Today's message from Callisto:
We had a better day yesterday as the wind increased and we covered 90+ NM during the day. The night was not so pleasant due to squalls and lumpy seas so the 24 hour run was 175 miles.
Also, it looks like my fishing Karma has been restored and we caught a 10 pound tuna yesterday. Not a monster but at least it was better than nothing. Seared ahi for dinner last night.
Perhaps it had something to do with the beard coming off yesterday too. I now look less like a homeless person.
Current position is 12 48.4S, 143 02.5W speed 6.5 kts and course is 207M.
Should be in tomorrow or day after.
Friday, April 30, 2010
29 April
Message from Callisto:
On our way to Fakarava in the Tuamotus. Winds are light 7-10 kts only and we are going slow but mostly in the right direction at about 5.5 kts.
Current position is 10 43.9S, 141 02.8W course 205M.
We have covered about 125 NM since we left yesterday at 0900H
Should be in on may 2
On our way to Fakarava in the Tuamotus. Winds are light 7-10 kts only and we are going slow but mostly in the right direction at about 5.5 kts.
Current position is 10 43.9S, 141 02.8W course 205M.
We have covered about 125 NM since we left yesterday at 0900H
Should be in on may 2
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Nuku Hiva, Marquesas
Nuku Hiva and the Marquesas have been wonderful but it's time to move on. We will go south tomorrow after a final forage fot fruit and veggies to the atoll of Fakarava in the Tuamotos a distance of about 550NM . The weather forecast predicts light air but has not been very reliable so far and we will see what we get.
We had an excellent time in the Marquesas and it is good to be able to speak French again and make myself understood instead of pidgin Spanish.
Should make next land fall by Saturday and will post again then internet permitting
We had an excellent time in the Marquesas and it is good to be able to speak French again and make myself understood instead of pidgin Spanish.
Should make next land fall by Saturday and will post again then internet permitting
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Taiohae Bay. Nuku Hiva Marquesas Islands
Internet is still in and out but I'll try to get a post up. We have been in Taiohae Bay on Nuku Hiva since Friday. Quite a few boats here and many coming and going all the time. We left Hiva Oa last week and took a look at Ua Pou a distance of some 60 NM. The island itself was most impressive with huge spires and cloud cover. I'll try to post photos if the internet will let me.
We spent a quiet night anchored up to a concrete sea wall behind the breakwater in Hakahau. Not so pretty but absolutely no swell. The village was tiny but we were able to find a restaurant for dinner. The following day we tried to buy some bread and veggies but there was nothing to be had for love nor money. We got boarded by the French Coast Guard who fortunatel failed to find the Admiral's stash of booze which I'm sure would have put us over the limit. We took off for Nuku Hiva that afternoon about 25 miles away.
Taiohae Bay is gorgeous and photos will follow. The village does not have much to offer and there was very little fresh food in the two small stores here. Hopefully by Monday some new supplies will arrive otherwise it's going to be cans until we get to Tahiti. There are a couple of restaurants and some roach coaches which seem to be better value. Everything is outrageously expensive here but I guess that's the price of paradise.
Today's activities will include going to church to listen to the locals sing, hike up the mountain and change the oil in the genset (maybe tomorrow)
We spent a quiet night anchored up to a concrete sea wall behind the breakwater in Hakahau. Not so pretty but absolutely no swell. The village was tiny but we were able to find a restaurant for dinner. The following day we tried to buy some bread and veggies but there was nothing to be had for love nor money. We got boarded by the French Coast Guard who fortunatel failed to find the Admiral's stash of booze which I'm sure would have put us over the limit. We took off for Nuku Hiva that afternoon about 25 miles away.
Taiohae Bay is gorgeous and photos will follow. The village does not have much to offer and there was very little fresh food in the two small stores here. Hopefully by Monday some new supplies will arrive otherwise it's going to be cans until we get to Tahiti. There are a couple of restaurants and some roach coaches which seem to be better value. Everything is outrageously expensive here but I guess that's the price of paradise.
Today's activities will include going to church to listen to the locals sing, hike up the mountain and change the oil in the genset (maybe tomorrow)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
21 April
There is no internet where the boat is now so i am posting their latest message:
We are now on the North side of Hiva Oa in a delightful bay sheltered from the swell which was quite pronounced in Atuona. We spent the day cleaning gooseneck barnacles of the hull and doing other odd jobs. How these barnacles manage to attach themselves is amazing as the hull was clean when we left Galapagos and we have been on the move ever since. We went ashore and wandered around the village in Hanaiape Bay which is everything one would dream of in the south pacific. All manner of fruit trees and other fauna in a perfect looking valley bordered by steep cliffs. Lots of local goats and chickens wandering about also.
