Day 30 at sea

Daily Log

Day: 30 at sea
Date: Saturday November 29th
Distance from Oakville: 3427nm bearing 316
Distance from NY: 3133nm bearing 315
Distance from Cape Town: 3641nm bearing 138
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 148 nm
Latitude: 09 24.747N "Yay under 10!" Doug S.
Longitude: 026 37.556W
Boat Speed: 6-9 knots
Boat Heading: 180 S
Boat Sails: 2.2 oz spinnaker #2 reef main
Beaufort Scale: 4
Barometer: 1019.0
Sea State: short choppy 3-7 ft.
Weather Conditions: Warm hazy small puffy clouds
Wind Direction/Speed ENE 10-14
Temp: Air: 30C/86F Ocean: 26C/79F
Cloud Cover: 30% cloud & Hazy

From Doug S. at lunch time:

Here we are below 10 degrees latitude. Furthest South for me (Saigon before this), another milestone in my travels. Less than 600 miles from the equator. Very hot sun out there but with the bimini up, a nice breeze and our boat speed, the air is just right.

Inside the boat is pretty warm at 33C/91F so all fans are running. With the spinnaker up we are off the wind. (It's from the side), so not much water splashing up on deck so we can open the ports which helps a lot.

A good run for the last 24 hours at 148 n.m. During the night the winds were down some which slowed us up.

Last night Stui cooked up some noodles, with spaghetti sauce, bacon and some veg thrown in. Very tasty. This morning while some small repairs and fixes where being done, Stui baked us up a carrot cake for breky. Still giving the fish a break as we have lots of stored food to go through. After breakfast was cleaned up, we flew the chute and we are moving along nicely now.

Saw our 1st ship in a few days. Looked like a medium size fishing vessel not moving very fast. We must have looked strange, a white and silver sail boat with our big blue spinnaker flying in front of us. Stui is right now making some bread for dinner and some veggie soup for lunch. Someday we'll unchain Stu from the galley and let him see what the ocean looks like from outside of the boat.

Oh and one more Stu and the galley story...As he was cooking dinner last night, he heard a noise just outside the porthole just over the stove. He reached out and grabbed a flying fish that had landed on the deck. Pulled it through the window into the cabin. If they weren't so sticky and slimy I think he may have made it into the spaghetti. Stu just threw him back out the porthole into the water. We do find a couple dead on deck everyday.

Cheers!
Doug S.
---Here is Captain John's report at the end of the day...

Today, for the first time, we got the real North East Trade Wind and we shredded them!
2.2 oz spinnaker 2 reefs in the main and for 6 hours we ripped the waves apart. Then we chickened out for the night, because some wimpy folks thought if one went swimming in this tropical night they would have to keep swimming for a few tropical nights, and maybe the insurance co. would have to be phoned.

It was certainly enjoyable and we look forward to at least 2 more days of this idyllic sailing. The nasty side of the crew say this should have been a clean couple of weeks but you get what you deserve. We have been very bad laddies.

Enough -- you know the old saying "shut up, stop whining and get on with it." So we did -- no mix for HH just the old straight stuff followed by some straight talkin' and then dinner.

Ah - dinner - to die for - don't jump off yet - fresh Stui bread - Doug G made flayed Italian snags, baked beans, and caramelized onions washed down with a Bud. For sailors that is some kind of Heaven.

Excitement today - saw 2 ships - looks like very large fishing boats, didn't come near us.
Stui reports spinnaker steering and Doug S reports hanging on inside while the Senior Member spinnaker steered. Sounds like B.S. to me.

The moon is reappearing or was that some other glowing phenomenon seen at a glance through the pilothouse window? Something related to a crewmember disporting himself when he thought no-one was looking!

So - lets hope the next 2 days are repeats ( well not wholly) of today - we love it.

Cheers from the TWS

Day 29 at sea

Blue Spinnaker

Daily Log:
Day: 29 at sea
Date: Friday November 28th Noon EDT
Distance from Oakville: 3305 n.m. bearing 315
Distance from NY: 3012 n.m. bearing 314
Distance from Cape Town: 3767 n.m. bearing 138
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 150 n.m.
Latitude: 11 49.069 N
Longitude: 027 10.864 W
Boat Speed: 7-9 knots
Boat Heading: 180 S
Boat Sails: 2.2 oz spinnaker #2 reefed main
Beaufort Scale: 4
Barometer: 1019.2
Sea State: building seas 2-6 ft.
Weather Conditions: warm hazy sun
Wind Direction/Speed NE 10-15 knots
Temp: Air 30C/ 86 F Ocean 26C/ 79F
Cloud Cover: 10% thin layer, hazy

Report from Doug S. at lunch time:

Last night we had a nice beam reach so speeds were good. Waves on the side of the boat, so was heeled over quite a bit and some rolling going on. This morning we took out the #4 reef to the #2 and then just put up the spinnaker. Going close to 8 knots at Noon.
For breakfast Doug G made some scones with bacon & cheese in them, some were a little burnt owing to lack of training on the oven but the rest were fine. We still have 2 cabbages so I chopped one up for coleslaw. Added some cheese and sardines and the crew all seemed to like it.
Very warm in the boat today as we have some splash coming over the deck and can't open the hatches.
Well...we have had them open, but who likes cleaning up water all the time.
Closing in on 10 degrees of lat., and that's pretty far South. About 700 miles to the equator from here, so if you do the math we are in the right week. Brendan was over the equator twice as a boy on ships, so he'll be king Neptune. Don't know what we will do but I'm sure it will be discussed.
That's about it for the day.
Cheers,
Doug S.
---------------
Report from Doug Gayford at supper time:

One month at sea. Can you believe that. We are still enjoying the sailing and our strange world of 360 degree horizons, blue, blue sea, starry nights and dead flying fish on the deck every morning. We would prefer to be a little closer to Capetown but that's sailing. It ain't a 747.

OK. The important stuff. Food. Bacon and cheese scones for brekkie, sardines and coleslaw for lunch washed down with a cold MGD. (Miller Genuine Draft).
Stu has promised spaghetti for tea. The fishing gear was given the day off.

Also important - the sailing has been sparkling today. We declared the 12 kt. easterly wind to be an honorary north east trade wind and hoisted the little 2.2 oz spinnaker. Off we went. 7-9 kts close hauled. We were happy with that after our recent record of headwinds or, worse, no wind.

Only one, of what will be over a hundred days of sailing, but today was one to tuck away and remember when we are older and sillier. Another, grittier and perhaps more memorable sail was made only 7 days ago from New York to Connecticut. Our New York friends Jim and Joan, own the lovely Perry 50 sloop, Taronga (tender called Zoo. No guessing where they lived for 12 years). I know Jim doesn't mind, so these are his own words. Remember New York is now in early winter.
Thanks Jimmy. You will never forget that little sail.
From Doug G.
(Editor's note: To read Jim's story, please click here to go to Guest Book entry Nov. 28th
Guest Book

Day 28 at sea

Daily Log
Day: 28 at sea
Date: Thursday November 27th
Distance from Oakville: 3275n.m. bearing 314
Distance from NY: 2885n.m. bearing 313
Distance from Cape Town: 3890 n.m. bearing 139
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 140 n.m.
Latitude: 14 15.105 N
Longitude:027 37.328 W
Boat Speed: 6-9 Knots
Boat Heading: 180 S
Boat Sails: #2 reefed main #2 jib. for the night #4 reefed main
Beaufort Scale: 4
Barometer: 1023.0
Sea State: 4-7 from the N-E building
Weather Conditions: mostly sunny, warm, hazy
Wind Direction/Speed E 12-16
Temp: 30C Ocean 26 C
Cloud Cover: 40%

Report from Doug S.
Very warm today. Feels like the tropics now. But we have lots of wind so the heat is nice. (Sorry for all you stuck in the crappy Nov wxx, really I am, really ;-) ). Sailing was nice overnight with nice breezes and mostly clear but hazy sky. Saw a few planes heading to South America from Europe. 1st I've seen in a week.

