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S/V Nereida sails around the world

RTW Day 249: N. Pacific: OVERNIGHT: DRIFTING IN NO WIND ... DAYTIME: WIND ARRIVED TO GIVE GOOD SPEED

  • By Mike , on 28 June 2013 21:19

Thursday 27th June 2013

11 AM    Lovely to be sailing well at last!  We've made 4 – 5 kt, sometimes up to 6 kt.  Wind came up around 9 am, after we’d been drifting around all night, with head sails furled away.  Pressure up at 1005 hPa (997 hPa yesterday).  Bright overcast – solar panels putting in around 7A. Downloading weather faxes.  Heater on – feels nice and warm in the cabin (sea temperatures 14C).

Decided to look at “weather centre” – found corrosion on battery ends and negative terminals, so got busy cleaning to bright metal.  With new batteries, it’s now working fine.

930 pm   600 n.ml. from Victoria!  We've made excellent speed in continuing good SSE winds – 6 – 7 kt for several hours this afternoon in bright sunshine, which later gave way to rain.  Very close hauled now in slightly backed wind, so speed down to 5 kt – result of trying not to be set too far north of course to Juan de Fuca Strait.

Weather forecast is looking good for next 2 or 3 days, but possibility of difficult approach to the strait as we get closer.

10 pm   Wind seems to be dying .... speed under 4 kt.

11 pm   Unfurled all genoa – speed was under 3 kt.  Now making 4.5 kt in light SE wind, course 070T.  Clear starry skies, moon rising, layer of cloud on N horizon.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 45n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 580n.ml. (086T); Victoria: 639n.ml.

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

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 248: N. Pacific: WE CONTINUE TO CLAW OUR WAY E - SE

  • By Mike , on 28 June 2013 07:33

Wednesday 26th June 2013

Continuing to have to keep a constant eye on our COG (course) in very light wind.

Not much sleep overnight, very tiring, sitting at the chart table using autopilot just long enough  to turn the wheel occasionally to bring us back onto a SE course as we drift in SW wind of under 5 kt.  Sea surface is glassy smooth with slight ripples and a long SW swell.  Useful having boat’s track and current course (COG) showing on the chart plotter display.  With so little wind, there’s almost no steerage, so it’s taking a lot of time and effort to keep us on track – and all at well under 2 kt, often under 1 kt.

Plan has been to keep heading SE, both to stay in SW airflow below present centre of the Low that we’re in the middle of and also to be ready for expected S – SSE airflow – Low is forecast to move slightly W of us over the next few days.

Sun was beginning to get through clouds nicely mid-morning, but there was total light overcast by early afternoon, becoming grey clouds with light rain later.

3 pm saw the start of a lengthy radio email session, followed by several further contacts.

10 pm     Unbelievably found shackle-pin lying on side-deck.  Had just lowered pole prior to stowing it.  Soon discovered that the uphaul line attaching the mast car to the inboard end of the pole had come loose.  The shackle there had become undone and was presumably missing.  It was a bit of a struggle to stow the pole on the mast without the line there to pull it up but I finally managed it.  Took the headsails over to starboard with the change of wind direction, but the wind died and the sails were flapping, so finally had to furl in both headsails – we’re presently drifting W (backwards!) at 0.1 kt ....

We continued to drift overnight in no wind.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 26n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 625n.ml. (085T); Victoria: 684n.ml.

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

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 247: N. Pacific: Blue Sky, but Very Little Wind

  • By Mike , on 26 June 2013 16:16

Tuesday 25th June 2013 – New time zone: GMT – 9 (Crossed 142:30 W Yesterday)

Wind slowly backed overnight:  NNE – N at 230 am, NNW by 9 am. We were making 2 kt SE but I had to raise the pole to port for the genoa by 945 am to go goose-winged.

Cloud gradually dispersed overhead – lovely sunshine and blue sky all afternoon but band of dark grey cloud on W horizon.  Calm sea with long, slow, 2.5m W swell coming from a deep Low a long way off.

Having to keep a constant eye on our course – pole has been up and down and genoa has been poled out on both sides and taken off the pole at various times over the day, as light to non-existent winds have swung around. Just managing to keep us headed E – SE, although a speed of only 1 kt makes it difficult.  Present Low is stationary over us and forecast to stay that way for next 3 – 4 days ..... GRRR!

