Hi Everybody! We are currently 125 nautical miles off the east coast working our way south east to the Nassau Bahamas. Everybody is doing well and other then some threatening storms we are making slow progress, could use some wind out here. We have been on the water for about 36 hours.

Fun story about our engine trouble which was a simple solution. We thought we were running on our starboard fuel tank but turns out we were on our port. We also found out that when you are out of fuel you get a low pressure alarm. Well thats what I get for not checking all systems DAMMMM IIIITTTTT! Sure was a dumb mistake to make but thats what happens when you play it really safe. I know now to start from the beginning Fuel and work my way back to the engine. Thanks,
Jacques

Fun story as we where being towed into today we where towed up a very narrow channel at 7 knots. As we where passing throught the narrow channel entrance Dragonsbane hit the sand bar bottom and was drag right through it. That was scary and then just when I thought the tow boat driver was some crazy asshole we increased power as we approched a draw bridge that was closed. He didnt slow down and kept on the power, 6 boat length before hitting the draw bridge the bridge started opening and we had to steer the boat to the center of the channel so our mast didnt hit the bridge.

So when we got to the dock I asked the tow boat captian why he dragged us over a sand bar? He responsed with “well the other side of the channel is a rock shoal” O ok then! Not sure how we are going to get Dragonsbane back over that sand bar other then heel it way over and give the BEANS!!! I will let you all know how that turns out!

Getting Towed into Morehead City NC

We made it from the Chesapeake Bay Maryland to Morehead City North Carolina but only one problem we have no engine. This morning around 04:30am the engine shut down due to a low oil pressure alarm. Also the water mineral filter canister broke lose and fell on the engine control wire harness which we think may have done some damage. I check the wire harness and a few other things but no go. So we sailed the last 11 nautical miles at 3.5 kts and we are anchored 1/2nm off shore waiting to be towed in.

But on a good note I saw a few whales; a bird hitched a ride for 12 hours and had breakfast with us before taking off. It was also one of the most stars lite skies I have seen in many years. Looking forward to more of the offshore experiences I will update the engine and departure time soon.

Night vision red light when I took the picture of the bird.

Currently underway about 30 nautical miles off the east coast of North Carolina heading for Morehead City to anchor. Previously we made it from Annapolis to the Chesapeake Bay entrance in less than 24 hours and averaged about 7.5 knots under sail. The wind was off our starboard aft and gusted up to 27 knots with 5 to 6 foot waves. Not a bad sail but unfortunately it was enough for my Mom. I am sad to lose her so early in the trip.
Due to weather and a possible tropical storm coming up the gulf stream we will be sailing down the east coast to the Bahamas as of right now.

Well our plan is to finish up some autopilot issues in the morning, finish picking up some supplies, and setting sail at 12pm Thursday 11/8/12. The weather looks like it will be in our favor with 20 to 30 knot gust pushing us out the Chesapeake Bay. It will take us 24 hours to make it to the ocean from Annapolis. I am hoping the 10 to 13 foot wave prediction will not be as bad when we set sail into the ocean but the wind will be good regardless until Monday hopefully. I will try and update our progress next evening via SSB radio.

Goodnight,

Jacques

Our plan was to leave today but Mother Nature has a different plan. The NOAA weather prediction show a 30 to 60 knot wind that will be in our face starting this evening and the bulk of the wind Wednesday. Our plan is to leave tomorrow Wednesday and work our way down the Chesapeake over the course of 2 days and we should be on the Atlantic Ocean with 25 to 30 knots of wind at our back. That should sling shot us across the gulf stream and then down to the Islands. Hopefully this delay will give us time to finish up all those little projects and do a few small sails to tune the rig and work with Paul. I will post the moment we leave.

FYI, my cell phone is not working and instead of replacing it or upgrading it I have choosen to shut it off to save money. So if you need to get ahold of me please post here!

Well I have been slacking on blogging but I have been busy doing everything. My dad and I finished installing the new autopilot which took two days instead of one. We have also been running around town buying spare parts, food, and planning on where to put all this crap which has been a little tricky! Anyway wanted to let you all know whats up!

O yeah and my SSB radio for weather and email has stopped working.  I am trying to solve that issue too. Good news is that I got our Sat phone working. Bad news is I have no weather information SHIIIIIIIIIIIT!

Hope this works!

10/30/12 10:40am
We ended up having 60knot guest with 45knot prevailing winds. The tide is very high almost over the dock.But we are all ok and moving forward with our departure 11/6/12.

Drying out

The water is 4 ft higher then normal this morning! There is usally 3 feet of space between the bottom of the dock and the water.