Trip to Europe (and back) begins

[dLj]

Hint: chart plotters have sectional charts.

Perhaps it was changing Charts?

Merry Christmas
Jim...

Not in my case. My charts are on memory cards that I plug into the unit. I am currently running with the Caribbean chart set in place. We actually aren't even on those charts yet but I can see the boundary. This unit does not have sectional charts.

dj

 

[dLj]

I’m afraid the hopes for a Christmas celebration in port were dashed away by a weather cell that disturbed the Trade Winds.

This Low pressure cell squeezed between the Central Atlantic High and the High off the Atlantic coast is leaving a wind less region as it moves away to the NE.
View attachment 222167

David, crew and Musetta have been sailing in what is known as "The prevailing Trade Winds".These winds out of the East blowing to the west generally between the 30th and 10th degrees of Latitude are said to be the result of global air circulation called "The Ferrel cell", theorized by William Ferrel (1817–1891). These winds, unlike those of Hadley Cells or Polar Cells are weak due to a lack of strong heat or sinking energy source. These weaker winds blow for days yet can be disrupted by moving cold fronts like the Low pressure near Musetta.

To seek a breeze, Musetta must venture further south extending their course a bit. Or if resources permit utilize their iron genny.

We are sailing along well enough for the moment. We are now on day 9 of pretty much wing-on-wing sailing. Now it's been a bit on the light side, we've had many hours running right on the edge of where I want to turn on the motor but just not quite low enough. 10 days ago we did and ran for a day or so under motor.

I'll have to look at the hours on the engine but from what I've mentally calculated, I've about 6 to 7 days left of fuel. Meaning I could run for somewhere between 140 and 160 hours on my current fuel. I may actually have more, I'd have to check the numbers. I tend to run a mental account as I sail keeping in mind how much fuel I'm using. Translated into miles I'm probably with about 720 to 840 nautical miles of fuel reserve at this moment. Not to shabby...

dj

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's their Christmas Eve 1500 UTC plot:

 

[JamesG161]

For Anja and Celestial Navigation.

This is the Sky from Martinique and Polaris [aka North Star]

Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

A bit more information for you and Anja about Polaris.

This gives you the Angle off the horizon. It's only 432 Light Years Away !!

Jim...

PS: I did not know it was a Double Star

 

[dLj]

A bit more information for you and Anja about Polaris.

View attachment 222171

This gives you the Angle off the horizon. It's only 432 Light Years Away !!

Jim...

PS: I did not know it was a Double Star

Only 432 light years away? Geeze that's sailing distance!

dj

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's their Christmas Eve 1700 UTC plot:

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's this evening's update:

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's this morning's update - getting closer:

 

[Will Gilmore]

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Fabulous Hollidays, and a Happy New Year, Dave and crew.

-Will

 

[dLj]

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Fabulous Hollidays, and a Happy New Year, Dave and crew.

-Will

Thank you, same to you and your family.

We have our (tiny) Christmas tree up and the boat is decorated with flowers, vines and lights. I'll see if I can get a photo after dark.

dj

 

[kappykaplan]

We have our (tiny) Christmas tree up and the boat is decorated with flowers, vines and lights. I'll see if I can get a photo after dark.

Sounds great!

 

[jssailem]

Merry Christmas David, Anja, and Patrick.
It has been quite a cruise.

 

[kappykaplan]

Merry Christmas David, Anja, and Patrick.

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's where they are at 1301 UTC on Christmas Day:

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's their 1500 UTC Christmas Day plot:

 

[dLj]

Merry Christmas David, Anja, and Patrick.
It has been quite a cruise.

Many thanks!

This leg is so different from the Northern route... I think it's getting me ready for island time... hahahaha

dj

 

[kappykaplan]

Here's their 1700 UTC plot:

 

[Will Gilmore]

I've been on Tortola twice during New Years, planning to spend it on Jost Van Dyke. Foxy's beach bar, on Jost Van Dyke, is supose to be one of the top ten places to spend New Years Eve. I was sick the first time and couldn't make the ferry over and my daughter was sick the second time we were there. I've visited Foxy's on an off season, when we were the only customers. I suspect I would prefer that to a New Years Eve crowd.

I Don't think you can make Jost Van Dyke by New Years Eve, But...

"Is Barbados good for New Year's Eve?

Locally known as Old Year's Night, the final evening of the year in Barbados combines feel-good vibes with impressive firework displays, and raucous, open-air parties. There are lots of different options, whether you want a 5-course gala dinner or prefer a low-key street party."

"low-key" street party. those are just the type of locks I like to turn my key in.

-Will

 

[dLj]

I've been on Tortola twice during New Years, planning to spend it on Jost Van Dyke. Foxy's beach bar, on Jost Van Dyke, is supose to be one of the top ten places to spend New Years Eve. I was sick the first time and couldn't make the ferry over and my daughter was sick the second time we were there. I've visited Foxy's on an off season, when we were the only customers. I suspect I would prefer that to a New Years Eve crowd.

I Don't think you can make Jost Van Dyke by New Years Eve, But...

"Is Barbados good for New Year's Eve?

Locally known as Old Year's Night, the final evening of the year in Barbados combines feel-good vibes with impressive firework displays, and raucous, open-air parties. There are lots of different options, whether you want a 5-course gala dinner or prefer a low-key street party."

"low-key" street party. those are just the type of locks I like to turn my key in.



View attachment 222207

-Will

I'll be in St. Lucia for New Years, hopefully anyway...

dj

p.s. I've never been anywhere in the islands...