rest of the afternoon walking and lounging on the beach. The next day was a quick trip north to Hope Town. Hope Town is a very picturesque settlement in the Bahamas with a candy striped light house built in 1863. The views from the top are simply amazing. The town has charming old houses and a beautiful powdery pink sand. Maggie had a great time on the beach swimming and rolling in the sand. The Hope Town Harbor Lodge located on the beach has a pool bar and and dining. You need not to be a guest to use the pool.
We enjoyed a lovely dinner at a new resort called Firefly. After a couple of nights in Hope Town we headed back to our dock in Boat Harbor in time for the shortest St Patrick’s parade in the world. Started at 5PM and ended at 5:05PM. Great to find Corn Beef and cabbage at Snappa’s Restaurant and entertainment. Friday we left Boat Harbor one more time for the festivities on Great Guana Cay. Nipper’s Restaurant and Bar hosts once a year, The Barefoot Man. His entertaining voice and back up group are similar to Jimmy Buffet. Nippers sits on a cliff with access to the breath taking ocean. Also has a pool that we enjoyed a fun game of beach ball volley. Back to Marsh Harbor we enjoyed our last night with Marion and Terry at The Jib Room. This restaurant is open daily for lunch but only on Wednesday’s (rib night) and Saturdays ( steak night) . The entertainment is a group of young agile men and women doing limbo. We said good by to our friends on Sunday. Had a couple of days to to laundry and reprovision. Daughter Sue arrived with Paul on Tuesday and we find our selves once again at Cracker P’s. A repeat of last weeks agenda may just happen again. It was fun. we are hoping the weather Gods are wrong with the prediction of scattered thunderstorms are wrong

Abaco Beach Resort

13 March 2016
Karen

Thursday began with a bike ride to The Regattas. A short ride to a community that has tennis courts that have been sectioned off to become Pickle Ball Courts. I discovered pickle ball last year while we docked at the Boat Yard/Abaco Beach Resort. Pickle ball is a combination of tennis, ping bong, and badmittion. All though I’m not sure how badminton fits in. I kind of like to think of it as old peoples tennis. It’s a great game that is much less stressful to the knees ect. I enjoy it as an alternative to tennis while I am here.
After that we spent hours cleaning and prepping for our company arriving on Friday.
Late afternoon we happy to attend another event on the beach hosted by RMHYC. The annual Margarita Madness. It obviously included Margaritas, beer, and a wonderful buffet of burgers, dogs, salads and cookies. A great spread. We also had fun with the added activities. The water balloon toss, the egg relay, that I loved watching Rich run with an egg on a spoon in his mouth and the sand ski race. Also another bon fire on the beach. What topped of the night was when I heard someone call my name and it turned out to be a dear old friend from CT that I had not seen in many years. Debbie and Glen. Here they were on the same beach as us in Marsh Harbor. Such a small world. Sorry I did not get any pictures of them tonight but hope to connect with them in the next week. Also hoping to wite more often with shorter posts.
Our friends Marion and Terry arrived on Friday and we are happy that the weather looks promiseing while they are here. A day or R&R at at the pool before heading out to Lubers Landing.
Gypseas Winds's Photos - Berry Island

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