Rosenthal Cruise
Steve & Ruth Rosenthal and crew left the Constitution Marina aboard CLEAR DAY (Hylas 46) early November for the BVI's via Newport and Bermuda. These are some updates on their travels. Additional updates will be added as we get them.
This page was last updated on : 10/25/2008
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Steve and the crew
To send an email to Steve click here: WDC4080@sailmail.com
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#18 CLEAR DAY arrives in Jost Van Dyke in
under 6 days The seas were still
high, but half of what we saw at the worst as the sun came up on Wednesday
morning. We had made up our easting. In fact we could have made Anegada.
By breakfast we could see the mass of Tortola and soon the smaller island
of Jost Van Dyke. Dick was at the helm and set the sails wing on wing as
we turned west between Sandy Cay and Jost. It wasn't long before we
raised our yellow Q flag (the sign that you have not yet cleared
immigration and customs), set our anchor, and hit the 80 degree water for
a swim. A great reward for the long 1600 mile trip we had just
completed. After we showered on the back porch (transom) I went in to
town and processed our entry. The government folks were delightful,
friendly, and "island" laid back. |
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#17 The Clear Day Rock and Roll
It is Tuesday, mid day. There was
no report yesterday - conditions were just too rough. We intentionally
sailed 50 miles east of our direct path to the BVI knowing that easterly
trade winds would force us back to the west. Well they kicked in HARD.
Winds were 20 - 25 gusting to 30 knots. Not too terrible until you add
in 15 foot seas from the east north east hitting us on our beam. We
turned to the south west and took it all on our port quarter (left rear)
and reefed down to a staysail and 40 % main. We eventually added a
little engine to move just ahead of the bigger waves. This was at least
moderately comfortable, but ate up all our easting. During the night we
pinched up a few degrees, but not enough. We were aiming at San Juan,
Puerto Rico. At sunrise today the seas went down some and the winds
lightened to 18-22 with gusts to 28. We slowly came back to the south,
south east and managed to reach the bearing we need to point at Jost Van
Dyke. The waves are mostly on our port bow so that on occasion we get a
big roll and on other occasions we pound a bit, but in general we stay
in between. This gives us some rock and some roll and a lot of spray.
CLEAR DAY is holding up well. There are the expected unexpected issues,
but we are coping.
So, having said all that, we are still heavily reefed and gently motor assisted as we push towards the BVI at six plus knots. We expect to be anchored before customs closes on Wednesday. If we are early enough, it will be a swim, and a shower, and then to customs for clearance. Supper is scheduled at Foxy's. If you don't know about Foxy's ask anyone who has been to the BVI. Hopefully tomorrow's report will be from the anchorage at Jost Van Dyke. Steve and the crew. |
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#16 Haze clears, wind shifts, and CLEAR
DAY turns to the BVI
Good morning,
Yesterday was MAGNIFICENT!!!! We sailed almost all day, close hauled on a port tack, with steady gentle breeze. Temperature was in the high 70's, the boat slightly heeled, and all of us reading and napping. This is what we all look for. It is the reward for the first part of the trip. We were not even disturbed by a fish nipping at our line - most considerate. During the night a haze set in, the winds went light and variable, and the water was glass smooth. We took the sails in and put the engine on. At times it was so smooth I thought I was in the marina with a motor running near by. The moon lit the haze so brightly it looked like early dawn. At 3am the haze lifted and the wind slowly started to come up from the north east as predicted. I came right to 200 degrees which pointed us directly to Jost Van Dyke. Everyone was up early (we were so rested) and at 7am we rolled out both the main and the jib. The wind is still not good enough to turn off the engine, but it is coming. We are now doing about 7 knots towards the BVI and MAY (I always say "MAY") get us in by Wednesday night. This morning, before it gets bumpy, we will top off our fuel from the eleven spare 5 gallon cans we carry. This should give us sufficient fuel to motor in if we need to. Also, since we are at the half way point in our trip, and we have been conservative with our water usage, we will celebrate with showers. Another big event is that for the first time in ages we are on a port tack. This is a big event because everything that has found a secure place on a starboard tack will now be at risk to go flying, the precarious trips to the starboard food pantry will now be safe, and Steve P will now not need to worry about rolling out of his rack. Jack, on the other hand, will now need to be alert. Regards Steve and the crew.