Dug around in the forepeak and found last few packets of cereal and Brazil nuts – more than enough.

With so much time on deck, very little reading today but thoroughly enjoying “The Riddle in the Sands” when I get to it (Thanks Richard and Claire of ‘Phalarope’!)  Have sailed through Frisians en route from Heligoland to the Netherlands and reached Nordeney on my birthday to find their annual bierfest in full swing – Happy coincidence!

Midnight – cheerful contact with Taupo maritime radio in New Zealand.

I’m resigned to a July ETA. Much as I’d hoped to arrive before 1st July (Canada Day), realistically present weather is preventing that – unbelievably so!

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 61n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 647n.ml. (086T); Victoria: 706n.ml.

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

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 246: N. Pacific: DRIFTING IN NO WIND UNTIL LATE AFTERNOON

  • By Mike , on 25 June 2013 15:11

Monday 24th June 2013

Overnight speed of around 4 kt, in light WSW winds, dropped to under 2 kt in
even lighter winds by 7 am, soon to vanish as we drifted in a smooth sea
with long rounded swell and slight ripples on the smooth surface. Furled in
genoa with boatspeed of zero for several hours. Felt Neptune had decided to
keep me out here - in centre of Low and likely to remain so for 2 or more
days.

Raincloud ahead close by seemed to give some wind at 5 pm - lowered and
stowed the pole and unfurled both headsails to starboard.  Two grey,
fork-tailed storm petrels circled us.  We made just 1.5 kt in a light NNE
wind - but at least it was in a straight line and the sun shone at times
from the blue patches among the cloud.  Slowly speed increased to over 3 kt,
occasionally nearly 4 kt, and we've made quite a good E - SE course.  Hoping
that will keep us in a fair N to W airflow and avoid being headed by E winds
for the time being.

Weather faxes still showing Low centred over us for next 2 days or more.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 63n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 700n.ml. (087T); Victoria: 758n.ml.

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

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 245: N. Pacific: WIND AHEAD NOT LOOKING HELPFUL - WE BITE THE BULLET AND HEAD SE...

  • By Mike , on 24 June 2013 08:10

Sunday 23nd June 2013

I’d been debating heading SE to avoid headwinds by keeping just S of the center of a LOW threatening to descend onto our path ahead in 1-2 days’ time.  I kept hoping the next weather FAX would show that move to be unnecessary – but the situation keeps being confirmed.

In fact, to make matters worse, the longer-term forecast shows S to SE winds as I near the coast – so all the more reason to head further S now while I can, since SE winds would force me more N.  It should also be noted that a big part of the last leg to Victoria heads SE…  So I could end up energetically short-tacking all the way to the finish line!

At 2 AM, I was on deck to raise the pole and take the genoa over to starboard to go downwind goose-winged in SW winds.  Always takes a long time to organize everything and make sure all lines are lead correctly – well over an hour, in fact, from donning foulies and boots (it was raining) to coming back down.  Seas were down a little and sailing downwind always makes for seemingly calmer conditions, although we’re rolling a lot fairly often.  Speed went up from 3.5 kt to 4.5 kt once the genoa was held firmly on the pole.

A grey day again with SW-WSW F3-4 winds and speeds of 4-5 kt.

Another productive afternoon email session on 17m and a weather discussion on 20m – several concerned people have noticed the weather problems ahead, set to slow us down yet again – ETA slipping further.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 114n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 759n.ml. (088T); Victoria: 818n.ml.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Tom, N5TW, Georgetown, TX via Ham Radio for posting

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 244: N. Pacific: SPEEDY BUT ROUGH CONDITIONS GIVE WAY TO LIGHT WINDS

  • By Mike , on 24 June 2013 08:08

Saturday 22nd June 2013

Beautiful sunrise as NE horizon fills with colour below thin cloud layer from 3AM onwards.  Sat in cockpit enjoying it before getting to my bunk.