Another slow morning with some sleeping in. Winds down some but still nice sailing on a beam reach (right from the side). Nice to be going in the right direction too. Some minor problems seen to and then Stui was off to the galley. Curry with beef, potatoes, peas and rice. Very good. We took in a couple of reefs in the main. (makes it smaller and the boat easier to handle in higher winds). Didn't fish today. Thought the fish needed to recoup. Looks like the winds are with us now for at least 5 days. 'Bout time. It's been 3 weeks with it on the nose and that's just not supposed to happen. So we are enjoying some different sailing and the warm wxx.
That's it for today!
Cheers,
Doug S.
.....Report from Captain John:
Greetings from the Trade Wind sailors,

The North East Trade Winds (NETW) have kicked in to give us decent boat speed in the right direction - next mark is the Equator - sounds like an excuse for some fun! That's next Monday or Tuesday. We are snugged down to the NETW rig of jib2 and 1 -get this - 1 reef in the main - the SM had to argue strongly in favour of this cause he knew what was right - the CEO and his toadies were out shouted.

Right this moment Doug S is helming, hitting hull speed about 20% of the time and a knot under it the rest of the time. The sky has 30% cloud cover - puffy white numbers marching right along - provides a fair amount of shade so the tent was kept in the trunk today.

The QM - Stui is preparing dinner of beef curry and rice, following an HH of MGD for which there has been some nasty comments by Jim, but not his lovely lady Joan. Jim - we appreciate your comments but there is something about drinking anything when the options are extremely limited.

Today we recognize our friends in the medical community. These dedicated folks have kept the SM and the CEO alive long enough to be sending illiterate emails during the voyage. Plus they support our efforts in Fighting Cancer, email us from all over the world, and bought us drinks for which we send our thanks.
Here's the list - anyone missed- please send emails with appropriate comments.
Ken C, Geoff B, Kylie G, John R, Andrew D, Mark E, George S, David B, Ian C(UOT), Michael J, Richard C, Sean O'R, and ships surgeon Richard O'C.

Cheers from the trade winds ship FGT

Day 27 at sea

Nov. 26th sunset
photo. by Doug S.

Daily Log
Day: 27 at sea
Date:Wednesday November 26th Noon Position
Distance from Oakville: 3060n.m. bearing 313
Distance from NY: 2770n.m. bearing 311
Distance from Cape Town: 4020n.m. bearing 139
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 150n.m.
Latitude: 16 32.793N
Longitude: 028 08.372W
Boat Speed: 6-8 knots
Boat Heading: 180
Boat Sails: Full Main #1 jib
Beaufort Scale: 3-4
Barometer: 1023.1
Sea State: small 1-3 ft
Weather Conditions: little hazy, sunny, puffy clouds
Wind Direction/Speed E 9-13 knots
Temp: 28C
Cloud Cover: 20%

Excerpts from Doug S email sent at 21:00 EDT.

For the day....winds came up from the E and we had a good days sail as you can see in the mileage. That is only expected to get better. Everyone tired today, don't know why.
Late breakfast, more like a brunch and as DG was starting to prepare the food, another Mahi Mahi came aboard to add to the fish feast. We had fish and chips, so much that there where left overs and after a few small jobs everyone (except who ever was on watch) hit the bunks. Sunset was very pretty with wispy clouds. Stui made some oatmeal cookies for our evening snack. Our daily crew meeting was held, to talk about weather and emails. (Thanks for forwarding all our morning mail and sailing news, Audrey). And then it was lights out at 18:30.
Wind down to about 9 knots but boat speed still good. Small waves.

Cheers,
Doug S.

Doug G cooking fish and chips

photo by Doug S.

Day 26 at sea

L-R...Doug S; John (Jules); Brendan and Stui having a lazy day at sea.

Life is good on the good ship FGT

Photo. by Doug G

Daily Log
Day: 26 at sea
Date: Tuesday November 25th Noon EDT
Distance from Oakville: 2960n.m. bearing 312
Distance from NY: 2675n.m. bearing 309
Distance from Cape Town: 4136n.m. bearing 140
Distance travelled in 24 hours: only 76 n.m. in a straight line today. But we traveled about 140n.m. in total....winds in the direction that we wanted to travel made us do a big dog leg.
Latitude: 19 03.639N
Longitude: 028 19.595W
Boat Speed: 5-8 knots
Boat Heading: 200 SSW now-during night we were almost heading E 090
Boat Sails: Full Main #1 Jib
Beaufort Scale: 3-4
Barometer: 1022.6
Sea State: 1-2 ft choppy little waves
Weather Conditions: mostly sunny
Wind Direction/ Speed: S 8-15 knots
Temp: 28C/ 82F
Cloud Cover: up to 50% but clear now.

Excerpts from Doug S email:

Today was fish day!
I put the fishing lines out early this morning 5a.m. then relieved Brendan on shift.

We had a south wind and were going E and then started to get below 090 degrees, so started to head South. John happened to come up and I suggested a tack. I didn't want to give up any South. So we tacked and are now heading SSW. I'd rather give up a little East than any South. So winds where over 11.

Saw a whole bunch of Flying fish leap out and then a Mahi Mahi fly into the air after them. Then the same thing. The Mahi Mahi must have been hungry! Two minutes after that one hit our line and Stui reeled him in. A nice size for breakfast.

Stui was cleaning him, me steering when another big one hit. Stui got him right to the boat but he got off the line just then. We needed another person, but the rest were sleeping. Stui went off to cook it and just before he was ready to serve up, another hit. I yelled for Auto, and reeled him in. This one not too big, but big enough. Gave it to Stui and he added it to breakfast. Big guy was battered and fried. Little guy the same but some hot pepper sprinkled in, all was good.

Not long after breakfast another hit the line. He was a fighter, but he jumped off the line quite far out. So 4 hooked 2 landed.

Later two got away and we landed one more big one. That'll be dinner tonight.

As we were all in the cockpit having pastrami and cheese sandwiches for lunch about 10 Dolphins came up to the bow and stayed with us for a few minutes. At times there where 6 right below the bow.

Other than fishing, everyone taking it pretty easy today. Stui was the only real busy guy cooking breakfast, made buns for our lunch sandwiches, and a loaf of bread for dinner. I played with Stacey and Matt's DS Nintendo game. Trying Mario Bros., man I am useless at it but it is fun.

We've been lucky with the wind today. Other than turning us East overnight we had good velocity and after the tack we are heading pretty much South. A little too much to the West, but the forecast winds were 5-10 and we've had 10-15, so a good boat speed.

