Friday, June 28, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+41.589083 Lon-071.284500 Alt +55 ft GPS Sats seen: 06 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.589083&lon=-071.284500 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+41.589083 Lon-071.284583 Alt +22 ft (0s ago) 28-Jun-2013 09:08:33 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.589083&lon=-071.284583
Splice the Main Brace
The captain has issued the order. Mahina Kai is back in her home slip waiting to clear customs.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+41.589033 Lon-071.284516 Alt -26 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.589033&lon=-071.284516 Sent from my Iridium handset
Thursday, June 27, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+41.155066 Lon-071.410850 Alt +95 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.155066&lon=-071.410850 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+40.617950 Lon-071.343033 Alt +6 ft GPS Sats seen: 06 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=40.617950&lon=-071.343033 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+40.274516 Lon-071.198616 Alt -36 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=40.274516&lon=-071.198616 Sent from my Iridium handset
Sailing along with a nice south west wind.
Mahina Kai is about 80 miles south of the entrance to Narragansett Bay. There is a slight following sea and a very comfortable breeze 10-15knots from the south west.
Now that we are well north of the Gulf Stream the crew is enjoying typical warm days and cool nights of a New England summer.
We are also experiencing another feature of New England summer... Fog. However, we still have good visibility.
Many of the crew actually reached for a jacket while on watch or for a blanket when sleeping down below. All have welcomed the loss of the hot and humid days and nights of the stream.
God and weather permitting, we expect to be arriving in the Newport Area early Friday morning.
Now that we are well north of the Gulf Stream the crew is enjoying typical warm days and cool nights of a New England summer.
We are also experiencing another feature of New England summer... Fog. However, we still have good visibility.
Many of the crew actually reached for a jacket while on watch or for a blanket when sleeping down below. All have welcomed the loss of the hot and humid days and nights of the stream.
God and weather permitting, we expect to be arriving in the Newport Area early Friday morning.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+39.816033 Lon-071.046000 Alt +16 ft (0s ago) 27-Jun-2013 16:19:00 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=39.816033&lon=-071.046000
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+39.797033 Lon-071.041100 Alt +9 ft GPS Sats seen: 07 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=39.797033&lon=-071.041100 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+39.415033 Lon-070.956683 Alt +16 ft (0s ago) 27-Jun-2013 12:49:17 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=39.415033&lon=-070.956683
Day 3 on the way home
We woke this morning to lots of thrashing about and most had the same reaction upon waking, that was heading topsides for some air and to hang on. The winds still unpredicted NW 20 kts+ had continued through the night and now with 2 reefs in the genoa and main we slog along in angry and unorganized seas. This must be the infamous Gulf Stream generated weather. Its to hot to stay below and to wet on deck with waves crashing over the bow and running into the cockpit. No one can remain below for long, grabbing quick food when we can. Sea temperatures are in the upper 80's making it hot and stuffy. Magically, Neptune spared us and calmed the seas allowing a for pleasant dinner of assorted meat pies while we opened the hatches to cool the cabin. All had a well deserved navy shower and night sleep. Night watches were uneventful as we peacefully sailed along our way, amazed that this was the same sea from the daytime. One note from the night watch, Art got smacked in the face by a flying fish and let out a surprised yell claiming it felt like a soggy nerf ball. The fish continued on most likely with a similar story about minding his own business while flying along and smack this person puts his face in my way...
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+38.874183 Lon-070.643650 Alt +29 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=38.874183&lon=-070.643650 Sent from my Iridium handset
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+38.452116 Lon-070.200366 Alt +72 ft GPS Sats seen: 06 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=38.452116&lon=-070.200366 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+38.040383 Lon-069.827133 Alt +65 ft (0s ago) 27-Jun-2013 00:17:26 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=38.040383&lon=-069.827133
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+38.022033 Lon-069.813900 Alt +9 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=38.022033&lon=-069.813900 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+36.790400 Lon-069.214400 Alt +9 ft GPS Sats seen: 05 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=36.790400&lon=-069.214400 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+36.306850 Lon-068.868216 Alt +22 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=36.306850&lon=-068.868216 Sent from my Iridium handset
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+35.860616 Lon-068.406333 Alt +3 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=35.860616&lon=-068.406333 Sent from my Iridium handset
Accurate Position Data
If you are tracking Mahina Kai's journey back to Rhode Island you should use the SMS entries here on this blog.
