S/Y Visions of Johanna
43 miles east of St. Augustine
Wind SE, 6 kn
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna; Tom and I are nearly half way through the passage to West Palm Beach. Yesterday started with better sailing than expected, finding NE 12-16 kn, but engine went on at 3 PM as wind has slowly clocked and eased, now SE 6-8 kn.
Great burgers and (oven baked) fries for dinner last night, with a big salad. There were quiet watches overnight except for calls for exclusion zones around military vessels doing live fire operations. "Sailing yacht" is one thing, "motor vessel" or "cargo ship" are others, but these guys say "War Ship" 61, or 55 or something...and the war part kind of gets your attention. One call was for unlit night time "helo" procedures. At one point I jumped out as I heard what I though was a ship nearby, one that I could hear but some how not see. Turns out it was a helocopter stealthily approaching us. I figured it out when their spotlight lit us up like a Christmas tree.
193 mile to go. Hope for arrival late morning or so tomorrow.
Best,
Bill and Tom
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Wednesday, November 4, 2015
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Saturday Update, 10/31
S/Y Visions of Johanna
1 November, 2015
10:30 AM
32 46.3/78 41.8 North Atlantic
60 miles east of Charleston
Bar 1022 mb
Hello everyone. Sorry for the tardy mail...we were preoccupied landing a small tuna...about 8-10 pounds, a skip jack or bonito. Unfortunately, not a yellow fin. But we are not complaining. Yes, all is well on board Visions of Johanna. It was nice that everyone was awake this morning and we enjoyed eggs and bagels together for breakfast, all the while reminding Jack that the change to EST was why he had to take an extra watch last night.
As anticipated, wind veered to the east by 6 PM and SE by 10 PM last night, and finally was south by 0500. What we did not expect was 12-15 knots wind speed throughout, and we had good sailing through most of the night. Tom made the call to get more sail up and shut down engine about 1 AM, and we sailed nearly to 6 AM when wind finally came all the way to the SSW. By 6 AM it was SSW, and now veered more to WSW, speed 10-12 knots. We are motor sailing on a rhumb line to Hilton Head, just cracked off from head on wind to keep the main sail filled. GRIBS suggest winds will ease slightly and perhaps even back to the south or even SE by 6 to 8 PM tonight, which would be nice and more favorable than the SW we are seeing now.
Yesterday was another enjoyable day on board. Malcolm and Jack prepared egg/tuna salad sandwiches and we ate lunch (and dinner) al fresco in the cockpit. Jack prepared superb smoked salmon appetizers, and the crew celebrated Visions of Johanna's birthday with a toast as I made the proper offering. And, as for dinner, you know we are eating well when the crew is whining about how much food is served, as we enjoyed eggplant parmigiana (thanks again, MOM!!), pasta, and a large green salad with pumpkin muffins for desert - thanks, Jo, (who is always here in spirit).
No trick-or-treaters last night.
And, I suspect tuna loins will be on the menu for tonight!
About 100 nm to go to our waypoint at the entry to Port Royal Sound - and then 20 miles or so into the bay. A pre-dawn entry is in the works in current conditions. If wind/sea conditions remain reasonable, we will head in on approach, as the channel is very well marked and lit, the bay inside is wide open, and I have been there before. There's even been some crew talk about pushing on, which I guess is a good thing for a captain to hear (from a happy, fun, and sated crew point of view).
Next check in will be tomorrow morning...from Hilton Head.
Sailing smoothly,
Bill and crew
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1 November, 2015
10:30 AM
32 46.3/78 41.8 North Atlantic
60 miles east of Charleston
Bar 1022 mb
Hello everyone. Sorry for the tardy mail...we were preoccupied landing a small tuna...about 8-10 pounds, a skip jack or bonito. Unfortunately, not a yellow fin. But we are not complaining. Yes, all is well on board Visions of Johanna. It was nice that everyone was awake this morning and we enjoyed eggs and bagels together for breakfast, all the while reminding Jack that the change to EST was why he had to take an extra watch last night.
As anticipated, wind veered to the east by 6 PM and SE by 10 PM last night, and finally was south by 0500. What we did not expect was 12-15 knots wind speed throughout, and we had good sailing through most of the night. Tom made the call to get more sail up and shut down engine about 1 AM, and we sailed nearly to 6 AM when wind finally came all the way to the SSW. By 6 AM it was SSW, and now veered more to WSW, speed 10-12 knots. We are motor sailing on a rhumb line to Hilton Head, just cracked off from head on wind to keep the main sail filled. GRIBS suggest winds will ease slightly and perhaps even back to the south or even SE by 6 to 8 PM tonight, which would be nice and more favorable than the SW we are seeing now.
