Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian friends!

I hope you're enjoying the same lovely sunshine as we're getting here onboard 'Nereida' as we make our way S, well off the Washington/Oregon coast. We rounded Cape Flattery last night as darkness was falling, having passed Neah Bay at sunset - glorious colours and calm water with slight ocean swell. There was almost no wind in the Strait both Friday and Saturday, so I had to motor - nice to have the option of doing that, instead of drifting around helplessly...!!

I left Philbrook's dock at Van Isle marina on Tues 1st October. having delayed partly due to a forecast of bad weather with very high winds - sure enough, Sunday evening (29Sept) saw very strong gusty conditions but we were perfectly safe.

It was a pleasant short trip over to the Visitors' dock at Royal Victoria Y.C., where they'd kindly offered me moorage for my time with them until my proposed departure from Canada around 11th October, and my stay there has been made most enjoyable by the very friendly welcome I've received. Thanks to all of you who made that happen!

The only downside to my stay has been finally taking back several items I'd offloaded while making my last two nonstop RTW attempts - very many thanks to Michael Cooper and to Ian & Susan Grant for use of their garage space. I'm looking forward to pausing somewhere long enough soon, to sort out the storage problem I now have, as a result of having also picked up doors, cushions, dinghy and outboard from Rob Parish in Port Townsend in August! ( Think I need a bigger boat!)

My time was made good use of while at RVicYC, apart from working on radio (Thanks, Doug & Rick!) and other problems onboard, by preparation for several presentations on my circumnavigations. I finally gave two at Sidney N.Saanich Y.C. - so many people wanted to come on the first evening I agreed to give a second - which was again over-booked. I also gave a talk to the Thermopylae Club in the old Maritime Museum in Victoria - an interesting venue... I felt just slightly uncomfortable speaking from the seat of the 'Hanging Judge' in the old Assize Courtroom... All three were enjoyable events - thanks to those who organized the evenings and to all who came. It was great to meet up with some of the people who'd been following and supporting me on my way around.

The trees are looking magnificent in their autumn colours now and I enjoyed seeing them on my trips out to friends' places for evenings spent with them.




Despite all the other things I was busy with, I just about managed to find time to study for my Canadian Ham radio licence - nights got rather shortened as I burned the candle at both ends reading through a lot of material and practising exam questions. I was delighted with the news that I'd passed the Basic exam with Honours (91%!) - Alan Mallett had very kindly organized the exam (which I sat Friday 4th October at RVicYC), having provided me, soon after my return in July, with all the necessary material to learn in readiness. So I now have the callsigns VA7NER (shore-based) and VE0JSJ (offshore) to add to my US callsign KC2IOV. That enables me to have unrestricted use of the available Ham frequencies.

With a new mainsail from Leitch and McBride delivered by Paul last Monday, a quick visit to Costco and no stormy weather forecast, and having regretfully turned down a Thanksgiving Dinner invitation due to pressure of time, I got underway Friday afternoon and cleared Customs into the USA that evening - a delightfully easy telephone experience from the Fuel Dock in Port Angeles - the best ever!! Weather crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca was dull, cold and damp on Friday, but by 2pm on Saturday, after heavy overnight rain and an unexpectedly long sleep (the expected early awakening by people needing fuel by 7am didn't happen), the sky had cleared and the sun was out - quite a few logs and lumps of kelp to avoid in the Strait but a lovely exit from the Strait into a slight ocean swell and lots of shipping to keep an eye on overnight.

I'm about to turn off the engine, having been gently motor-sailing up to now, with the wind having finally increased to around 15kt from the N. We're running downwind and it gets very rolly at times, but it will be nice to have a peaceful sail overnight and on to the San Francisco Y.C. in Tiburon, in San Francisco Bay.... ETA Friday 18th if all goes well.

I'm posting my usual regular position reports (see 'Travels' page on www.svnereida.com) and also checking in daily to the Pacific Seafarers' Net. It was great to make unexpected contact last night with Glenn Wakefield - I wish him luck and hope all goes well for him on this, his second West-about nonstop RTW attempt from Victoria, B.C.

