Yachting Like It Is

This years’ Caribbean season is largely over and as it is confined to the annals of yachting history I am concerned that the it will soon be out of sight and out of mind.  There were a number of injuries, accidents and even a fatality during the season that should give us cause for concern and yet they have largely been swept under the table and kept from entering the public domain.

Why have there been no published results of any investigations or were there simply no investigations? 

Should it matter that accidents and their causes are kept quiet? Maybe they are not being kept quiet but are simply still ‘under investigation’.

We could all benefit from finding out the truth and the documentalble facts of any case.  It might shape future legislation or training requirements for the better, it might simply make us do things in a safer way.  After all, since the Titanic we have been forced to learn from accidents which have not only yielded clear lessons but provided the political capital to see changes made.

Following the one particular accident where a tender was driven into a rock in the dark, there has been much speculation about the cause and even a statement by one of the crewmembers.  This has added to the arguments for a “highspeed” component to be incorporated into any rib training course.  Why?  The speed may not have been important.  If they were drunk let’s hear it and be done with it.  We all assume that the driver was drunk, after all they were said to be returning from a bar late at night so it is a forgiveable summation, but, we don’t know for a fact.  My point is this:  Was it investigated, was anyone breathalysed?  Drug tested? Isn’t that the norm in the case of a serious accident?

It is difficult to have faith in a “system” if there is not a dicernable system at all.  We all have to train and qualify and conform to the system because that is what is demanded of us yacht crew.  Are we not expect we have reasonable demands of the system to inform us of failures.

The MAIB serve to investigate accidents for British flagged vessels but who should investigate accidents for other vessels, the local authorities or the flag state or both?  It just seems to easy to let these things go unreported.  You have to ask why?

Holly,30, Chicago, IL. Antigua to Athens

I decided to come on this voyage to challenge myself mentally and physically, meet new people and have some adventure… that’s exactly what I got. Swimming in 19000 ft of water, dinghy rides 1200 miles off-shore, brilliant sunsets and sunrises, shooting stars at 3am, bio luminescent dolphins at night, countless whale sightings… being in the open Ocean with only the other crew members to count on for survival has been a humbling experience to say the least. There were fun times and some not so fun times but overall my time on Argo will be something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Thank you to all my fellow crew members for making it such a wonderful journey!

Janie, 24, New York, NY

“Crossing the Atlantic on Argo has been an amazing journey.  Living in an immediate relationship with the ocean environment feels like my natural state.  I think we don’t realize it yet, but AdultMester changed us all for the better.  I love Argo.”

Marc 23 New Bern, NC Antigua to Athens

After spending three months sailing with SeaMester in the Caribbean, I did not want the experience to end.  After my time with SeaMester I thought that I wanted to make a career out of sailing.  I used this time to determine how passionate I was about the idea of a life on boats. My time on Argo crossing the Atlantic only reaffirmed what I had thought earlier.  Thanks to this adventure I am now certain that this is the life I want to pursue.

Chris, 23, Denver, CO. Antigua to Athens

“I have really enjoyed my time here on Argo. I have learned a lot and seen many things that I will remember forever.  I will never forget this group of diverse individuals with whom I have shared such a wonderful experience.” 

via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Hi Yawl:

When I last checked in we had 125 nm to go to Corinth Canal Entrance. Shortly after I wrote that, the sails were dropped for our transiting the last 90 miles in darkness and in more confined quarters. We passed beneath a rather spectacular display of lights on the 43 metre high bridge to Pelopsinnsos from mainland Greece.  At 0000 ship time we had logged 4903 nm on this voyage.

Day 37, 6 June 2010 –Sunday

Rose at 0515/ 0315 GMT to position 38°07’.5 N ; 022°39’.4 E with 4939 nm on the ship’s log.  We were transiting Korinthiakos Kalpos headed to Ormos Korinthou and the canal entrance. The water just under 1,000 metres – 3,330’ deep. A rough calculation of distance to go indicates that we may finish this voyage a couple of miles short of a 5,000 nm journey. Everyone is excited about seeing the marvels of the canal—even those of us who have been up for an inordinate amount of time. With Coffee, Breakfast topside and a few more RPMs we will be at the entrance and awaiting our turn in less a couple of hours time.  Not much time when you consider the fact that we have been at this for 37 days.

Entered Corinth canal at 0830/ 0630 GMT.  Exited at 0910/ 0710 GMT. And now we find out the actual cost of that incredible 3.2 mile trip.  Several photos are attached.