I have been forwarding the updates I receive directly from Mahina Kai to the location map on the mahinakai.net web site but have received failure notifications for every email I sent after the first few days of the race.
So, don't depend on the map widget at mahinakai.net but, instead, click the links on the current location blog entries here.
I have been forwarding the updates I receive directly from Mahina Kai to the location map on the mahinakai.net web site but have received failure notifications for every email I sent after the first few days of the race.
So, don't depend on the map widget at mahinakai.net but, instead, click the links on the current location blog entries here.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+35.475066 Lon-068.046750 Alt +3 ft (0s ago) 26-Jun-2013 01:59:04 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=35.475066&lon=-068.046750
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+35.402200 Lon-067.982700 Alt +0 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=35.402200&lon=-067.982700 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+34.955666 Lon-067.563516 Alt -9 ft GPS Sats seen: 07 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.955666&lon=-067.563516 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+34.582600 Lon-067.168716 Alt +16 ft GPS Sats seen: 06 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.582600&lon=-067.168716 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+34.244899 Lon-066.785600 Alt +29 ft GPS Sats seen: 06 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.244899&lon=-066.785600 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+34.230716 Lon-066.777433 Alt +26 ft (13s ago) 25-Jun-2013 13:09:53 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.230716&lon=-066.777433
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+34.134266 Lon-066.667216 Alt -836 ft(Iridium)http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.134266&lon=-066.667216 Sent from my Iridium handset
Day 2 on the way home
Last night a beautiful sunset was followed by a spectacular moon rise. We all observed a green flash just as it disappeared over the horizon proving the old adage. Dinner of lamb stew with rice and salad hit the spot as we dodged rain showers. This morning we cut the engine and are sailing a bit on the nose in 10 - 12 kt NW, but better to hear the water rushing by that the drown of the engine. The forecast promises SW winds this afternoon and we are hoping they arrive sooner. Puffy clouds passing us by with their rain, so far we are dry. Later...
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+33.851616 Lon-066.382033 Alt +32 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.851616&lon=-066.382033 Sent from my Iridium handset
Monday, June 24, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+33.593950 Lon-066.005383 Alt +39 ft (0s ago) 25-Jun-2013 05:30:00 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.593950&lon=-066.005383
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+33.527116 Lon-065.924066 Alt +29 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.527116&lon=-065.924066 Sent from my Iridium handset
Midnight Update
Mahina Kai continues to motor through the high pressure north of Bermuda.
We have clear skies, an awesome full moon and flat seas that you could water ski on.
It's hard to believe we are in the middle of the Atlantic.
The forecast is for the wind to pick up a little later tonight, or tomorrow.
At that time we can shut down the engine and resume sailing.
We have clear skies, an awesome full moon and flat seas that you could water ski on.
It's hard to believe we are in the middle of the Atlantic.
The forecast is for the wind to pick up a little later tonight, or tomorrow.
At that time we can shut down the engine and resume sailing.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+33.262650 Lon-065.642266 Alt +55 ft (2s ago) 25-Jun-2013 01:48:12 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.262650&lon=-065.642266
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+33.165866 Lon-065.520716 Alt +55 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.165866&lon=-065.520716 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+32.831883 Lon-065.092350 Alt +45 ft GPS Sats seen: 05 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.831883&lon=-065.092350 Sent from my Iridium handset
Mahina Kai is using the Iron Jib
We are now well north of the reefs that border the northern shore of Bermuda. There is not a speck of wind. We are motoring along with the main sail up to catch any breeze that may show up.
Since we are no longer racing we are able to use the engine.
Our plan is to motor through the evening. and then hope for a little breeze that allows us to be a sailboat again.
Currently heading on a course of 334 M at about 7.5 knots.
