Back from the 1500!

4arch · #1 (**permalink**) 11-25-2011

Just got back from my first time crewing on a boat in the Caribbean 1500 which has been by far my longest offshore passage to date.

We were supposed to leave Hampton VA on 11/7 but were delayed 4 days due to TS Sean sitting in the Atlantic. When we finally got underway on the morning of the 11th we had 25-30 knot winds at our backs making for an exhilarating start. Winds died as we crossed the gulf stream so we ended up motoring a lot. Second morning out while we were motoring, smoke started billowing up from the companionway. Turned out to be the alternator burning up. Luckily the owner had a spare and was able to swap it out in less than an hour and be back under motor. The middle several days of the passage were uneventful but winds picked up in the last few days to 25-35 and seas up to 8-15 feet. On the morning of the second day out we had a knockdown in a 15+ foot wave that filled the cockpit with 8” of water and ripped out part of the dodger. Arrived in Tortola the morning of the 11th day and took third place in our division!

Overall it was a fun and worthwhile experience though it was not without its trying moments. I most enjoyed the overall challenge of keeping the boat moving toward its destination under all circumstances and I also appreciated the connection with nature that came with being out there. The biggest downside was the challenge the constant heel and motion of the boat created in moving around on the boat – and sometimes in just being comfortable. But I wouldn’t say no to going again!

Tempest · #2 (**permalink**) 11-25-2011

Wow, A spare Alternator...how nice is that!

Congrats on your adventure!

chef2sail · #3 (**permalink**) 11-25-2011

Bryan,

Followed your progress the whole way down on Rum Runner. Sounds like a great experience. Lets get togethr soon, would love to hear your complete story. Nnow you are truly ready for the New England sail.,...

Dave

smackdaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 11-25-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4arch

Just got back from my first time crewing on a boat in the Caribbean 1500 which has been by far my longest offshore passage to date.

We were supposed to leave Hampton VA on 11/7 but were delayed 4 days due to TS Sean sitting in the Atlantic. When we finally got underway on the morning of the 11th we had 25-30 knot winds at our backs making for an exhilarating start. Winds died as we crossed the gulf stream so we ended up motoring a lot. Second morning out while we were motoring, smoke started billowing up from the companionway. Turned out to be the alternator burning up. Luckily the owner had a spare and was able to swap it out in less than an hour and be back under motor. The middle several days of the passage were uneventful but winds picked up in the last few days to 25-35 and seas up to 8-15 feet. On the morning of the second day out we had a knockdown in a 15+ foot wave that filled the cockpit with 8” of water and ripped out part of the dodger. Arrived in Tortola the morning of the 11th day and took third place in our division!

Overall it was a fun and worthwhile experience though it was not without its trying moments. I most enjoyed the overall challenge of keeping the boat moving toward its destination under all circumstances and I also appreciated the connection with nature that came with being out there. The biggest downside was the challenge the constant heel and motion of the boat created in moving around on the boat – and sometimes in just being comfortable. But I wouldn’t say no to going again!

Very nice 4arch!!!!

4arch · #5 (**permalink**) 11-28-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by chef2sail

Followed your progress the whole way down on Rum Runner. Sounds like a great experience. Lets get togethr soon, would love to hear your complete story. Nnow you are truly ready for the New England sail.,...

Dave,

Would be great to get together sometime soon. Definitely looking forward to the trip north next summer! Will be doing a few winter projects to get the boat ready after the holidays.