Plenty of lovely, sunny, often hot, blue skies and a lot of travelling around over the period. Not too surprisingly, with so much else going on, not as much achieved on board as I'd hoped for.

From Westport, and with a beautifully clean bottom allowing excellent speed, it was time to travel over to Friday Harbor to get a USA Cruising Permit for the coming months. It was good to meet up with Sue & Jim Corenman who patiently waited for a very late lunch while it took a record, unbelievable, two hours to complete my USA paperwork.... I'd had to make an early (5.30am) start to avoid low water in the shallow area around the Westport Marina haulout and then spent a short time at anchor off Sidney Spit so as to avoid being headed by a strong ebb current in Spieden Channel around the N end of San Juan Island.

It was a short onward trip from Friday Hbr through Wasp Passage, avoiding some rocky outcrops around Crane Island, and on to Orcas Island for a visit to friends and a dinner party there, with an enjoyable drive around Orcas Island the following day. I had to be away before 10am to avoid a strong foul tide (flooding N) through the San Juan Channel as I headed S, through a partly-foggy Juan de Fuca Strait full of sealife - it was lovely to see so many birds, seals and sealions. (photos: Exiting S from San Juan Channel;Whale Rocks)

We made an excellent SOG (speed) in the flood tide passing by Pt Wilson, as we got close to Point Hudson. There I paused in the lovely, friendly wooden-boat town of Port Townsend, for a few sunny days - catching up with friends, getting the mainsail track insert repaired and finally retrieving doors, cushions, dinghy and outboard - all left in care of kind Rob Parish for nearly 3yrs - two circumnavigations, in fact! I had a helping hand one day from Gina who did a good job cleaning the decks of dried-on growth. (Photo: 'Fried egg' jellyfish in Pt Hudson marina)

On my way N through the San Juan Islands again, a week later (Photos: Schooner 'Adventuress' from PT; Washington State ferry),


I spent a very enjoyable evening at West Sound marina, on Orcas Island, with John & Dorothy Guzzwell. Having heard so much about John over the last few years, it was a pleasure to meet him personally, although I have yet to read his book 'Trekka' in detail. Thanks, Betsy, for organizing the get-together and being such a welcoming hostess.

Another pre-dawn start the next day, clearing in to Canada at Bedwell Hbr before making for winding Active Pass on the flood tide, always an interesting, mind-concentrating passage, where I was pleased to avoid meeting up with any of the frequent, big, B.C. Ferries. (Photo: 'Coastal Inspiration')

On nearing Gibson's several hours later, on the N side of the entrance to Howe Sound, I was met in Georgia Strait, not far from the harbour entrance, by a small flotilla - a lovely welcome back to Gibson's, arranged by CG volunteer Robyn with the help of the local CG & members of Gibson's Y.C. - who promptly made me an honorary member and presented me with their burgee! (Photos: Welcome to Gibsons!; View up Howe Sound)

Daytimes there were mainly spent on board, trying to make progress in sorting out 'Nereida' in between lots of chats with friendly passers-by. I did manage to complete a major service of the headsail furling gear - both are now very well-greased, although a vital screw was dropped into the water.... (replaced last week, courtesy of Steve Norbury, helpful MD of Selden UK)

A few walks, in between work, with Sassie, friends Tom & Maggie's lively dog, with blackberry-picking along the way, among the spectacular, Rockies-backed scenery of Howe Sound, and time disappeared all too quickly - I could have easily stayed on for a lot longer but time was pressing & I made for Vancouver, there finally to meet up at Fishermen's Wharf, on Granville Island, after a gap of several years, with friend Kevin and his new family. Excellent fish and chips, chats to the nearby fishermen and a budding solo sailor, a quick visit to the Saturday market.... again, I could easily have lingered on in the friendly, albeit wet and thundery, atmosphere overnight.... but moved on to Jericho Bay and a brief stopover at the Royal Vancouver Y.C. to meet up for a meal with more friends.