Nice to have a decent steady wind for a change. Now it should shift more to the East tonight and we can get back to a SSE course. And if it stays up it will be perfect, but the forecast is to diminish tonight and then switch to the E then NE and get up to 20 knts. Looking good when that happens. Hopefully we can keep up our speed over night.
Cheers,
Doug S.
---------------------------------
Tuesday Evening Report from Captain John:

Position 18 35N 028 24W
10 - 14 knots of South-West wind-
Sea state 4' to 6' waves from the N, E and W - kind of choppy
Boat speed av 6.0 kts
Barometer 1025.1
Air 30 C ocean 26.0 C

Greetings from the boat of milk and honey,
The SM is pleased to report this is an historic day for delicacies. First thing - right at the crack of dawn - all the crew love that time - the fishing reel screamed 'fish fish fish' and a largish mahi mahi hit the deck.
Then for every hour, on the hour, the mahi mahi came on board until we packed up the rods after eight hours. Both sides had had enough. Breakfast - Fish Delic.

Ocean conditions were ideal - deep blue wind-ruffled sea c/w dolphins- that is, what we could see from under our tent-like bimini awning. The CEO thought it was like being in the back of a ute.

Tacked onto port going S -S-W, with enough wind to keep us going above 6 knots, but for some unknown reason the crew were having slack attacks. There was a fair amount of loud snoring noted by the CD.

Next thing you know the Master Baker (Stui) was in action - tantalizing smells from the kitchen.
Lunch - real fresh bread rolls with pastrami, cheese (v Exp), and mustard, followed by snoozes.

HH - ordinary (weakfish rum), beers and BS

Dinner - give me a break - who's still hungry? - fresh bread and variety of jams. Sweet tea - Yeah baby- another day at work. (you smug B*%$@#*s).

For your entertainment we have to offer a limerick originated by that legendary pair Joe & Dee.
There was a determined yachtie name Jules
Who built his dream boat with old tools
In a highly adventurous antic
He took to the surging Atlantic
Steering south for his native Antipedes.

Cheers from the good ship FGT
(Guess which crew is "Jules")?

Day 25 at sea

Nov 24th: Doug G; Brendan & Crew enjoy a tasty dinner of barbecued pork chops
Photo. by Doug S

Nov 24th sunset
Photo. by Doug G

Doug S watching a ship pass by on the horizon
Photo. by Doug G
------------------------------

Daily Log
Day: 25 at sea
Date: Monday Nov. 24th Noon EDT
Distance from Oakville: 2905n.m. bearing 311
Distance from NY: 2622n.m. bearing 309
Distance fromCape Town: 4192n.m. bearing 140
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 111n.m.
Latitude: 19 50.908 N Noon EDT
Longitude: 029 22.685W Noon EDT
Boat Speed: 3-4 knots
Boat Heading: 110
Boat Sails: Full main, #1 Jib
Beaufort Scale: 3
Barometer: 1023.2
Sea State: 2-6 ft Long ocean swells
Weather Conditions: Sunny Warm
Wind Direction/Speed SSE 8-10
Temp: Air 28C/82 F Ocean 24C / 74 F
Cloud Cover: 0%

Nov. 24th Doug S enjoying the tropical sunset

Photo by Doug G.

Report from Captain John:---------------

Greetings from the workers on board the slave ship FGT,

The Senior Member was dismayed to find, that during his couple of days absence as scribe, he was also usurped as the Maintenance Manager - that role being unilaterally taken by the CEO.

The goal for the slaves today was to find the water catching tarps, and in doing so, all the long term storage in the Vee berth, the cabin side lockers, and the capacious lazarettes, were torn apart, re-sorted and nicely repacked to no avail except now we know that the only item not listed was not found.

During this operation the sailing and sea conditions were perfectly gentle, if you like 10 knots of wind, and 4 to 5 knots of boat speed. The motion inside the boat was so smooth it was hard to know it was moving - kind of like being a lounge lizard with a window view of the undulating, deep blue ocean.

So after a well deserved BBQ lunch of pork chops - very tender - with onions and coldslaw, the CEO said I bet I know where the water catchers are? 1 minute later there they were - they had been hiding in the shower!
This was deemed a great result to the applause of the workers, who then, voted to have naps and rise later for HH.

There was a minor disaster at HH when the Goslings Black Seal Bermuda 151% Rum dissolved the bottoms of the plastic cocktail glasses! Then some of the workers voted for more nap time - appears to be a connection here. All well again as of this moment.

Looking forward to more wind -( on the ocean that is.

Cheers from the good ship FGT

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

Excerpts from From Doug S email:

Last night's shift -- light wind 5-10 knots. Lots of stars with no moon, a couple of faint shooting stars. Looked at the galaxy in Orions belt and was much steadier last night so, had great views. Big thunderstorms off to the East. Lots of lightning lighting up the big clouds. Very distant. Morning shift was concentrating on steering because of light winds.

Looking at the compass, when I noticed a splash not 20 ft beside me. Looked over to see a Dolphin gliding by. Ran down to turn on auto helm and grab camera. There were 2 others further away and lots of flying fish trying to get away. They passed behind the boat and headed West. Could see them for a few minutes as they swam away. The rest of the shift was on auto helm as it was doing far better than any of us could steer in the light winds. Sat at the front of the boat in calm seas and saw a ship coming that was going to pass in front of us.

Everyone awoke and watched the ship in the distance go by. Job for the day was to find the rain catchers. Also found in the food storage area... 6 loaves of bread. Most thought we had 1 or 2 left. Bread dated Nov 7th. Still good. Only 1 loaf found with very little mold on it. We are amazed and will be eating a lot of bread.

Day 24 at sea

Owner and Captain of Falcon GT (a.k.a. SM), John
enjoying a breakfast made by Master Baker, Stuart
of fresh baked scones and muffins.
Photo by Doug G

John testing the back up tiller. Photo by Doug S

Nov 23rd John and brother Doug G in their tropic outfits.
Photo by Doug S

Nov 23rd sunset
Photo by Doug G

Daily Log
Day: 24 at sea
Date: Sunday Nov 23rd Noon
Distance from Oakville: 2773 n.m. bearing 311
Distance from NY: 2488 n.m. bearing 309
Distance from Cape Town: 4319 n.m. bearing 139
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 110 n.m.
Latitude: 20 52.159 N
Longitude: 031 01.634 W
Boat Speed: 6 knots
Boat Heading:140
Boat Sails: Full main #1 Jib
Beaufort Scale: 4
Barometer: 1020.0
Sea State: 5 -10 ft. Long ocean swell with small choppy waves on top
Weather Condition: sunny with small puffy clouds about
Wind Direction/Speed South 12-15 knots
Temp: Air: 28 C / 82 F
Cloud Cover: 20%

From Doug S Sunday afternoon:

A night of winds between, 5 - 8 knots on the nose so not enough to really sail on. Motored through the night. Bright stars but quite a few clouds around. Lots of phosphoresce last night. Too bad we were going slow because every little bow wave put out lots of light. The neatest sight was the glow from the propeller. It looked like we were rocket powered. A fluorescent glow just under the water flowing from the stern.