Blogger & a few crew

Blogger – Capt Lou

Capt Boomer at helm

The bridges that cross the canal.

Till later, this is Lou aboard S/Y ARGO completing an incredible journey. Glad to share what we could.

via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL

6^th June 2010  38’20.88 N 21’51.84 E 6.3kts Baro 1016 4902 nautical miles thus far

Its been an eventful few days here on Argo. Last nights 2100hr watch began with a brilliant lightening storm to our stern which ended up staying with us well into the morning hours and then cleared for a sunny but cool day. On the 0300-0600 watch we continued to have spectacular lightening along with a close call with a container ship who’s captain seemed to be asleep at the helm forcing us to change course to avoid a close call…apparently this is typical of the overworked crews on container ships. The watch before us was able to raise the sails and was up to about 10.5kts at one point…heeling over quite a bit and sending me into the wall of my bunk and lots of things crashing out in the salon. The good news was that we made up a significant amount of time last night and woke up to land this morning…much earlier than anticipated. About 8 hours roughly. The seas were calm today (June 5^th-6^th) as we entered the final leg of our passage…last night was our last watch in open ocean now we will be close to land until our arrival in Athens this afternoon. We passed under the Stero Rion Andirrion bridge about 2315 in the last hour of our watch (june 5^th)…a beautiful bridge that ended up being quite a site at night all lit up…We anticipate entering the Corinth Canal at about 0700 (7 hours from now) at which point we will only have 20 miles to Athens putting us there early afternoon…I am head chef tomorrow so Im hoping for an early arrival and dinner ashore ; ) Signing off..headed for my 5hrs of sleep before 0600 watch…more updates from Athens to come!!!!

via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL

The following information was deciphered from Rod Heikell’s Greek Waters Pilot. 04^th Edition.

Next up on our Adventure is a passage through the Corinth Canal.  “In the old days,” they just dragged the ships across the Isthmus on a road. However, since 1893 when the Greeks finished the canal after a start and non complete by the French, we use the Canal. The Canal is 3.2 miles long, 25 metres-81’ wide and accepts a maximum draft of 7 metres- or 23’. No problem, we only need a little more than 3 metres. The canal stretches to a height of 76 metres or 250’ above sea level along its vertical walls. It can present you with a 1 to 3 knot current which is highly wind dependent. The reason that draft is limited may be due to the bridges at each end which are lowered into the canal and the vessels pass over them. They are hydraulic and signals (traffic lights) are used to indicate when you are cleared to enter. By day a blue flag is used to indicate that you are permitted to enter.  At night that is done with one white light.  By day a red flag is used to indicated –entry prohibited. At night that is indicated by the two vertical white lights prohibiting entry.

A little more history of the Canal:  Octavian in pursuit of Anthony after the Battle of Actium used the dragging method.  Greek and Roman Rulers worked out numerous schemes for a canal.  Nero was the only one to start digging.  Using 6,000 Jews, Nero didn’t even get to the rock when the insurrection in Gaul diverted his attention. As stated the Canal was completed by the Greeks in 1893.

The west end of the Canal is located at 37° 57’.3N ; 022°56’.9 E. yachts transit at the end of a ship convoy headed in the same direction. A wait of up to three hours is possible. Weather and winds are unpredictable and maneuvering room is limited. All paperwork and fees are handled at the Aegean or East End at Isthmia. Yachts over 25 metres may request that a Pilot bring the papers out to the yacht to complete the paperwork.  Another option is to use an Agent in Piraeus.

 Fees are some of the highest rates on a per mile basis. It is estimated that our fee alone will exceed 1,000 Euros.  Don’t forget to throw in the VAT approaching 20 %.  The VAT is something you pay because you added value by showing up and being productive. It is used to support those who don’t produce, or to add to the Politicians slush funds & IRA’s. It’s so good for those in control, that it is being discussed even in the USA.

Day 36, 5 June 2010.

The day started by me being startled awake by the quiet, rush of water flowing by my ear just inches and a steel plate away.  It may also have helped that I was nearly ejected from my bunk by the 25° heel and immediately stepped on my cabin mate on the lower bunk as he also was getting up.  It was 0100 ship time 2300 GMT. We were doing 10.4 knots under sail. The weather had moved in with wind in the right direction and displayed a light show with the distant lightening and a little rain. We’ll take it.

