Leg 2, Day 3: June 8, 2005
Last known position (but they're somewhere
closer than that today):
406 miles from Newport, RI
303 miles from Bermuda
1250 miles from Puerto Marina De Ray
Lee (?), Bubba Hagood
Bruce Welty, Bill Stone, Darby French
Deb, Bill, Sarah, Anne-Seymour, Will
Captain Bill says "Got a question or comment?" Email us at:
bill@delphinusstones.com
Cook(s): Bill, Deb, Will, Sarah, Anne-Seymour
(sorry, big bummer, no Pam...)
| The "almost" second leg crew | |
|
Rob Flynn
|
Furber
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| The first leg crew | |
|
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Will Friend
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| Anne-Seymour St. John Ellis
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Deb Stone (AKA Commander Deb? We suspect so...)
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Herb "South Bound II" Hilgenberg  Our Atlantic weather guru,
broadcasting from Ontario, Canada
|
Michael "CTO" Enright
Keeping this web site updated "for the rest of us" |
Day One: May 16, 2005Start Location: Off the East side of Puerto Rico
Start Lat/Lon: N 18.17, W 65.37
Day Plan: Depart
WX: Rain Showers, Temp 70+
Greetings.
Hope this finds everybody warm and dry.
It's 3:00PM eastern standard time and we (the crew of Delphinus) have just
departed Puerto Marina De Ray on the north east coast of Puerto Rico.
We'll head due east for several miles before turning north for the Cucaracha
Passage and the Atlantic ocean.
Weather is warm, overcast and at times down right wet, but the weather
forecasts call for south - southeast winds and clear skies for the days
ahead.
We'll try to send blast emails along the way rather than updating the web
page so keep a look out for our news. We love you with all our hearts.
The crew of the yacht Delphinus.
Billy, Deb, Sarah, Anne-Seymour & Willy
A 4:45 PM Update:
Pouring rain at the moment and no wind.
Just cleared the cucaracha passage and are now steaming (6.9 kts) northbound at rhumbline course of 345 degrees true.
Bill's presently going deaf listening to herb on the SSB... Deb and Sarah
are in the galley and Anne-Seymour's at the helm.
Land is dropping steadily below a cloud filled horizon so I need to sign off
to get my last drink!!
Best to all.
Willy
Sarah's cooking us chicken stir fry for dinner and the locals must smelt the good home cookin' cause suddenly we were sailing with pod of about 25 dolphins!!
It's amazing how they just appear so suddenly and then disappear just as
quickly.
Day Two: May 17, 2005
203 miles from the departure port of Puerto Marina De Ray
What a day.
While we have traveled through the occasional 10 mile rain squall (with minimal winds) we've also had time to lie on deck at mid-day in a haze of sun. We've also been through the most extraordinary sea - sailing through an ocean of deep turquoise blue with tinges of purple.
We are now sailing in 20 knot of breeze on a close reach in the rain and it is still warm!!! We saw 25 or more dolphins off our bow yesterday after we left Puerto Rico - they were playing with us and giving us a fine show.
Today Deb noticed the fishing rod spinning out of control and Willy reeled in a 35 pound, 52 inch (Deb measured it or it might have been longer!!) beautiful blue/yellow/green dorado (otherwise known as mahi-mahi or dolphin) fish that Captain Bill expertly filleted on the aft deck. Good dinner tonight!!
Good day for Delphinus' crew, bad day for the fish!
What'd he say?
Waiting to listen to Herb and the next weather report. Look for updates
soon.
XOXOXOX
Bill, Deb, Will, Anne-Seymour and Sarah
Weather report just in is a bit "uncertain" per Herb but is generally
favorable with winds from the E or ENE at 15-20kts which is a comfortable
angle as we are proceeding 355 degrees True to pass aprox. 100 miles West of
Bermuda (as a precaution in the event of foul weather from the West or a
fuel depot stop should the winds leave us in the diesel doldrums).
The weather to-date has allowed us to incorporate a watch schedule that
provides for ample Z's and reading time!
Wind has dropped to 7 knots apparent - and we're heading into it at 7
knots?! Motor on again...but Willy is mixing an enormous batch of mashed
potatoes laden with rich butter and sour cream....who says you have to lose
a half a pound a day on these excursions? And there's more chocolate for
desert!
Day Three: May 18, 2005
456 miles from the departure port of Puerto Marina De Ray
Double feature night aboard Delphinus while the squall beckons at the hatches and companionway.
We're moving now!!
Current speed between 8 - 9 knots with roller reefed mainsail and jenny. A little rocky but everyone is feeling fine and the chicken curry dinner settled well.