All changed by 8AM – Grey and rainy with winds up and veered to just E of S – furled in some genoa to reduce heel.  Later genoa furled in a lot more as wind and seas increased.  It became very uncomfortable – was thrown out chart table seat a second time as we pounded close-hauled into rough seas.

Speed was good over the day, at around 6.5 kt until dusk, around 7:30PM, when winds suddenly dropped.  By midnight, the wind was abaft the beam and we were making just 3.5 kt in a light SW wind.

Weather faxes show high pressure and light SSW wind ahead, with center of a low probably passing overhead on Monday with consequent cloking of light winds, so difficult conditions ahead!

Good email sessions with Tom, N5TW, on 17 meters early this afternoon – avoided “Field Day” pileups on 15 and 20 meters.  Just as well, since failed to make contact later, at usual time just after midnight.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 134n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 873n.ml. (086T); Victoria: 932n.ml.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Tom, N5TW, Georgetown, TX via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 243: N. Pacific: A Good Day Sail...Strait of Juan de Fuca under 1000 n.ml. away

  • By Mike , on 22 June 2013 07:46
Friday 21st June 2013

Wind slowly veered overnight and over the morning to become ESE and then SE by midday. This evening it is ESE and we are making 5.2kt on 080T. Speed reached 6kt late afternoon otherwise around 5-5.5kt over the rest of the day, in calm seas with wind chop.

2pm - Distance to Juan de Fuca under 1000 n.ml. but wind not yet allowing direct course to reach there. Good wind forecast for the next few days, but possible problem with wind direction after that.

Went to adjust main sheet traveller...over-rode line on winch big time-the line was bar-tight and immovable. Rolling hitch to the rescue!  Helped by marlin spike and sharp knife, took half an hour of effort but all ok eventually. Trimming head sails as well added half a kt to our speed.

Bright full moon in SE at sunset, rosy pink in the sky in the NW. Reading  "The Riddle In The Sand" - at long last!

Long radio session this evening with many good contacts on 20 meters.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 72n.ml., Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1006n.ml. (082T); Victoria: 1065n.ml

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Lawrenceville, NJ through audio link from Tom,
N5TW, Georgetown, TX via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 241-242: N. Pacific: Little or no Wind Wednesday Overnight and Thursday. Tiring and Frustrat

  • By Mike , on 21 June 2013 08:56

Wednesday and Thursday 19-20th June 2013

Wednesday – Good speed overnight but WNW 4 winds became W and increasingly light over the day.  Genoa was poled out to go goose-winged over the afternoon but speed was down to under 2 kt by 9PM in WSW wind.  Slight drizzle became fog overnight.

Thursday – Sky getting light by 3AM.  Constantly on deck overnight.  Took genoa off pole which was stowed away.  Gybed onto starboard tack in light S winds.  Later gybed again several times, trying to keep boat moving NE at only 1 kt.  Calm with overnight fog.  Wind became NE for a time before becoming SE around midday, later ENE.

Light winds likely for at least another day, making for more frustratingly slow progress.  Tonight we are making NNE at around 3 kt.

Radio communications have also been difficult if not impossible over the last two days (not helped by “Chinese radar” noise jamming frequencies) – hence this brief two day report.

Need to average just 5 kt to arrive 30th June despite light winds.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: Wednesday 124n.ml.
24hr DMG to 2300GMT: Thursday 40n.ml.

Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1066n.ml. (079T); Victoria: 1126n.ml.

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Tom, N5TW, Georgetown, TX via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 240: N. Pacific: Good Speed Maintained in W-WNW Wind. Generator Problem...

  • By Mike , on 19 June 2013 08:58
Tuesday 18th June 2013

Another completely overcast day with no sight of the sun, but no rain or fog and a good W wind in the morning veering to WNW by afternoon - wind just abaft the beam, boat speed around 6kt. Seas of 3m or more again - very noticeable since on the beam so they heel us over a lot on their approach - need to hold on carefully at all times when moving around in the cabin as well as on deck since motion is frequently quite sudden and violent. Wind lighter by midday, so full genoa unfurled but big seas continue.

Went to start the generator this morning, to charge battery - alternator would not activate...off with the cover... take size 14 spanner to release nut on activator spindle (had got stuck, as it often does)... finally started up ok. Checked oil while had cover off - ok.