One of the locals offered us some mangoes from his tree, so fruit for desert tonight.
We are off to Ua Pou, and island in the Marquesas about 60 NM north west of here, tomorrow. We may find some civilization there but it's OK if we don't. After that, it's going to be Nuku Hiva where we will spend a few days to provision for the Tuamotos.
Van and Marcia Hughes left the boat on Monday and will stay a few more days on Hiva Oa and then fly back to San Diego via Tahiti.
We are now on the North side of Hiva Oa in a delightful bay sheltered from the swell which was quite pronounced in Atuona. We spent the day cleaning gooseneck barnacles of the hull and doing other odd jobs. How these barnacles manage to attach themselves is amazing as the hull was clean when we left Galapagos and we have been on the move ever since. We went ashore and wandered around the village in Hanaiape Bay which is everything one would dream of in the south pacific. All manner of fruit trees and other fauna in a perfect looking valley bordered by steep cliffs. Lots of local goats and chickens wandering about also.
One of the locals offered us some mangoes from his tree, so fruit for desert tonight.
We are off to Ua Pou, and island in the Marquesas about 60 NM north west of here, tomorrow. We may find some civilization there but it's OK if we don't. After that, it's going to be Nuku Hiva where we will spend a few days to provision for the Tuamotos.
Van and Marcia Hughes left the boat on Monday and will stay a few more days on Hiva Oa and then fly back to San Diego via Tahiti.
Monday, April 19, 2010
18 April
Callisto arrived at their destination safely! I'm sure the Captain will be posting more info as soon as the internet lets him.
18 April, 0500H
Message from Callisto:
We are on the south side of Hiva Oa about 6 NM from Atuona which is today's destination. Should be there at dawn in about an hour. Trip almost done. Yay!
We are on the south side of Hiva Oa about 6 NM from Atuona which is today's destination. Should be there at dawn in about an hour. Trip almost done. Yay!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
17 April
Today's installment from Callisto:
Looks like this epic journey is almost done. I have decided to go to Hiva Oa which is South east and leeward of Nuku Hiva and the distance is 45 miles shorter. The winds are light and I would like to avoid being out until the 20th of April. We have only 150 miles to go to Hiva Oa and I can almost be sure of getting in during daylight tomorrow even at 5 kts which is all we've been doing for a while.
We will do a sail change at dawn and reach south under spinnaker which may give us more speed.
Current position is 8 33.8S, 136 42 8W, Speed 5.5 kts Course 240M
Dusky maidens in grass skirts await( for looking at purposes only) and restaurants!
Looks like this epic journey is almost done. I have decided to go to Hiva Oa which is South east and leeward of Nuku Hiva and the distance is 45 miles shorter. The winds are light and I would like to avoid being out until the 20th of April. We have only 150 miles to go to Hiva Oa and I can almost be sure of getting in during daylight tomorrow even at 5 kts which is all we've been doing for a while.
We will do a sail change at dawn and reach south under spinnaker which may give us more speed.
Current position is 8 33.8S, 136 42 8W, Speed 5.5 kts Course 240M
Dusky maidens in grass skirts await( for looking at purposes only) and restaurants!
16 April
Today's message from Callisto:
We have been flying until about 2100H last night when the wind went light to about 9 knots. We have been using the motor for the past 3 hours and we are still going quite slowly due to southern equatorial counter current
No other news, didn't even bother fishing yesterday but will try again today with a lure change.
Current position 8 00S, 134 21 53W speed 6.0 kts course 249M. We will have another time change today when we cross 135W and gain another hour, UT-9
crew all well ETA still hopefully 18th
We have been flying until about 2100H last night when the wind went light to about 9 knots. We have been using the motor for the past 3 hours and we are still going quite slowly due to southern equatorial counter current
No other news, didn't even bother fishing yesterday but will try again today with a lure change.
Current position 8 00S, 134 21 53W speed 6.0 kts course 249M. We will have another time change today when we cross 135W and gain another hour, UT-9
crew all well ETA still hopefully 18th
Thursday, April 15, 2010
15 April
Today's message from Callisto:
It has been blowing Force 5 all night and we are going fast under double headsails. Still no fishies!
ETA remains Saturday night or Sunday am. Current position is 7.32S, 131 24.4W Speed 8.0kts + Course 253M
We have 520 Nm to go and the past 24h run was 188NM. Yay
It has been blowing Force 5 all night and we are going fast under double headsails. Still no fishies!
