S/V NAVIGATOR,
our Island Packet 40 departed Bermuda bound for Norfolk Virginia today, June 9th at 10:30 AM.
The student crew arrived on the evening of June 6th. June 7th and
8th were spent in preparation for the voyage. The crew
members
are: Captain Tom Tursi of
Pennsylvania (Skipper), Captain Frank Mummert of Maryland
(First Mate), and
student crew members Charles Zapf (Georgia), Harry Nicholsen
(New York), Karl Keuhner (Texas) and Kyle Hovatter (Maryland).
NAVIGATOR will make the passage to Norfolk via a
non-stop ocean route. The cruise has an estimated distance of 670 nautical
miles, and will take approximately 6 days, sailing both day and night.
We will discuss the route, weather and actual progress here on our
blog as it happens, so please join us! To follow the discussion,
see the COMMENTS to this blog post.
To follow their actual progress on via SPOT, CLICK HERE.
22 comments:
Thank you to crew member Harry Nicholsen for the picture of S/V Navigator entering Bermuda with the inbound crew!
Hello all! Be sure to click on the spot link above to follow the progress of NAVIGATOR and her crew. One note on the SPOT transmissions… The SPOT is far from infallible and a loss of signal is quite common. There have been times where we had no position update for more than a day. Reasons can range from a weak satellite signal, a sail bag inadvertently shifted and blocking a clear "view" of the sky, or SPOT batteries getting weak. The crew checks in with me electronically at intervals, and we will address such issues. Also, sailboat tracks are affected by wind direction, current, etc. and rarely result in a straight-line course. I’ll post updates here which will include position reports from the crew. ~ Rita
Bradley Mabe, a Maryland School graduate and weather expert is providing weather guidance to the crew. I'll include his reports to the crew here on the blog, beginning with this one relayed prior to departure:
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: Pre-departure WX 6/9 - 12
Date: June 8, 2021 at 7:53:22 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/9 winds S-SSW 7-12 becoming more SW at 10-15 in the evening possibility of scattered showers
6/10 winds SSW 10-15 early morning becoming more WSW in the afternoon. winds are stronger approx. 40-60 miles N of BDA at 15-20
6/11 winds SW-W at 15-20 a short wave trough from the NW brings stormy conditions - at present, the possibility of SW 25-30 across your anticipated course track
At this time more Southerly routes look better, but still contain some rain and stormy conditions
6/12 stormy conditions continue into the afternoon winds SW 15-20
I will update as the forecast develops.
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/10 - 13
Date: June 9, 2021 at 7:23:01 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/10 winds morning SW 10-15 backing WSW 10-12 in the afternoon and evening
6/11 winds morning WSW 10-15 low-pressure system forms 75 miles E of the NC-VA border movement generally ENE. Expect rain and t-storms to increase during the afternoon and evening... Evening winds SW 20-25
6/12 winds morning SW 15to 20 increasing 20-30 in the late morning early afternoon showers and t-storms likely as system approaches from the WNW
6/13 winds NE to ENE 15-20 after frontal passage becoming E 10-15 in the afternoon.
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/9
Date: June 9, 2021 at 9:00:33 PM EDT
To: MD School
2040 position 3241n, 6530w...
Departed BDA at 1030 EDT. Winds SSW at 7 kt. Nightfall here now. Today skies were overcast, gradually clearing by late afternoon. We are motorsailing closehauled with mainsail and full Genoa making 5.5 knots on course of 295 per compass toward a waypoint five miles SW of Diamond Shoal red 12 buoy.
Just passed Pride of Baltimore heading to BDA of reciprocal to ours. Spoke to them briefly to establish passing agreement, which was port to port at one mile closest point
Watches are: Karl & Kyle 12 to 4; Tom & Charles 4 to 8; Frank & Harry 8 to 12
Karl and Kyle prepared Chili and rice for first nights dinner... Delicious
Captain Tom aboard S/V Navigator
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/11 - 14
Date: June 10, 2021 at 6:09:19 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/11 early morning winds SSW 10-12 becoming SW 10-15 chance of showers and t-storms increase through the day. evening winds SW 15-20 showers and t-storms likely
6/12 winds SW 15-20 in the morning SW 20-25 afternoon, gusts to 30 in some areas possibly stronger in and near t-storms. Frontal passage projected in the evening and overnight
6/13 winds light and variable for a time early morning then becoming E 15-20 as a coastal low forms off the coast of Cape Hatteras
winds S of Cape Hatteras SW 15-20, winds N of Cape Hatteras E 10-15.for most of the day and evening as low pressure moves along frontal boundary SW to ENE
6/14 winds light and variable mainly NW 5-10
This is a challenging forecast and weather pattern that will change as it develops.
