S/V NAVIGATOR, our Island Packet 40 will depart Bermuda bound for Norfolk Virginia on, June 9th, 2024. The student crew arrived on the evening of June 6th. June 7th and 8th were spent in preparation for the voyage. The crew members as show from left to right are: Captain David Gifford of Maryland (First Mate), Jim Suhr (Maryland), Bruce Hamilton (Maryland), Geoff Stothard (Virginia), and Pat Waldo (Maryland). Captain Frank Mummert (Skipper) is behind the camera! 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 via SPOT, CLICK HERE.
18 comments:
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
The weather forecast looks good for the next few days with a classic Bermuda High established east of Bermuda and producing brisk SW winds for the initial part of the return route to Norfolk. An approaching high pressure system coming off the US east coast is expected to change that for the second half of the return route.
From: Frank Mummert
Subject: BDA - PRE-DEPARTURE
Date: June 8, 2024 at 5:39:04 PM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MD School
Navigator is getting set to leave Bermuda tomorrow. We have gotten our final bill from the marina, we have touched base with the Customs and Immigration office and all we need to do tomorrow is take on a load of diesel fuel and head out.
The crew is spending this last night ashore, finishing up last minute shopping, getting one last shower and going to bed early, so we can get underway well-rested.
The boat is ready, stowed and prepped. All that awaits us now is the morning.
From: Frank Mummert
Subject: BDA - DAY 1
Date: June 9, 2024 at 8:46:18 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
After clearing customs and taking on fuel, we are underway. Rain clouds have drenched us off and on all morning, but the sky is finally clearing.
Now, it is just a short hop back to the States. According to the brochure in the Customs office, it should take about 2 hours. Jim, our airline pilot, says that is about right. I have my doubts!
Frank
Navigator... BDA high remains in position. Expect SW 10-15 today. Monday CF coming offshore. Tuesday Low coming off Carolina coast mixing with CF. Wednesday 2nd Low off Georgia moving NE. Thursday 2nd Low to approx. 37N-70W dragging CF across your probable location. Winds remaining SW10-20 in the Hi-Lo pinch zone to the SE of CF, and veering to N on N side of CF.
High Sea forecast shows no storm conditions your area.
NHC shows no cyclone next 2 days
Sail on...
From: S/VNavigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 1A
Date: June 9, 2024 at 11:30:24 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
We are north of the island and sailing along in about 10 knots of wind. The seas are smooth and the sky has lots of fluffy cumulus clouds, hopefully presaging fair weather for a while. The rain clouds that poured all the “liquid sunshine” on us this morning are well off to the east.
All in the crew are handling the boat’s new movement well. We have an easy pitch and roll from the gentle waves. Can’t say how long this will last, but we will take it while we can.
We are not yet out of sight of Bermuda, but it won’t be long before it sinks back into the ocean. An air patrol of a pair of Bermudian long tails has already overflown us, to bid us goodbye and ensure we didn’t take any stowaways with us.
Frank
Navigator... Wx forecast similar to yesterday. BDA high persists. CF coming offshore N of you today; wind SSW15; I see from SPOT that you are bearing west which is good.
Tuesday Low #1 developing approx 34N73W moving NE; your winds S10.
Wed Low #2 developing off Florida approx 30N80W; E-W frontal boundary across your path consisting of CF from Low #1 and warm front from Low #2; S of front winds WSW15; N of front winds light and variable; see image.
Thursday Low #2 warm front advancing N; see image; S of front winds S or SE5-10 depending on your location; N of front winds E5-15.
Friday Low #2 to approx 33N76W and warm front moved further N to off Hatteras; your winds S10-15.
NHC reports no cyclones next two days.
Sail on!
Tom
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 2
Date: June 10, 2024 at 11:55:33 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
Conditions are very sporty out here. Winds are 15, gusting 20, and we are down to reefed mainsail and staysail. We are not moving quite as fast but we are not going off to leeward as much, so we are actually doing better toward our way point.
The crew is still working on getting their sealegs. There have no bouts of seasickness, but spending time below is minimized.
We have not seen much out here. A very well lit up cruise ship passed about midnight, headed to Bermuda.
All is well and the crew is in good spirits.
Frank
Navigator... Low #1 developing between you and Hatteras giving SE10-15 today your position.
Wed Low #1 dissipates and Low #2 develops off N Florida at 30N78W giving NE5-10 for you; warm front S of you.
Thur Low #2 to 33N74W closely followed by Low #3 giving E-SE 15-25 for you.
Fri Lows 2 & 3 combine at 36N72W and drag a CF giving S20 east of front and SW-N-NE west of front depending on location.