Herb says lighter winds are predicted for tomorrow - hopefully we'll see some sunshine too as these Northerners are pasty white.
Signing off from Delphinus.
Latitude: 24 54 01 North
Long: 66 02 41 West
speed: 8.8 knots at 9 p.m.
course: 355
Day Four: May 19, 2005
638 miles from the departure port of Puerto Marina De Ray
Lat: 27 31 38
Long: 66 21 50
Thursday 5:30 pm
skies clear and sunny
wind 20 knots
Well those Northerners had a taste of sunshine today (the first since leaving the north shore!!).
A well needed and deserved break from last night which gave us a bit of a rock and a roll. Winds were howling last night up to 50 knots with 15 foot seas and lots of rain.
Fortunately the winds stayed east, southeast so we were able to continue our reach northward.
We all stayed below for our watches and stared at radar instead of sitting above on the nice wet cushions.
Delphinus did well through it
all and the crew muddled through.
Ear patches really do help!!
We all enjoyed a double-feature movie night; while eating tasty curried chicken we watched "Bridget Jones" and "Love Actually". The Lido Deck (aft) was well-used today, with warm dry navy cushions, good books and naps, it was a pleasure to be outside.
We attracted the attention of a pair of Bermuda Long Tails (birds that spend their time far out a sea) as well as landing our first flying fish (all of 3"). The ocean water continues to be tropically warm, though its color has changed ever so slightly from the deep blue almost purple of the northern Caribbean to a more gray blue: a signal of our move into the open Atlantic.
As we make our way north and keep a weather eye out for what lies ahead, we also keep Bermuda in our sights (about 350 miles north, north-east of our current position (2 days)). Depending on weather developments northwest of the island over the next 3 days, Georgetown Harbor would be an easy lay day (fuel, water, and yes dark and stormies) while we wait out the best weather window.
We continue to tune into Herb (our weatherman from Canada) on the single
side band radio every evening at 5:00 to get the most up to date forecasts
for several days out.
We'll keep you all posted on our course and whether Bermuda actually becomes
a landfall, or serves only as a landmark on our way north.
7PM sun has just set and although it was shrouded in its last minutes by a
cloud filled horizon, the horizon ahead looks clear.
Tourists are people who don't know where they've been; Travelers are people
who don't know where they're going. Hmm....
xoxoxo
Day Five: May 20, 2005
824 miles from the departure port of
Puerto Marina De Ray
169 miles from Bermuda
814 miles from Montauk, Long Island, NY
Quiet day with winds 20ish from the E - hoping for a turn to the SE or S so that we can sail into Bermuda.
Am looking forward to hearing from Herb today as he has said there is a
Tropical Storm advisory from the Caribbean and a big Low (that you've seen)
from our NW.
Narrative of days events to follow after we hear from Herb.
Evening Update from Cpt. Bill and the Crew
Latitude: 30 15 20
Longitude: 66 02 02
Time: 17:30 on Thursday
Seas: 4-6 feet
"Every act of mine seems to have reference to you in some way - indeed I
cannot tell or explain - only that you are here & yet not here - & I have
felt so ever since you left this morning."
Change only a few of the words of this letter from Deborah Cillery to her
husband Jonathan in 1829 and you have the sentiments and feelings of all of
us aboard Delphinus toward all of our children, spouses, families and
friends that we're making our way home to. We think of you all constantly
and find ourselves describing to one another how one of you might enjoy or
react to a certain experience or situation on board. Certainly when we are
standing the midnight to 3AM or the 3AM to 6AM watch it is thoughts of you
all that bring a smile and make the watch go by more quickly - and it is the
sharing and catching up of our respective lives and family goings-on that
has brought us closer together as a crew.
Delphinus continues to provide excellent accommodations, food and
entertainment, to say nothing of her sea going sailing prowess. We've been
sailing to weather (into the wind) most of the day pinching as much as we
can to keep Bermuda in our sights. With a modest heel angle of about 20
degrees, Delphinus has slipped deftly through the 5-7 foot seas with only an
occasional wave reminding us whose really in-charge (usually by soaking the
backside of whoever is sitting on the windward side of the cockpit). The
heel of the boat has provided for good yoga-like body maneuvers as we
navigate from the cockpit through the salon, or, when using the head. It's
like a constant round of limboing!! The rigging has brought us the siren
sounds that sea farers before us mistook for the song of mermaids. Not to
worry none of our crew has yet to be seduced. Delphinus' song is more like
that of flutes or bagpipes and often creeps up such that you actually turn
your head to see where the man in the kilt came from:) Bill, Anne-Seymour
and Willy all tested the ocean water today dangling their feet over the side
(no swimming). The water is still warm, but no longer the pleasant balmy
warm of the Caribbean. We are definitely getting north and will all most
likely be in long-sleeves tonight on watch.