Since we are no longer racing we are able to use the engine.
Our plan is to motor through the evening. and then hope for a little breeze that allows us to be a sailboat again.
Currently heading on a course of 334 M at about 7.5 knots.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.700766 Lon-064.942766 Alt +62 ft (0s ago) 24-Jun-2013 19:12:35 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.700766&lon=-064.942766
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
I am here Lat+32.386300 Lon-064.615600 Alt +75 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.386300&lon=-064.615600 Sent from my Iridium handset
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.386300 Lon-064.615600 Alt +75 ft (0s ago) 24-Jun-2013 15:35:33 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.386300&lon=-064.615600
Position as of 5:36 PDT, 8:36 EDT
Lat+32.290766 Lon-064.806083 Alt +68 ft GPS Sats seen: 04 http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=
Mahina Kai returning home
Hello Bloggers,
Today, Mahina Kai departs Bermuda for the USA heading to Portsmouth, RI, New England Boatworks with the few remaining boats not far behind. The crew is showered, coffeed and ready to go. Our first destination is St Georges Island to clear Bermuda customs, then out to sea. The weather predicts calm winds and sunny skies for today then gradually building from the SW with some good sailing by Wednesday through Friday and some rain. With luck we should get in by Friday night or early Saturday the latest. We turned in the Yellowbrick so you will not see us there but, can follow our web site www.mahinakai.net for the current position - thanks Ken. See you all soon and thanks for following.
Art & Wayne and the crew of Mahina Kai
Saturday, June 22, 2013
The Aloha Kithchen
Many people ask how we got the name Mahina Kai, and what does Mahina Kai mean?
Mahina Kai is Hawaiian and loosely translated means "moon over sea". Back in 1990 Art and I backpacked the Napali Coast on the north shore of the island of Kauai. At the end of the hiking trail there is a valley and a beach called Kalalau Valley. After camping in the valley for a week we stayed at a small B&B called Mahina Kai. The B&B was owned by an artist and his partner who spent 24 months building the residence and studio. The grounds and pool are modeled after a Japanese style farm house. The Island of Kauai and the Mahina Kai have a special place in our hearts as it was the first of what we knew would be many adventures together. When we purchased our first boat there was no question her name would be Mahina Kai.
Camping in this beautiful valley we were introduced to the concept of the Aloha Spirit and the Aloha Kitchen. The Aloha Spirit says whatever you need will be provided. The kitchen was a specific implementation by the resident and travelers to the valley. Each evening after sunset everyone was welcome to join in a community meal, bringing whatever food they had to share. Some would bring their backpack food, others would bring tomatoes or mangos picked from the valley, others would bring only a song or a smiling face to join the community. There was always enough, and no one left hungry.
One afternoon a local resident who always wore a brown leisure suit with bell bottoms came walking out of the mango grove with his arm badly bleeding. In clearing brush he had badly cut his arm with a machete and needed some medical attention. The secluded beach is a mile long with less than a dozen people. The nearest road is 12 miles over a rough trail. That afternoon on the beach their was a doctor and a trauma nurse who had both brought medical supplies. The man was promptly patched up and on his way. A great reminder of the Aloha Spirit.
Bermuda reminds us a lot of Hawaii and the Aloha Spirit. Preparing to backpack the coast was almost a year in obtaining permission, acquiring the right equipment and ensuring we were physically and mentally ready for such an adventure. This trip to Bermuda, was a similar process in the preparation of the ship and crew to participate in an our first open ocean race.
This morning we discovered that we had 6 addition tickets for the Gala Dinner tonight celebrating the end of the race. We stopped by the duty desk at the Dinghy Club to let them know we had additional tickets. At the same time the coach of the two Navy teams was in the club house discussing with the Commodore if there was a way to get tickets to to the event for the student crew of the s/v Defiance and the s/v Integrity.
We briefly met with the coach and arrange to donate the tickets so the top 3 officers for each sailing vessel could attend the event.