Normally you are awakened by a watch change but this was one hour after a watch start and two hours before the next change. Watch changes normally come with noise, banging doors, low conversation, and the strapping on of the harnesses to do battle topsides.  Not this time, It was the quietness of Sails up, no noise or vibration of the engine that caused us to awaken. We were in position 38° 00’.7 N; 018° 36’.7 E with another 220 miles to reach the Canal.

It is now clearly very early morning on 5 June, my daughter Heidi’s Birthday.  A good omen, for a fast sail that will last at least two watches or six hours.  What a relief and absolutely AWESOME experience.  I hope that you will bear with me as I share what I wrote just after midnight and the startling awakening.

S/Y ARGO, just bidding her time has been faithfully and efficiently chugging along at 6+ knots with the power of her big “CAT” providing the momentum. Now she was provided with real wind, and immediately she took the bit, and in all her glory is galloping along towards that Canal comfortably at 10+ knots across the Ionian Sea.

Moving quickly from one patch or wind filled cloud to the next handling what comes to her gracefully—just with a little more heel at times.

For those of you who have been fortunate to have experienced the thrill out here, it will rekindle the juices and bring back great memories.   For those who have not had that privilege—nothing I can say or write can relay or express that unbelievable thrill of being on such a beauty under sail.

And now the bad news.  At 1345/ 1145 GMT we are among the Greek Islands with Peloponnisos on our bow and the smaller islands of Zakinthos on our starboard and Cephalonia on our  port.  We are in Greek waters and will for the duration no longer be out of the sight of land. That’s really not a great feeling after 36 Days.  Don’t get me wrong.  Happy to be here just will miss the open seas.

We are in position 38°06.’4N ; 020°33.’1E placing us just 125 nm to the Canal and a probable 6 June transit of it. With its transit behind us we will be in Athens either 6 June late or 7 June early.

 For now and until my final submission, this is Lou aboard S/Y ARGO in Greek Waters and nearing the completion of our voyage.

Again thanks to IYT of Ft Lauderdale, Sirius Sailing and the BGAN Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL that keeps us in touch.

And the good day did continue into the night. Good clear weather greeted us at the entrance to the Messina Straits along with the calm seas and relatively light traffic.  Other than a few small vessels, several ferries, a couple of cruise ships and some cargo vessels we had the Straits to ourselves.  In no way did that reduce the attention to detail and safety by Boomer.  His professional approach was obvious to all as course change orders were clear and concise.  His crew was well aware of all surrounding traffic and reported accordingly.  It was to be a very good passage.

Day 35, 4 June 2010.

At 0215/ 1215 GMT we are in the straits having completed 4577 nm to date. At 0245/ 1245 GMT we are abeam of Punta Raineri Lighthouse of Messina, Sicily.

Although I looked forward to seeing Mt Etna—the answer to many crossword puzzles, it was not to be—at least not very clearly.  By 0600 / 0400 GMT we are seeing the lowest stratus clouds—I’ve ever witnessed– enshroud all the surrounding hillsides and mountains. A few glimpses were permitted of the closer peaks for brief moments. The visibility became reduced but was not considered to be restricted. It merely affected the viewing of on shore treats. Shortly thereafter we viewed then sun rising over the Toe of Italy’s boot.  Beautiful, peaceful and calm with about 270 miles of Ionian sea in front of us as we head east towards the canal. By 1030/ 0830 GMT, skies are clear, it is sunny and the barometer has risen to 1015 mb. Still Mt. Etna remains cloud covered and refuses to be viewed clearly. Oh well, I’ll see it at another time.

1630/ 1430 GMT: position 37°53.’9 N; 017°11.’2 E. Total distance run is 4,671 nm.  We have 280 nm to the canal.  A destination high on everyone’s to do list.

Exams are proving to be challenging in “at sea instruction” when all the effort put in is also affected by the 3 on- 6 off effect on good restful sleep. It gives me a new perspective. Those in on shore classroom lectures and exams need to be made even more challenging.  Character is important as is the ability to adapt. My new in class saying is going to be “ NO EXCUSES : NO WAY!”

1930/ 1730 GMT  we are located 260 nm from the Canal and have traveled 4691 nm to date.  Position:  37° 59.’0 N; 017° 38.’9 E.