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/11
Date: June 11, 2021 at 9:18:40 AM EDT
To: MD School
At 0845 we are currently hove to on double reefed mainsail at position n3355, w6826. Rain squall passed over recently drenching everything outside and giving deck a good wash down. Winds 25 to 30. No lightning.
Overnight last night we sailed on reefed mainsail and full Genoa on a course of 290 per compass averaging 5.5 knots. No rain. No lightening. Waves building to six feet from SW. Shortened Genoa for a while, but then winds came up to 20 to 25. Sailing hard on the wind toward our waypoint SW of Diamond Shoal was hard sailing in the wave and wind conditions, and hard on the boat pounding to weather, so we elected to heave to as noted above. We will hang out here until weather improves and wind direction is more favorable.
Hove to we are still an underway vessel and will continue with regular underway watches. Off watch crew will be working on their ASA108 onboard tasks and other lessons, including boat cleanup per First Mate Frank.
Tom cooked cheese omelets for breakfast. It occurred to me that we were a little floating island of civilization in this wild and woolly, squally seascape flipping eggs over a propane stove!!
Last knight Kyle cooked Dinty Moore beef stew augmented with frozen veggies for dinner.
Tom
Stay safe on your floating island of civilization! Bet you're loking forward to beans and wienies night!!
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/11 B
Date: June 11, 2021 at 5:46:03 PM EDT
To: MD School
At 1015 we secured the heave to, unfurled the staysail and sailed with reefed mainsail and staysail on a course of 310 per compass giving an apparent wind angle of 60 degrees on port tack and a modestly good angle to the approaching waves; sailing was hard with periodic boarding waves into the cockpit. Boat speed 3 knots. Hard on crew. Winds to 20-25 SW.
At 1315 hove to again, this time with an improved wind angle of 50 to 60 degrees and a good angle to the approaching waves. Smoother ride. Easier on crew.
According to Brad’s forecast, these conditions will last for another day or more and probably worsen by tomorrow, so I expect to remain in this position for a couple of days. We will definitely be delayed arriving at Norfolk so a heads up for all on that.”
Tom
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/12-16
Date: June 12, 2021 at 7:39:41 AM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
This morning's model run shows that the trough and associated low-pressures are weaker than first anticipated.
6/12 winds SW 20-25 decreasing to 15-20 late in the day chance of rain and t-storms Seas 6 to 9 ft.
6/13 winds SW 15-20 possible wind shift to NE late in the day North of 35/ West of 72
6/14 winds variable 10-15 becoming SSW 15-20
6/15 winds SSW 15-20 increased chance of rain and t-storms
6/16 another low-pressure area moves quickly NE from 36N 70W winds SW 30-35 becoming W 15-20 in the afternoon
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/12
Date: June 12, 2021 at 9:30:12 AM EDT
To: MD School
0900 position 3415n, 6849w
Yesterday, waves and wind calmed a bit and we got underway at 1900 hours with reefed mainsail and staysail on a course of 310 per compass toward Chesapeake. At 0230 winds picked up and we saw an approaching squall at 9 miles distant on an intersecting course with ours. We doused the staysail and went into hove to configuration on port tack as the squall hit with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. Heavy rain and lightening continued for four hours and we were all drenched to the skin even with follies buttoned up securely. During squall, winds blew 30 to 40 knots and veered (clocked) to 320 degrees per compass which the hove to boat followed around the circle and headed us North.
During the squall, Karl and Kyle spotted ship lights dimly lit through the heavy rain. Ship did not show AIS signals but did show up on radar at two miles distant. By this time we could see her both white range lights spread apart with lower light to our left view indicating the she was crossing our stern from right to left and radar showed her distance to be increasing and safely passing.
This morning, winds and waves continue as before the squall, but by 0900 clouds are thinning and the sun peeked through for a brief moment.
Weather forecasting from Brad indicates that conditions will not improve significantly for the next two days, but we will sail toward Chesapeake as conditions permit. ETA currently undetermined.
Tom
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/13 - 16
Date: June 13, 2021 at 7:08:46 AM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/13 winds SW 20 becoming SW 15-20 in the afternoon showers and t-storms possible
6/14 winds SW 15-20 becoming variable 5-10 for a few hours in the afternoon, then SW 15-20 in the evening and overnight continued possibility of showers and t-storms
6/15 winds SW 15-20 increased possibility of showers and t-storms
6/16 winds NW 10-15 becoming W 5-10 in the afternoon rain and t-storm chance decreases some.
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/13
Date: June 13, 2021 at 8:34:55 AM EDT
To: MD School
All is well. We are motoring in no wind and lumpy seas. Position 0830: n3451, w6957.
I will fix Spot batteries later this morning.
More later.
