A short hop past notorious Point Riche to fascinating Port au Choix.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 22, 2008) | Comments (0)
Search on site
Archive for 2008
Bonnie Bay, Newfoundland
Cruising in Newfoundland: Interesting sights and people in Bonnie Bay, with news of polar bears.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Lark Harbour, Newfoundland
Cruising in Newfoundland: Fine dining and other surprises in the quietly prosperous fishing village called Lark.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cabot Straits
The Dashews cross Cabot Straits and witness a breathtaking half-hour sunset. (They also find out why the local nickname for this body of water is "The Chuck"!)
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 19, 2008) | Comments (0)
Baddeck – Bras d’Or Lakes – Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia cruising: Exploring Baddeck, the "big city" at the northern end of the Bras d’Or Lakes on Cape Breton Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
St. Pierre – Cape Breton Island
Nova Scotia cruising: Wind Horse goes through the tidal locks at St. Pierre, on Cape Breton Island.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
A Look at PRB
Wind Horse’s neighbor in Halifax is PRB, perhaps the most advanced Open 60. The Dashews jump at the chance to take a tour.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 12, 2008) | Comments (0)
Open 40s
Checking out interesting design details on some Open 40s that just raced from Boston to Halifax.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 10, 2008) | Comments (0)
Halifax
Due Diligence on Greenland
Greenland represents some of the most challenging cruising on the planet. The Dashews meet with high-latitude sailing experts John Harries and Phyllis Nickels to discuss safety and seamanship considerations.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 5, 2008) | Comments (0)
Lunenberg Connections
Lunenburg – It’s About the Light
Photos of the picturesque old fishing town – it’s all about the light!
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 2, 2008) | Comments (0)
Lunenberg – New Chapter Begins
Arrival in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia. The next chapter begins.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 31, 2008) | Comments (0)
Towards Lunenberg Day 5 – The North Wall
An extreme water temperature change at the North Wall of the Gulf Stream.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 30, 2008) | Comments (0)
Towards Lunenberg Day 4 – Back to School
Bahamas towards Lunenberg, Day 4. Wind Horse gets a reality check in the Gulf Stream.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 29, 2008) | Comments (0)
Towards Lunenberg, Day 3
From Bahamas towards Lunenberg, Day 2
Day 2 towards Lunenberg. Will a series of lows force a change in plans?
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 27, 2008) | Comments (0)
Departure Weather, Bahamas to Lunenberg
A final check of the weather just before departing the Bahamas for Lunenberg, Nova Scotia.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 26, 2008) | Comments (0)
Bahamas to Nova Scotia: Ready to Roll
Steve and Linda have decided to move on to Nova Scotia. Here are some notes on the weather logic, as well as preparations they’re making for what could be a tough passage.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 25, 2008) | Comments (0)
Turtle Cay
Turtle Cay: A charming taste of how the Bahamas used to be.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 24, 2008) | Comments (0)
Marsh Harbor
Marsh Harbor: Interesting boats and shallow water.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 23, 2008) | Comments (0)
Yellow Banks
Navigating through the coral heads of the Yellow Banks.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 22, 2008) | Comments (0)
Warderick Yet Again
One more report from Warderick Wells – this time with an underwater angle.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Warderick Wells
Spectacular photos from the pristine Bahamian National Park of Warderick Wells.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Interesting Boats in Staniel Cay
More on Staniel Cay
More on Staniel Cay, part of the protected Exuma National Park in the Bahamas.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
Staniel Cay, Bahamas
Photos of Staniel Cay in the Bahamas – a place where words cannot do justice.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 17, 2008) | Comments (0)
Staniel-Warderick Wells Preview
A preview of Staniel Cay and Warderick Wells in the Bahamas – a top ten pick for the Dashews after 30+ years of cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
It’s Getting Warm: Awnings at Work in Georgetown, Bahamas
We’re anchored off Georgetown in the Bahamas. Water is 87F/30C and air about the same. Today the breeze lightened up and awnings, always important in the tropics, became critical. So we took a ride around the anchorage to see how folks were keeping their cool.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 12, 2008) | Comments (0)
Conference Calls from the Boat Using Skype
We’re anchored a mile from a beachfront restaurant to the west of Georgetown in the Bahamas. Amongst the services offered (in addition to cold beer) is WiFi. $15 for the week – not bad by cruising standards.
As it is the beginning of the slow season and there are not a lot of users right now, the connection is robust. And with our hi-gain WiFi antenna and “access point” we are able to enjoy the benefits of being connected to the world while anchoring away from the crowd (thank you for installing the system, Troy Bethel!).