Lou aboard S/Y ARGO in the Ionian Sea and headed to the Corinth Canal with International Yacht Training, Ft Lauderdale and Sirius sailing—“At Sea Learning Experience.”

via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Med has been fairly good to us unless you are a sailing purist—then we cannot say that. Barometer has dropped to 1011 mb, winds have increased to 20-25 kts fairly consistent and swells have increased to 4 meters or 12’-15’ and on the stern To much so to permit only sail & risk jibbing accidentally. A racing crew would be sailing, just not in the preferred direction. As the Boys of NASCAR and many others say, “it is what it is.”

At 1900/ 1700 GMT, 2 Jun 2010, we were 210 miles from the Messina Straits and in position 38°11.’3 N; 011°13.’7 E having covered 4360 nm.

At 2100/ 1900 GMT 2 Jun 2010, we were 48 miles from the closest point of Sicily, 90 miles from Palermo and 194 to the Straits. 38°13.’0 N; 011° 32.’2 E.

Day 34, Thursday, 3 June 2010.

I for one am looking forward to the experience of transiting the Messina Straits on my way to the Corinth Canal.  The straits are a narrow opening between Italy and Sicily. The North point of Cape Peloro is 1½ miles across while the South point is 7½ miles wide. Cape Peloro is located at 38°15.’9 N; and 015°41.’4 E. They could be interesting in numerous ways. The writings in the ODYSSEY, from ancient times refers to fickle and dangerous eddies & whirlpools. The Admiralty Pilot warns “more of violent squalls descending from the high surrounding mountains through the valleys with enough strength to inconvenience vessels.”  Captain Boomer has transited the straits previously and has experience none of that. So we will wait to see what we get?

Of even more interest to me because of my love of a good swordfish steak—like the one I had in Horta. According to The Italian Waters Pilot, It is possible to see modern, specially designed craft for swordfish fishing. The newer boats have a high mast and a huge bowsprit which is sometimes longer than the boat and reach as much as 15 meters or 50’. The multi-stayed steel mast and sprit offer the fishermen the advantage.  There is an electric winch which hoists the Captain’s Chair to the top of the mast for a better view.  He steers from that vantage point. Of course, they operate only in calm waters. Here is how it works.  Apparently swordfish “sleep” on the surface or move sluggishly along during the day.  The boat creeps up on them and the fishermen on the bowsprit harpoon the unsuspecting fish. The swordfish swim southwards in the spring and northwards in June.

Also of interest is the potential for adverse conditions.  The Tyrrhenian Sea to the north and The Ionian Sea to the south are connected by the Messina Straits and exhibit different characteristics. The Tyrrhenian Sea is warmer and less salty. The different salt densities combined with differing temperatures and with differing times for HW-high water and LW-low water can generate strong flowing currents.  Add some opposing winds and it has the potential to get interesting.

With wind against tide, short high, breaking seas, eddies and whirlpools make it no place for a small vessel. But, this is Argo-not necessarily a small vessel.  As the Italian Waters Pilot says, “the eddies are called bastardi (no translation needed)”.

Our position to start the day, 0000 3 June / 2200 GMT 2June was 38° 15.’4 N ; 012° 00.’2 E and the visible backlight of the sky indicates that Sicily is ahead of us.

At 0600/ 0400 GMT we are 6 miles off Cape Vito, Sicily in position 38°17.’9 N; 012° 49’.4 E.  Although cloudy some sun light is hitting the rocky face of Vito providing a nice welcome to Sicilian waters. With 140 miles remaining to reach the Messina Strait’s narrow entrance, we motor onward.

It is currently 1630/ 1430 GMT and we are in position 38°17.’1 N;  014° 19.’4 E.  The approximately 60 miles to the Straits means an arrival at approximately 0130 ship’s time on 4 June. Weather is great, and should continue for the night passage for a lot of the straits. That is the current plan and we shall see, after all it is what it is. Today’s classes have concluded and we expect the good day to continue through the night.

Lou checking in from aboard S/Y ARGO off Sicily’s North coast.  via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL

It is 0900/ 0700 GMT, our position is 38 03’.2 N ; 009 45’.6 E.  That puts us just SE of Sardenia, 30 miles off Africa’s Tunisia, with 275 miles to the Messina Straits.  On our way in approximately 170 miles we will pass Palermo off our starboard beam. We have sailed a total of 4285 miles.  More importantly, once we reach Palermo we will be 500 miles to the Corinth Canal Entrance just west of Athens Greece.

Fuel filters are being changed out at this time by the Captain. The Chief Mate team is on watch, and the other two watch team leaders are resting.