PS We will continue to troll for fish - maybe the port tack will change
our luck :-) |
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Hello again--here is installment
15--sounds like all is going well. I spoke with Steve this morning
(Saturday) and they have the engine off and are sailing on a port tack
at about 6 knots. He said that the seas are flat and they even have
some ports open. Again, a reminder if you use
AA1IZ@Winlink.org please no attachments and a fresh email, no reply
button!!!!! They will love hearing from you. ---here is the satellite
website to see their location: http://www.findu.com/cgi-bin/winlink.cgi?call=AA1IZ ---
Enjoy--Ruth
Good morning all,
The past two nights our path has been illuminated by a huge, bright, yellow moon. We were able to see on deck, as well as all around us on the ocean. Not that there has been much to see. Since we have cleared Bermuda (250 miles back) we have only seen one cargo ship on the horizon and one sailboat heading to Puerto Rico. Also there has been no dolphin activity, bird activity, or fish activity. We had two lines out yesterday and all we caught was some sea weed. We will try again today, perhaps the fish market was closed yesterday. We just received our morning weather report. We use Chris Parker of the Caribbean Weather Center. He is a delightful person and a very accurate weatherman with years of sailing experience. It looks like we will have light westerly winds today, going light and variable overnight (more motoring), but then the easterly trade winds begin to take hold and will slowly build to 20 knots overnight. Monday morning we could see 25 knots gusting to 30 from 070 degrees and then they will start to moderate in the afternoon - 22 gusting to 26. On Tuesday he predicts 20 knots and on Wednesday 17 knots, all from 070 degrees. This should give us good sailing and we MAY reach Jost Van Dyke by Thursday. In the first 24 hours we did 150 nautical miles which is not bad, but we had 21 hours of motor assist. We will see how today is with less engine and more sail. For those of you who have been aboard CLEAR DAY, you know our dodger has a "chinning bar". This is a strong bar to grip on to when the boat is rocking. Well, if you don't duck as you come below you bump your head. We have given up counting the number of bumps, but let it suffice to say that the number is a big one. By the time we reach the BVI everyone will hopefully have mastered the art of ducking the dodger. And don't worry about our eating. Last night we had the last of Michele's spinach lasagna - molti beni (that's southern Italian, you all). Jack was comparing this to his troop transport days and is convinced that this is a better ride. I think we would all agree - these days make up for the nasty ones. Regards Steve and the crew |
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#14 To All We are on our way! At 6:30 on Thanksgiving morning we were rousted out of bed by Bernie, the dock master. We all needed to move to make room for a big cargo ship that was on its way in. Bernie gave us permission to go alongside the inner town dock - prime real estate. Within minutes we were under way and as we turned in towards our new slip we saw the big ship entering the harbor. We had moved just in time. RACOON 1, our Canadian friends, were right behind us. They came along side the customs dock to clear out for a mid day departure. We had long talks with Yves, going over weather reports from different sources, and decided we would wait for Friday. The winds were down, but not the seas. Not a good way to spend the first day out after a week in port. I decided to clear customs so we would be able to leave at first light on Friday. Now it was time for lunch at the White Horse Tavern. As we ate (Jack had the Thanksgiving special of ham, turkey, stuffing, etc)we kept looking at the calm water in the harbor. By the end of the meal there were four votes for "LET'S GO!" So a quick inspection of the boat to insure all was ready and we moved to the Bermuda Dinghy Club for topping off our water and a land based shower. By 1600 (that's four o'clock for the 24 hour clock impaired)we were on our way. As we cleared the cut (entrance) and moved out in to the ocean our decision was validated. The seas were about 10 feet, but the rollers were long and slow moving. By the time we turned south we were definitely rocking back and forth, but not outrageously. We put up both sails and fished for the little bit of wind that was coming from the north, north west. The wind was less than 10 knots so we decided to keep the engine on, burning some of our precious fuel, enabling us to make some distance away Bermuda and more inclement