This afternoon we took a taxi to Smith Cove beach. The edge of the beach is outlined by pine trees to provide shade and an opportunity to get out of the sun after swimming. The shade of the trees at the edge of the beach reminded us of the mango grove in Kalalau that provided a similar function. After we arrived we realized we should have probably brought a chair for my mother. Under the tree we picked as our base camp for the day, there was a lone white plastic chair awaiting our use. The Aloha spirit provides what we need.
We are grateful that so many of our friends and family have participated in our adventure whether physically being here with us here in Bermuda or following our progress remotely. I know all of you have wished us safe travels and prayed for our safe arrival in Bermuda. We would ask that you keep Mahina Kai and her crew in your thoughts and prayers as we depart on Monday for the return trip to New England.
The Aloha Spirit is always aboard Mahina Kai.
Mahina Kai is Hawaiian and loosely translated means "moon over sea". Back in 1990 Art and I backpacked the Napali Coast on the north shore of the island of Kauai. At the end of the hiking trail there is a valley and a beach called Kalalau Valley. After camping in the valley for a week we stayed at a small B&B called Mahina Kai. The B&B was owned by an artist and his partner who spent 24 months building the residence and studio. The grounds and pool are modeled after a Japanese style farm house. The Island of Kauai and the Mahina Kai have a special place in our hearts as it was the first of what we knew would be many adventures together. When we purchased our first boat there was no question her name would be Mahina Kai.
Camping in this beautiful valley we were introduced to the concept of the Aloha Spirit and the Aloha Kitchen. The Aloha Spirit says whatever you need will be provided. The kitchen was a specific implementation by the resident and travelers to the valley. Each evening after sunset everyone was welcome to join in a community meal, bringing whatever food they had to share. Some would bring their backpack food, others would bring tomatoes or mangos picked from the valley, others would bring only a song or a smiling face to join the community. There was always enough, and no one left hungry.
One afternoon a local resident who always wore a brown leisure suit with bell bottoms came walking out of the mango grove with his arm badly bleeding. In clearing brush he had badly cut his arm with a machete and needed some medical attention. The secluded beach is a mile long with less than a dozen people. The nearest road is 12 miles over a rough trail. That afternoon on the beach their was a doctor and a trauma nurse who had both brought medical supplies. The man was promptly patched up and on his way. A great reminder of the Aloha Spirit.
Bermuda reminds us a lot of Hawaii and the Aloha Spirit. Preparing to backpack the coast was almost a year in obtaining permission, acquiring the right equipment and ensuring we were physically and mentally ready for such an adventure. This trip to Bermuda, was a similar process in the preparation of the ship and crew to participate in an our first open ocean race.
This morning we discovered that we had 6 addition tickets for the Gala Dinner tonight celebrating the end of the race. We stopped by the duty desk at the Dinghy Club to let them know we had additional tickets. At the same time the coach of the two Navy teams was in the club house discussing with the Commodore if there was a way to get tickets to to the event for the student crew of the s/v Defiance and the s/v Integrity.
We briefly met with the coach and arrange to donate the tickets so the top 3 officers for each sailing vessel could attend the event.
This afternoon we took a taxi to Smith Cove beach. The edge of the beach is outlined by pine trees to provide shade and an opportunity to get out of the sun after swimming. The shade of the trees at the edge of the beach reminded us of the mango grove in Kalalau that provided a similar function. After we arrived we realized we should have probably brought a chair for my mother. Under the tree we picked as our base camp for the day, there was a lone white plastic chair awaiting our use. The Aloha spirit provides what we need.
We are grateful that so many of our friends and family have participated in our adventure whether physically being here with us here in Bermuda or following our progress remotely. I know all of you have wished us safe travels and prayed for our safe arrival in Bermuda. We would ask that you keep Mahina Kai and her crew in your thoughts and prayers as we depart on Monday for the return trip to New England.