Sat Lows move to 33N72W giving W-NW 10-15 for you
No tropical cyclones shown
Graphics to follow.
Sail on!
Tom
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 3
Date: June 11, 2024 at 9:34:30 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
Things have been very interesting out here for the past 24 hours. We have had winds from the South West and South in the 20-30 knots range. This has made our passage relatively quick so far (we are about 60 miles ahead of where we were on the outbound leg), but as you can imagine, things are a little bouncy! Everyone has at least one mystery bruise that they don’t remember getting.
There has not been a lot of wildlife out here, the waves have been keeping them down. We have passed more shipping, but everyone seems to be avoiding us. Most of the time, we never actually see them, they are just blips on the AIS screen.
Last night was so rough and there was so much spray coming into the cockpit (buckets full) that the Captain made the decision to forgo a cooked meal and it was peanut butter sandwiches all around. We have great hopes for today.
However, we are currently passing through a series of rain bands. It does keep the sea state down, but the rain tends to put a damper on sitting in the cockpit.
Unfortunately, we have been in heavy cloud cover for the past two days, which has put a hold on sextant training. No matter how much they try, the crew cannot find the sun, much less measure it’s angle to the horizon. We anticipate a clearing sky over the next few days and will do what we can when we can.
The crew is all well and hopes that all back on land are, as well. It is far too early to predict a landfall, but you will probably hear from your sailor by Father’s Day, we hope.
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 4
Date: June 12, 2024 at 9:15:40 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
Yesterday, the boat and the crew got a thorough fresh water wash down. We sailed from rain cloud to rain cloud. These were not the big, ugly squalls we have dealt with in the past, just dumping rain. It wasn’t even a cold rain, just very, very wet.
The day was mostly good sailing, except for the rain. Our second Genoa car failed, almost exactly like the first, but less spectacularly. We replaced it with a block from our spare parts and continued on.
The seas had settled down a great deal by dinner time and the hot dinner plan from Monday was finally used. All of the crew has acclimated to the boat’s movement and dinner was enjoyed by all. Dessert was a package of British shortbread “biscuits”. All we needed was a spot of tea!
By evening, the worst of the weather was behind us and we were treated to glorious off-shore sunset, pinks, golds, grays, blues and fading to black behind us. Just before sunset, the most amazing thing happened - a pod of porpoises found us! There were easily two dozen, adults, juveniles and even some young calves. They spent half an hour playing in our bow wave before giving us a wave of the tail and speeding off to take care of other porpoise business.
As we went into the night watches, we were rolling along under easy sail, winds off the port beam, giving us a perfect boat motion. Alas, as is so often the case at see, ‘‘twas not to last…. At midnight, the wind shift that had been predicted occurred and we were suddenly left with no wind in our sails, literally!
We are now motoring for the first time since we left Bermuda. Our true wind, according to the instruments, is 2, gusting to 20, every time the boat rolls and the true wind direction is the opposite of wherever the mast is going at the moment.
On a positive note, the sky is clear and fair for the first time in days, so sextant training is back on track. Shots are getting more accurate and we have a plan for getting the data we need to do running fixes. Hopefully, all aboard will be skilled navigators by the time we arrive in Norfolk.
The captain, this morning, continued an old Maryland School tradition and made mid-ocean cheese omelets for the crew. It is the mate’s opinion that the captain’s omelets are improving, but not quite up to that of the master. The captain agrees.
The crew is well and happy and beginning to count the miles and hours to Norfolk. We will see you all soon.
Frank
Navigator... Looks like you have some heavy duty coming. Today Low at 31N79W. Fri Low at 33N76W. Sat Low at 39N68W dragging CF. Sunday Low is gone and CF is SE of BDA.
ANZ930-132000-
Hatteras Canyon to Cape Fear between 100 NM and 250 NM offshore-
431 AM EDT Thu Jun 13 2024
...GALE WARNING...
.TODAY...E winds 5 to 15 kt, becoming E to SE 15 to 25 kt. Seas
3 to 6 ft. Scattered showers and tstms.
.TONIGHT...E to SE winds 20 to 30 kt, becoming S to SE 15 to
25 kt. Seas building to 5 to 9 ft. Numerous showers and
scattered tstms.
.FRI...S winds 20 to 30 kt, becoming S to SW 25 to 35 kt. Seas
building to 7 to 12 ft. Numerous showers and scattered tstms.
.FRI NIGHT...S to SW winds 25 to 35 kt, becoming W to SW 20 to
30 kt. Seas 8 to 14 ft. Showers and scattered tstms.
.SAT...W winds diminishing to 10 to 20 kt, then becoming SW 5 to
15 kt. Seas subsiding to 5 to 9 ft.