weather due in by Saturday. Three of us tested the famous sea sickness pill Sturgeron. It is only available in the UK, Bermuda, and other English territories. I have been very interested in seeing how it worked since it is rated very highly. Results: so far it has worked, not only as a preventer of sea sickness, but as the best over the counter sleeping pill I have ever taken. I will try another single pill today, but most likely will return to Bonine, my drug of choice. We are standing three hour watches with one person on watch. This means we get nine hours of off time between each watch. Much better than on the way down when in the worst cold we were standing two hour watches with two on watch. That only gave us two hours of rest. Last night we had our own Thanksgiving dinner. We made an instant stuffing, adding chestnuts for authenticity. That was combined with Ruth's pot roast for a very hardy dinner. We miss being with our families for the big feast, but maybe it can be repeated when we are all reunited. This morning we are still motor sailing. The winds have picked up a little. We are heading a little east of our rhumb line course to be prepared for brisk easterly winds when we get down to 26 degrees North (the beginning of the trade winds). We are showing COG of 187 degrees and a SOG of 7 knots. Our best estimate is to arrive Jost Van Dyke by Friday morning, plus or minus a day. As always, we will keep you informed. Don't forget to go to the website to see where we are on our trip. If you need the URL and instructions, check with Ruth. Steve and the crew |
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#13 To All Today's weather was more of the same. Wind, clouds, a moment of rain. This morning we went to the market to replenish (Steve P needed his Gummy Bears, Jack needed his Activa yoghurt, Dick needed oranges, and I needed Barrits Ginger Beer). We had enough bags that we earned a ride back in in Market van. Everything was duly inventoried as it was put away. Dick installed our auto pilot part successfully. We will try it in the harbor tomorrow. This afternoon I made Key Lime pie for dessert as we were invited to Racoon I (Yves and Linda from Quebec City) for supper. I also printed a picture I took of their boat under a complete rainbow with St George in the background. Dinner was great ( I am not supposed to tell you that because we want you to think we are suffering- but we are eating well). Linda cooked Thai chicken. Discussion at dinner was about departure. They will try tomorrow at mid day. We are thinking Friday morning - we will see. Our Thanksgiving dinner will be pot roast (Ruth's). We will be forced to move tomorrow due to a big ship coming in early and needing the dock space. We will show you where we are in tomorrows position report. No position report tonight (same as past few days) Steve and the crew |
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#12 To All, We awoke this Tues morning to strong north west winds. In our protected location we saw 28 knots by mid morning. I called BERMUDA RADIO and received permission for a visit to their hill top head quarters. It took about 10 minutes to climb the steep hill from the south side. As we reached the crest the wind caught us. We carefully climbed the steps and were buzzed in by the duty watch stander. Denis, the senior team member, happened to be there and for one hour we were mesmerized with a detailed tour of one of the worlds most efficient marine traffic control centers. One watch stander is responsible for monitoring all marine traffic within 200 miles of Bermuda as well as emergencies including search and rescue, medical, and even night time emergency landings at the airport. Massive amounts of radar and radio communications equipment allow them to keep on top of traffic and the weather. We checked the wind instruments while we were there and they were recording 30+ knots with one gust of 48 kts. As we looked south to the splendid panoramic view of the harbor below us and the tip of the mast of CLEAR DAY tucked in at the south face of the town docks we appreciated our safe position. It was no day to be at sea. At noon I bused in to Hamilton to pick up our long awaited part for the auto pilot and quick visits to the marine and hardware stores. While I was gone the crew took a walk along the north side of St George where the spray from the waves hit them at 35 feet above the ocean. Upon my return I started the process of baking some bread. Upon the crew's return I heated up some of Ruth's soup and Michele's meatballs. We devoured one loaf of fresh baked, steaming hot bread with dinner. We are eating well. I lay down for "a few minutes" as the clean up crew did their job. I woke up at 9:45 as they came back from a visit to the White Horse Pub. It is now a bit after 10. They all are in bed and since the wind is still blowing hard, and we are rocking even along side, I will take one last check of the lines before turning in. We hope the weather breaks soon, but Bermuda is a lovely place and we are safe here as we wait. Tomorrow we will install the auto pilot part, do some food shopping, and prepare for Thanksgiving. Steve and the crew. |