As I write, we have just finished our 5PM call with Canadian Herb from
"Southbound II". Herb broadcasts daily to numerous yachts in all parts of
the Caribbean and Atlantic making their way to somewhere. He relays weather
updates specific to each yacht's specific location and intended course,
providing the information as to what lies ahead and enabling good decisions
as to which course to follow. The weather northwest of Bermuda (between
Bermuda and home) is still unsettled and difficult to predict lending to our
decision to keep heading toward Bermuda for a potential lay-day. Arrival in
Bermuda should be tomorrow after 2PM (EST), should Herb's report tomorrow,
however, provide us with a good weather window for home we'll be in a
position to make the right decision. We'll certainly report in as soon as we
know our final decision. For those keeping track we've been sailing for
98 hours (as of 5PM today) and have covered 720 miles (the midway point
distance-wise of our journey).
Cheers and much love for now and thanks to all who have sent emails with
tidbits from home.
XOXO
Day Six: May 20, 2005
St. Georges, Bermuda
986 miles from the departure port of
Puerto Marina De Ray
692 miles from Montauk, Long Island, NY
I just got a call from Sarah - poor cell phone connection so I couldn't hear much, but the crew of Delphinus is safe and happy in Bermuda!
I think I heard they plan to remain in Bermuda for a few days to let some weather pass, but I'm not sure...
I also think I heard something about "dark" and "stormy", but I'm not sure if they were referring to the voyage or plans for the evening!
More when I get an update...
- Michael
Day Seven/Eight: May 22, 2005
St. Georges, Bermuda
986 miles from the departure port of
Puerto Marina De Ray
692 miles from Montauk, Long Island, NY
Just like at the airport when you're trying to get somewhere and weather doesn't cooperate, the crew of Delphinus finds itself on the "other side" of the Gulf Stream with some "spunky" weather now and for the next few days.
With "safety first" in mind they're on weather hold until they find a window to head out from their safe harbor and on to New England (rumor has it their next port is likely to be Newport, RI).
Nothing firm right now, but they may have to remain for several days until the fronts and low pressure systems clear, perhaps pushing their departure from Bermuda to mid-week...
Stay tuned...
Day Ten: May 24, 2005
St. Georges, Bermuda
986 miles from the departure port of
Puerto Marina De Ray
692 miles from Montauk, Long Island, NY
Crew Abandon's Ship
The otherwise steady crew of the Delphinus have thrown in the sailing-adventure towel, given into the weather gods, and departed Bermuda on a USA3000.com airplane flight back to New England (ever heard of USA3000 Airline?), leaving the good ship Delphinus unable to depart for fair waters...
Capt. Bill and Commander Deb remain aboard, and are actively recruiting crew for the final leg from Bermuda to Newport, RI.
Forecasts look like a Friday departure is possible, making a triumphant return of Delphinus to the cold New England waters sometime on Monday.
Leg 2, Day Two: June 6, 2005
526 miles from Newport, RI
175 miles from Bermuda
1146 miles from Puerto Marina De Ray
Life is calming down and sea legs seem to be fully operational!
Bacon, Eggs and Pancakes for brunch...
Fair skies and calm seas - winds at 15-20 50-60 degrees off the wind.
Leg 2, Day Three: June 7, 2005
406 miles from Newport, RI
303 miles from Bermuda
1250 miles from Puerto Marina De Ray
We've had a better day today with great winds far enough of the bow to make the ride truly luxurious. The sun came out and the "lido deck" was full for the entire day.
No fish, but Darby made the most incredible chicken piccata.
Flying fish, jelly fish, pieces of lumber and an enormous platform derrick
going by on Dock express were available for our viewing pleasure.
Backgammon and Chess players were in constant turmoil as the play heated up
in the cockpit and on deck.
A wonderful day.
Phosphorous was again bright as we came nearer to the Gulf Stream.
Weather is perfect for the crossing with almost flat skies and seas as we
write.
We anticipate a Friday afternoon arrival!,
Leg 2, Day Four: June 8, 2005
??? no position update yet today ...
We're about 24 hours out and should arrive in
Newport tomorrow [Thursday] evening.
Dolphins have been swimming around the bow area and there were actually a
number of baby dolphin in the pod. Great fun.
We've all had too many snickers but Darby has been an incredible cook aboard
and so we've had our greens.
The crew is headed out early the next morning or possibly late the night we
arrive - many meetings and life calling....too short a passage for me!