The Aloha Spirit is always aboard Mahina Kai.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Turned in our Yellowbrick DIRECTIONS BELOW TO TRACK OUR RETURN
We had to turn in our Yellowbrick tracker so to follow our return, go to the blog and click on the SMS from message, then click on the url message below the Lat Lon in the entry. It takes you to an Iridium Extreme picture of our location. Not as elegant as Yellowbricks but, you can hopefully see where we are. Weather briefing this morning predicts favorable conditions for our scheduled departure on Monday. Now we are off to the Glass Bottom Boats.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
We are in Hamilton at the RHADC
Mahina Kai is safely docked at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dingy Club. We have cleared Customs and Immigration. She and her Crew are now the guest the the people of Bermuda for a few days.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.290516 Lon-064.775916 Alt +9 ft (0s ago) 19-Jun-2013 15:59:05 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.290516&lon=-064.775916
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.376250 Lon-064.675883 Alt +49 ft (17s ago) 19-Jun-2013 06:44:17 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.376250&lon=-064.675883
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.376200 Lon-064.675800 Alt -22 ft (2m36s ago) 19-Jun-2013 06:41:29 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.376200&lon=-064.675800
Mahina Kai has Finished the race!
The crew had a great sail and a strong finish early this morning. Thanks to Mahina Kai for taking such good care of us on this journey.
We are anchored in St George's Harbor. We will transit to Hamilton Harbor in the morning to clear immigration and customs.
Thanks to all for a great finish.
We are anchored in St George's Harbor. We will transit to Hamilton Harbor in the morning to clear immigration and customs.
Thanks to all for a great finish.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.376250 Lon-064.675866 Alt +52 ft (3m8s ago) 19-Jun-2013 06:38:11 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.376250&lon=-064.675866
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+32.376250 Lon-064.675866 Alt +52 ft (0s ago) 19-Jun-2013 06:38:11 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=32.376250&lon=-064.675866
Anticipation
An ti ci a pation, an ti ci paation... OK singing doesn't work in a blog, but you get the point. We are getting near our destination yet see no boat or land or other visual verification. It's a beautiful sunny sailing day and the wind has shifted in a favorable direction for our path in. OMG, the watch captain is complaining of the compass spinning around and a WWII fighter is buzzing overhead, wait, a radio message coming in from a ship, the Philadelphia? gotta go....
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+33.087900 Lon-064.574166 Alt +32 ft (0s ago) 18-Jun-2013 18:15:04 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.087900&lon=-064.574166
Update, leftovers make a great lunch and give the crew a menu options. Today lunch was a choice of steak tips or waldorf chicken salad over lettuce and veggies. No mutiny yet from lack of food. Now to finish off the birthday cake! See ya...
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
Remarks of the Day, Tuesday June 18th
Greetings Race Fans.
For those watching along on Yellow bricks you may be wondering, if the crew aboard Mahina Kai has decided to stop short of the finish line to have a BBQ. We are only 60 miles north of Bermuda. However, we are getting there very slowly. Currently we are travelling less than two knots. at our current pace the nav equipment calculates our arrival in 30 to 80 hours. We are hoping for some favorable winds to push that up into a better time frame. Under normal sailing conditions Mahina Kai would cover that distance in less than ten hours. To date we have been averaging 180 nautical miles a day or better. Today will have a negative impact on our daily average.
The Dolphins have stopped by a few time. Originally, I thought they were stopping by to play. I now think they are just swimming by to laugh at us being stuck in the sea.
We see a few other sailboats on the horizon. From their relative position it appears they are not progressing any better than we are. As we converge on Bermuda we assumed we would start to encounter more boats from the race. Given the lack of boats we can only guess they are already at the bar enjoying Dark n Stormies while we scan the horizon for the slightest puff of wind.
For those watching along on Yellow bricks you may be wondering, if the crew aboard Mahina Kai has decided to stop short of the finish line to have a BBQ. We are only 60 miles north of Bermuda. However, we are getting there very slowly. Currently we are travelling less than two knots. at our current pace the nav equipment calculates our arrival in 30 to 80 hours. We are hoping for some favorable winds to push that up into a better time frame. Under normal sailing conditions Mahina Kai would cover that distance in less than ten hours. To date we have been averaging 180 nautical miles a day or better. Today will have a negative impact on our daily average.