Spent most of the morning downloading and studying weather faxes as usual, including one from Kodiak (Alaska) which I wanted to compare with one from Pt. Reyes for coverage since timing seems to be more convenient. Looks as if winds will be light NW-N over the next two days. A deep extensive Low to the W is dominating the N. Pacific weather now and for the next few days.

Emailing relay system via radio is working well - over 550 messages (in and out) so far! Tends to keep message length down although not everyone seems to appreciate the need for brevity!

Cold again - sea temperature is down to 12C so more hot soup and cabin heater on frequently.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 127n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1211n.ml. (073T); Victoria 1271;  San Francisco 1500n.ml
From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Lawrenceville, NJ with Skype audio assistance from Tom, N5TW, Georgetown, TX via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 239: N. Pacific: Low Passes by - Wind Down During the Morning

  • By Mike , on 18 June 2013 07:50
Monday 17th June 2013    Another Clock Change: GMT-10

2:30am   On deck in heavy rain and strong winds (SSE 5 - 20kt) to reduced genoa and furl away staysail in dark - boat making up to 8kt. Heeling a lot in big seas knocking us around. Even after reduced canvas, still making around 7kt.

6am Less wind and boat speed down, so unfurled some genoa. Daylight - new time zone: GMT -10hr.

8am    Seas big at 3-4m every 6 seconds. Rain stopped but fog not far off. Unfurled full genoa - wind dropped more and veered to S.
10am   Wind SSW 2-3 (5-8kt) - very light, boat speed down to 3.2kt. Downloading weatherfaxes. Gybed mainsail after lowering and stowing the pole. Seas still big and close together. Lost my O'Neill 'beanie' hat (a Santa Cruz memento) - was flicked off my head by the foot of the genoa while I was crouched in the bow, dealing with line, preparing to stow the pole.  Goose winged the genoa off the pole for a time.

11am   Boat speed down to under 3kt. Laysan albatross passing by. Rolling a lot in big seas. Several ships seen over the day all passing well off, heading E.

1pm   Fog finally lifted. Sun seen through break in grey clouds first and last time today. Genoa sheeted to starboard as wind veered to SW. Boat speed 3.5kt.
4pm   Wind WSW, speed 4.5kt. Fred put in charge. Boat feels cold so heater is on.

10pm   Boat speed 5-6 kt - has been slowly increasing as Low towards our W moves N. Read quite a lot this afternoon. Writing log report ready for radio sked soon as I wait for current weatherfaxes to finish downloading.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 155n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1328n.ml. (069T); Victoria 1388;  San Francisco 1586n.ml

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Lawrenceville, NJ via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 238: N. Pacific: Continued Excellent Speed in SSE Wind

  • By Mike , on 17 June 2013 06:45

Sunday 16th June 2013

Rain all night and for most of the day - grey and dull.  Good SSE wind has meant we have kept up an excellent speed of around 7.6 kt, often just over 8 kt, so daily run to midday was 158 miles - best for a long time!

Saw a Laysan albatross in the early morning rain as I checked on the wind direction (which was 170T).

Surprised to find NO Honolulu weather faxes transmitted this morning - eventually got some from Point Reyes (N of San Francisco, CA).  Winds looking good for next few days.

Switched on Eberspacher heater by mid-morning - was cold and damp, so nice to have cabin warm and to dry wet foulies.  Checked on diesel - still over 150 l left, so plenty for generator (battery charging) and heater use over last two weeks of passage.

Seas have been frequently quite rough and I got thrown over to port with a larger one catching us - unhurt, fortunately, but must take more care.

Needed to catch up on sleep this morning - had 2 hours up to 4 PM, before getting ready for Pacific Seafarers net, and another 1 hour later on.  Came off autopilot and put Fred in charge ready for evening radio skeds - less interference on radio when instruments and autopilot turned off, so easier to hear the less strong signals.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 158n.ml; Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1474n.ml (066T);  San Francisco: 1699n.ml; Victoria: 1534n.ml

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick WA1RKT, Londonderry, NH via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 237: N. Pacific: Murky, Grey... Fog then Rain...Welcome to the "Pacific NW" !!