ETA remains Saturday night or Sunday am. Current position is 7.32S, 131 24.4W Speed 8.0kts + Course 253M
We have 520 Nm to go and the past 24h run was 188NM. Yay
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
14 April
Today's installments from Callisto:
Had another good run yesterday of 180 miles with winds a steady Force 5 all day. Seems to be getting lighter again this morning and we may have to make another change in sail plan. Crew all well and still no fish. We sighted another boat for the first time in 11 days. A motorboat of 40 meters going to Galapagos.
Current position is 7 06.5S, 125 31.5W. Course is 251M, speed 7.3 kts. We have 870 miles to go. ETA now April 18
Current position at 0530H on April 14 is 7 26.2 S, 128 15W We had a good day yesterday will winds in the Force 4-5 range and made progress under spinnaker, main and mizzen. The wind has been less over night and we have been using the double head sail rig. Still no fish despite switching out lures, we can't even catch a cold.
Current speed is 7.0 kts course 258M and we have 710 Nm to go and should be in to the Marquesas this week end. Crew are all well
Had another good run yesterday of 180 miles with winds a steady Force 5 all day. Seems to be getting lighter again this morning and we may have to make another change in sail plan. Crew all well and still no fish. We sighted another boat for the first time in 11 days. A motorboat of 40 meters going to Galapagos.
Current position is 7 06.5S, 125 31.5W. Course is 251M, speed 7.3 kts. We have 870 miles to go. ETA now April 18
Current position at 0530H on April 14 is 7 26.2 S, 128 15W We had a good day yesterday will winds in the Force 4-5 range and made progress under spinnaker, main and mizzen. The wind has been less over night and we have been using the double head sail rig. Still no fish despite switching out lures, we can't even catch a cold.
Current speed is 7.0 kts course 258M and we have 710 Nm to go and should be in to the Marquesas this week end. Crew are all well
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
13 April
Today's installment from Callisto:
Wind picked up again yesterday at around noon and after a slow start to the day we have made up some time under double head sails. We have crossed another time zone at 120W and ship's time is now UT-8. So the 25hr run for yesterday was a fair 160 miles considering we only had 9 kts of wind for the first part of the day.
We have completed 2009 miles and have 1052 to go and at this current speed ETA is the 18th
Position is 6 35.9S, 122 34.9W speed 7.4 knots course is 271M We are almost 20 degrees high on our bearing and will do a sail change today and beam reach south toward our destination under genoa, main and mizzen.
Crew all well. Only one tiny Mahi yesterday. My fishing karma is all messed up.
Wind picked up again yesterday at around noon and after a slow start to the day we have made up some time under double head sails. We have crossed another time zone at 120W and ship's time is now UT-8. So the 25hr run for yesterday was a fair 160 miles considering we only had 9 kts of wind for the first part of the day.
We have completed 2009 miles and have 1052 to go and at this current speed ETA is the 18th
Position is 6 35.9S, 122 34.9W speed 7.4 knots course is 271M We are almost 20 degrees high on our bearing and will do a sail change today and beam reach south toward our destination under genoa, main and mizzen.
Crew all well. Only one tiny Mahi yesterday. My fishing karma is all messed up.
Monday, April 12, 2010
11 April
Message from Callisto:
We plugger along at about 4-5 knot all night and even had the motor running for about 45 minutes when the wind dropped to about 6 kts and we were going 2kts. Then at 0400H there was a wind shift to the south and the wind picked up to 15 kts and we have been doing 6.5 to 7 ever since. Still no fish, should have thrown the Admiral overboard at the equator as planned as Neptune must be mad at us.
Current position is 7 02.S 119 57.4W speed 6.5kts course 265M
We covered only 136 NM past 24hrs and have 1847 NM total only 1200NM to go Still too early to predict ETA.
Crew all well
We plugger along at about 4-5 knot all night and even had the motor running for about 45 minutes when the wind dropped to about 6 kts and we were going 2kts. Then at 0400H there was a wind shift to the south and the wind picked up to 15 kts and we have been doing 6.5 to 7 ever since. Still no fish, should have thrown the Admiral overboard at the equator as planned as Neptune must be mad at us.
Current position is 7 02.S 119 57.4W speed 6.5kts course 265M
We covered only 136 NM past 24hrs and have 1847 NM total only 1200NM to go Still too early to predict ETA.
Crew all well
Saturday, April 10, 2010
10 April 2010
Message from Callisto:
We are seeing wind of only 10 -12 knots and are barely making 5.0 kts of boat speed and rolling a lot. Still no fish but we are trying hard.
Course is 255 M and position is 6 58 5S, 117 39.5 W we still have 1340 NM to go
We did a stinky 135 NM in past 24H our worst performance yet. Hopefully the wind will pick up soon.