My timing seems to have been good in that most of the Club members were anchored off over much of the summer while the docks were replaced but have all just moved back again. While I was waiting for my slip to become available, I carried out a thorough calibration of my instruments, taking care to avoid the many anchored, empty cargo vessels in the Bay as we first turned in circles and then wiggled 'full steam ahead' in the calm spacious waters north of the Club.

An early start the next morning was needed to get the timing right for making a safe passage at the end of the ebb tide (close to Low Water slack) through rocky Porlier Pass after crossing back over Georgia Strait. We were en route to Saltspring Island, the largest of the Gulf Islands, where I was due to make a presentation to the island's Sailing Club in Ganges Hbr. The sky cleared nicely, and low-lying fog cleared away ahead of us, as we made our way the length of long, narrow Galiano Island and headed over towards Prevost Island before rounding up into Long Harbour on Saltspring. There I visited friend Ann's house for tea before finishing up at the S.C. dock later that afternoon - to be met by a very friendly group of members. I had a thoroughly pleasant stay at the Club, whose members really went out of their way to help me and make me feel welcome, and my presentation was filled to overflowing, with some people even having to be turned away, unfortunately, due to fire regulations...

Nereida was in safe hands while I flew to England for the Southampton Boat Show - always an enjoyable event, with lots of boats in the water to view, activities on the water, meeting up with people, bumping into friends and getting all kinds of boat problems discussed and resolved (Harry of The Rig Shop was his usual smiling helpful self!), ...this time with the addition of frequent congratulations from people, happy to see my successful nonstop RTW completion, at last.

Autumn has definitely arrived... both in England and B.C. ... but colours on nearby young maple trees are making up for the continual rain just now. I was amazed to spot that pressure had dropped to 991hPa on Saturday night, while writing this - a major depression is passing over with strong winds expected by Sunday night on Vancouver Island.

I've finally been able to meet up with Jamie Hansen of Philbrook's, to thank him personally for being so very helpful in July. (Photo)

He had sent Ryan to help with essential electrical work when Chris Eldridge generously repaired the welded joint on the pole-mounted radar, damaged by Southern Ocean wave action, when the wind-generator also came off its pole & ended up terminally damaged. I came over on Friday to Van Isle Marina in Tsehum Harbour, where Philbrook's are based, and was shown around the workplace and yard - they have a well-deserved reputation for excellent work.

This coming week I shall move on to accept the hospitality generously offered by the Royal Victoria Y.C. in Cadboro Bay, from where I plan to leave around 11-12th October to sail S well offshore to San Francisco - with a new mainsail, the material of the old one having given up the ghost after two circumnavigations.

In the meantime, I've lots to do on board, to be ready for passage-making again.... and I'm also busy preparing for the Canadian ham radio exam next Friday, preceded by a presentation at Sidney North Saanich Y.C. at 7pm on Thursday.  (I just heard that evening is fully-booked and I've been asked for a second evening to repeat the presentation...). It's a busy life, still!

It's been a busy few days since arriving overnight early Monday morning, having drifted over the Finish line from Ogden Pt, at the entrance to Victoria Harbour, in a light land breeze that saved me from being becalmed a third night running!  I'd had a great sail in a good W wind during the afternoon, leading up to a glorious sunset soon after rounding the disturbed water by Race Rock, where I gather my AIS signal suddenly disappeared for no apparent reason, worrying quite a few friends keeping an eye on my progress....   Lots of cheering and noise as I crossed the line, from the two boats nearby and from the end of the breakwater.   Many thanks to all those supporters who waited around for a long time into the small hours to greet me after such a prolonged and frustrating delay - and to the many who presented me in the morning with lots of fresh fruit and flowers - lovely and much appreciated! 

Mark of 'Prince of Whales' took 'Nereida' alongside his boat full of friendly faces and safely delivered us to our Causeway slip within sight of the impressive Empress Hotel and the Parliament building.

I got to my bunk as dawn was breaking and at 8am, a pair of very friendly Customs officials arrived, so not much sleep - but it didn't seem to affect my high spirits and general well-being - I was on a high!!