The Dolphins have stopped by a few time. Originally, I thought they were stopping by to play. I now think they are just swimming by to laugh at us being stuck in the sea.
We see a few other sailboats on the horizon. From their relative position it appears they are not progressing any better than we are. As we converge on Bermuda we assumed we would start to encounter more boats from the race. Given the lack of boats we can only guess they are already at the bar enjoying Dark n Stormies while we scan the horizon for the slightest puff of wind.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+33.399966 Lon-065.102149 Alt -3 ft (0s ago) 18-Jun-2013 12:45:34 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=33.399966&lon=-065.102149
Monday, June 17, 2013
Dolphin Show before dinner
Greetings,
we are still 114nm from Bermuda. The wind and the currents would prefer that we sail to the west coast of Africa. However, we are working our way towards our destination.
The weather is setup to be another amazing sunset. Before dinner we were treated to an acrobat show by a pod of dolphins. They swam around the boat jumping the in the air in twos and threes.
Fun to watch and a nice diversion to the quiet passage making we are doing today.
we are still 114nm from Bermuda. The wind and the currents would prefer that we sail to the west coast of Africa. However, we are working our way towards our destination.
The weather is setup to be another amazing sunset. Before dinner we were treated to an acrobat show by a pod of dolphins. They swam around the boat jumping the in the air in twos and threes.
Fun to watch and a nice diversion to the quiet passage making we are doing today.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+34.047083 Lon-066.038350 Alt +16 ft (0s ago) 17-Jun-2013 23:05:54 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.047083&lon=-066.038350
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+34.093400 Lon-066.224866 Alt +13 ft (0s ago) 17-Jun-2013 20:51:58 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.093400&lon=-066.224866
Remarks of the day, Monday June 17th
In keeping with our Nantucket whaling ship ancestors, we are reporting that today the sun is shining, and we have seen no more whales. Mahina Kai continues to make great progress with fair weather to our final destination. We have a little less than 150nm remaining on our voyage. If all goes as planned we should arrive in Bermuda Tuesday Afternoon. We have an area of high pressure that is delivering us spectacular sunshine, but is also absent any wind. Currently we have about 10 knots from the southwest. Our concern is that if the wind lightens and heads more from the south, that will slow our final entry into Bermuda.
Last night we celebrated Sam's Birthday with steak tips, salad, carrot cake, and a very poor rendition of Happy Birthday sang whole heartedly by the crew. Perhaps the crew's singing is the reason we haven't seen anymore whales.
Last night we celebrated Sam's Birthday with steak tips, salad, carrot cake, and a very poor rendition of Happy Birthday sang whole heartedly by the crew. Perhaps the crew's singing is the reason we haven't seen anymore whales.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+34.530799 Lon-067.058483 Alt -9 ft (0s ago) 17-Jun-2013 12:22:04 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=34.530799&lon=-067.058483
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Mahina Kai is sailing along full speed at 9 knots to Bermuda!
Mahina Kai, is having a lively sailing day. The wind has picked up. The remnants of the Gulf stream are working in our favor and we are heading straight for Bermuda. We have a reef in the main and the jib and still plenty of wind to move us along.
17-20 knots of wind out of the south west. 300 nautical miles remaining. Art and the birthday girl Sam are on watch and making full speed to our destination.
Current ETA God and Weather willing is Tuesday afternoon.
The initial round of shore crew should also be enjoying the sun and hospitality of our Bermuda friends as of today.
17-20 knots of wind out of the south west. 300 nautical miles remaining. Art and the birthday girl Sam are on watch and making full speed to our destination.
Current ETA God and Weather willing is Tuesday afternoon.