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#11 Hi All Well here is the latest on our schedule: The calm of the past couple of days and this morning has been replaced by the beginning of a strong weather action with 15 foot seas and 35 knot winds. So... we sit safely here waiting for the weather to clear. Our best guess is to continue Friday morning to the BVI. Chef Steve put the North End to shame with his supper last night. We invited our Canadian friends Yves and Lynda to join us for Fruti di mari. It was spectacular. Fortunately we had enough leftover for supper tonight. The gorgeous flat water and bright sunlight of this morning were replaced by heavy rain as the day progressed. I took advantage of the downpour to collect about 5 gallons of water in our port tank. We are in pretty good shape for water and diesel fuel. Tomorrow the part we have been waiting for should be available. We also hope to get permission to visit Bermuda Harbor Radio - the radio equivalent of our Coast Guard. That is it for tonight. Steve and the crew. |
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#10
Here is the next installment from the crew of Clear Day--sounds like
they are enjoying themselves. Happy Thanksgiving to all--Ruth
Hi All
Yesterday was a quiet day, today quieter. In the morning we did minor repairs and chores (as usual). Around mid day the Esso truck came and refueled all of us at dock side. Topped off everything - even put 5.25 gals in the 5 gal containers. It is about 830 miles to the BVI and we want all the fuel we can bring with us. Water truck came by - he had 1,500 gallons for us. Unfortunately we only needed about 70. Since he can drop the 1500 at someone's home in 10 minutes and be turning around for the next load, we were not able to do business. Around 11:30 last night, with all of us asleep, we were woken by a truck, someone calling, and a bright light on us. David the water man was back. Since Bernie, remember our friend the dock master, had made the request to take care of us he felt obligated to do something. So, out of bed and up on deck to receive the water. The $30 for 75 gallons was worth the aggravation factor of chasing it elsewhere. The water was on board in about 15 minutes. David did not leave for another 45. His life story may be featured in one of our later messages or perhaps a book. In the afternoon the crew went site seeing in Hamilton and visited a pub to watch Israel beat Russia in soccer on TV. I stayed on board to do a few odds and ends and rest a bit. The sunset was beautiful as I sat in the cock pit watching all the pastel shades move through the sky. Today we were up early and the crew went for a long walk on a converted RR path. I was surprised with a wi fi connection in the cock pit and so did not move until my mail was downloaded. When they returned from their walk we headed to a local breakfast place that served Sunday brunch. Problem - not this Sunday. We walked back, picked up a few items in the market and made French toast. Brunch , CLEAR DAY style. Now it is about 2pm. We are resting, looking at our to do list and getting ready for next week. We hope to have our part late Monday - we hope. We will keep you posted. Steve and the crew |
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#9 To All Last night at anchor went well. We were safely tucked in (did you see our spot using the URL we gave you?) Winds maxed out at 25 knots and the rain came and went. We saw a rainbow covering all of St George. Mid morning we pulled anchor and moved to the town docks. Concrete piers where the cruise ships come in, protected by huge black rubber tires held in place with chains. We used our fender board and are doing fine. Bermuda has 3 foot tides so it is not difficult to keep the board in place. Our Dock Master friend, Bernie drove his motor scooter over and gave us our paper work to pay the $.50/foot dock fee. During the day we went for walks, dropped off laundry, and I introduced the crew to Barritts ginger beer. Locally made in Bermuda, it is not as sharp as Jamaican ginger beer, and is my favorite. I had a long conversation with one of the locals about life in Bermuda, local restaurants, and how to solve the problems of the world. How do you spell ganja? A very nice fellow that kept us company (on and off) until we went to supper. Our new friends from Quebec City on RACCOON I joined us. Aurora, out of Newport, had been running with us for a while on the trip down with the intention of going to St Martin. Turns out they diverted to Bermuda due to a broken auto pilot. Also turns out that it is Mike Levit's boat. Mike is a Hylas owner we have known for years. The crew came and visited with us late this afternoon. Tomorrow is a site seeing day for the crew. I will stay behind to wait for the fuel truck and do some small chores and rest. regards to all . Steve and the crew. |