Although safety, maintenance and vigilance have been mentioned previously, I believe that some of you might be interested in the constant checks that are being made by each watch team each and every hour. On an hourly basis it is part of the “standing orders” that the following checks be made as part of ARGO’s Passage Check Record:

 1. On Deck; a. sail trim, b. inspect all decks, c. secure for 40/40- that’s the 40 knots of wind & 40° of heel, d. scan upwind for weather & e. lines coiled.

2.   Charthouse; a. logbook to include time, position, SpeedOverGground,           CourseOverGround, weather, barometric pressure and comments, b. plot position, c. house battery voltage, d. RPM’s,   e. main eng oil pressure,  f. main eng temperature, g. fridge status on/off, h. bilge alarms, i. check satellite phone for missed calls.

1. Engine Room; a. bilge check, b. check engine room, c. check shaft, d. ME—main engine fuel pressure, e. water maker pressure-if on.

1. Down below; a. 40/40 galley, b. hatch status, c. lights and fans, d. heads on dry bowl, e. fridge temperature, f. salon bilge pump on auto.

 The Captain insures compliance and emphasizes that if checked properly and conscientiously any problem will not have more than a 59 minute head start and we can handle it.  Otherwise, safety is compromised. Trust me, that is not something that happens on Boomer’s ship.

Here is an idea of a normal crew member’s day. All times are Ship Time.

2340-  you are awakened from what seems like a cat nap and must be on deck in 10 minutes to be briefed by off going watch team leader.

0000-  if not before, take over watch. Assignment for Watch Team Leader, Bow Watch, Helm, Boat Checks, make coffee, get snacks, assigned to wake (not a prized job) the next Watch Team members at 0240. These jobs are rotated at the watch team leader’s discretion. All others are additional lookouts.

0255- you will be briefed about the watch just completed and released to go below and warm up.

0300-0400- you will change out of foulies, maybe shower, maybe listen to music or write in journal, maybe snack.

0500-0820- if possible sleep .

0820- rise and try to awaken, dress, check the job wheel, get a coffee, grab a brief breakfast,and be on deck by 0850 for the next watch briefing.

0855-1155 repeat all items above included from 0000-0255. UNLESS you are the chef or sous chef for the day. In that case you have been in galley since   1000.

1200- get any briefing from Captain or crew—sometimes a head count. Get in line for lunch—eat on the rolling, bouncing deck.  If there is any wind it is trying to remove any items that you selected from your stainless steel bowl or plate. As soon as lunch is over in +/- 30 minutes, grab a hose, a brush, a sponge, a chamois or a mop for the deck cleaning.  Dishes are being done by the days assigned gophers, deckies, salties, freshies, dryers, and others. All according to the job wheel. It’s your turn on the wheel—as the saying goes. It wheel could deal you something worse– you could be the headmaster which “ensures that all heads are shiny, clean and smell good. Use ample quantities of bleach cleaning products.  Takes charge of unclogging any non-functioning heads.”

1300- assuming that you are not taking any classes—if you are your next two hours are not free– you are free until 1740 when you will be advised  that you are due on deck in 10 minutes for your third watch today. You will also muster in the cockpit for a count off or head count by number. That is followed by “the nudge” which is a brief session in which all crew- regardless of conditions are together to answer the skipper of the day’s question?  More info on that later.

1800-1830- dinner in the cockpit, Watch team normally first in line. Watch goes on.

1830-1915- dishes are washed and entire deck is again swabbed, and chamoised.

1800-2100- in addition you complete your watch.  It is quite cold by the time you finish.

2100-0240- If you have anything left, you listen to some more music—sometimes whether you want to or not, write some more, or if you are a student you get in another hour on class work or exercises- maybe grab the instructor for assistance or just say, I am crashing- good night. Some hit the bunk with good intentions of reading and just fall asleep. The sleep comes as conditions permit.  If you happen to be one of the hard core—those in the Fos’cle—you just might be in for a really jarring night.

That’s the first day in a very abbreviated way. That’s a 3 hour on 6 hour off potential scenario. There may be other assignments like bread maker for the day. Of course, you may also volunteer for the normal or less frequent maintenance items such as: sewing sails, polishing chrome, swabbing cabin soles, changing engine oil, fuel filters, or repairing clogged or broken heads.  That’s all part of the days options. You make the most of it by enjoying the camaraderie, learning experience, traveling that you wanted, and the thrill of the challenge. And you have another 40 days to go.