The initial round of shore crew should also be enjoying the sun and hospitality of our Bermuda friends as of today.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+36.300400 Lon-068.542800 Alt +19 ft (0s ago) 16-Jun-2013 20:14:04 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=36.300400&lon=-068.542800
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+36.922016 Lon-068.977449 Alt +6 ft (0s ago) 16-Jun-2013 15:16:28 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=36.922016&lon=-068.977449
Rmarks of the day Sunday June 16
A great evening and night sail aboard Mahina Kai. we have worked our way through the gulf stream and hoping to catch a favorable current from a cold eddy south of the main current on our way to Bermuda. The night crew viewed the Milky Way and caught glimpse of an occasional shooting star and flying fish through the setting moon. We also rode the Gulf Stream bit with 4 kt. currents pushing us east, hoping the wins did not fail us. This marks the 1/2 mark of the Journey with almost 300 nautical miles below our keel and 360 nautical miles in front of our bow. The forecast are for light winds and heavy sun for the remaining of our travels. A great beach day, a sailboat would hope for just a little more wind, but we are not complaining. Today's weather would make you think we are sailing in Cape Cod Bay as oppose to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The only difference is the water temp and air temp are both in the 80s. I think the night watches with long johns are over, until the return trip.
The crew is well mostly rested and well fed, despite the fact that we have a random object rolling around the headliner in the forward cabin. It's the sailing version of Chinese water torture. I suspect there will be an unplanned crew maintenance activity to disassemble the head liner and find the errant object while we are in Bermuda to avoid the same situation on the way home.
For food each crew member brought a frozen casserole that can simply be popped into the oven for dinner. Even if the seas are rough we can still have a hot evening meal. Whichever casserole is on top in the freezer is what's for dinner.
We also have some nice treats from our Friend CA at Cygnet confections. These include the cookie of the day (the pictures of which will have to wait till we have a high bandwidth connection) and Fresh baked croissants. The night watch simply takes 6 Croissants out of the freezer to allow them to rise for 10 hours. The day crew brushes them with a beaten egg and pops them into the oven till they are golden brown. Yesterday we had plain croissants with Walldorf chicken salad. Today we will have ham and cheese croissants.
Our big event today is Sam's 50th Birthday party. What better place to celebrate your 50th Birthday but out in the middle of nowhere. We have ordered a flawless sunrise, and a spectacular sunset for todays activities. So far Mother Nature is cooperating.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!!!.
The crew is well mostly rested and well fed, despite the fact that we have a random object rolling around the headliner in the forward cabin. It's the sailing version of Chinese water torture. I suspect there will be an unplanned crew maintenance activity to disassemble the head liner and find the errant object while we are in Bermuda to avoid the same situation on the way home.
For food each crew member brought a frozen casserole that can simply be popped into the oven for dinner. Even if the seas are rough we can still have a hot evening meal. Whichever casserole is on top in the freezer is what's for dinner.
We also have some nice treats from our Friend CA at Cygnet confections. These include the cookie of the day (the pictures of which will have to wait till we have a high bandwidth connection) and Fresh baked croissants. The night watch simply takes 6 Croissants out of the freezer to allow them to rise for 10 hours. The day crew brushes them with a beaten egg and pops them into the oven till they are golden brown. Yesterday we had plain croissants with Walldorf chicken salad. Today we will have ham and cheese croissants.
Our big event today is Sam's 50th Birthday party. What better place to celebrate your 50th Birthday but out in the middle of nowhere. We have ordered a flawless sunrise, and a spectacular sunset for todays activities. So far Mother Nature is cooperating.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!!!.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+37.442750 Lon-069.265383 Alt +29 ft (0s ago) 16-Jun-2013 10:10:28 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=37.442750&lon=-069.265383
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Remarks of the day Saturday June 15th
If you ever have the opportunity to review the ship's logs in the Nantucket Whaling museum you will have noticed the log entries all start with "Remarks of the Day" followed my somewhat minor observations. Things such as the Sun is shining, it's a clear blue sky, the wind and seas are coming out of the west, we saw a couple of birds and if lucky we spotted a whale!
Aboard Mahina Kai, it is not much different. The sun is shining , the wind and waves are out of the west we saw a couple of birds, and two whales and a pod of dolphins.