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#8 To All, Motor sailing at 7 to 8 knots and sometimes more managed to get us in to St George by 1:30 est 2:30 Atlantic and we even had a few fumes to get off the customs dock and make it to the anchorage. We beat the weather. We are anchored across from the town waiting for some heavy winds tonight and tomorrow. Try the zoom feature on the position report to see the area we selected. Hopefully no problems. Bernie, the harbor master, said we could try the town docks on Friday afternoon if the weather settles down. I remember him from an earlier visit. The woman at customs and immigration said he has been here for ever. I wonder if Columbus checked in with him. Tonight after Steve P created a masterful, gourmet chicken dinner we took care of some work projects: changed the oil, topped off the last 5 gallons of our diesel fuel just in case we need to maneuver tonight in the blow, and various other odds and ends. Our auto pilot decided to go intermittent yesterday, but we called Simrad on the Satellite phone and they talked us through a fix. We have ordered a new part just in case ours packs it in. We expect it on Monday afternoon and hope to be on our way south Tuesday. An unusual quirk of our 650 mile sail was that we were on a starboard tack for close to 95% of the time. All of our food was in starboard lockers. Opening one was like stepping in to the line of fire of someone tossing loaded tin cans. A lesson learned (we have learned many) is that food should be stored in top loading lockers or split between port and starboard cabinets. We will let you know when we will push off (as soon as we know). Steve and the crew. |
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#7 To All, It is 1:30 am on Thursday the 15th - the time of the "mid watch" (12 -4am). Steve P and I are on watch. The water is still fairly calm as we motor on to Bermuda at 3000 rpm with main sail and jib close hauled in a SSW 12 knot breeze. The forecast is for the winds to go south and freshen to 20 knots as the day goes on. Both changes are not in our favor as they put the wind on our nose and at a higher speed. We still believe we have a good chance of making St George before sundown today. Stay tuned for the details. Other news from Wednesday: Jack was the first crew member to put on shorts (it was a beautiful day). Supper was eggplant parm (thanks to our Berkshire friend Paulette). In the afternoon we did an underway replenishment, topping off our tanks with 50 of our 55 spare gallons of diesel fuel. The water temperature is holding at about 72 degrees. We have received a few email responses to our postings - much appreciated. Later. Steve and the crew. |
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#6 To All Tuesday was a bit bumpy NOT FUN Thus no report. Tuesday night was more interesting. We wasted hours dancing with thunder cells. Finally got away from them, but it put us hours behind schedule. Today is relatively calm so we are motor sailing and believe we have enough fuel to push hard and get in to Bermuda Thursday evening before the weather builds on Friday. we just finished a pancake brunch, the sun is shining, and we are racing along (with the help of the engine) at 8 knots More later. Steve and the crew. |
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#5 Gulf stream was ok Did about 7 kts during
the night. Now winds should increase from the SW to 25. We have reduced
sail in anticipation, but have fallen behind other boats that started with
us. They are bigger and faster. Still have radio contact. Bermuda is
looking good for Thurs night or Fri morning. Our goal is Thurs due to
anticipated winds on Fri Steve and the crew |
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#2 (no #'s 3 & 4) Hi there Here is our latest. We have been motoring for a while , the wind is moderate and from behind us. All well. We are having a late dinner of lasagna and chicken thanks to Ruth and Michele. Steve and the crew |