Sunday, November 13, 2016

St. Maarten Arrival

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Nov 10: LOG 1788 nm


The last two days were hard up-wind traveling under motors. The motion was so violent that we could not even cook and use the stove. The notion that we were so close to our final destination of St. Maarten gave us our last boost and we hung in until the bitter end.


After 1680 miles we finally spotted the island of St. Maarten. We popped our last cold beers and celebrated a great trip. 


FLO performed amazingly. With a top speed of 19.2 kn and really not one single system breaking or failing she really kept the promise of being a well-built and well performing vessel. The only hitch we experienced was a stripped Gennaker tack line which we quickly replaced.


What a privilege to have sailed on this capable Nautitech Bavaria 40 Open catamaran with my two best friends Mike and Stephane. What a trip!

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Sharks !

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After two relaxing days ashore we made our way east past the island of Puerto Rico towards Tortola. Once in the BVI's we fueled up at Sopers Hole Marina and then sailed towards Norman islands where we anchored off a quiet Marine preserve.


Swimming to shore we discovered an amazing variety of coral fish that followed us in curiosity. 


My friend Stephane challenged me to swim with sharks which were circling our boat -which apparently got attracted by our under deck lighting. Since they were toothless sand sharks (still measuring about 3.5') it took me some courage but I jumped into the water and won the bet - and survived to tell this hero's tale ...

Poulet à la Stéphane

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Boneless thighs (dark meat)


Cilantro 

Marinate in plastic bag:

Lime

Lemongrass

Ginger

Sesame oil 

Olive oil 

Salt 

Pepper

Pit Stop

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Nov 6.LOG 1255  nm


The 3 day "Halloween gale" forced us more W than we wanted so we decided to visit the Dominican Republic and stop for some provisions and exploration. 


We entered Bahia Samana at 1030am and pulled into Porto Marina Bahia for 2 nights. 


Beautiful surroundings, exotic vegetation and colonial buildings greeted us. 


Next stop the BVI towards St Maarten. 


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The Three Day Gale

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Nov 3-6. LOG 780  nm


We stuck to our original plan of leaving Norfolk VA by aiming to an imaginary "safe point" ca. 200nm S of Bermuda to reach St Maarten. This would provide us with the opportunity if needed to take shelter there. 


By downloading daily weather updates via our SPOT Global sat phone we felt confident to bypass this "safe point" about 150 nm to the W and continue directly S towards the Carribbean. The data suggested a weakening ridge that would follow us S and bring us desired fresh NE winds. The forecast read 18-20 k from the NE. BUT what we actually experienced were 3 days of an uninterrupted full blown gale with 25-35 k of wind and rough (and short) seas of 10-15 '


FLO - our Nautitech Bavaria Open 40 handled the strong conditions beautifully. Under single reefed main and reduced jib we sailed at double digit speeds and at one point reached 19.2 knots. 


Yahooo!!






Bird Watching

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Nov 2: LOG 670  nm

As on most of our offshore trips we sight birds. Most of the time they are marine avians bred for this often hostile environment and can stay in the air and sea for weeks. 


Today's sighting was more unusual. A small Finch type land bird circled our catamaran and finally had the courage to land on our safe island. He was obviously blown off a freighter and exhausted. We tried feeding him - after an hour he went on his way. 


Bon voyage little bird. 


First Dolphins

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Oct 31: LOG 550  nm 


We woke up to the sight of a small group of dolphins. At first the sentinels checked us out after which the entire pod of more than 40 joined the fun darting and zigzagging in front of our bows. 


Seeing these beautiful creatures in the middle of a vast ocean always puts a smile on our faces


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