Those tracking at home via Yellow bricks might have noticed us at the end of the pack. We were the last class to start the race. We intentionally took a conservative approach to the start. Winds blowing 25-30 knots in the bay, we had a double reef in the Main. This means that about 2/3rds of our sail was not out. we also delayed our crossing of the starting line to avoid any conflicts with other boats in our class. As we were told at the captain meeting we have 600 miles to make a mistake why do it at the start. Our start was clean, only 1 minute 15 seconds after the gun. Later down the bay the wind decreseased significantly . It took us longer to shake out the reefs in the main (increasing our sail area). The wind eventually dies a few miles south of Gay head light on Martha's Vineyard. We drifted at a very slow pace along with other boats in our class.
At e beginning of the first watch, the winds picked and we waved good bye to Gay Head light. A spectacular sunset ended our first day. By start of the second watch, winds rose to 20-22 knots with 8-10 foot seas and the night watch to make excellent progress to our destination while not so gently rocking the off watch crews to sleep safely wedged in their bunks.
Our watch schedule is 2 6 hour watches during the day and 3 4 hour watches at night. The helmsman is complaining that he is off watch in 10 minutes (Because I should be on watch so this blog entry should be cut short.
It is unlikely that we wil see your comments until we reach Bermuda, but a we look forward to reading them. Please be aware that we are not allowed to receive any outside assistance for this race so please avoid comments that indicate Mahina Kai's position or the position of our fellow colleagues we are racing against.
For those with family and friends on board, everyone is in good health and good spirits. We had a minor sea sickness with the gentle rolling last night but all is well today.
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
Aboard Mahina Kai, it is not much different. The sun is shining , the wind and waves are out of the west we saw a couple of birds, and two whales and a pod of dolphins.
Those tracking at home via Yellow bricks might have noticed us at the end of the pack. We were the last class to start the race. We intentionally took a conservative approach to the start. Winds blowing 25-30 knots in the bay, we had a double reef in the Main. This means that about 2/3rds of our sail was not out. we also delayed our crossing of the starting line to avoid any conflicts with other boats in our class. As we were told at the captain meeting we have 600 miles to make a mistake why do it at the start. Our start was clean, only 1 minute 15 seconds after the gun. Later down the bay the wind decreseased significantly . It took us longer to shake out the reefs in the main (increasing our sail area). The wind eventually dies a few miles south of Gay head light on Martha's Vineyard. We drifted at a very slow pace along with other boats in our class.
At e beginning of the first watch, the winds picked and we waved good bye to Gay Head light. A spectacular sunset ended our first day. By start of the second watch, winds rose to 20-22 knots with 8-10 foot seas and the night watch to make excellent progress to our destination while not so gently rocking the off watch crews to sleep safely wedged in their bunks.
Our watch schedule is 2 6 hour watches during the day and 3 4 hour watches at night. The helmsman is complaining that he is off watch in 10 minutes (Because I should be on watch so this blog entry should be cut short.
It is unlikely that we wil see your comments until we reach Bermuda, but a we look forward to reading them. Please be aware that we are not allowed to receive any outside assistance for this race so please avoid comments that indicate Mahina Kai's position or the position of our fellow colleagues we are racing against.
For those with family and friends on board, everyone is in good health and good spirits. We had a minor sea sickness with the gentle rolling last night but all is well today.
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+39.535100 Lon-070.183333 Alt +6 ft (2h49m31s ago) 15-Jun-2013 12:46:04 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=39.535100&lon=-070.183333
Friday, June 14, 2013
The race is on
Mahina Kai is off the start and heading out Buzzards bay. Smooth sailing 9knots
Best regards,
-w
Best regards,
-w
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+41.655916 Lon-070.711033 Alt +36 ft (0s ago) 14-Jun-2013 17:06:58 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.655916&lon=-070.711033
Thursday, June 13, 2013
SMS from 881632631310@msg.iridium.com
Lat+41.705566 Lon-070.753933 Alt +9 ft (0s ago) 14-Jun-2013 01:28:34 UTC http://map.iridium.com/m?lat=41.705566&lon=-070.753933
from sat phone to home
Sat phone blogger is ready to go?
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
----
This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN's XGate software.
Please be kind and keep your replies short.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)