We are seeing wind of only 10 -12 knots and are barely making 5.0 kts of boat speed and rolling a lot. Still no fish but we are trying hard.
Course is 255 M and position is 6 58 5S, 117 39.5 W we still have 1340 NM to go
We did a stinky 135 NM in past 24H our worst performance yet. Hopefully the wind will pick up soon.
Friday, April 9, 2010
9 April
Message from Callisto:
The wind remained light during the day yesterday about 9-11 knots and we kept the boat moving quite well with the mizzen staysail and spinnaker. The breeze piped up again at sundown and we have made good progress under genoa and main only. Still NO fish and will change lures again today.
Crew all well
Current position is 6 38.11S, 115 25.57W speed 6.5 kts course 240M 1475 miles to go we are past the half way mark
The wind remained light during the day yesterday about 9-11 knots and we kept the boat moving quite well with the mizzen staysail and spinnaker. The breeze piped up again at sundown and we have made good progress under genoa and main only. Still NO fish and will change lures again today.
Crew all well
Current position is 6 38.11S, 115 25.57W speed 6.5 kts course 240M 1475 miles to go we are past the half way mark
Thursday, April 8, 2010
8 April
Message from Callisto:
We are making not such good progress overnight. The wind died to about 8 kts and we are having to work hard to maintain any boat speed. We even motored for 3 hours during the night before setting the spinnaker and the mizzen staysail at dawn today. With all the rags up we can do just over 5kts in more or less the right direction. All well otherwise, crew all OK.
We caught a 4 foot sailfish yesterday but he was such a beautiful creature and they are apparently not too good to eat so we released him. This lull in the wind will put a dent in our ETA which has now been put back to the 20th but I'm sure the wind will fill in at some point.
Current position is 6 15.3S, 112 53.8W speed 5.5kts, course 235M
We are making not such good progress overnight. The wind died to about 8 kts and we are having to work hard to maintain any boat speed. We even motored for 3 hours during the night before setting the spinnaker and the mizzen staysail at dawn today. With all the rags up we can do just over 5kts in more or less the right direction. All well otherwise, crew all OK.
We caught a 4 foot sailfish yesterday but he was such a beautiful creature and they are apparently not too good to eat so we released him. This lull in the wind will put a dent in our ETA which has now been put back to the 20th but I'm sure the wind will fill in at some point.
Current position is 6 15.3S, 112 53.8W speed 5.5kts, course 235M
7 April
Message from Callisto:
We made our first 200NM 24hr run yesterday in fact we did 204 NM and 212NM if you consider that for us yesterday was a 25hr day as we crossed a time zone. Now same as California UT-7.
Current position is 5 25 9S, 110 15,2W speed 7.5 course 242M wind now 15kts from SE.
Will fly the spinnaker today as the wind is lighter.
Crew all well Banana bread was very good and will make some more today, I froze the rest and by tomorrow the bananarama will be over.
Eta now 16/17th. ? halfway mark am
We made our first 200NM 24hr run yesterday in fact we did 204 NM and 212NM if you consider that for us yesterday was a 25hr day as we crossed a time zone. Now same as California UT-7.
Current position is 5 25 9S, 110 15,2W speed 7.5 course 242M wind now 15kts from SE.
Will fly the spinnaker today as the wind is lighter.
Crew all well Banana bread was very good and will make some more today, I froze the rest and by tomorrow the bananarama will be over.
Eta now 16/17th. ? halfway mark am
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
6 April, 0615H
Message from Callisto:
Another fast 24 hr run of 195 NM
Current position is 4 52.20S, 106 46.11W speed 8.4kts and course 251M
We are still reaching as the wind is still SSE which is OK. Larry made some banana bread which we shall have for breakfast today and I will freeze some banana chunks for ice cream later. Fishing is still lousy perhaps we'll do better today.
Crew all well
Another fast 24 hr run of 195 NM
Current position is 4 52.20S, 106 46.11W speed 8.4kts and course 251M
We are still reaching as the wind is still SSE which is OK. Larry made some banana bread which we shall have for breakfast today and I will freeze some banana chunks for ice cream later. Fishing is still lousy perhaps we'll do better today.
Crew all well
Monday, April 5, 2010
5 April
Message from Callisto:
Very fast night with good steady wind from SE at 16-18 kts and we are reaching very fast at 8.5 kts. At this rate we will be there yesterday. Still partly cloudy with occasional rain showers.
Current position at 0700H is 4 19 81 S, 103 32.25W course is 2467, we are south of our rhumb line as i think the trades will be stronger and more consistent further south. We shall see if it pays off. All crew well.