Yesterday was another enjoyable day on board. Malcolm and Jack prepared egg/tuna salad sandwiches and we ate lunch (and dinner) al fresco in the cockpit. Jack prepared superb smoked salmon appetizers, and the crew celebrated Visions of Johanna's birthday with a toast as I made the proper offering. And, as for dinner, you know we are eating well when the crew is whining about how much food is served, as we enjoyed eggplant parmigiana (thanks again, MOM!!), pasta, and a large green salad with pumpkin muffins for desert - thanks, Jo, (who is always here in spirit).
No trick-or-treaters last night.
And, I suspect tuna loins will be on the menu for tonight!
About 100 nm to go to our waypoint at the entry to Port Royal Sound - and then 20 miles or so into the bay. A pre-dawn entry is in the works in current conditions. If wind/sea conditions remain reasonable, we will head in on approach, as the channel is very well marked and lit, the bay inside is wide open, and I have been there before. There's even been some crew talk about pushing on, which I guess is a good thing for a captain to hear (from a happy, fun, and sated crew point of view).
Next check in will be tomorrow morning...from Hilton Head.
Sailing smoothly,
Bill and crew
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Saturday, October 31, 2015
Saturday Update, 10/31
S/Y Visions of Johanna
17.5 Miles SW of Cape Hatteras
Wind North, 13 kn
Bar 1026 mb
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna.
We departed Norfolk 0700 yesterday, essentially just after first light. Exiting the Elizabeth River and Hampton roads was smooth and a visual treat as the sun rose over terminals, cranes, and warships. Gear was put away on the fly as we motored out, and then Malcolm prepared a large pot of oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar...a great comfort food as the morning was a bit chilly.
Sailing was great through the day. A tad rolly with following seas, but very tolerable and we all ate a great midday meal below (saloon radar and nav computer on with frequent visual checks), of pizza and home made lentil soup (thanks, Mom) with carrot cake for desert (thanks, Mom!).
We sailed down the coast all day with full main and reacher in 15-20 knot N-NW's to N-NE's, but just before dinner, we elected to strike the reacher and motorsail as the wind eased to 12-15 from the NNE - Hatteras was on my mind and I wanted maneuverability. Dinner was superb, a cottage pie accompanied by salad ala Tom, and (always anticipating tomorrow), pumpkin mufffins (thanks,Jo).
It was active as we all took turns and jibed 5 times overnight, keeping Visions of Johanna within a narrowing courseway as we neared the cape and the gulf stream - essentially between the veritible gulf stream and the Hatteras place. At 0315 AM we jibed again, cornering and rounding Cape Hatteras in very reasonable conditions, wind 10-12 knots from the north with moderate seas. We jibed to starboard tack, rolled out the reacher, and shut down engine. A small victory under the watchful triad of Venous, Jupiter, and Mars.
So here we are, 0700, sailing in an easing northerly flipping between NNW and NW; we will have to jibe again soon, or engine on if forecasted conditions of light winds continue. About 300 nm to Hilton Head, the morning is beautiful, hopefully presaging another good day.
Oh, and another thing...HAPPY BIRTHDAY VISIONS OF JOHANNA.
She was delivered to us 12 years ago today this afternoon, and we have enjoyed many miles with her. She has been strong, fast, and sea worthy - a fine, fine, superfine boat. There will be a small celebration later today including offerings to the keepers of the seas, as appreciative thank you's from her humble servants.
Best,
Bill and crew
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17.5 Miles SW of Cape Hatteras
Wind North, 13 kn
Bar 1026 mb
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna.
We departed Norfolk 0700 yesterday, essentially just after first light. Exiting the Elizabeth River and Hampton roads was smooth and a visual treat as the sun rose over terminals, cranes, and warships. Gear was put away on the fly as we motored out, and then Malcolm prepared a large pot of oatmeal, raisins, brown sugar...a great comfort food as the morning was a bit chilly.
Sailing was great through the day. A tad rolly with following seas, but very tolerable and we all ate a great midday meal below (saloon radar and nav computer on with frequent visual checks), of pizza and home made lentil soup (thanks, Mom) with carrot cake for desert (thanks, Mom!).
We sailed down the coast all day with full main and reacher in 15-20 knot N-NW's to N-NE's, but just before dinner, we elected to strike the reacher and motorsail as the wind eased to 12-15 from the NNE - Hatteras was on my mind and I wanted maneuverability. Dinner was superb, a cottage pie accompanied by salad ala Tom, and (always anticipating tomorrow), pumpkin mufffins (thanks,Jo).
It was active as we all took turns and jibed 5 times overnight, keeping Visions of Johanna within a narrowing courseway as we neared the cape and the gulf stream - essentially between the veritible gulf stream and the Hatteras place. At 0315 AM we jibed again, cornering and rounding Cape Hatteras in very reasonable conditions, wind 10-12 knots from the north with moderate seas. We jibed to starboard tack, rolled out the reacher, and shut down engine. A small victory under the watchful triad of Venous, Jupiter, and Mars.
