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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 18, 2011 10:06:29 GMT
Biran, is that Ike or Tina Tuna? Have I missed something here Brian, last we heard you were in Portugal weren't you? And where is Isla Graciosa? Lanzarote? Is that a new T shirt you've got on? Very nice. I think you might definitely be up for a best fish photo! Hi Sheila the T shirt I've been wearing for the last 3 Months Smells a little rubbed the fish on it to improve the smell, but now I'm in the Canaries will take a swim with it on. will update on the trip with Photos asap
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ishtar
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Post by ishtar on Jan 18, 2011 19:18:17 GMT
Biran, is that Ike or Tina Tuna? Have I missed something here Brian, last we heard you were in Portugal weren't you? And where is Isla Graciosa? Lanzarote? Is that a new T shirt you've got on? Very nice. I think you might definitely be up for a best fish photo! Surely you meant that Brian's Fish might be up for best fish photo, rather than Brian might be up for it? ;D
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ishtar
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The original Ishtar
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Post by ishtar on Jan 18, 2011 19:22:21 GMT
Biran, is that Ike or Tina Tuna? Have I missed something here Brian, last we heard you were in Portugal weren't you? And where is Isla Graciosa? Lanzarote? Is that a new T shirt you've got on? Very nice. I think you might definitely be up for a best fish photo! Hi Sheila the T shirt I've been wearing for the last 3 Months Smells a little rubbed the fish on it to improve the smell, but now I'm in the Canaries will take a swim with it on. will update on the trip with Photos asap What? Hang on. Have I missed something? According to my charts, you are 600nm from where you were last sighted. Is that right Bri?
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Camelot
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Camelot alongside the harbour wall at Bangor, North Wales.
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Post by Camelot on Jan 18, 2011 22:05:43 GMT
Bri, I don't think it'll be quite what you were looking for - Graciosa is Spanish for graceful, not gratis as you were thinking!
How are you both?
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 19, 2011 10:43:42 GMT
We left Sines Portugal 11 January after a great leaving Party Hosted By Rob a contract worker in Sines. [a href=" "] [/a]Surprising how many British were in the Area to wish us well and the Evening Finished aboard Supernaut where Food was Prepared by Sarah Supernauts Co Skipper really had a Great time at Sines Left in Company with Supernaut who took some Pictures of Blue Bear under Sail.[a href=" "] [/a] Sailed Directly to The Canaries to asses our ability for a very long Passage for the most Part we had Good wind around 160 miles off the Coast the Sunrise over Northern Africa was Stunning[a href=" "] [/a] Passing the Gibraltar Straits we were greated by Several Spouts of water from a Passing whale some may make out the spout in the top left hand Corner of the Photo[a href=" "] [/a] We were able to Catch Tuna quite easily to the point we had too Much so had to stop fishing. one tuna would produce ten thick Steaks. we Arrived at the Canaries after six days some of which we were reduced to less than one Knot and some where we were making over Seven Knots.[a href=" "] [/a] Arriving at La Graciosa an Island off northern Lanzarote around 8pm was Daunting some of the outer Islands are unlit as with all our trips it seem we arrived in strong winds. which were worsening, so we Sought shelter in the Yacht harbour and were refused Entry, but the winds by now were So strong that I was committed and pulled alongside a finger pontoon which was highlighted with a red light shown by a French sailor Security were waiting to prevent me tying up but while I was Discussing the Stupidity of Leaving this safe haven in a Gale...... Four French Sailors Secured Blue Bear.[a href=" Climbing over Blue Bear to secure the Stern ropes as their path along the Pontoon was blocked By the Guards "] Climbing over Blue Bear to secure the Stern ropes as their path along the Pontoon was blocked By the Guards [/a] one of which was a Journalist for a French Sailing Magazine, The Guards eventually left as I explained they were In Contravention of International Law, and pointed out If I was to leave the Captain of the Marina would have to Personally force me to leave, It turned out that several boats had been refused entry and had to Sit out winds in excess of 35 Knots one Such boat an Australian Couple Who we have since become Friendly with[a href=" "] [/a]Roscoe and Suellen of BARRENJOEY. we were treated to Plenty of food and wine aboard their Lovely Boat wich is Considerably Larger than Blue Bear, the Place Is wonderfully unspoilt and the Berthing Costs a mere 6 Euro 75 per Night the Captain explained the Guards actions as being separate from the Marinas authority and was to keep undesirables away.[a href=" "] [/a] to keep the Beauty of the Place intact. [a href=" "] [/a] a Typical Street [a href=" "] [/a]Terrace overlooking Marina [a href=" "] [/a]the marina from the Beach [a href=" "] [/a]The fish are abundant these fish are feeding on bread under Blue Bear
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Jan 19, 2011 10:49:20 GMT
Brilliant, Bri. You should both be really proud of yourselves for that passage. I'm very jealous.
Keep going mate!