The banana stalk that the Admiral bought in Galapagos stayed fastened to the rail but all the bananas have ripened at the same time and we are now having a bananarama. Most are sick of them even though they taste very good. Larry will make some banana bread today.
Miles run 866, 2200 NM to go 24hr run past 24hr 189NM. ETA approximately 10 days if we can keep up this speed.
Very fast night with good steady wind from SE at 16-18 kts and we are reaching very fast at 8.5 kts. At this rate we will be there yesterday. Still partly cloudy with occasional rain showers.
Current position at 0700H is 4 19 81 S, 103 32.25W course is 2467, we are south of our rhumb line as i think the trades will be stronger and more consistent further south. We shall see if it pays off. All crew well.
The banana stalk that the Admiral bought in Galapagos stayed fastened to the rail but all the bananas have ripened at the same time and we are now having a bananarama. Most are sick of them even though they taste very good. Larry will make some banana bread today.
Miles run 866, 2200 NM to go 24hr run past 24hr 189NM. ETA approximately 10 days if we can keep up this speed.
4 April, 0600H
Message from Callisto:
Position at 0600H local time is 3 27.3S, 100 18.7W. We have 20kts + from SSE and are trying to get further south to where the winds are more easterly. It has been rainy and squally all night and we are going as fast as the sea state will allow under reefed genoa and mizzen only. Course is 259M speed 8.0kts. We have run 650 NM and have 2395NM to go. Past 24 hr run was a very fast 194 NM just short of that elusive 200NM goal.
Crew all well ETA at this speed is 12 days or April 16th but that is unrealistic as i doubt we can keep up this speed.
Position at 0600H local time is 3 27.3S, 100 18.7W. We have 20kts + from SSE and are trying to get further south to where the winds are more easterly. It has been rainy and squally all night and we are going as fast as the sea state will allow under reefed genoa and mizzen only. Course is 259M speed 8.0kts. We have run 650 NM and have 2395NM to go. Past 24 hr run was a very fast 194 NM just short of that elusive 200NM goal.
Crew all well ETA at this speed is 12 days or April 16th but that is unrealistic as i doubt we can keep up this speed.
4 April, 0041H
Message from Callisto:
Very windy, squally and rainy day today. But we made 98 NM between 0600H and 1800H, that elusive 200NM day is in reach.
Position 03.25.3 S, 49.41W. speed 8.2 kts course 240M
Very windy, squally and rainy day today. But we made 98 NM between 0600H and 1800H, that elusive 200NM day is in reach.
Position 03.25.3 S, 49.41W. speed 8.2 kts course 240M
Saturday, April 3, 2010
3 April 2010
Message from Callisto:
Current position at 0600H is 3 12.8S, 097 06.5W. Course is 240M. Speed 7.5kts. We are in the trades and sailing fast 165 NM run past 24hrs and 454 NM run so far. only 2590 NM to go. Only one tiny Wahoo yesterday and we let him live. All well here.
Current position at 0600H is 3 12.8S, 097 06.5W. Course is 240M. Speed 7.5kts. We are in the trades and sailing fast 165 NM run past 24hrs and 454 NM run so far. only 2590 NM to go. Only one tiny Wahoo yesterday and we let him live. All well here.
2 April, 2010
Admiral (Mom) arrived safely in the UK today after a LONG flight
Message from Callisto:
We are still plugging along going South in order to find the trade winds and i think we have finally found them, one more day to be sure. We currently have 12-15kts from the South East and we are making good time. Current position is 2.49S, 094.25W speed 6kts course 248M. 2754 NM to go.
Message from Callisto:
We are still plugging along going South in order to find the trade winds and i think we have finally found them, one more day to be sure. We currently have 12-15kts from the South East and we are making good time. Current position is 2.49S, 094.25W speed 6kts course 248M. 2754 NM to go.
1 April, 2010
Message from Callisto:
We left galapagos at 0840H yesterday. We are trying to get south to find some trade winds of decent strength. We sailed most of the day using spinnaker and mizzen staysail and made good progress but had to motor most of the night as the winds went light and behind us. One small mahi only yesterday so ceviche for lunch. we will try again today. All crew well.
Current position at 0600H is 02.09.9S 091.59.7W speed 5.8kts course 238M estimated 24hr run 145NM
We left galapagos at 0840H yesterday. We are trying to get south to find some trade winds of decent strength. We sailed most of the day using spinnaker and mizzen staysail and made good progress but had to motor most of the night as the winds went light and behind us. One small mahi only yesterday so ceviche for lunch. we will try again today. All crew well.
Current position at 0600H is 02.09.9S 091.59.7W speed 5.8kts course 238M estimated 24hr run 145NM
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