One of the biggest benefits of this solid WiFi connection is the new (to us) Skype phone system for calling over the Internet. We are just getting up to speed with this 21st century marvel.
Today, after digesting the latest metalwork drawings on the FPB 64 from New Zealand (the 3Mb file arriving by WiFi) we had a two-hour phone conference with Dave DeVilliers and Ed Firth who are doing the detailing. Both our drawings and theirs were open on the computer, and we could refer back and forth as various details were discussed. Exactly as would have happened if we were standing at the desk in our land office. The big difference is that we are out here, actually using the product as it was intended to be used.
This is the only way to run a business!
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Passage from Panama to the Bahamas
Wind Horse’s passage from Panama to the Bahamas.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 8, 2008) | Comments (0)
Panama Canal Transit
Dock Walk in Balboa
The Dashews check out some cool gear on the neighboring boats in Balboa.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 1, 2008) | Comments (0)
Balboa, Panama
Learning About Expedition Routing – Comparing Weather Models
We’ve been using the new (to us) weather routing software to which Troy Bethel introduced us. As cruisers, on an Unsailboat no less, many of the race-oriented features sit idle. But the weather functions are wonderful. This is especially true now that the combination of Sailmail SSB and Iridium are working so well (more on this in a future update).
What we like in particular about the Expedition software is that it allows us to easily compare files from different world wide weather models. In some weather patterns one model may be working better than another, and this new flexibility is a huge boost in our ability to understand what is going on, the risk factors, and how to make the fastest and most comfortable passage. If that sounds enthusiastic it is because we are stoked on this product.
Lets start with the weather models. Using either Expedition connected to an Internet source such as Iridium, or Sailmail (with the SSB radio or Iridium) the first step is to select a model.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 27, 2008) | Comments (0)
Towards Panama, Day 11
Day 11 towards Panama – lots of traffic, and the vessels observed are a study in contrasts.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 25, 2008) | Comments (0)
Outlook for 2008 Hurricane Season
The unusually warm water has the Dashews wondering about the upcoming hurricane season.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 25, 2008) | Comments (0)
AC Power Management
With AC power consumption aboard at a personal record for us, we are experimenting with different management schemes. To begin with, we now have all four air conditioning units running. That is a total of 54,000 BTUs of capacity. In addition, the wash cycle is in full swing as this is being written. As the washing machine heats its own water, and the drier is a full sized unit, they really consume the Watts. In addition, it is breakfast time and the microwave is periodically using its 1000 or so Watts.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 24, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cool Tool for Hot Work
Our recent foray into replumbing our hydraulic cooling system under way brought to the fore how valuable these heat resistant gloves can be. We picked them up in an Ace Hardware store some years ago. They are made from Nomex or Kevlar (cannot recall which), and for hanging on to fittings which are at 125 F (52 C) they work great.
They are light enough to retain a bit of feel, enough so we are able to wrap Teflon sealing tape around small fittings (albeit with some difficulty).
For jobs where it is really hot and/or the risk of being scalded exists (as with cooling circuits on the engine) we carry a set of welding gloves. These are not easy in which to work, so they remain new in appearance.
The gloves above are worn in the engine room when it is warm, even for casual inspections.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 24, 2008) | Comments (0)
Day Nine Towards Panama
Day 9 towards Panama – the Dashews have emailed a few photos and notes via Iridium.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 23, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cruising Compromises: Air Conditioning
Air conditioning on board: The logic behind the compromises.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cool Running: Managing Heat in Interior, Fridge, & Engine Room
The stop in Acapulco was brief. Eighteen hours to clear out of Mexico with the port authorities, top off the fuel tanks (again at US$2.40/gallon) and check the engine room.
The latter revealed that the raw water pump on the port engine had begun to leak sea water and oil from its shaft seals. This is just a couple of hundred hours after the starboard pump was changed, so we now know to rebuild these after 2000 hours. There is a spare on board and the R and R took half an hour. Everything else looked fine.
We’re crossing the Gulf of Tehuantepec as this is being written. Conditions are perfect, four to eight knots of breeze from the aft quarter and calm seas (just as predicted by our Expedition routing software and GFS weather model GRIB files). Water temperature has been between 85 and 87 F (29.5 to 30 C), air temperature the same in the evening and a little warmer in the sun.
The heated environment stresses systems and potentially crew, unless the correct precautions are taken.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Stop in Acapulco or Keep Going?