By 10am, people were beginning to gather for the 10.30 'Press conference' which started with an unexpected presentation of an O.C.C. Award for my circumnavigation.  There were quite a few cameras and microphones as I answered a lot of questions about my journey, with several people later being shown around 'Nereida' afterwards, with more questions and answers.   The Harbour Authority have been very helpful over radio interviews, giving me use of their phone for those, as well as being helpful over Internet access while my computers had a problem.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first full night back on shore, with a lovely soak in a hot tub and a big, soft bed to sleep in after a nice meal - courtesy of Spinnakers.  Many thanks to Jak Mang for his help posting my daily 'blogs' and photos - especially more recently - and also to Mike (N7RY) and Robert (WA6AMK) & particularly Lor (W3QA) for help with position reports and to Rick  (VE7TK) for his recent help with my 'blogs'.
I would like to thank Mark and Alan of "Prince of Whales' for their help and generosity during both my start and finish and John Green for coming out to meet me near Race Rock and staying close despite the lack of wind for quite a time.   Also Ian Grant, who put a lot of time and effort into organising the details surrounding my arrival, and the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority who donated my slip for the week.

A lot of very friendly and supportive people have come by 'Nereida' over the week or have stopped me as I've passed by them around the Waterfront here - it's been great to chat to them all - and I was grateful when two Canadian Navy officers came by to sort out my computer Internet access problem - word had got out about that and they were asked to come over to see if they could help - thanks to their commanding officer, Cdr Mark Sheppard.  Others generously donating help have included the Royal Victoria Y.C., Shawn Dunand of Vela Yachts and Dave Irving at Westport Marina (where 'Nereida' is to be hauled out and placed on the hard this coming week, so that a start can be made on boatwork - lots of TLC  needed to get her back into order and looking pretty...).   CMC came over from Burnaby to sort out my Raymarine instrumentation - thanks to them and to Derek Gilbert for that - and several friends have seen to quite a bit of laundry for me - thanks!

My 'email team' of cheerful, helpful amateur radio operators are now out of a job - very many thanks to Rick (WA1RKT), Tom (N5TW) and Jim (WB2REM) for all their time and help with that since 11th May up to my landfall...  Tom was hoping for 1000 hits - Did we make it?  If we didn't, We got very close!

Weather here in Victoria has been consistently sunny and I'm hoping slowly to get 'Nereida'back in order - lots to do and it will take quite a time to organise.

I've been asked by quite a few people for photos and videos of my arrival and news - so below I've listed a variety I've come across.

Thanks to many of you reading this for your ongoing support -I've really appreciated that as I've sailed around.

http://bc.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=961628
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2013/07/08/bc-socrates-circumnavigate-globe.html
http://globalnews.ca/news/700534/oldest-female-sailor-circles-the-globe/
http://globalnews.ca/news/703000/victoria-senior-completes-solo-non-stop-trip-around-the-world/
http://www.cheknews.ca/?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA4mHNTzE~,ejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=2534794255001
https://plus.google.com/photos/115077494868953019748/albums/5898658932352824385/5898671037934484898?pid=5898671037934484898&oid=115077494868953019748
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0X2jyYeMoUE .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4aJdL6oZ1oM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLUp8eKnpE8
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?397609-Jeanne-Socrates-KC2IOV-completes-solo-non-stop-circumnavigation-of-the-globe
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/solo-sailor-returns-to-victoria-after-global-journey-oldest-woman-to-accomplish-feat-1.392036
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/oldest-woman-to-sail-around-world-solo-non-stop-ends-journey-in-victoria-1.391809
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/solo-sailor-passes-cape-of-good-hope-1.74583
http://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/editorial-solo-sailor-sets-example-of-grit-1.432429
http://www.itv.com/news/london/story/2013-07-08/woman-sails-into-record-books/
http://www.itv.com/news/london/story/2013-02-13/oaps-round-the-world-adventure/
http://www.itv.com/news/london/2012-10-22/ealing-woman-bids-for-sailing-record/
http://liquiddaysphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-slideshow/G0000iuekCUtlt9k/?start=

Jeanne crossed the finish line in Victoria Monday morning between 2 and 3 am.  The official time will be published later.  She is tied up safely in Victoria Harbor.