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Post by simpleered on Jan 19, 2011 17:21:49 GMT
Brian and Sue, your logs make really interesting reading.I admire your adventurious spirit.Stay safe and keep the stories coming.Brian King
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Matt
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Post by Matt on Jan 19, 2011 18:50:21 GMT
Congratulations, you've come gone so far. Well impressed. Makes my 9-5 office job feel even more mundane!
Matt
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 21, 2011 6:11:10 GMT
Left La Graciosa around 10 30 am Paid our Dues to the Captain, 20 euros for 4 Nights?? the Paperwork was correct so we didn't Complain, It's a place we could easily stop forever..It is quite easy to see the bottom in Many metres of water, [a href=" "] [/a] apparently in spring species such as Manta rays are visible from the Surface between the Island and Lanzarote Overtaken by Barrenjoey two hours later. [a href=" "] [/a] but he was motor sailing. Arrived Rubicon a short days sail to the south of Lanzarote at a newly built Marina, on arrival the contact details CH9 VHF were posted at the marina entrance we Called in and were greeted by a Young Lady who explained where to arrive another young lady waited to secure our Mooring Lines at the reception Pontoon, booking in was easy and when Completed we were Greeted by yet another young lady at our new Mooring, along with a German Cat owner who after helping us secure Blue Bear quickly left and returned with two Bloody Marys Ice and lemon with more than a touch of tobasco Sauce. He Considered this normal for the English to do. Across the Pontoon directly in front was a familiar Yacht BIRD a boat we had met in Lexious but didn't really interact, this time Simon the Skipper was over the moon to see us he had drinks with us aboard Blue Bear toasted us every time he spoke, then we had drinks aboard Bird with a new crew member Evans!... Evans Insists he has no welsh Blood he's purely English, Simon Explained the Bloody Marys, he had taught 'friz the Cat how to make the 'English breakfast Drink' earlier in the day....
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Post by sheila on Jan 22, 2011 10:06:29 GMT
How envious we all are of you. Can't beat a bloody good bloody mary!
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ishtar
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Post by ishtar on Jan 22, 2011 10:48:04 GMT
I've noticed something odd. Bri, what is that clear stuff, and that blue stuff the boats seem to be floating on?
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 24, 2011 7:52:44 GMT
I've noticed something odd. Bri, what is that clear stuff, and that blue stuff the boats seem to be floating on? Apparently It's like the Stuff that comes out of taps Back home the stuff for washing dishes and Clothes and bathing in but Apparently you can't drink it unlike the stuff out of the taps back home which I think is Drinkable if you really are foolish enough to run out of Beer....
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 24, 2011 8:25:33 GMT
Caught In a weather system again, but what a Better way to sit out 'bad weather'.... Most people who know us will realize our agenda was more than Portugal or the Canaries by now..... It is quite Possible that we may Cruise in Company from now on with a few boats all with roughly the same Plan.... For the Yacht Masters amongst you there will be a realization that my most likely Course will now be Arquipelago de Capo Verde some 800 NM south of here which sounds a long way but will only add around 350 NM to an Atlantic Crossing around 2500 NM, To cross the Atlantic there as opposed to here will give a few advantages over the extra few hundred miles which will be Compensated by a Stronger favorable current of about 0.5 to 1.5 Knots. we have been testing our ability to store fresh food and water for the duration of our journey so far... all is well... Our provisions will be more than Satisfactory but My fuel tank may be a little small I have fuel for running the engine for around 80 hours and around another 10 hours in cans...... do I really want more..... a minimum of 24 hours will be used for Recharging Batteries since the wind Generator will be at it's least efficient with the wind on our tail. Decisions Decisions
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ishtar
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Post by ishtar on Jan 24, 2011 10:02:50 GMT
I did wonder, Bri......
It will be hard, with just the two of you, and there are loads of things to take into account, but I'm sure I'm not saying anything that you haven't thought of. All the very best to both of you.
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 24, 2011 17:07:28 GMT
I did wonder, Bri...... It will be hard, with just the two of you, and there are loads of things to take into account, but I'm sure I'm not saying anything that you haven't thought of. All the very best to both of you. Yes Martin we have been Practising a 3 hour watch system since we have no Radar or AIS it has to be vigorously followed this was hard, but improves over a period, we have witnessed rough periods while using the watch system and adapting becomes a part of the course.