Stop or Go? Almost halfway to Panama, with Acapulco near by, the Dashews use routing software to help make the decision.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Communications Update
We have a love/hate relationship with our comms gear. We really do like to stay in touch, especially with family and friends, but we don’t like the complexity. And the options keep changing. Prior to leaving for Panama we went through an analysis of what was currently available, our needs, and played this off against our tolerance for hassle (low). Here is what we found.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Welcome to the Tropics
Mexico to Panama Passage Report: Welcome to the tropics!
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 18, 2008) | Comments (0)
Routing for Cruisers
We’re headed for Panama now, and while this route will generally have winds from the aft quadrant, we are using a combination of tools to look ahead and see what the weather gods are planning.
Using programs like SailMail, UUPlus, and Ocens we are currently getting used to the new GFS weather model and getting reacquainted with NOGAPS as well.
Then there is a new routing tool being developed for cruisers. This is an offshoot of one of the most successful ocean racing programs, Nick White’s “Expedition”. The racers need all sorts of complex calculations with a variety of ways of playing “what if” games. For cruising we want it much simpler and easier to use. That’s one of the things we have been working with Troy Bethel on, an example of which is above.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
Mexico to Panama: Back in the Groove
En route to Panama. Getting back into the groove after a day and a half at sea.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2008) | Comments (0)
Logging Weather Data
Those of you who have been with us for a while know we have a passion for and about weather. Weather affects everything we do when cruising: our comfort, passage speed, security. Obviously this applies at anchor as well as on passage.
Although the latest generation of weather models are better, they still have problems resolving the data on a micro basis, where it affects all of us. That’s why there are still so many weather-related “surprises” when cruising.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 15, 2008) | Comments (0)
Antenna Connections: Keeping Them Secure & Dry
A couple of new tricks we’ve learned from Troy Bethel, who has been helping us with updating our SSB e-mail system and installing a high gain WiFi antenna.
To begin with, secure, dry antenna connections are a must, albeit not easy to do on a seagoing vessel.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Ethernet Update
Last spring we set up (with the help of a Best Buy “Geek”) a wireless network on Wind Horse. With a Verizon broadband card on one PC, a printer, and a second PC, this seemed like the right way to go. But then we needed to allow for the Furuno Fax 30 network weatherfax which is connected via an ethernet cable, which forced our Geek into all sorts of contorted computer logic.
Now things are even more complex. We wanted to add a high gain WiFi antenna and amplifier so we could use WiFi at a long distance once we leave the world of Verizon. In addition, we now have an Imac (Apple) computer. This makes six items to connect to the network.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Ship’s Stores
Linda is filling up Wind Horse’s fridge system and basement with a huge amount of groceries, as they’ll be cruising in areas where their favorite food is hard to come by.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 10, 2008) | Comments (0)
Fresh Water Pressure Switch
If you have played with boats much, you know that the least reliable item on board is likely to be the pressure switch on the fresh water pump. To make matters worse, these are usually difficult to change.
We have been averaging a year of use on our pressure switches, and a year ago decided to install an industrial pressure switch. But it wasn’t until a recent failure during Steve’s evening shower that action was initiated on this long overdue project.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 10, 2008) | Comments (0)
Victron Inverter Chargers: Is This Revolution for Real?
When we designed the systems for Wind Horse, a key component was the theoretical ability of her Mastervolt inverters to work in phase with the generator so that if necessary, the inverters would handle excess load. In theory, this allowed a smaller genset (our is just 8kW) which would be run at load most of the time.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 2, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse Hauls Out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard
In Wind Horse’s four days hauled out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, a huge list of projects were accomplished. This is how a boat yard ought to be run!
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 27, 2008) | Comments (0)
Cool Tool: Crimping Heavy Cable Lugs
Here is something that can have a big impact on your cruising plans. It is a hydraulic crimping tool, used to properly affix electrical lugs on heavy cables. If the correct dies are used, this makes a perfect job. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Wind Horse’s CV Axles after 2600 Hours
With 2600 hours on our CV Axles (between transmission output flange and prop shaft thrust bearing) and 8000 miles of travel in the offing, we figured it prudent to have a look at this important gear.Removing these is not easy. They reside in the very tight space between transmission and hull. But with the help of Dave Wyman, and expert suggestions from Tom at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard, we had them sitting in the shop after a couple of hours of grunt work. It will be easier next time as we know the system now.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 21, 2008) | Comments (0)
Bottom Paint Maintenance
It has been 17 months and 12,000 or so miles since we last hauled out at Ventura Harbor Boat Yard. We were probably good for at least the trip to the UK before needing another coat of paint, but with some other maintenance projects to do we figured to get a jump on this chore (at half the cost of doing it in Europe). So we are back at our favorite haul-out site.