Saturday 6th July 2013

Drifting overnight and into morning – up at dawn slight land breeze making 2.4 kt.  In contact with Tofino Traffic Control – keeping ships advised of my drifting 4 n.mi. N of the shipping lanes and S of Bamfield. Significant fog, seas are still big, well over 2 meters from the W.  Several cruise ships have passed by over the day.

1pm Finally managed to get underway in a W wind – weak sun showing through the fog, Poled out genoa.  Making 3.1 kt.  Genoa slightly ripped near the clew – presumably the result of flogging in little wind – had noticed a tiny hole in that area in the last few days.

4pm   Fog lifted to give clear sky but fog still visible on Washington coast – Cape Flattery in sight above the fog. Light winds all afternoon only making 2 – 3 kt – dying by 7 pm.  For the rest of the evening and in to the night struggling to keep the boat heading on course in almost no wind.  Trying to maintain position roughly 2 n.mi. from both shore and shipping lanes – very, very difficult in these circumstances.

Very little sleep overnight – what I got was had sitting at the chart table – in short snatches with an alarm set.

Forecast for Sunday is a repeat of Saturday with very little wind – likelihood of getting to Victoria Sunday diminishing fast.

I understand that my AIS position is now available and you can follow Nereida on the marinetraffic.com website.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT (4 pm PDT): 32n.mi.; Strait of Juan de Fuca: 15n.mi; Victoria: 74n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC (Many thanks to Don, VE6JY, for the internet receiver connection) via Ham Radio for posting

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Jeanne is now visible on land-based AIS and is shown as a purple craft at the entrance of the strait.

Visit http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/# and zoom in on Juan de Fuca.

2300 ZULU (UTC) 1600 PDT
 
48-33.88N  125-05.33W
Course 097T
Speed 3.0 kt
Winds NNW at 8 kts
Seas NW at 1.5 meters
Cloud cover 3%
Barometer 1014 down 2

DMG 32n.mi.
Entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca is 15 n.mi.
Victoria is 74 n.mi.

Thanks to Tom Whiteside, N5TW

Friday 5th July 2013

Very strong conditions overnight into Friday morning, strong NW wind giving boat speed of 7 – 8 kt.  Very rough seas knocking us about a lot.  With reduced sail speed still 7 kt.  Crests of the waves tumbling onto side of boat.  Tried to take in 3^rd reef – main dropped okay and halyard tensioned but reef cringle came away from sail so leech is loose.

By 10 am calmed right down, winds died but seas still up.

1 pm Mainsail sorted out – reefed the main to 2^nd reef point.  Spinnaker up-haul was caught on spreader, managed to release it.  Unfurled the staysail.

Lovely sunny day ... making 5.3 kt in 2.5 metre following seas – 55n.mi. from Juan de Fuca Strait entrance.

10 pm   DRIFTING in no wind but 2 – 3 metre seas, 4 n.mi. N of shipping lanes – busy with traffic.  Distance to Victoria 80 n.mi.  Tofino Traffic advising nearby ships of my situation.

Footnote:  At time of reporting Nereida drifted all night in no wind and is likely to continue drifting all morning until the W wind gets up Saturday afternoon.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 135n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 46n.mi. (108T); Victoria: 105n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC (Many thanks to Don, VE6JY, for the internet receiver connection) via Ham Radio for posting

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Time:  1500 ZULU (UTC)      0800 PDT

Lat:  48 deg  37 min N Long:  125 deg   22 W

No wind.

Unfortunately, this is very close to last night's position.
 

Position  at 2300 Zulu (GMT)  1600 PDT

48 deg  42.5 min N 125 deg  51.06 min W

Distance covered last 24 hours  135 NM

Distance to Juan de Fuca 46 NM  on course 108T Victoria  105 NM

Speed 5.7 kt, Wind NW  at 15 kt, Seas  2.5 M

Thursday 4th July 2013

250 am  Bright light along  N horizon, crescent moon low in E, starry skies.  “Kyoto Express” CPA 0.5 n.mi – TOO CLOSE called on VHF16 FOR 20 minutes finally replied – Changing course to port.