  • By Mike , on 16 June 2013 07:41
Saturday 15th of June 2013

Overnight fog lifted a little early on and sun tried to shine through weakly but then gave up. By afternoon, rain came in as I was raising the pole to go goose-winged. Had to use a long boat-hook to help release mast-fitting so pole end was free to move. A Black-footed albatross passed by and then a dark storm-petrel.

Managed to get two of seven uncooperative unused pens working today - still trying with the other five.

Looked again at weather faxes in detail and decided to change course to NE to try to stay a head of a cold front and in good wind. Two boats 200 and 300 miles to WNW and NW are motoring in no wind but we've got good S-SSE wind and are now at 11pm making 7.5-8kt. Our present winds are the result of a compression with a High to E and Low to the NW with a cold front trailing down to the S just to our W. I'm trying to stay in these winds for as long as possible, so we're on starboard tack again with genoa off the pole and back over to port.

If only the weather would play ball, so that conditions would allow me to keep up present speeds of around 6-7kt or more, I'd be finished easily before end of June. It's all a big unknown and only time will tell, but it would be nice to be safely tucked up in harbour before Canada Day on 1st of July.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 122n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1625n.ml. (062T); Midway Island: 1089n.ml. (228T);  San Francisco 1820n.ml (084T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 236: N. Pacific: Another day of gentle sailing, making quite good progress

  • By Mike , on 15 June 2013 06:24

Friday 14th of June 2013

It's 8 PM and, as a result of sailing north (40N now), it's still not
quite dark.  I've been sitting in the cockpit a lot today, partly reading
and partly just gazing around and absorbing the atmosphere.  We're sailing
along gently now, in a cocoon of fog that came back down in the late
afternoon.  I'm beginning to sense the approaching landfall - on the one
hand, keen for it to happen, but on the other hand, realizing that I'll
miss being out here in the vastness of the ocean - it's addictive. (I find
myself relating to some of Moitessier's thoughts in his books I'm
presently reading.)

The wind has slowly veered to SSE over the day and it looks as though it
could well get even lighter in two days' time.  With speed around 6 kt
over last night, we made another good 24hr distance - 131 n.ml.

There's still a remote chance that we'll get in by the end of June - but
I'm not banking on it much as I'd like it to be so, since it depends
totally on the conditions we meet up with over the next two weeks -
especially, on where the NE Pacific High decides to park itself as I get
closer in and what Lows come along.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 131n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1725n.ml. (059T);
Midway Island: 977n.ml. (222T);  San Francisco 1888n.ml. (106T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Rick, WA1RKT, Londonderry, NH
via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 235: N. Pacific: Good Speed this Morning - Around 7kt for a Time

  • By Mike , on 14 June 2013 08:43
Thursday 13th of June 2013

Time Zone is GMT -11 hrs  - Change of Clock at 165W

7:30am    Adjusting course as weather faxes download. A Laysan albatross lazily quarters the sea near by on fixed winds - never a single windbeat as it glides close to ruffled surface, sometimes disappearing momentarily, hidden by the slight swell.

Had breakfast mango juice spill all over cabin sole in the galley. Sails were backed due to my forgetting to lash the wheel after coming off the auto pilot and putting Fred back in charge.  We heeled the other way...  Stove is no longer gimballed... Big clean-up needed!

Total overcast all day with fine drizzle by nightfall - everything wet.  Hot soup was welcome again!

Wind veered slowly, becoming SE by evening.  Speed was 6-7kt mid-morning, but by mid-afternoon and evening, back down to 5kt or less.

Pressure display disappeared, to join temperature and humidity display - so no electronics weather data available now.  Aneroid barometer not giving sensible reading either.

A pleasant sail today, in smoother seas - was good to see a descent speed for a while and a correspondingly good 24hr DMG 127n.ml.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 127n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1834n.ml. (056T); Midway Island: 860n.ml. (233T);  San Francisco 1965n.ml (077T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 234: N. Pacific : Good East Wind - We Head N at Last

  • By Mike , on 13 June 2013 07:47
Wednesday 12th of June

Glimpses of the sun - briefly this morning and at sunset tonight. Light cloud cover with hint of sun over the rest of the day. Present close-hauled sailing, making a good course northward in E wind of around 10kt in fairly calm seas since tacking onto starboard last night.