On Stui's early morning shift he was surprised by what looked like a well lit ship on the horizon. I'm not sure if it was the moon or us who changed course but we did miss each other!

Other mysterious ship sightings during this trip were a cruise ship at sunset. ( " Hey look at that cruise ship that's glowing with red lights under that cloud".) ---And the other was seen twice by 2 different people. ( " I can see a port light (red)from a ship over there")---
2nd mystery solved.....Venus seems to turn red just as it's setting! (Editor's note: Lucky that Doug knows the night sky)

On my shift this morning winds increasing. We were motor sailing with about 10 knots of wind, that's running the engine at low rpm (around 1100) with the sails pulling and we're doing 7 - 8 knots. Felt nice going fast for a change. Later the wind came up some more and the motor was finally given a rest.

A card game of crib was played in the cockpit by the 3 younger crew members. Inside, the seniors were watching a sailing video. (We don't quite get enough of that here). Stui made the comment of "Sort of reminds me of an old folks home."

After the card game I played with the sextant and after about 5 minutes I figured it was upside down, then shot the sun at Noon local. I think it was 09:55 boat time and the angle was 49 degrees 8 minutes. Haven`t done the math yet but we should be able to figure out which ocean we are in.

Stui made some sweet potato fries from the last of the yams. And I made coleslaw. Not a bad lunch.
As I write DG is doing an inventory on the fridge and finding all sorts of neat things. Our meals are being planned.

That's about it for now.
Cheers,
Doug S

Day 23 at sea

Nov 22nd Passing Ship

Photo by Brendan

Daily Log
Day: 23 at sea
Date: Saturday Nov 22nd Noon EDT
Distance from Oakville 2663 n.m. Bearing 310 from boat
Distance from NY: 2378 n.m. Bearing 308 from boat
Distance from Cape Town: 4428 n.m. Bearing 138 from boat
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 123 n.m.
Latitude: 22 03.334N
Longitude:032 30.680W
Boat Speed: 3.5-4 knots
Boat Heading:120 n.m.
Boat Sails: Full Main #1 jib
Beaufort Scale: 2
Barometer: 1021.5
Sea State: 5-10 ft. long ocean swells
Weather Conditions: sunny tropic puffy clouds with few showers around
Wind Direction/Speed 2-5 knots variable S to E
Temp: 27C
Cloud Cover: 20%

Excerpts from Doug S. email:
My sail last night was a nice amount of wind. But later it died and the motor was on most of the day now. The baker was at it again with muffins and a big scone for breakfast. We had a bit of wind so I had to do some sailing to get the boat pointed in the right direction and then we were headed East and maybe a little North so we tacked and headed SE again. We got into a rain shower, John & Stui had a rinse said it was pretty cold and I had already had my morning cleanup so I stayed inside and finished my breakfast. John showed me where the book of supplies was and I had listed my shorts in port aft 1 locker. I had looked in there before, but, you know me...can't see for looking! So Brendan cleaned up his stuff a little so I could go under there. They were in there under everything else way at the back, so am in shorts for the 1st time on the trip. (Mystery solved) Now I've got to find a place to store them. (I know, I'll hide my cold wxx stuff so I can't find it once it turns cold.)

Doug G was up in the cockpit as I was writing on the computer, He called down to me if I was ready for lunch. I said "I'm always ready for lunch are you ordering a pizza"? Just then a Mahi Mahi hit the fishing line, oh even better than a pizza! About as big as the 1st two. Made for 4 nice size chunks each in Doug's beer batter.

Motoring away and we decided after l brought up the Grib file, to head more to the East for more favorable winds. Stui on watch and I told him of the plan. "There is more wind if we go to the East" I said. OK, we did a tack with the motor still on. No sooner than we got it on course and the wind had jumped from 5 to 12 knts. I put the engine in neutral and we were sailing. I looked at Stui and said. "I didn't mean there was more wind right over here!" I think we've wasted 2 wishes somehow.

Not long after that a ship was sighted. It was determined it was heading at us from our starboard (right). We called multiple times on the radio but got no verbal response but he did alter course and passed us about 1 1/2 miles behind us. Stui is in the galley cooking up some very aromatic spaghetti, yeh I know, more noodles, but it has been awhile since we've had it.

Cheers,
Doug S.

Day 22 at sea

Daily Log

Day: 22 at sea (3 weeks today we left NJ)

Date: Friday Nov 21st Noon Position EDT

Distance from Oakville: 2552 nm, bearing from boat 309 degrees

Distance from NY: 2272 nm, bearing from boat 306 degrees.

Distance to Cape Town: 4546 nm, bearing from boat 138 degrees

Distance travelled in 24 hours: 109 nm couple hours motoring during night/morning no wind

Latitude: 23 55.838

Longitude: 033 19.608

Boat Speed: 7-8knts

Boat Heading: 180

Boat Sails: #1 Jib/ Full Main

Beaufort Scale: 4

Sea State: 2-3 ft

Weather Conditions:sunny tropical sky small puffy clouds with some TB in distance

Wind Direction/Speed SE, 12-15 knts

Temp: 27C /80.6F Ocean 24C/75.2F

Cloud Cover: 40%

Barometer: 1022.4

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

Skipper John's Log:

Greetings from the FGT Bakery and Wind Factory,
All good news today - The Master Baker - Mr Stui H - produced two crisp, aromatic, Italian style round loaves from our reworked gas stove. The loaves were out in quarantine until they cooled down - nibbling was verboten. By 4:35pm they had been inhaled and thoroughly digested to the sounds of groaning and mumbling - too good to waste breathe while eating.
The 4 Resident Engineers managed to rework the gas supply which had failed leaving us stoveless. We enjoyed a French dinner of fine salamis, very expensive cheeses, and premium saltine crackers - obtained for us health nuts because they have little fat and less of other stuff etc.
Oh yes - before the fresh bread was baked- breakfast was scrambled eggs ( per the CD Mr. Brendan S) on 22 day old dark bread with hardly any mold. "Just cut it off and bung it on the plate, mate" was the order from the Aussie CEO.
The EO (Electronics Officer) Doug S turned his hat around to the foodie side, and made v tasty soup - more good news.
But the really good news is that the wind gods have favoured us today. For the last 12 hours we have been rolling in a close reach at 7.5 knots in 12 to 15 knots of wind - mostly with jib1 and full main. Just before dark we rolled in 40% of j1, and put 2 reefs in the main - boat just kept trucking along at 7.5 knots with a very easy motion.
The happy crew would all like to say thanks to the 4 Moms- Barbara, Shirley, Katherine, and 1 Mum - Frances, who have have been our boosters from the start - Thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks, thanks.
Cheers from the good ship FGT

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

Excerpt from Doug S email at Noon Friday.