5 am Wind veered to NW needing to gybe – takes a time – need to furl in genoa, pole down, stow the pole, and raise the pole again on the port side and gybe the mainsail from port side to starboard side making us goose-winged again.

1030 am   Weak sun through thin overcast.  Wind WNW 10kt seas 1 – 2 feet (0.7 metres).  Getting to sleep while weather faxes download!   A very tiring night .... what with shipping, weather faxes, course adjustments and radio skeds.

4 pm   Email radio sked – not so many email today so a short time.  Wind up at around 15 to 20 kt time to take the genoa off the pole and stow the pole at the mast.

6 pm   Seas have built up with the stronger wind so stowing the pole without car uphaul available took some time.  On port tack, on a broad reach, making 5 – 6 kt – that speed should give a daylight ETA on Saturday.

7 pm Grey cloud, rough NNW seas of 2 metres or more.  Really being tossed around and pressure cooker on stove knocked over – fortunately the lid was tightly closed.

830 pm  Busy radio sked with lots of good contacts.

930 pm   Sky completely clear but wind very strong.  Remnant of sunset colours on W horizon light cloud over Vancouver Island to the NE. Seas still very rough and wind possibly up to 30 kt

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 79n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 182n.mi. (105T); Victoria: 240n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC (Many thanks to Don, VE6JY, for the internet receiver connection) via Ham Radio for posting

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At 1500 Zulu (GMT)  0800 PDT

Lat – 48 deg 53 min N Long – 126 deg  47 W Course 106T at 6.5 kt

Winds estimated at NW 25 to 30 kt

ETA to Juan de Fuca -  0500 Z (2200 PDT)

Distance Juan de Fuca = 85 NM. Victoria = 144 NM.

Thanks to Rick Williams VE7TK, Victoria, BC  for the update

Wednesday 3^rd July 2013

HAPPY 4^th of JULY to my US friends!

Gentle sailing overnight at 2.5 kt in WSW wind.  Light was still lingering on NE horizon at 230 am with a crescent moon low in the E and lots of stars overhead – the plough high up, no longer the southern cross as used to be the case.

Mid-morning a thin cloud layer spread across a lovely sunny blue sky which later became broken cloud.

1215 pm (1315 PDT)  A  red Canadian surveillance plane (#951) flew over and around.  I got quite excited and took a photo of it and waved at it.  Was sorry to find the VHF radio was switched off and when I switched on the radio a short while later I heard the plane speaking to a vessel not far away and called it.  I was told they’d taken photos and wanted to post them to my website so I gave them the email address.  Gathered that they had very promptly emailed them and they were equally promptly posted to the website – many thanks to Kim Pearce and Jak Mang for that.

It was quite warm over the day and a storm-petrel was keeping us constant company.  I decided to search for my various flags in the forepeak.  I could not find the code flags which I want to use for dressing the ship overall when I arrive to celebrate my circumnavigation.

Several ships have passed near – all showing up on AIS screen, with alarm beeping if any is set to come too close.  The AIS screen started showing the N end of Vancouver Island in the afternoon – landfall is imminent!

Ran the engine in neutral – to check it was okay, to charge the batteries, to give hot water and to heat the main cabin (a fan heater uses the engine cooling water).

9 pm   Pink sails in the sunset – a dramatic red glow in the west lit up the goose-winged sails.

950 pm  Called Tofino Coast Guard / Marine Traffic Control on HF radio and finally made contact.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 60n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 261n.mi. (103T); Victoria: 319n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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These photos were taken by a Canadian Government plane (Transport 951) about 275 NM from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Apparently they had a nice chat with Jeanne.  Thanks to Kim Pearce and the rest of the crew.