Soon after nightfall, had to come off the wind a touch to keep on course, as the wind veered to ESE.  It's likely to veer more overnight, so I'll probably have to check on our course and adjust Fred quite often.

Weatherfaxes show wind veering to SE and then to S over the next few days.

A lovely sunset - light lingered in W sky for a long time - sign that we are in higher latitudes, well away from Tropics.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 89n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1933n.ml. (054T); Midway Island: 762n.ml. (238T);  San Francisco 2030n.ml (073T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 233: N. Pacific : NNE Winds... Frontal System Preventing Passage N For Most of the Day

  • By Mike , on 12 June 2013 07:09
Tuesday 11th of June

I'm running out of pens - on my very last one!

820am     Just finished usual 1940Z radio sked with three other boats in N. Pacific, at end of weatherfax download. For the last three hours, we've been making an ENE course at 4-5kt. I am hoping wind might back more to enable us to head NE, and maybe NNE finally, as that's our planned course... (later: not happening)!

11am    Sun trying to shine through thin cloud layer but not managing it. Still pounding close-hauled into short seas from N - often washing over the deck. Had a two hour nap, catching up on sleep, then a late breakfast.

8pm    Seas have slowly died down with NNE 10kt wind, or less.  Unfurled full genoa finally, so our speed got up to 4-5kt, but later often down to under 4kt. Was concerned on seeing SOG 13kt on display - impossible! Had to be a GPS 'glitch' since course shown on plotter jump about like mad also. Settled back down to sensible readings/display after 15 minutes.

No rain all day. Course has been 120T for quite a time - wind must be from NE so seems we'll have to change onto starboard tack soon - big decision since it assumes wind will keep on veering.  Dark now, but will 'bite the bullet' and see how we make out.... Need to get N, not S!

10:30pm     Course is now just W of N (350T) and speed is 4-4.5kt - so looking good.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 93n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 1984n.ml. (053T); Midway Island: 714n.ml. (241T);  San Francisco 2068n.ml (072T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 232: N. Pacific: Cold, Rainy, Wet

  • By Mike , on 11 June 2013 08:08
Monday 10th of June 

100% grey overcast all day long with rain from 9am onward. Went on deck and got dowsed by a wave - got wet hair and had to change tops. On a top which was new a few months ago the zipper was completely stuck - usual story with aluminium zipper corroded with sea salt - took half an hour to free.

The wind and seas increased so furled in some genoa - so got very wet. Cabin drying line being well used by wet foul weather gear.
We're very close-hauled to make a course due E in a N wind - so speed down, especially in the bigger seas this morning when the wind was up. Later was able to unfurl genoa to get more speed but had to balance speed with heel and course.  I'm trying not to head S of E but sometimes it's unavoidable, although so far has only been for short periods.
It feels cold - put cabin heater on to help dry wet foulies - pleased to find heater came on without a problem - not being used since the Southern Ocean.  Hot soup has been welcome.  Still in Frontal weather system - another day at least. Seas still up at nightfall but rain lighter. Making slow progress.

Saw two ships on A.I.S - one came within 5 miles and the other within 3 miles. Both ships passed S of us one heading to Australia the other to China.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 60n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 2064n.ml. (053T); Midway Island: 630n.ml. (236T);  San Francisco 2159n.ml (071T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 231: N. Pacific: Fog as Night Falls, After a Day of Drifting in No Wind, Trapped in Frontal

  • By Mike , on 10 June 2013 07:37
Sunday 9th of June         I hope everyone in Australia enjoyed the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend in Australia

The wind died around 2am and overnight, and into mid-morning, there was frequent, often heavy, rain. Coming back down to the chart-table in wet gear, I've had to replace the vinyl covers on the cushion and back rest, removed during passage through the heat of the Tropics.