Wind Horse has basically been sitting since mid-September, with a couple of brief forays away from the dock. This has been in a canal, with lots of growth potential. The grass is on a spot which has been rubbed bare of anti-fouling. Most of the rest of what you see here would polish off if we went to sea for a few hundred miles. Being close to the waterline this area gets a lot of sun, which makes for more growth. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Testing “Prop Shield”
Not all underwater metal surfaces are good candidates for anti-fouling paint, so the Dashews test a product called "Prop Shield".
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Marine Insurance in Remote Cruising Grounds
When we launched Wind Horse we went with a new (to us) insurance carrier, Pantaenius. This is a German firm which acts as a broker, using various insurance markets. They appear to have a large percentage of the Eurpean cruising boat market.
What impressed us were the comments we read on folks who had dealt with them on losses, and the fact that they would cover us for areas off the beaten path, with just two of us aboard.
With the FPB 64 program coming along we’ve been getting questions about insurance, so we checked with Peter Kelly, who represents Pantaenius in the US. He said insurance rates are currently about seven tenths of one percent. The exact amount varies with which of the coverages are selected. We apparently get a very efficient rate due to the double bottom, water tight bulkheads, high factors of safety, and emergency systems aboard.
A couple of weeks ago, as we started to think about “Plan B” (heading to Europe via Greenland and Iceland) we asked Peter what the difference would be in our insurance policy. He checked with the home office and we were advised that there would be no increase in charges. However, our deductible would be increased while we were in Greenland waters to what works out to four tenths of one percent.
We were pleasantly surprised to find coverage was available and the increase in deductible seems quite fair, considering the remoteness of Greenland’s cruising grounds.
If you would like more information on Pantaenius from the US contact Peter@Kellyagency.net .
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 13, 2008) | Comments (0)
Details for Yachts Crossing Panama Canal
Fees, traffic jams, and other details for yachts crossing the Panama Canal in the spring of 2008.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 11, 2008) | Comments (0)
Maptech UK/Ireland Charts Update
We mentioned earlier we had ordered a set of British Admiralty electronic charts from Maptech. The price was US$150, and to be frank, we were dubious about what we would get for this modest cost. The folks at Maptech said it was the complete portfolio, but they did not have a list.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2008) | Comments (0)
Beowulf Jury Rig Details
The Dashew’s old friend Beowulf recently raced from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta. Along the way, the crew made a couple of clever jury rig repairs at sea. They’ve sent in photos.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2008) | Comments (0)
Affordable Choice for UK Electronic Charts
A surprisingly affordable option for UK electronic charts.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 29, 2008) | Comments (0)
Dinghy Tent/Awning
We have always thought of a properly prepared dinghy as a better option than the life raft in most situations. Our dink on Wind Horse always has its outboard spares/tools of course, along with ground tackle and abandon ship gear packed in watertight backpacks. There is a five-gallon (19 liter) water jug, and two six-gallon (22 liter) gas cans stored aboard as well.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 28, 2008) | Comments (0)
Testing an Induction Cooktop for Wind Horse
We have been testing an “induction” (magnetic) cooktop on Wind Horse. In theory, this takes a fraction of the power of conventional electric units, and we will be using these in lieu of propane on the FPB 64s.
Result – this technology works really well. Linda was able to make a Sunday morning breakfast (boil water for coffee, cook bacon, and fry eggs) in just under 14 minutes of cooking time. Average draw off the inverter was 1300 watts during this time. This works out to 330 watts for a rather large (for us) breakfast which otherwise would have been cooked with propane.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 26, 2008) | Comments (0)
Plan A or Plan B?
Plan A or Plan B? The Dashews are planning to take Wind Horse to Europe, and debating two radically different routes for getting there.
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 20, 2008) | Comments (0)
Aluminum Hull Maintenance (AKA the Grind)
Last summer we spent a few days hanging out on the dock in Anacortes, Washington, seeing some friends and checking out the local boat building scene. It so happens the dock to which Wind Horse was securely affixed was the perfect height for touching up our topsides.
When you consider Wind Horse had been on the go for the better part of 24,000 miles without our once having done any maintenance, it became apparent that the time had come for some serious cleaning.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 4, 2008) | Comments (0)