Last night (Thursday), started out promising with Stui at the helm but wind died to nothing. Had to start engine to stop the sails from flapping too much. My shift was midnight-03, relieved Brendan, motor was on low power going about 3.5 knots with little wind. Beautiful clear night. Autopilot was on so got binoculars (they're 10x so a bit too powerful for all the bouncing) but when it was still you could see the galaxy in orion's sword, and the seven sisters looked neat. Got my headset and pocket PC and had a nice night writing emails and watching stars. Saw a couple of shooting stars. John woke up early for his shift and turned off the motor and we tried to sail but just not enough wind so the motor went back on. Motored most of the night at low RPM's and some of the morning also. Then the wind picked up this a.m. and we are off. Heeled over hard and some water coming over the deck. Best close those hatches. On your map you draw nice straight lines between waypoints. Our chart has a course line for 3 days before it disappears. Since Nov 20 our course was lots of curves and zig zags as we followed the wind around and abrupt turns as the engine was started and we were pointed in the right direction again. Now it feels nice to be sailing in the right direction and at nice speeds. Hardly any waves to slow us up either. Very nice.
Cheers, Doug S

Day 21 at sea

Nov 20th Stuart and Brendan taking a swim
photo by John

Daily Log
Day: 21 at sea
Date: Noon Position EDT Thursday Nov. 20th
Distance from Oakville: ~2500 nm (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 85 Nautical Miles in straight line but closer to 100nm with all the zig zags.
Latitude: 25 33.486N
Longitude: 034 14.219W
Boat Speed: 0-4 knots
Boat Heading: SE
Beaufort Scale: 0-4
Sea State: 0-6' long ocean swells
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: SSW, SE, 0-11 knots
Cloud Cover: 20% sunny, warm
Barometer: 1023.4
Sails full main, #1 jib engine on at least half the time today because of not enough winds.

Report from: Doug S

With the Sun coming up the wind had gone down, which seems to be a pattern for us in these waters. Hardly any wind throughout the day. Motor was run to try and get out of these lack of winds. Breakfast was the highlight of the day. DG was down in the galley early making up some beer batter and the fish we caught yesterday was put in the pan. All agreed, best breakfast to date by far. Each had 5 or 6 nice chunks of fish. No fish caught today though. Stui & B went for a swim today, because of no wind. After the swim Stui got next weeks food out and started to make up some fresh bread. All was well till the oven quit. Problem was looked at but not solved as darkness came on. Tomorrow will get it fixed.

Lots of reading and resting with the motor running, and all watched Dr. Strangelove during the afternoon.

Nice sunshine, so much so the bimini went up for the 1st time and provided nice shade in the cockpit. Brought down early because of what looked like a rain storm and winds, but nothing came about.

That was about it for our day.
From Your Happy Crew.

Classic anvil shape thunder head clouds.
Picture by Doug S

"Taken just after sunrise. Classic old Cumulus Nimbus (thunder storms) growing so big they get up into the jet stream and the tops are blown off.
You can see 4 in this picture(1 way in the backround) and a newer 1 just building straight up" Doug S.

Day 20 at sea

Current Position: At sea

Daily Log

Day: 20 at sea

Date: Noon Position EDT Wednesday Nov. 19th

Distance from Oakville: ~2400 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)

Distance travelled in 24 hours: 100 Nautical Miles

Latitude: 26 56.555N

Longitude: 033 56.027W

Boat Speed: 2 knots at Noon (0.0 to 6kts throughout day)

Boat Heading: 090 E

Sea State: 3-10ft but long ocean swells at Noon/

3' to 4' waves from NE at 17:00EDT

Weather Conditions

Wind Direction/Speed: 180 S 5knts at Noon/

Light winds to 6 knots of East wind at 17:00 EDT

Cloud Cover: Clear, puffy clouds around but not near. Hot sun.

Temp: air 30 C (86F) Ocean 24.0C (75F)

Barometer: 1023.3

Sails full main, No.1 jib

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

Greetings from the Cruise Ship FGT,

Just after dawn, our Cruise Director (CD) Mr Brendan S, announced that the slackness, mooching behaviour, and insubordination, on board would not be tolerated any more. The orders were to get washed up, cleaned up, and attend the calesthetics and etiquette class on the aft deck. Ship up or ship out was the threat.
The subdued crew were busy buckling down to the demands of the athletic instructor, when the CD came by with a group of Japanese tourists. 'Smile - you b#@*s!' he demanded. 'I want everyone to be happy!'
As a side note the above incident did actually happen on a Whitsunday Island in '76 with the SM, the CEO and Vivian.
More fish today - another 10lb mahi mahi, ready for breakfast tomorrow. We are dialled in now. Oh yes while dispatching the breakfast with a wicked gaff, the splattering on the transom and all over the SM was cause for some more donations to the inappropriate language fund.
To complete the days cruise activities, the CD ordered a bbq steak dinner. It was awesome - and not even a floor model.
Another day of organized leisure done - now for the night shifts and time away from the onerous demands of the CD.

Cheers from the passengers of the Cruise Ship FGT
---------------------------
Excerpts from Doug S email summing up Wednesday's run:

Everyone sleeping and cabin dark , don't want to bug anyone, so writing this on my pocket pc. Steered from 03-06 nice sunrise. John came up to relieve me and we shook out the last reef in the main and put up the #1 jib.

Doug G had over 20knts of wind on his watch, about 5 hours before me as we went under some cloud. We had too much main up for that, but DG steered us thru it. Winds for John less than 10. They pretty much died during the day.

Stui and John reeled in another Mahi Mahi, another really colourful one. To get him on the boat they used a gaff (pointed hook) and John got spotted with blood. Doug G cleaned it and it went into the fridge for Thursday's breakfast.

I was quite busy cleaning and cooking, others doing laundry, relaxing, Stui and Brendan had a swim. I tidied up the V-berth. still didn't find my shorts. (Editors note: Cruise mystery..will Doug ever find his shorts before the heat of the equator? How far could they have gone?). Had to move a lot around and put back stuff that had fallen out of bins. Jammed it up there better so hopefully won't shift around too much in the next rough set, but you never know.

Then made a soup with veg that's starting to go off. Lots of yam, cabbage, onion, celery, and a bit of turnip. We'll see what that tastes like. Also cut up a bunch of pears that where starting to go and made a fruit salad (along with some apple, orange and yogurt) for everyone.

John made some sardine sandwiches for lunch while I was cooking soup. We where ghosting along at about 3knts in long low ocean swells. Later the wind died and the motor was on. I went for a nap in the V-berth. Doug G bbq'd some steak for dinner, I just caught the end of dinner as I awoke from my nap. Steak was very nice, with fried up potato chuncks and onion.

My 18-21 shift started with nice 10-13knt winds, steering SSE at around 6-8 knts. Very dark clouds but bright stars where you could see them. Because of different heading, constellations all in different positions, then we were on such a long SE course. Also 1st early shift in a few days so the constellations were low down.

Going along fine on a steady course when the wind dropped to below 10 and sails started to flap. Turned more to the south, then had to turn more towards west, a wind shift of 40 degrees. Some lightning over my left shoulder, (high cloud to cloud). We where just skirting a TB, with just some light rain coming aboard. Wind came up 12-15, boat heeled over hard, and going 8-10. Felt like 120 km in a car(zoom zoom). Had full sails up so a bit over powered. John came up and eased the main sheet some. Then rolled in about 1/3 of jib with the help of Stui. That was perfect. Boat was balanced nicely, with very little steering inputs needed unless a wave gave you a push in the wrong direction. What a great sail. Just steer the right course on the compass and you could feel the boat accelerate up to high 9's. 5 degrees to the left and the sail would start to flap. 5 degrees right and speed would drop a knot. About an hour like that. We were going a little to West but still mostly South and fast. Very nice. John came up and as soon as he took over the winds started to drop. When I left him, winds where down to 8-9kts and dropping. I headed off to the V-berth for the night. V berth comfy. Not much motion, nice.

