s/v Proximity

The Voyages and Adventures of "Your Rock and Roll Argonauts".

31 December 2019 | Emeryville Roadtrip
16 July 2017 | Wrangell Harbor
15 July 2017 | Petersburg, Alaska
12 July 2017 | Baronof Warmm Springs
10 July 2017 | Tenakee Inlet
08 July 2017 | Hoohah
07 July 2017 | Elfin Cove Dock
29 June 2017 | Yakutat City Dock
29 June 2017 | Yakutat City Dock
29 June 2017 | Yakutat City Dock
26 June 2017 | Gulf of Alaska, East of Kayak Island, West of Icy Bay
25 June 2017 | Gulf of Alaska
24 June 2017 | Seward, Alaska
21 June 2017 | Seward, Alaska
20 June 2017 | Seward, Alaska
22 April 2017 | Seward, Alaska
22 April 2017 | Passage to Kodiak
22 April 2017 | Chignik,, Alaska
22 April 2017 | Sand Point, Alaska

Day 32

17 June 2016 | 313 Miles From Initial Approach Fix
Rod
Thursday, June 16

Well, you're not going to believe this. We are drifting again. Yes, at about 1800 this afternoon, pffftt, the wind quit. It was forecast to go light, but it went down to the "twirling windex" level, so here we sit, drifting, waiting until the next wind. The next wind is forecast to come up tomorrow morning, so we hope to get going then. This, of course, delays our arrival by a day. I can say dammit, but I have to consider that I am a sailor, and I sail by the laws of physics. I also have the absolute best of company with me who senses that I get a little down due to this lack of movement, and does her best to cheer me up. She cheers me up. How many guys can say that about their cruising partners? Don't answer! We do know so many where the Kleine Frauchen doesn't even stand watch or even trim sails. I would have to tie Elisabeth up to keep her from trimming sails. Hmmm, that gives me an idea..."Hello? Bondage Sailing Company here." "We're all tied up at the moment, but leave a message, and we will call you back as soon as we are free." Yeah, I kind of like the sound of that.... Of course, I jest.

We will get there. We just have to be patient. Hey, here is some huge news. For over a week now, we haven't seen a bit of sky. Only fog and overcast. Well, this afternoon, the sky opened up and presented some blue sky and sun. It still exists. Beautiful. Oh yeah, another thing. It is 1020 at night as I write this. I have no lights on because I do not need them. The sun has not set yet, and it still shines in the west.

It looks as if we are going to get some pretty strong wind on Saturday, so while we drift, we also brace ourselves for impact. We had a wild ride last night. It blew into the high 20s with gust to 32. The seas got really agressive. Not so big, but somehow, very agressive and they were banging into the boat, and actually turning her up to 20 degrees off course before the auto pilot could bring her back, over and over all night. Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. You could feel the boat, sliding sideway across the wave as this happened and see the speed shoot up to speeds we would not sail, then back to normal. We didn't like it. It was pretty uncomfortable. But boy we made some good speed and covered some ground, so it's all trade offs.

Ah, here is a peice of gear worth raving about. It's called a Walder Boom Brake, and it is really indespensible to us. It eliminates the need for a preventer for the boom. It is not like the brake you see on the American boats made by, I don't know. It is much more positive and works like a wench mounted on the underside of the boom with cam-cleated control lines coming to each side of the cockpit. Cinch it up lightly, and it will control a gybe, pull it tightly, and it will not move. Reliablem strong and made in France. Merci France!

Elisabeth is sleeping , and i must go wake her up for her watch. I hate to, but it is the rules of the game. We must stay rested otherwise we become fatigued, and fatigued sailors make mistakes. Not good.

Oh yes, Garry Monaghan, thanks for the kind words. Good to have you with us, and we are glad you are enjoying this little rant that we do each evening. Be Excellent to Each Other! Rod and Elisabeth,

"Your Rock and Roll Argonauts" "Les Pirates d'Honneur"
Comments
Vessel Name: Proximity
Vessel Make/Model: Swan 41
Hailing Port: San Francisco
Crew: Rod Lambert, Elisabeth Lehmberg
About:
Who Are Rod and Elisabeth? We are Rod Lambert and Elisabeth Lehmberg. Elisabeth is from Bremerhaven, Germany, and Rod is from Monterey, California. In our youth we each had dreams of living on the water and sailing long distance. [...]
Extra: 2017 Update. From 2009 to Summer 2016, we sailed the South Pacific Ocean, visiting many many wonderful places and meeting incredible all along the way. Finally, it was time to do something a little different, so we headed North. North to Alaska. The dream continues. Welcome!
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