So here we are, 0700, sailing in an easing northerly flipping between NNW and NW; we will have to jibe again soon, or engine on if forecasted conditions of light winds continue. About 300 nm to Hilton Head, the morning is beautiful, hopefully presaging another good day.
Oh, and another thing...HAPPY BIRTHDAY VISIONS OF JOHANNA.
She was delivered to us 12 years ago today this afternoon, and we have enjoyed many miles with her. She has been strong, fast, and sea worthy - a fine, fine, superfine boat. There will be a small celebration later today including offerings to the keepers of the seas, as appreciative thank you's from her humble servants.
Best,
Bill and crew
----
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Wednesday, October 28, 2015
S/Y Visions of Johanna
19 nm east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
+++++ADDENDUM = SAFELY DOCKED IN NORFOLK - ALL IS WELL
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna.
Last night was gentlized by putting a third reef in the main, and three reefs plus staysail quited down our speed, and gave us a pretty smooth ride in 25-30 knots, with higher gusts,
We had a great lunch yesterday of Malcolm's meaty sandwhiches and cole slaw ala Amory and last night's dinner had a european flair - salami and cheese appetizer, swiss steak, rice pilaf, all capped with Jack's great Greek salad. If a crew travels on it's stomach, we are doing quite well.
About 4 -5 hours to our berth in Norfolk. More soon, and TC's.
Now berthed, and well fed after quiche (thank you Jo) and appropriate beverages. We will likely leave here Friday morning for Hilton Head, and will confirm upon the advice ofweather guru Ken McKinley,
Best,
Bill and crew
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19 nm east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
+++++ADDENDUM = SAFELY DOCKED IN NORFOLK - ALL IS WELL
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna.
Last night was gentlized by putting a third reef in the main, and three reefs plus staysail quited down our speed, and gave us a pretty smooth ride in 25-30 knots, with higher gusts,
We had a great lunch yesterday of Malcolm's meaty sandwhiches and cole slaw ala Amory and last night's dinner had a european flair - salami and cheese appetizer, swiss steak, rice pilaf, all capped with Jack's great Greek salad. If a crew travels on it's stomach, we are doing quite well.
About 4 -5 hours to our berth in Norfolk. More soon, and TC's.
Now berthed, and well fed after quiche (thank you Jo) and appropriate beverages. We will likely leave here Friday morning for Hilton Head, and will confirm upon the advice ofweather guru Ken McKinley,
Best,
Bill and crew
----
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Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Visions of Johanna Update 10/27/15
S/Y Visions of Johanna
31 31.9/73 04.5 North Atlantic
62 nm ENE of Atlantic City
0630 10/27/15
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna. Wind was surprisingly light yesterday afternoon through early evening, motor-sailing with 5 knots aft from NE. Pressure built over night and reacher went up at 2:30 AM, swapped for the jib at 0600.
Current conditions: Wind 18 knots from 087T. Generally light seas with a NE swell that will build through the day.
We have strayed east of the rhumbline as this will allow us to ease off the wind as it builds towards 20-25 knots over the next 24 hours. We still anticipate late morning arrival in Norfolk tomorrow as wind clocks to the south,.
Last night, Sierra's Chicken Stew was a perfectly delicious choice alongside a green salad - thanks for the recipes...dada da da da da, dada da, da, da ,da...
Crew seems happy enough...tres` independent, completely capable, and seemingly without need for me....which is why I make sure that I am the only one who knows where food stores are hidden.
About 189 nm to go to our waypoint at the head of Hampton Roads. We will call in from Norfolk.
Bill and crew
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31 31.9/73 04.5 North Atlantic
62 nm ENE of Atlantic City
0630 10/27/15
Hello everyone. All is well on board Visions of Johanna. Wind was surprisingly light yesterday afternoon through early evening, motor-sailing with 5 knots aft from NE. Pressure built over night and reacher went up at 2:30 AM, swapped for the jib at 0600.
Current conditions: Wind 18 knots from 087T. Generally light seas with a NE swell that will build through the day.
We have strayed east of the rhumbline as this will allow us to ease off the wind as it builds towards 20-25 knots over the next 24 hours. We still anticipate late morning arrival in Norfolk tomorrow as wind clocks to the south,.
Last night, Sierra's Chicken Stew was a perfectly delicious choice alongside a green salad - thanks for the recipes...dada da da da da, dada da, da, da ,da...
Crew seems happy enough...tres` independent, completely capable, and seemingly without need for me....which is why I make sure that I am the only one who knows where food stores are hidden.
About 189 nm to go to our waypoint at the head of Hampton Roads. We will call in from Norfolk.
Bill and crew
----
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