East Coast to Fla to Caribbean - NOW - Page 4

kimberlite · #31 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

Dear Thomastone,
I am sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience. I hope you will be able to answer a few questions for me.
How many crew were on board? Did you have an epirb?
Had the captain and crew made the bermuda trip or been offshore before? Where did you start from?
Why were you unable to stop the incoming water?
Better luck in the future.
Fair winds,
eric

thomasstone · #32 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

Were you able to read the article?I have a web address you can cut and paste a couple messages above.Three crew.We had epirb and sat phone.We started in RI.We all have offshore experience. We were actually on our way to Antigua ,then to Grenada.The day before we had 30 to 35knot winds and had sustained damage to the boom. We altered course for Bermuda.We were picked up by Russian oil tanker approx 140 miles west of Bermuda. thomas

kimberlite · #33 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

Dear Thomas,
I did read the article from the royal gazette but it was rather sketchy.

What do you think was the reason that you were unable to stop the water from coming in?

What happened to your boom?

I hope you don''t mind me asking these questions but I too sail offshore and am always looking for ways to make my passages safer.
fair winds,
eric

thomasstone · #34 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002

I dont mind the questions at all ,in fact Im anxious to tell my story.I have alot of questions myself.We had a couple of accidental jibes in 35knot winds ,plus a 20 year old boat.The boom was cracking at the gooseneck.The autopilot was not able to keep up with the following seas and wind gusts. The boat would surf down a wave and the autopilot would over correct. Im not sure what is involed at this point in terms of investagations,so I cant say to much at this point.I will let everyone know everything as soon as I can. This is something I thought would never happen. The scariest part was when the 800ft oiltanker ran us over.We bounced off the bow and all I was thinking was I have got to get as far away as possible from the screws.Next thing I knew we were all still in the raft.The crew threw over a line and after a couple of attempts we got the line. I love the Russians.-thomas

DuaneIsing · #35 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002

Thomas,

I missed your reply to me from a few days ago until now; sorry. I''ll reiterate how great it is that you all survived the incident.

In all my reading (not much experience yet), the need to have appropriate tapered plugs wired next to all thru-hulls is always emphasized. The idea being that if you can locate the broken fitting, you have the means to try to stop the flow right there. Any comments on whether that would have worked in your case?

Again, thanks for sharing so that we might learn.

Duane

JDSails · #36 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002

HOLD IT, HOLD IT, HOLD IT !!!!
Jack,
I always respect your suggestions in this tread and others. My boat has shared marina privalages with your boat while I pass through St. pete some time.
But we have to understand some things here. The last 4 years , I have traveled to Cuba twice, Bahamas twice, Mexico, Hondurace, Belize, etc., on a smaller boat than the one listed.

This guy is going to the BAHAMAS. It is like an extension of the US. <piece of cake>

This is your first trip out of the US. I would suggest acquiring Van Sandts guide,...motoring down to Miami <Govt Cut>,...networking with other cruisers, and watch for a window opening across. Then just do day sails to Georgetown. Stay anchored in georgetown for the Winter, then retrack your journey after the Spring OutIsland Regatta there. You will be anchored in Elizabeth Harbour, with 250 other cruiser boats,..fun fun fun.
All you need is this :

a small, portable SSB receiver <$135 at radio Shack>
A cockpit mounted Autopilot <self installed in 1 hour>
A 406 Epirb

FOLLOW Van Sandts book to a tee.

The other peeps here are trying to prepare you for some "world circumnavigation",...take a conservative trip this first time.I do not even have refrigeration on my boat <dont want the hassel>,...I take along long keeping veggies, spices, canned goods, then buy lamb products in the Bahamas <cheapest meat there>

GO For It Now !!!

Capt. Hunter

thomasstone · #37 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002

You are right.BTW your reading is your experience. You could also take it a step farther like I did on my own boat and remove everything below the waterline. Of course my raw water is below the water ,but thats it. Duane, I have alot of questions myself. I do honestly appreciate your concern ,and I will tell everything as soon as I can. thomas

foredeckman · #38 (**permalink**) 01-28-2003

I''ve been following this thread as I am planning on doing the same thing this coming year(Nov.03) My boat is now in Ft Myers. and next fall, after ''hurricane season'' I am going thru the Lk. Okeechobee waterway to the E. coast and wait for a window for the Bahamas. Then work my way down to the D.R. and maybe hole up in Venezuela for next season.. It''s been interesting reading eveyones comments on the conditions to be expected and I always look for new experiences and stories. By the way, one of the respondants, Pamela, had a good attitude and if she is out there and maybe looking for an adventure, she can contact me. Otherwise, I hope to meet you out there somewhere and best of all sailing conditions to ya.

StarrySky · #39 (**permalink**) 01-28-2003

If you''ve got the interest in sailing south from Boston, just wait for a decent weather window and take off. I can''t understand why there are so many responders suggesting you stay home.

A sailor friend and I left Port Washington, L.I. Sound on Jan 6th, 2000 bound for southern waters. Broke through ice on the way out of Manhasset Bay in my little lightweight Seidelmann 29 with minimum creature comforts and few "gadgets". Limited our ocean runs to day trips (exception being the Sandy Hook to Atlantic City overnighter), and went down the inside as needed south of Norfolk.

Get yourself a competent companion till the Chesapeake, some warm long johns and a cabin heater and bail.

rogerbohl · #40 (**permalink**) 02-24-2003

I''ve just returned to the East Coast from 7 years in Central America and the Caribbean/Bahamas, having departed from Norfolk via Bermuda and returned via Bahamas. I''d be glad to share advice and information with you. Please call at 415-751-3447 (temp San Francisco no.) or 954-614-4672.

Roger Bohl
s.v. Ariadne II
Stamas 44'' ketch