Thursday morning as I send this (8 a.m.), we are motoring right now as Doug G had no steerage with no wind. Getting great signal through Belgium in order to send this.
Cheers!
Doug S.

Day 19 at sea

Current Position: At sea

Daily Log
Day: 19 at sea
Date: Tuesday Nov. 18th Noon Readings
Latitude: 27 27.827N
Longitude: 035 57.187W
Distance travelled in 24 hrs (Noon to Noon): 127 nautical miles
Boat Speed: 5-10 kts
Boat Heading: S/E
Sea State: 2-6 ft waves
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: S or S/E 10-27 knots
Cloud cover was 80% with a warm sun but cool air
Sails were from #4 reefed main, then later shaken up to the #2 reef on the forecast of lighter winds.
------------------------------

Greetings from the crew of the fishing boat FGT,

Today, (rather in need of a wash of both body and clothes), the SM (Senior Member) dismayed, and probably disgusted, all aboard by running naked throughout the boat during his ablutions and laundry activities. The reason was that besides being a question of being called a stinko, while in the head with the porthole open - you guessed it - a bucket ofseawater magically shot through the port and washed the SM off his throne. Apart from the language (now he is obliged to contribute $10 to Courtney and Tom's fund of inappropriate word use - I'll pay you in 09...you can all read the guest book for that explanation), the clothing was drenched too- so the obvious thing was to disrobe and get on with the domestic duties (it was the maids day off).
The entertainment over, the clothing pegged out, a clean pair of shorts on, the SM was just thinking about a cold one - after all it was well after 9am - so while rooting around in the fridge the fishing reel rachet screamed 'fish fish fish'. Sure enough on the line was a 2lb mahi mahi - Excitement reined - photos were taken - the $1500 fish. Veteran fisherperson Doug G did the honours , and while doing so the line screamed again - 'fish fish fish' - in came the $750 fish. Same size and same fate.
Within 45 minutes Veteran Fish Chef Doug G had whipped up fish and chips - man it was simply delicious. Could have done with lots more.
The SM went for his after dinner snooze, then surfaced to play in the cockpit. Noted the fishing rods were parked for the day, and Master Chef Stui in the galley making an early dinner.
When asked 'what's for dinner' the SM was astounded by the answer - 'fish, rice and coldslaw'
What fish? Answer- 'The one I caught while you were snoozing, and it was 4 times the size of yours'
It's hard to believe but Stui's dinner was every bit the equal to Doug G's lunch. So tasty and filling.
So there you have - size matters - Stui's was bigger than mine .
Cheers
Your crew on the Chez FGT

John catching the first fish

(picture by Doug G)

John and the 2nd catch of the day

(photo by Doug S)

Proof there were two

(photo by Doug S)

Doug G helping with Stuart's big catch

(picture by Brendan)

Doug S enjoying Stuart's fish dinner

(photo by Doug G)

Excerpts from email from Doug S:

Recap of day. John found the galley again and made pancakes. I helped clean up and then went into the v-berth to start the clean up. All boxes had shifted and some had opened. Moved sails around and got some things sorted. Had pretty much finished for the day when I heard the fishing line run. Brendan steering, Stui in the head shaving, John ran out and hauled it in. Not 5 minutes later and there goes the line again. Nice timing since Doug G had just started cutting up #1 fish. Made just the perfect amount for lunch. Doug G did the filleting and the stove was lit. Excellent lunch, just pan fried and french fries. Nice fresh Mahi Mahi.

My turn to steer noon-15. Easy steer just nice winds, here comes some heavy rain and the wind to go with it. Winds over 20 boat over 7, boat heeled over at 20 degrees and more. Luckily most were snoozing. Rain letting up and there goes the fishing line again. Stui runs out and starts reeling him in. Boat still going over 7 so it was hard reeling. I pointed very close to the wind to slow down to about 4 to 5 and Stui got it aboard. Wow, what a beautiful fish. Top ocean blue and sides yellow, a more senior member of the earlier catch. DG did the cutting again and found an almost whole flying fish in it's belly. Too bad for him he was still hungry. He was taken away for dinner.

We had HH (Happy Hour) today to toast the fish god's and enjoy some sun as it popped out briefly. Air temp not as warm as it has been. John learned of Stui catch at HH. He had slept thru the event.
Stui's turn at the fish. He asked how I made my coleslaw, and he made a great duplication, along with white rice and lots of Mahi Mahi along with a mustard sauce. Mmmm Mmmm good.

That's about it. A few rain showers no lightning. Winds OK with stronger in the rain.

Last readings at supper time:

Variable winds gusty 4 - 27 knots of South West wind- Sea state 3' to 4' waves from the SW

Boat speed 4.0 to 8 kts barometer 1022.6 air 20 C ocean 22.0 C

Day 18 at sea

Rain Squall

(Picture by Brendan)

Doug S and rainbow

Current Position: At sea
Daily Log
Day: 18 at sea
Date: Monday Nov. 17th 18:00 EDT
Latitude: 28 24N
Longitude: 037 27W
Distance travelled in 25 hrs. (Sun. 17:00-Mon. 18:00): 105 nautical miles
Distance from Oakville: ~2220 nautical miles (as the crow flies)
Boat Speed: 7 kts
Boat Heading: 125 (S/E)
Sea State: 3-5 ft waves from the North
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: W/S/W 10 knots gust to 16
Barometer 1010.7
Temp: Air 20C Ocean 22.0C

Greetings from the maintenance department sailors,

Being Monday, to start the working week the Senior Member and CEO held a planning meeting to outline the days objectives. These were met with almost universal outrage by the marine maintenance crew who demanded their chairperson, steward, his brother and the Safety Officer attend another meeting with a formal agenda - not some ill-thought out, off the cuff nonsense. Ok - that was done and the work was handed out. The work required millwrights, riggers, pipefitters, safety officer, electricians, and the janitors , of course.

Just before lunchtime the work was pretty well completed to the satisfaction of the SM so he laid off the entire crew advising them to just buzz right off.

He then had lunch with his cronies in the board room, with soup, crackers and perhaps a beer or two. After the after-lunch nap the crew congratulated itself on fine workmanship, and elected to have a debriefing meeting attended by their chairperson, steward, his bro, the SO, and his bro. They voted the Quartermaster make a delicious dinner of pasta and snags, followed up by a slide show on intrepid sailors - starring themselves, of course.

So that's Monday at work - oh yes - the workers demanded and got the rest of the week off - fair enough opined the CEO.

Summary - we'd like to go faster but it ain't windy enough.
Cheers
Your marine maintenance crew

Day 17 at sea

Deep Blue Sea Wave

(photography by Doug S)

----------------------------
Current Position: At sea
Daily Log
Day: 17 at sea
Date: Sunday Nov. 16th Noon EDT
Latitude: 29 52.698N
Longitude: 039 19.391W
Distance travelled 24 hours (Noon to Noon): 150 Nautical Miles
Boat Speed: 6-10 kts
Boat Heading: 125 (S/E)
Sea State: 10 to 15 ft waves
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: N 16-18 knots
75% cloudy skies
Few squalls & thunderstorms

Excerpts from Doug S email at supper time:
Winds were up overnight. The moon was on the port bow, as was the wind. Made for a really pretty show when the bow hit the top of the wave and the spray would fly up into the moonlite(just before you got splashed). Water is nice and warm. Air was warm but is cooling off with these squalls that are around us.