.SAT NIGHT...N to NE winds 5 to 15 kt. Seas becoming 4 to 5 ft.
.SUN...NE winds 10 to 15 kt. Seas 4 to 5 ft.
.SUN NIGHT...NE winds 10 to 20 kt, becoming E to NE 5 to 15 kt.
Seas 4 to 5 ft.
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY FIVE
Date: June 13, 2024 at 11:03:15 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
During our trip back to the west, we have done our best to stay on a particular course, slightly north of west. This was very important because just to the east of the Gulf Stream, there was a large counter-clockwise current that, had we gotten into it, would have made our return much more difficult. Last night, at about four in the afternoon, we reached a point due south of that eddy of water and were finally able to turn more northerly and start heading for the Chesapeake Bay.
At about the same time, the wind that had been trailing us was finally strong enough to give us some lift and we were able to reset our sails.
However, everything up to last night has had the wind on our port side, so we had become used to everything leaning to the right. Now, the wind is on the other side and everything leans left. It is amazing how much muscle memory has come into play. Now our muscles are really confused!
We have reached the point in the cruise where we are all acclimated to the boat’s movement. Now we can sleep when we want to, eat if we are hungry and move around the boat without looking like a bunch of drunken monkeys. We still have to hold on to the handholds whenever we move, but now we look like sober monkeys!
We are seeing more flying fish and sea birds as we get closer to the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream. We thought we had crossed into it about 2 in the morning, but it turned out to be just a large swirl of warm water. We are sure, though, that by lunch we will be well within the warm current.
Our navigation proceeds well. Yesterday, everyone was able to demonstrate competence in the use of the sextant and our first line of position, based on a sun shot, is being developed this morning. We will do a second shot this afternoon and by dinner, should know exactly where we are. Yeah, all of that would sound more exciting if you were out here.
Last night’s dinner was chili and rice, the first of our “hearty meals.” The first few meals tend to be bland and light, just in case. The crew truly enjoys the hot food and discussions in the cockpit in the evening. Tonight’s dinner is the high point of the cruise - pasta and meatballs.
Speaking of tonight’s dinner, it may be our last full meal underway. Our approach has us looking good for a late Friday, early Saturday return. While we never plan too far ahead, weather and current conditions are favorable.
By the way, you can all rest easy, knowing the Navy is on guard. At least, we assume it is our Navy. At a little before six this morning, our radio came alive with a discussion between two “warships,” discussing their maneuvers to guard “the fleet.” Although these radio calls were on the edge of our ability to receive them, there were some mysterious radar echoes behind and off our beam. We assume they knew we were out here, since our AIS system was busily broadcasting our name, location and speed to anyone who would listen. Oddly, their AIS systems were off. Apparently, the Navy doesn’t want people to know where they are when they are sneaking around out here…
The crew is all well and sends best wishes and love to all following our voyage. We hope to see you all soon.
Frank
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 5B
Date: June 13, 2024 at 5:14:27 PM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
We have just come out of the Gulf Stream and are less than 90 miles to our waypoint at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay. The water temperature has dropped by 8 degrees, the cross current has almost disappeared and we are starting to see a change in the water temperature. Our only issue is that we have no wind again. The offshore data buoy about 50 miles ahead of us is reporting a true wind of 3, gusting to 5 and straight up our track, so we feel no breeze on the boat.
The next sign we expect to get is land-based radio traffic.
Frank
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 6
Date: June 14, 2024 at 7:47:20 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
We are in sight of the oceanfront hotels on Virginia Beach and can almost smell land. We anticipate crossing the ColRegs line about noon. The seas are still flat calm and we passed a weather data buoy a while back that said the wind was 5, gusting to 5.
It’s good to be almost back.
Captain Frank
From: S/V Navigator
Subject: BDA - DAY 6
Date: June 14, 2024 at 9:10:35 AM EDT
To: Tom Tursi, MDSchool
By using the US Customs and Border Patrol on-line application process, Navigator has been officially cleared back into the United States. We are free to go ashore as soon as we are docked!
This will probably be early this afternoon, depending on the tides. I would have said “wind and tides” but, as I am sure you can imagine, “wind” is a pretty sore subject with the crew right now…
Captain Frank
From: Frank Mummert
Subject: BDA - DAY 6 END
Date: June 14, 2024 at 1:46:50 PM EDT
To: MD School Blog
Navigator is moored, port side to, A dock, Cobb’s Marina, Norfolk, VA
Home is the sailor, home from the sea.
Captain Frank
The Cruise Report for this return Bermuda cruise is posted here: http://www.mdschool.com/Reports-2024/Bermuda/Bermuda%20to%20Norfolk%202024.htm
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