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Post by allan on Jan 25, 2011 0:26:18 GMT
Great to hear you have a plan. I was beginning to think you were just going with the wind. The Cape Verde islands sound like a great place to visit. Are you planning to come back here before you leave? Allan
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 25, 2011 9:15:22 GMT
I don't know the Answer to when We'll now return home yet, if we are still in the Canaries mid Feb we will be home for a Short Period For reasons I will Explain, It has been a little difficult up to now to say what our real plans were since any Atlantic Crossing Guides say that no Yachts should be Attempting an Atlantic Crossing between November and March unless you are already at the Canaries by November, of Course I wasn't so had to be extra patient and Cautious but Since I am at the Canaries now, My Plan is no longer Madness, The Charts don't give Statistics of winds waves and tides for the Period November to April because November early December can be ok late December - January is bad There is more than a fair chance of Gales and Seas with waves of more than 3 metres etc, We have winds gusting greater than 30 Knots Forecast for the next 24 hours..... as I write Heavy Rain and thunder has continued relentlessly since early Morning but winds have not been so bad yet... Arriving at La Graciousa was done in strong winds, waves at that time were not more than 2 Metres, we have to Judge the correct window for Crossing ourselves but this is not as unreasonable as it sounds, weather from here to Cape Verde can still be unfavourable as indeed it is and has been mainly due to Wind Direction and Calm days, Directly from here to Antigua can also Give the Problems, which could lead to motoring for days on end..... With a good weather window from the Canaries to cape Verde no gales and favourable wind direction for Seven days will put us in the Trade winds and not wishing to tempt fate we'll almost certainly have a quick voyage....... Navigation is easy Along with Dead Reckoning we'll have Sea Signs...[a href=" "] [/a]
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Jan 25, 2011 9:40:16 GMT
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 25, 2011 23:36:38 GMT
It's great to hear they had a safe and pleasant trip and hope we may catch up around the Antigua area god willing....... we are a little preoccupied by the weather here at the moment, we are unable to Walk along the outer wall because of Marina restrictions but I have a few photos of the seas overcoming the walls[a href=" "] [/a] [a href=" "] [/a] [a href=" "] [/a] But Seriously the Marina is Completely unaffected by the outer Seas and the sea does not have the height and fierceness of the seas 600 Nautical miles north [a href=" "] [/a] the view is of the Reception Pontoon for those who may visit in later Days however the Mud and land slides turned the Marina water to mud which made the Bristol Channel look Clean
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Post by sheila on Jan 26, 2011 17:23:45 GMT
Thought I'd add my two pen'orth to this thread again. I think you are both fab in what you have achieved, and perhaps are going on to achieve. But I can't believe that it was only late 2009 ish when I am sure we were sitting in the club having only recently met you both, and there was Sue being all shy and retiring about sailing, and look at you now! Were you just kidding me Sue? Here's Brian doing all the posting and taking all the plaudits, and there you are quietly in the background getting on with things. I think you are brilliant and so much braver than I will ever be. All praise to you.
Love and best wishes to both of you.
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Jan 30, 2011 7:33:54 GMT
We now have a plan to move..... after hiring a car and stocking up from lidl we feel we are ready to move on,, three options are open first is to just move on 20 hours to grand Canaria, second is to Sail 7 days to Sao Vincent the third is to alter course around 250NM North west of Sao Vincent and go to Bridge town..... I will only make the decision on Route, which will depend on my diesel usage.... the winds Forecast 31 Jan (leaving date) to 6 Feb are force 4/5 NNE which will move me along at quite a rate It may be a little Uncomfortable for a while but we are Anxiously looking forward to It... I do not have any fancy Sat Phones or long distance Communications equipment so I will not have contact for the Sailing Period which could range from 20 hours (Grand Canaria) to 21+days Bridgetown the later being the target.
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Post by Cardiff Yacht Club on Jan 30, 2011 10:28:36 GMT
Very best of luck to you both Bri. Stay safe.
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Post by allan on Jan 30, 2011 12:26:43 GMT
Brian and Sue, good luck. I think you are 100% right to wait before you make the final decision. Take it careful. Peace and love, Allan
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Matt
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Post by Matt on Jan 30, 2011 18:39:52 GMT
Hope it all goes well. Safe journey.
Matt
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Camelot
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Camelot alongside the harbour wall at Bangor, North Wales.
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Post by Camelot on Jan 30, 2011 19:31:38 GMT
Have a safe Journey, take care.
Fair winds and good luck.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 30, 2011 23:13:37 GMT
Wow! haven't looked here for a while ..and look where you've got to!!
As a fellow Yachtmaster student, I've since borrowed a boat and been to a few more places in the Bristol Channel ..and thats all!!!
Stay safe, fair winds! 'one day' I'll follow you. Peter
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Post by allan on Feb 3, 2011 18:16:09 GMT
I heard today that Brian and Sue have had to put into Gran Canaria due to a problem with their boom and torn mainsail. The problems are now sorted and they may be off again soon. Allan
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ishtar
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Post by ishtar on Feb 4, 2011 13:34:54 GMT
Cheers, Allan. If I hadn't heard anything for 7 days, I was going to assume they'd headed off. I thought to create a little map, in Google, showing estimated position.
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Post by brian (Blue Bear) on Feb 10, 2011 17:34:35 GMT
Sorry haven't updated we are In las Palmas Gran Canaria because of a Sail and Boom Problem it's a Mecca for sailors but most Atlantic crossers have left but there are a few still around Brazil is the choice this time of year hitch hikers here have some strange destination requests. [url ][/url]
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2011 8:39:13 GMT
Hi Brian, good luck to you both hope you get the sail and boom fixed ok. If you have any waiting time can you update us with your plans Stay safe Dave
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