Tuesday 2^nd July 2013

Sunrise before 6 am – clear blue sky above, boat making only 2 kt from midnight on, sea fairly calm.  Spaysail was unfurled for a time but as wind veered from S to SW it was furled away again and, by late morning, genoa was taken over to starboard, goose-winged.

Seal was playing around the stern thought it might be a dolphin until I saw it’s bewhiskered face looking at me as it poked it’s head up out of the water.  Storm-petrel seen – rapid wing beats, and slender wings – seen one several times over last week or so.

Some increased wind gave 4 kt near midday – a few white crests seen on sea surface – but hoped-for stronger wind didn’t materialize and wind soon disappointingly died back again to 5 kt or so.  Bright sunshine all day with just a few clouds and only slight swell.  Fred coped well, keeping us on course for the Strait despite our slow speed downwind.

There’s strong wind on the coast and inshore and the Strait is forecast to have 25 – 35 kt over Wednesday and Thursday but light winds are expected to continue out here – we need to be 200 n.mi. closer in to be able to make a decent speed.  Radio contacts continue to help keep my spirits up – the sunny summer weather is lovely but can’t compensate for our unbelievably slow progress.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 52n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 320n.mi. (102T); Victoria: 379n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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Monday 1st July 2013      CANADA DAY

11am   Finally gave up trying to sail, furled in flogging headsails and caught up on sleep instead ... Sea glassy smooth, drifting NW even when I managed to get the bow pointed E – SE.  Weather faxes are downloading – so tonight – tomorrow we may get useful NW wind to help us lay our course to the Strait entrance but wind likely to be light.

To say I’ve been constantly feeling frustrated is an understatement!  Seem to have been becalmed so frequently all the way up the Pacific as well as across the Indian Ocean ....

Had a brilliant fast finish last year to my previous circumnavigation – strong W wind gave a great sail along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria, arriving back there on 1^st August 2012 after 251 sailing days.  I wonder if I’ll be so lucky this time around ....?

9pm   Last sunset colours lingering in NW below grey cloud layer.  Calm, slow, gentle sailing at 2.4 kt in S wind.  The good news from late afternoon, when I spent a lot of time at the helm in SSE wind of 5 kt, finding the settings needed, has been finally managing to lay our course to the Strait entrance.  Victoria is now 420 n.mi. away – if the forecast better wind arrive (NW to NNW at 10 – 15 kt), landfall might be on Friday, but until Wednesday, exact ETA is still in doubt. I’ll have had a final delay of 2 weeks due to recent unfavourable or light winds – UNBELIEVABLE!

Had two enjoyable extended radio chat sessions today – on 20m this afternoon, after an unusually short email session, and on 40m this evening.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 32n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 373n.mi. (101T); Victoria: 431n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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Sunday 30th June 2013

Greetings to my Canadian friends ready for 1^st July – HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Nearing sunrise at 430 am, oyster-pink-grey clouds ahead and in the NE. Boat was drifting NW in almost no wind so had to get us back on course in S – SSE winds.  Boat speed only 1.5 kt or less, so difficult to keep a good heading.  Overnight fog cleared away to leave a grey sky with showers in the distance, seas from SSE at 1.5 metres.  By 530 am sails were trimmed for beam reach and Fred was keeping us on course – 475 n.ml. to Victoria 415 n.ml. on course 096T to Strait entrance.  Breaks in clouds – moon seen above and blue streaks of sky ahead with hint of sunshine.

1pm   Lovely gentle sailing in bright sun and slight swells.  Wind light and swinging about, but has slowly backed, so now close-hauled again and no longer able to lay course to Juan de Fuca Strait – C’est la vie! ETA slipped yet again – but very enjoyable calm day. In middle of “A Voyage for Madmen” – fascinating read.  Amazing how unprepared or badly prepared so many of them were.  Makes me appreciate how good it’s been to have had regular emails and ham radio contacts on my way around.

This evening chopped up fresh onion sprouts and added to a Chinese meal of prawns with bean sprouts and bamboo shoots in black bean sauce. (Trying to use up cans of food on board – especially any rusty-looking ones!)  Still sailing gently in calm seas under blue sky – very pleasant though not getting very far at under 3.5 kt ENE, in light SSE wind.