At 6am there was a particularly heavy downpour after which the sails were backed by a sudden wind shift from E to N. I'd just finished shaking out a reef left in overnight and we then had gybe onto port tack but soon gybed back onto starboard in the fickle wind - a process repeated several more times over the day in an effort to keep heading N or E. In fact, we've been mostly drifting around all day at about 0.3kt in all directions except due W in the variable light conditions under a cloudy sky. The sea became glassy-smooth with tiny ripples, a slight swell and a fog bank lurking all around in the distance by 3pm. Mid-morning, had pleasant radio contact on 15m (on 21280kHz) with Bruny Island (Tasmania). I was later amused to come across a big 'pile-up' of people trying to contact Mark, VI6AJ - a "Queen's Birthday Special" call-sign in Australia.

At 6pm, finished an unexpectedly long sked on 20m (14290kHz) with a lot of friendly well wishers. Then came on deck and was surprised to find us sailing E in a gentle N wind (but with fog close by). If we can keep this up, maybe we can escape the Frontal system that's been dogging us and hampering our progress over the last few days - fingers crossed!

A Laysan albatross has been seen several times again today and Black-footed albatross suddenly took off from the sea nearby where it had been resting just before nightfall.  The paler area at the base of its bill was very noticeable, contrasting with its dark plumage.

I decided, being Sunday, to have 'roast lamb' dinner with mash and peas (freezed dried but tasty!) and followed it with peaches and cream which I thoroughly enjoyed.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 90n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 2112n.ml. (053T); Midway Island: 582n.ml. (232T);  San Francisco 2216n.ml (071T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 230: N. Pacific: Much Better Course and Speed, in Calmer but Rainy Conditions

  • By Mike , on 09 June 2013 06:48
Saturday 8th of June

6pm   Rain! ... on through the night. Clouds had become increasingly grey over the afternoon, after the sun had tried to struggle through this morning without success, although the air definitely felt warmer. Using my sleeping bag again - it's feeling a lot cooler especially overnight.

Seas 2m, so have calmed down a bit, with wind being far lighter than yesterday, but are still close - every 4-5 seconds - so we're still getting knocked about occasionally.

With the wind direction today being mainly E, our course has been good - NNE - and by late afternoon, in the calmer seas, we were making around 5.5kt, occasionally 6.0kt - nice to see!

I'd finished Dana's "Two Years Before The Mast" yesterday while taking refuge in my bunk, and today started on Moitessier's last book...they're quite different.

Had several radio contacts from midday on - several hams are keen to make use of my grid position out here.

Needed to catch up on sleep over the morning, after getting up early for the usual batch of weatherfax download. Winds are looking good over the next few days - possibly from SE by Monday.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 105n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 2184n.ml. (052T); Midway Island: 512n.ml. (238T);  San Francisco 2268n.ml (069T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking

RTW Day 229: N. Pacific: Strong Wind, Rough Seas, Grey and Rainy

  • By Mike , on 08 June 2013 07:38
Friday 7th of June

A grey rainy day of strong wind of 30kt or more and rough seas, over 3m, only 4-5 seconds apart. We were sailing close-hauled often dropping into the troughs after mounting the wave crest. Not the most comfortable of days being heeled and pounded by the seas all the time, despite taking the third reef in the mainsail early this morning. The genoa was reduced to a scrap several times when the wind was at its strongest.

The wind was from NE-ENE and so our course, initially NNW, became N over much of the day, at 4-5kt. Cloud layer became broken in the W at sunset.

By 9pm, the wind had dropped a lot and the seas were lying down also, so increased genoa to give a boat speed of 5.0kt rather than 3.5kt.

A Laysan albatross kept us company all day, enjoying the strong wind and rough seas.

It was coldest enough for me to need my fleeces once more, to keep warm.

24hr DMG to 2300GMT: 66n.ml. Strait of Juan de Fuca: 2258n.ml. (050T); Midway Island: 456n.ml. (248T);  San Francisco 2315n.ml (067T)

From: KC2IOV/MM by HF radio. Transcribed by Jim, WB2REM, Port St. Lucie, FL via Ham Radio for posting.

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For my positions and track, see:
www.svnereida.com - 'Travels' - "Where is 'Nereida'?"
and/or:
http://www.exactearth.com/media-centre/recent-ship-tracks/tracking-nereida/
http://www.7163net.com Current Position Reported by Ham Radio with Google Earth Tracking