Tom
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/14 - 18
Date: June 13, 2021 at 8:45:38 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/14 winds SSW 20-25 Chance of rain and t-storms
6/15 winds SSW 20-25 becoming SW 20-25 chance of rain and t-storms continue
6/16 winds SW 20-25 becoming W 15-20 mid-morning then variable 5-10 in the afternoon then E 10-12 in the evening rain change decreases
6/17 winds become light and variable then N-NW 12-15 in the afternoon
6/18 winds NW 10-15 clearing
Hope everyone is staying warm and dry out there and that the winds pick back up soon! What an adventure. Best wishes to the crew! Hang in there.
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/14
Date: June 14, 2021 at 9:53:45 AM EDT
To: MD School
0915 position 3530n, 7209w
Yesterday, Sunday, sailing west toward Chesapeake on ENE 20 knot winds under small sails surrounded by threatening squalls and some rain. At 1600 deployed whisker pole and sailed wing on wing with reefed mainsail and full Genoa overnight until 0800 this morning; several rain squalls overnight, but no lightning and only modest wind increase. This morning winds veered (clocked) to 150 per compass, and we secured the whisker pole and gybed the mainsail to port tack and set course of 175 toward Diamond Shoal. Current is opposed and it appears that we may be bordering the Gulf Stream, although sea water temperature has not yet increased.
Captain Tom aboard S/V Navigator
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/15 - 18
Date: June 14, 2021 at 6:04:11 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/15 winds SSW 20-25 becoming SW 20-25 mid-morning rain and t-storms likely
6/16 winds SW 15-20 chance of rain and t-storms decrease becoming W 10-15 mid-day then variable in the late afternoon, NE 5-10 overnight
6/17 winds light and variable mainly NW 5-10 with clearing skies
6/18 winds NW 5-10 becoming SE 5-10 in the afternoon continued clear conditions
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/14B
Date: June 14, 2021 at 8:56:20 PM EDT
To: MD School
2015 position 3523n, 7313w
Tropical Depression 2 provided a teaching moment this afternoon, appearing on the Sirius weather graphic about 50 miles to our SW and detailed in the NOAA bulletin as traveling N E at 18 knots to a point 100 to our NE thus passing right over our position at about 1700 EDT. Skies were overcast with some rain followed by rapid clearing by late afternoon in time for a pleasant dinner of chicken stew in the cockpit.
We took the opportunity to plot the Position of TD2, it’s forecast track and Barometer trend to predict which side of its track we would be on as it passed. So we plotted the information of our navigation chart, and decided to make an avoidance move putting the wind on our starboard quarter and motoring at high rpm to the safe side to the left of track. I think we were directly in its path based of this analysis. (Brad... did we do this right?)
We are now sailing pleasantly on course of 300 dog per compass in 8 to 10 knots winds SW with reefed mainsail and full Genoa, and with the usual threatening clouds in various locations around the compass.
Captain Tom aboard S/V Navigator
From: Navigator IP40
Subject: Status 6/15
Date: June 15, 2021 at 2:52:27 PM EDT
To: MD School
1440 EDT position 3623n, 7348w
We have passed through the Gulf Stream; sea water temperature is 69F down from a high of 83F in the stream, and we are no longer getting a push to the NNE from the 2+ knot GS current. Winds are light from West and we are motoring at 2,000 rpm directly toward Chesapeake Bay entrance 108 miles distant. Currently do not see any weather issues confronting us.
This afternoon the crew worked as a team preparing navigation plan for entrance to C’Bay on paper charts and entered waypoints into the chart plotter.
Tom
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/16 - 19
Date: June 15, 2021 at 5:44:26 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/16 winds early morning SW 5-10 becoming light and variable by late morning, expect NW-N at 10-12 as you get nearer the coast.
6/17 winds NW 5-10 becoming N 10-15 another low pressure is expected to form S of your anticipated position and track NE along the stalled front rainy conditions mostly toward your W
6/18 winds NW 10-15 gradually becoming W 5-10 late in the day
6/19 expect SW-S winds 10-15 near the coast
As to your question regarding the side of a tropical depression to be on, it's a longer conversation than we can easily have here, but it worked well for you. I'm glad y'all are safe.
B~
From: Bradley Mabe
Subject: WX 6/17-20
Date: June 16, 2021 at 5:27:48 PM EDT
To: Navigator IP40
6/17 winds light and variable mainly N 3-5 continued light and variable through the day and evening
6/18 winds continue to be light and variable with a gradual turn SE 5-10 in the afternoon becoming SW 5-10 overnight
6/19 winds SW 10-15 becoming SW 15-20 in the afternoon and overnight
6/20 winds WSW 15-20 becoming WSW 15-20 in the afternoon
Navigator ETA at Little Creek Marina in Norfolk is 11:00 PM tonight.
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