At 1630/ 1430 GMT, we are 230 miles from the Messina Straits which runs between Italy & Sicily. We are at 38°06.’7 N; 010° 48.’1 E.  We have sailed 4340 nm to date.  The wind has finally come up to 18-22 knots but not at an angle we can best use.  We have increased our motor sailing speed to 7.5 plus knots with a smoother ride. It is very sunny but cool—cold for anyone living south of 30° N.

Lou aboard S/Y ARGO due west of Sicily, headed for the Messina Straits.

via BGAN, Satellite System courtesy of Global Satellite, Fort Lauderdale, FL, International Yacht Training of Ft Lauderdale, and Sirius Sailing.

At 2115/ 1915 GMT last night we were in position 37° 27.’0 N ; 004° 43.’7 E.  We are 30 miles off the North African coast of Algeria. At that point we were approx 222 miles from having Sardenia on our port beam.

 WELCOME BACK—Tuesday 1 June 2010—Day 32 for us.

 That welcome back is for those of you who experienced the Freedom of a long weekend off.  That’s foreign to those who make a living, survive, or who just enjoy being way off shore.  Life goes on—work continues.  Today the salt water pumps and emergency bilge pumping systems are going through their normal tests and maintenance.  It is quite relaxing to know that they exist and work.  They serve both fire fighting and to solve any water ingress problems.

Last night the MOON GLADE across the Mediterranean Sea was exceptionally beautiful. That’s courtesy of Rick, the other Pennsylvanian on board who is a cabin mate on this leg. Look it up!  Rick, Kevin and I make up the over 60 Triumvirate—or at least we think so.

At 0000 local / 2200 GMT this morning, we had completed 4054 nm of our journey.  All was calm, smooth, and required motoring.  Early AM—ante meridiem—things began to roll.  Swells of 8-10 began to come in from a gale that is located elsewhere in the Med.  So far it has cost me a beer. No we have none aboard—it was a bet made that by mid day today we would have sailing winds. Based upon weather signs such as cirrus and other clouds, etc we should have received that wind.  Not concerned enough to ask for more—because as I said before, I learned that lesson earlier in my Mediterranean sailing days. Ask and frequently you receive more than you asked for.

At 0830/ 0630 GMT we were 340 miles from Palermo, Sicily.  We do not know for sure that we can make the stop due to schedule.  However, I did advise captain Boomer that I probably have a little Sicilian Blood and if that’s not enough—I’ll call Jimmy Cefalo, of Miami Dolphin & WIOD radio fame and see if we might not be forced to stop by his buddies.

Here is an introduction to three more of the crew:

 Chris Ergen, Littleton, CO. USA 23 years of age.

 “I came on this crossing because I wanted to take the opportunity to further my sailing knowledge, especially celestial navigation. I have had experience with Boomer on ARGO and like the way this ship works.”

Final destination is Athens. “I am a traveler.  I prefer to do everything myself.   Therefore, I plan to learn how to captain a sea ship, an air ship, and a space ship so that I may freely move about the Universe.”

“I have always loved the sea and have always wanted to sail boats around oceans here on Earth. I went on SeaMester and decided that the Maritime Industry was definitely something I wanted to know more about, perhaps even find a job in at some point.”  Chris is doing the MOY 200-Unlimited-Ocean Course with IYT.

 (See photo—here is Chris protecting my BGAN system. I think he believes he can use it to communicate with the space ship captains).

 Marc Chesnutt, New Bern, NC, USA.23 years.

 “I spent the spring sailing around the Caribbean for school and fell in love with it.  Also it was a great opportunity to see the Med while accomplishing something most would never imagine.” Final destination is Athens. My interest in Maritime is to be able to make and have a career on the water.

(see photo—Marcus getting food for the evening meal) Upon successful completion of his Col Regs Exam, he will have completed the MOY 200 T Theory Course.

 Rory McFadden, Kelowna, BC, Canada, Age 20.

“I wanted to get to Antibes, France, and the crossing let me do that and get some more miles and my MOY 200 Unlimited.”

Final destination is Athens.  “I want to work up to my Master Mariners and see where that takes me.”  I want to work professionally in the Maritime Industry.

(See photo Rory at ARGO’s helm.)

