Florida to Texas – 96 hours of wheel time
July 7, 2013
After bidding our friends who had come to spend a few days in the Florida Keys with us good-bye, we returned to Shearwater and quickly put her in passage-making mode: dinghy stowed, hatches sealed, safety gear accessible, jacklines and harnesses ready. We left Marathon at 4pm, at high tide since the access channel was on
Porto to Gibraltar – Round 2
April 17, 2013
Two weeks ago in conjunction with the Easter Holiday, we flew to Porto with plans to sail Shearwater to Gibraltar where she would meet up with a SevenStar yacht transport ship to make her way to Florida. Unfortunately, the weather gods did not get the message that spring had arrived, and a strong south wind
Safe arrival in Gibraltar!
April 9, 2013
Early yesterday, we arrived in Gibraltar after a lovely day of sailing and beautiful weather (that seemed like it was well earned after our first 24 hours!). Technically, we were in Gibraltar for under 8 hours, but slept for 4 hours and then were tornadoes of activity for the rest of the time, getting the
Day 2 – Flat seas and fast reaching
April 7, 2013
Our trip has been somewhat delineated by the turn to go east (or slightly before) – the big waves/more wind than you want section, and the amazingly flat/wind from the beam or rear quarter section that has had us flying along smoothly. We’re really enjoying the sailing we ‘ve been able to do this second part of the trip. Making hot meals at the stove is easy, we’re not turning green at the thought of wrestling our foulies off for the off-watch, and the air temperature is so much nicer (30+ knots from behind at night kept us really cold the first night).
Day 1 – Lots of discomfort
April 6, 2013
We left Douro River at 7am Friday morning – skies were clear, the northerlies had arrived, and the harbor entrance was open!
From the start of our day, things were uncomfortable – big waves, lots of wind (saw 40 knots twice), and putting in the time to get over the initial sea “blahs” does not make for the most pleasant of conditions.
The big circle – Porto to…Porto!
March 27, 2013
Ready to go to Gibraltar…but waiting in Porto
March 24, 2013
We arrived in Porto yesterday, ready to set off on our boat delivery to Gibraltar, where Shearwater will await a ride to Florida on a big ‘ol ship. However, we’re still in Porto – waiting for the Maritime Police to open the entrance of the harbor to all vessels. Currently, the harbor entrance is open
Video – Horta to Porto
September 5, 2012
Video – Landfall in the Azores
August 20, 2012
