Today's Project

Solar controllers for our new solar panels!!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Rule #1: Keep Debbie Warm!

View Newport to The Caribbean in a larger map

With temperatures in the low 60's and threatening to go lower, it is time to get serious about getting out of dodge!

Our plan is to leave for Bermuda on or about Oct. 23rd, and then sail from Bermuda on to the Caribbean leaving Bermuda on the 6th of November.

Lots of people ask, why not just harbor hop your way South along the Atlantic Coast and then leave for the Caribbean from Miami?

Well, that seemed like a great idea to me right up until a couple of months ago when I started talking to folks that have done the trip before.  There are two very good reasons that the Bermuda route is a "no brainer".

1. Check out the map above.  When you head South along the Atlantic Coast you are also putting in some significant miles to the West.  If you take this route it basically a 3,000 mile trip by the time you reach St. Martin.  If, on the otherhand, you take the Bermuda route the trip is 1700 miles.  Over a thousand miles shorter!
2. The Caribbean trade winds blow from the East.  So, if you make the trip to Miami and put in all those miles to the West, you then need to regain your Easterly position by sailing 1,000 miles upwind into the Trades.  No thanks!!

College Life - Not so bad...

Just received this picture from our son Patrick. He has just started his Senior year at UC Santa Barbara. Doesn't look half bad to me!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Almost done

A bit of paint and we are good!!!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Lookin' Good!!

Morpheus seems very happy anchored off Newport. What a great Summer we have had. We head South in about three weeks, unless the temperatures really drop it's going to be difficult to leave...
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Out with the bad, in with the good!!

Almost ready for lamination!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Better??

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Rotten to the core....

This always happens! Right when you think you've got your list of things to do toally under control, you are presented with a new "opportunity"!! This time, I find that the plywood core of my watertank has soaked up some of that water and is now rotten and in need of replacement!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

You have to love West Marine

3 new 8D AGM batteries installed after a warranty return with zero hassle!! Well done West Marine....
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Countdown to departure...

With about a month left before we push off for the Caribbean, we've been busy this week making lists, working on boat projects and sorting through our stuff to figure out what leaves with us on the boat and what stays in the trailer until we return next May.

My big project this week has been working on the ships power.  Our batteries seem to be losing their power progressively as each charging cycle seems to take more time and fuel, and returns the batteries to a state slightly lower than the time before.  Overall this is NOT a good situation.

We just replaced our batteries last October before leaving, and previous batteries had lasted much longer.  West Marine has agreed to a warranty replacement which is great, but I need to make sure that all of our systems onboard are set up properly and have nothing to do with this problem. 

I'm also going to add some solar panels for some additional charging to save on fuel and engine wear and tear.

Once we finish with this there are a hundred other little projects on the list.  Nothing big enough to slow us down, but all worth doing prior to leaving this area where we have access to any parts/service that we might need.