John relieved me on watch this morning at 0300. I moved aside and was talking to him while he steered. I felt something by my foot. Thought a rope had gone over the side and was just splashing thorough the water, forgot about it. A minute later, again, then it was really smacking me. I finally looked down and it was a flying fish. I reached down, grabbed it and threw it over the side. John said hey we could have used him for bait but it was too late.

For breakfast DG made scrambled eggs in the micro, and put them on toast.

Nice moderate wind for the start and easy steering, except for the big waves. There were thunderstorms building to the north but flowing in front of us. Then one finally came up behind and got us. Wind went way up. Heavy rain, with small hail, thunder and lightenting. Wind shifts, Actually very fun sailing. Boat felt under total control and speeds were way up. I heard one clap of thunder but didn't see the lightning. Then steered more southerly to make things smooth while Stui made a beef stew. Smelled great while I was steering and tasted great too. He cooked up all the remaining carrots and threw a bunch of veg in.

Some have asked what our goodies are. We get a weekly goody bag with lots of halloween size treats. We also have muffin and cake mixes but it's hard to cook in these conditions. All the cheese we brought is still good and we have it during HH and on sandwiches. No HH tonight 'cause of thunderstorm.

We're going though another squall right now and John is out there, says it's Mr Toad's Wild Ride. The cabin is really quiet and the boat is handling perfectly.

Cheers from Disney World!
Doug S

John driving at warp speed.

(photography by Doug S)

Brendan with big wave coming along

(photography by Doug S)

Day 16 at sea

Stuart, John and Doug S working hard

Daily Log
Day: 16 at sea
Date: Saturday Nov. 15th 16:35 EDT
Latitude: 31 00N
Longitude: 041 09W
Distance from Oakville: ~ 1970 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in ~24 hours: 134 Nautical Miles
Boat Speed: 6 kts
Boat Heading: S/E
Sea State: 8 to 15 ft waves from the North
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: N 20 knots gusts to 25
Temp: Air 22C /72F Ocean 22C/72F
Barometer: 1025.0
Greetings from the grateful sailors,
First a quick report on todays action - dawn came with the almost forgotten large walls of water on a deep blue, white capped ocean. The wind dropped a little so we set the 4th reefed main and trucked along at 7 to 9 knots of boat speed until after the SM's dinner was woofed down. Wind up - main down. That's our lot for Saturday night.
We are very pleased to get the Communications Officer ( CO Audrey) daily emails . These detail the contributors to the 'Fight Cancer' fund for which we are truly thankful. Our family have seen the cancer fighting machine in action in Canada. The one thing you can say is that the cancer fighting medical teams are successful - fixed the SM and his son. The Canadian Cancer Society gals Sharon Ross and Lisa Moffat do their jobs so well - thank you.
Our Fight Cancer fund is rolling along at $7,745. - just excellent and many thanks to these folk who made this a priority over many other demands. We know. Recent contributors are
Brian Miller
Tetreault, Kris
John & Patti Fedoruk
Maurice and Lee Davies
All the donors are listed on the CCS website linked from our blog.
Cheers
Your grateful crew

Day 15 at sea

Current Position: At sea
Daily Log
Day: 15 at sea Date: 16:00 Position EDT Friday Nov. 14th
Latitude: 32 17N
Longitude: 043 21W
Distance from Oakville: ~1834 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in ~23 hours: 147 Nautical Miles
Boat Speed: 6.5kts
Boat Heading: S/E
Sea State: 3 to 5 ft waves from the North
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: N 11 knots gusts to 14
Temp: Air 24C /74F Ocean 22C/72F
Barometer: 1026.2

Greetings from the sailors on duty,

Today dawn came with a big suprise. At ½ hour before dawn, the Senior Member, operating the steering system in the cockpit, spied a white light on the horizon off to the port side. We have not seen many ships so the SM thought that was a star. Wrong. Actions stations. Radar on - showed a ship 2 miles away. Heading was undermined as the red light was visible, lower and upper white lights, - was the green light there also? If so that ship was heading right at the FGT.

Our EO was alerted, in fact the whole crew tumbled into the cockpit, whereupon the EO, Doug S, noted the dim outline looked like a warship. The SM called the 'freighter' on the vhf radio. They called back identifying themselves as (in a deep slow Russian accent) "This is Russian ship. Vat is your course? Over". They got that info and the SM told them to have a good trip.

The binoculars showed a wicked profile in the dim light - she was a full blown battleship, moving slowly past us. What a sight - kind of sobering when one remembers this is the WW2 NA battle ground. Luckily any shells they fired missed us!

By 7am the 2.2 oz spinnaker was up and we made good speed right through the day. At dusk, changed to the jib 2 and kept the 2 reefs in the main. Speed reduced but comfort level up a notch.

HH discussed several items on the agenda, and put 1.5 things to bed. There was some spirited discussion on the value of microwaved popcorn - the intellectuals at play.

Cheers
The on duty crew guarding the oceans.

Day 14 at sea

Stuart at sunrise

(photo taken by Brendan)

John having fun speeding
(picture taken by Doug S)

Daily Log
Day: 14 at sea
Date: 17:00 Position EDT Thursday Nov. 13th
Latitude: 33 31N
Longitude: 045 53W
Distance from Oakville: ~1685 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in ~25 hours: 130 Nautical Miles
Boat Speed: 7kts
Boat Heading: S/E
Sea State: Heaving low swells
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: N 12 knots gusts to 15
Temp: Air 24C /74F Ocean 22C/72F
Barometer: 1029.0

Captain John's Report:

Greetings from the Rocketeers,

Todays theme, ladies and gents, is a fairly selfish subject: our sailing prowess, or our 'gunna be' sailing prowess. This following the afternoons sailing, and our progress to date.

To recap , Leaving NYC the ¾ oz spinnaker was used momentarily with occasional hull speed 8.4 knots (HS), then, plain sailing, then very reefed sailing i.e staysail and motor, staysail and fully reefed main which produced some special speeds and motions for 5 days.

What we are looking for is indications of boat speed. Today we got that indication - right after dawn we saw rain squalls so took down the ¾ oz spinnaker with full main - running in 7 to 14 knots of wind at 3 to 7 knots of boat speed. Fine - boat speed halving the wind speed.

Tooling along with Jib 1 and full main didn't cut it. Got out the heavy duty 2.2 oz spinnaker, (old but new to us) just to see what would happen. Wind was light - still under 10 knots - thought a mistake had been made - should have put up Murray Suters ½ oz monster ( thanks Murray).
Just as well we didn't. The wind built, the swells were with us, and the fun began.

Wind speeds of 14 knots gusting to 17 knots - it seemed faster- the boat sat on 9 surging to 10.5 knots on the gps. This is what we wanted - the boat is a rocket - we are the rocketeers - Did that for 3 hours then took that puppie down as night was coming, and the wind stayed up.