Nice to have several sociable radio chats over the day.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 61n.mi. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 395n.mi. (097T); Victoria: 454n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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Saturday 29th June 2013

630 am    Wind slowly backed from ESE to NE by E overnight, so tacked around again from 010T to 170T – from almost N to almost S – no wonder we’re not getting far E!  Speed 3 kt, dull overcast slight drizzle.

Sun got out for a very short while early in the morning, but rest of day was grey misty and rainy – heater was on a lot, keeping cabin warm.

Put some black eye beans in to soak, really thick soup tomorrow – I’m enjoying regular hot cups of soup now in the rather cold conditions.

Weather faxes showing winds still from ahead today but possibly better in 2 – 3 days time, with slow progress in light variable wind in the meantime.

Course E by S (170T) maintained for a time with a speed of 3.6 kt.  By 2 pm, was able to tack onto E by N (073T) making 4.6 kt – better speed and course as wind veered from E by N to SE.

3pm    Usual radio sked with email team comprising Tom (in Texas) with Jim and Rick on NE US coast.  Good signals from Tom and combination of radio and Skype used for rest of team.

Conditions on board bumpy – close-hauled in 10 kt of wind – we’re healed over and pounding into choppy seas.  Speed of around 4.6 kt being maintained.

830 pm   Getting dark and fog seems to be closing in.  “Posleader” seen drifting just 3 miles to N.  Thought maybe it was fishing but it’s a cargo vessel.  Contacted them on VHF radio – they’ll keep an eye on us but we should manage to stay well clear.  After telling them we were a sailing boat with no engine they kindly came back to ask if any help was needed but I assured them all was well ....

1030 pm   About to get some sleep when noticed we’d changed course in veered wind – now making 085T which is closer to course needed for Juan de Fuca Strait and speed better at 4.9 kt, although later back down to about 4 kt.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 35n.mi.(Low due to several long tacks made in E wind. Actual distance covered was well over 76 n.mi.) Strait of Juan de Fuca: 423n.mi. (093T); Victoria: 511n.mi.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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Friday 28th June 2013

930 am   Breakfast in between radio sessions at 8 am (relaying yesterday’s blog report) and 10 am (sked with 2 – 3 other boats) – followed by download of several weather faxes from 10:30 until past midday.  Beginning “A Voyage for Mad Men” about first round the world single-handed race – “Golden Globe” in 1968.

Making just over 4 kt and slowly being set further north of planned course as light wind backs from SE to ESE.  Under 500 n.ml. to Juan de Fuca Strait but unable to lay the direct course.

Overcast sky is bright enough for solar panels to input 6 – 7A.  Seas are well down – smooth sailing – gently rocking.

1130 am   In present calm conditions have tackled an unpleasant job I’ve been avoiding – dealing with last of old (sprouting) onions. Brighter now – hint of sun through overcast.

1 pm   Finally finished with onions.  Course N by E speed 3.5 kt – time to change tack ...?

140 pm   NO!  Gybed around ... best we could do was SSW, speed 1.3 kt.  Gybed back onto starboard tack:  NE by E speed 4.2 kt – definitely better!

Gave cargo vessel “African Swan” a shock when on port tack – we were suddenly on collision course with 60 minutes to collision.  They’re headed W to Lanshan (China?).

Time for lunch – hot mug of soup followed by Danish Blue cheese on crackers while I look over weather faxes and read a bit.

245 pm   Course N by W (speed 2 kt)! Gybed again!  By 3 pm: Course S by E speed 2 kt.

6 pm   Had to tack yet again – was heading S by W at 3 kt ... now heading NE at 4 kt.  Damp, misty, drizzling as light fades slowly.

Weather faxes are giving SSE – SE over Saturday and Sunday (headwinds) and showing Low dissipated by Tuesday leaving variable light winds ... So several more difficult days ahead.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 101n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 487n.ml. (092T); Victoria: 545n.ml.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, VE7TK, Victoria, BC via Ham Radio for posting

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