At 1400/ 1200 GMT, the skies are sunny and quite bright, we have a light breeze, maybe 10 knots, but not enough for sails alone.  Our position is 37° 44.’2 N ; 007° 01.’3 E. We have covered 4153 nm and should be nearing Palermo, Sicily in two days. The Barometer is steady at 1018 mbs.

We just dropped the main & the ride did not, of course, improve. It is quite rolly– if there is such a word.

Classes are being held below for those who need them and on deck for the queasy.  I have a MOY Coastal, a MOY 200 T Theory, and the wrap up of the MOY 200 Unlimited-Ocean Course all running. That makes for a very busy schedule for me and for the students working within their watch schedules as well. Of course, there is also the added excitement that soon we will be going through the Corinth Canal and on to Athens.

Update to above:

At dinner the Captain advised us that the word from above has arrived and based upon weather and schedule—we are expected to be in Pireaus in the Zea Marina by 7 June. Thus, no stopping in Palermo, Sicily.  We will however be passing nearby on our way to The Straits of Messina. It separates Italy from Sicily and presents an interesting backdrop or run up to the Corinth Canal.

At 1900 / 1700 GMT we are in position: 37° 48.’3 N; 007 39.’1 E. Total miles are now 4183 with approximately 380 to the Straits. Still rolling with little wind.

Don’t forget to check out Holly Conrad’s Blog at www.siriuslysailing.blogspot.com for other comments by the crew members.

Lou, aboard S/Y ARGO between Tunisia & Sardenia in the Med.

Rose @ 0530 EEST/ 0330 GMT.  It is still quite calm. We are motor sailing approximately 30 miles off the Algerian Coast of North Africa. At 0615, we were in position 37° 10.’2 N ; 002° 29.’5 E. A total of 3929 nautical miles of salt water has passed under the keel. Cirrus clouds and red sky this morning “could” indicate a possible change coming.

The calm gives time for reflection on other aspects of the voyage. 

Trials and Tribulations— Adventure or Ordeal

With constant UV Rays, a trip around the world, winds gusts sometimes exceeding 50 knots, a constant raising and lowering, a continual adjustment of tension, excessive salt spray, and even you might just give up and scream SEW ME up!  Well that would be normal and should be expected. Sail repair is ongoing—aboard ARGO is no different.

I frequently have students advise me that they have chart plotters to replace charts and the need for real navigation; they have spares to replace broken equipment; they have bow thrusters to aid in docking…and my answer is always—“if it works when you need it.”

The Chief Mate can certainly verify that it may not always be there when you need it.  The Gibraltar arrival was much anticipated—especially after much negotiation and hard work by Sirius Sailing Management just to secure a space in a very busy port. During docking, he again experienced the fact that Bow Thrusters are not always available.  A guarantee that I can make is that they do not fail in calm conditions or in marinas with excessive turning areas. They fail, just as Sean’s did, when space is limited, wind gusts are strong and on the nose that you want to put into the wind and it’s rapidly getting darker. The docking was not pretty, but was professionally and safely handled by Sean and the total Sirius Sailing Staff. And you cannot always depend on the normally dependable back-up—the dinghy.

Students learning at sea have trials aboard also.  Some handle them better than others.  Some just work harder and will succeed. Some just ignore them.  And others will volunteer for anything that can delay the inevitable need to complete the assigned exercises. Of course, that approach will not work for long. Exams and skill tests are just around the corner.  Then, and only then will we know the results of each approach.

Relationships aboard any vessel and close proximity for over 30 days will test patience. The dynamics of it all is amazing. Again some handle it better than others.    Compounded by the lack of real rest –that doesn’t really come with 3 on 6 off—especially if you fight it or are not accustomed to it.  It does however; make for some wonderful relationships as well as the few that could be improved upon.

Things you miss.  During the first two legs, I realized what I have for years taken for granted.  My 6 to 8 ounces of fresh Florida Orange juice was not there each morning.  Thankfully, on this third leg in Gibraltar, Leah, the purser has stocked ARGO with a plentiful amount of fresh navel oranges.  Life is again good.

No matter the trials and tribulations, it is as Bob Bitchin–Latitudes & Attitudes– implies, ATTITUDE that makes an ordeal a very real and enjoyable adventure.

And what a learning experience this type of study at sea can offer those who want a Maritime Career.

At 1400 GMT today we were at position 37° 22.’1 N ; 004° 00.’ E.  That is a total of 4005 nautical miles.

Lou aboard S/Y ARGO, from the Western Mediterranean Sea via BGAN Satellite.

Talk later.