Popped in Reef#2 in the main, rolled out jib 1 and sat on 8's - still are.
So - to summarize - with 12 to 20 knots of wind in the right direction we're gunna make some good daily mileages.

Thanks Graham Radford for a 30,000lb boat that does 10 knots in 17 knots of downwind.
How selfish is that?

Happy Birthday Jeannette.
Cheers
The Rocketing gunnas.

Stui the Muffin Man Baking in the galley

(picture by John)

Day 13 at sea

Current Position: At sea

Daily Log
Day: 13 at sea
Date: 16:00 Position EDT Wednesday Nov. 12th
Latitude: 35 04N
Longitude: 047 48W
Distance from Oakville: ~1555 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in ~28 hours: ~120 Nautical Miles
Boat Speed: 6 knots
Boat Heading: S/E
Sea State: long slow swells-some biggies but gently sloped
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: W 13 knots gusts to 14
Temp: Air 23.5 C /74.3F Ocean 22.3C/72.14F
Barometer: 1028.2
Sails Full Main 3/4 oz spinnaker

Greetings from your moonstruck sailors,

A full moon right now to see us running the ¾ oz spinnaker and full main through the night - brilliant silver light on a sparkling gently heaving ocean.

It is 20:52 Greenwich Mean time - Katja - what is the time in Oakville?

We are congratulating ourselves on major improvements achieved today - after all the only reason the CEO, EO, QM and NOH( No1 Helmsperson) are paid so much, is to improve the boat - at least that's what the Senior Member says. Re-reefed the reefing lines, refastened the vang, the staysail inspected for chafe - Nick S - thanks for the reminder, the nav lights ducktaped to stop chafe, and washing done by a couple of was- a- stinkos.

Special mention in dispatches is the sterling and dogged effort that Doug S spent in the kitchen cleaning, scrubbing and topping it off with a bountiful veg and rice soup.

Smug that we are, for HH we continued the congrats by putting a message in a bottle and jettisoned it to the briny. Maybe it will be waiting for us in Cape Town. Is that possible?

Forget fishing.. the Sargasso weeds are the only catch.

Hey - we are rocking - thanks for the most recent "Fight Cancer" donations from:
John & Patti Fedoruk
Derek Power
Richard Spencer
Anne Taylor
John Guichelaar
Bernd & Ingrid Mayer from Germany
Diana & Richard Bissonnette - BHYC
Lindy and Kevy - Campbell's Hope Island Self Storage
Bob and Shelley Sikma
Alex & George
The Hribar Family

We know that's not all but hang in we'll get you.

ah -now for a night of moonlight spinnaker sailing.
Cheers
The moonstruck laddies on the NA

Pictures showing the hard work the guys did

JOHN UP MAST
(pictures by Doug S.)

John's Bird's Eye View from top of Mast looking down on the two Dougs

(picture by John of course)

John's Bird's Eye View looking Aft from top of mast

Almost cleaned up Veggie Bin

(picture by Doug S)

Captain John enjoying HH after a hard days work up the mast

(picture by Doug S).

Nov 12th Another beautiful Sunrise on the North Atlantic

(picture by Doug S.)

Day 12 at sea

Doug G at the Helm

(picture by Doug S.)

Sunrise on the North Atlantic
( picture by Brendan)

Current Position: At sea
Daily Log
Day: 12 at sea
Date: Noon Position EDT Tuesday Nov. 11th
Distance from Oakville: 1444 Nautical Miles (as the crow flies)
Distance travelled in 24 hours: 125 Nautical Miles
Latitude: 36 06.214N
Longitude: 049 47.798W
Boat Speed: 6-7 knots
Boat Heading: 90 Degrees (East)
Beaufort Scale: 4
Sea State: 3ft long ocean swells
Weather Conditions
Wind Direction/Speed: SE 10-15 knots
Cloud Cover: very few clouds, bright sunshine
Temp: mid 20's C (mid 70's F)
Barometer: 1030.8
Sails full main, No.1 jib
--------------------------------------------------

Daily Log written by Captain John G:

Greetings from the Swells on The North Atlantic

Today was another excellent day. Sun shone brightly from 4 am your EST until 17:30 EST. See we're on winter time also.

But no signs of any snow here. HAHA!! Well as everyone knows Tuesday is reserved for domestic duties, consequently the windward side of the FGT was festooned with an assortment of sparkling clean, fresh smelling body armor.

Laundry Day on FGT
(photo by Brendan)

The QM (Quartermaster-Stui) requsitioned all available enlisted men to sort out fresh fruit supply. Resulting in large bowls of fresh fruit and yogurt for lunch. During these festivities, the Junior Member entertained us with a display of orange (green) bombs thrown into the sea. Fortunately only a few.

News flash- During HH we have just discovered that the diesel should not be run while Guns N`Roses is playing, spoils the mood!

Looks like our fishing activites are promising. The Senior Member is sure he hooked a fish, but by the time he got himself in positon, the anticipated main dinner dish was no where to be seen. DANG!!

We apreciate the E-mails, in particular, the Senior Member mentioned an E-mail from Ron M at Ford and is interested in a update from Pat L or his appointed scribe.

So here we are, sailing down the silvery path towards the Moon and the Cape Verde Islands with Johnny Cash on the Box.

Cheers,
The 5 Swells

Brendan reading while brown plant floats by outside
(Photo by Doug S)

Excerpts from Doug S. email TUESDAY NOV. 11th:

Laundry day on FGT.
Stui came up with the procedure. Get a bucket full of salt water. Add detergent (wisk, very aromatic) wash 1 piece at a time. Then get 2 liters of fresh water and rinse all the salted stuff in the 2 liters of fresh water. Then hang it where ever you can find a space.

We had a special delicious treat for breakfast today, pancakes with maple syrup, made by the senior member who made the very best and biggest, last for himself. Which is only fitting because the cook (and boss) is always entitled to the best! Lunch was ham cheese sandwiches made by DG. Very good as always then we had a fruit salad with yogurt that was declared superb!! Stui and Brendan went thru the fruit and found some strange sights. We should have pictures soon. Tomorrow is the veg locker and it is not being looked forward to.

The wxx today started with long small swells to gently rock us. The wind was lowish to start around 10knts so DG shook out the final reef so we had up full sail for the 1st time. The wind picked up and we were heeled over and moving between 6-7 knts. A very nice days sail with warm sunshine and temps in the mid 20`s.

HH was attended by all. A toast was made being Nov 11th, for all the heroes that didn`t make it across the Atlantic.

Dinner was scrambled eggs and bacon along with left over Stui stew ( I can`t believe there was left over stew!) Made again by DG. Fishing is being experimented with but the weed is too thick and the lure is always getting fouled. We keep seeing a lot of a strange brown seaweed like plant.

seaweed

(picture by Doug S)

Brown seaweed
&
More about ocean plants

We're now listening to Stui's Ipod on the Bose system, music picked out by his son Calvin. A very nice and varied selection! The moon is almost full and we were sailing into the moonshine as it came up. Can`t see many stars tonight ,cause of the moon. Looks like light winds forcast tomorrow so we`ll see what happens.

Another great day!
Cheers,
Doug S.