August 21, 2011
At 1500 hrs with 6-7' confused seas and motoring, our progress towards Halifax was slowed to 3 kts or less. Speed is slowed considerably when you have to climb over and down waves. As a former tugboat man, I have a tendency to "tough it out". Fortunately, we were still going in the same direction as the 37' Tayana "Auburn Angel". They had taken a more inshore route and called to see what we were thinking. Also, they indicated that they were going to seek an anchorage in Country Harbor: very sensible!. A quick look at the chart indicated that it was 17 nm away. Very quickly I decided to make for the harbor and relief from the elements. Additionally, a strong wind warning was being posted for the following day.
At 1945 hrs we dropped anchor in a charming little cove on the North side of Harbor Is: 45 deg 08.4' N; 61 deg 36.4' W The island is uninhabited and so all was quiet except for the moaning of the wind. I dropped anchor in 18' of water and put out 120' of anchor rode with 30' of chain. The recommended scope of chain/rode to water depth is 7:1. In this protected area with 25 kt winds, it was enough. If more is needed, I still have another 170' usable rode. Additionally, I have 300' of 5/16" chain. I'm using a 45 lb Manson Supreme anchor, a second generation technologically developed anchor that set immediately. Through out two nights and the following day, it held securely without giving up an inch. On this voyage, this was our first time anchoring and it went off without difficulties. In the past, Phyllis and I always anchored with our 40' Wharram Catamaran "Giniginamar".
On August 24 @ 0630 we weighed anchor and got underway @0700. The wind was still fresh out of the SW but the seas had moderated and we were able to make 4.5 kts towards Halifax. By 1525 the seas had built up to 6+ feet and confused, our speed had gone down to 2.5-3 kts, so it was time to look for another anchorage.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI TO HALIFAX, NS WITH ANCHORAGES IN BETWEEN
It has been a long hard struggle against the elements after leaving Charlottetown, PEI. It has taken 8 days to make Halifax only to find that we are preparing for the remnants of TS "Irene". I'll break the voyage down into the several anchorages we had to make because of strong wind warnings and seas.
August 20, 2010
We departed the Charlottetown Yacht Club Marina at 0700 hrs this morning. Although the forecast was for SW'ly winds 15-25 kts this was not the situation in Charlottetown. We had a light SW'ly wind at 10 kts and it was a beautiful day for getting underway.
Since Charlottetown is located 10 nm up the Hillsborough River, we motored out out of the bay until we cleared the shoals offshore and then set the main and jib for a wonderful sail on a beam to broad reach. These are the most favorable points of sailing for ease and speed. We were averaging 6 kts with sunshine and warm weather. The Northumberland Straits is known for its warm waters and favorable weather with virtually no fog. Most of this trip has been cold. The waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence are cold. While sailing it's cold but in the harbors it gets much warmer. If the sun gets hidden in clouds,the cold factor goes up. The Canadians got screwed when it comes to warm weather. Once we left Montreal for Quebec, the weather got increasingly colder. This becomes more so with a NE'ly wind which is blowing off Labrador and the colder Gulf waters.
Good sailing weather continued until we entered the Bay of St George about 40 miles distant from Charlottetown. The last 10 miles saw an increase of wind so we reefed the main and rolled in some jib. If there had been even more wind, we would have double reefed the main and set the staysail. This makes for a great heavy WX combination. The actual distance form Charlottetown to the Canso locks is 90 nm. The Bay of St George and the Straits of Canso are renowned for strong winds. This was not the case with u:. The wind headed up and died in the Straits of Canso and we locked through the Canso Lock in dead calm wind at 0345 hrs on August 25th. How wonderful is that!!
Exiting the Canso Locks is straight forward and easy: There are range lights for big ships. The Wx continued calm so we motored until we finally entered the open Atlantic Ocean and was greeted by an easy rolling 6' swell. A feeling I hadn't experienced since I retired from tugs in March 2011. It was a wonderful sensation and we enjoyed the beautiful sunrise that accompanied it.
By 1500 hrs in the afternoon, the glorius SW'ly swell had given way to 6-7' confused seas and yachting was no longer fun! Time to seek a safe haven anchorage. Fortunately, there are many along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
August 20, 2010
We departed the Charlottetown Yacht Club Marina at 0700 hrs this morning. Although the forecast was for SW'ly winds 15-25 kts this was not the situation in Charlottetown. We had a light SW'ly wind at 10 kts and it was a beautiful day for getting underway.
Since Charlottetown is located 10 nm up the Hillsborough River, we motored out out of the bay until we cleared the shoals offshore and then set the main and jib for a wonderful sail on a beam to broad reach. These are the most favorable points of sailing for ease and speed. We were averaging 6 kts with sunshine and warm weather. The Northumberland Straits is known for its warm waters and favorable weather with virtually no fog. Most of this trip has been cold. The waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence are cold. While sailing it's cold but in the harbors it gets much warmer. If the sun gets hidden in clouds,the cold factor goes up. The Canadians got screwed when it comes to warm weather. Once we left Montreal for Quebec, the weather got increasingly colder. This becomes more so with a NE'ly wind which is blowing off Labrador and the colder Gulf waters.
Good sailing weather continued until we entered the Bay of St George about 40 miles distant from Charlottetown. The last 10 miles saw an increase of wind so we reefed the main and rolled in some jib. If there had been even more wind, we would have double reefed the main and set the staysail. This makes for a great heavy WX combination. The actual distance form Charlottetown to the Canso locks is 90 nm. The Bay of St George and the Straits of Canso are renowned for strong winds. This was not the case with u:. The wind headed up and died in the Straits of Canso and we locked through the Canso Lock in dead calm wind at 0345 hrs on August 25th. How wonderful is that!!
Exiting the Canso Locks is straight forward and easy: There are range lights for big ships. The Wx continued calm so we motored until we finally entered the open Atlantic Ocean and was greeted by an easy rolling 6' swell. A feeling I hadn't experienced since I retired from tugs in March 2011. It was a wonderful sensation and we enjoyed the beautiful sunrise that accompanied it.
By 1500 hrs in the afternoon, the glorius SW'ly swell had given way to 6-7' confused seas and yachting was no longer fun! Time to seek a safe haven anchorage. Fortunately, there are many along the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
August 18, 2011
Woke up this morning to a howling wind: 25 kts and gusting higher. We'll stay another day until it drops down to 15-20.
In our travels around Charlottetown, we found a store totally dedicated to Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinager. You go in and they have about 85 different olive oils for tasting. Each one is labeled from the country and region it comes from. Phyllis and I really liked the Black Truffle one from Spain so we bought some for special occasions.
Many of our friends have lived and travelled in Mediterranean countries. In all of our travels abroad or in the States, we have never seen a store with this kind of inventory. All of it is in bulk. It's not cheap but here is the website: www.allthingsolive.ca They ship. Enjoy
Woke up this morning to a howling wind: 25 kts and gusting higher. We'll stay another day until it drops down to 15-20.
In our travels around Charlottetown, we found a store totally dedicated to Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinager. You go in and they have about 85 different olive oils for tasting. Each one is labeled from the country and region it comes from. Phyllis and I really liked the Black Truffle one from Spain so we bought some for special occasions.
Many of our friends have lived and travelled in Mediterranean countries. In all of our travels abroad or in the States, we have never seen a store with this kind of inventory. All of it is in bulk. It's not cheap but here is the website: www.allthingsolive.ca They ship. Enjoy
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
August 17, 2011
A glorious day! We got up at 1030 hrs this morning after going to bed at 1700 hrs yesterday afternoon. It is an absolutely beautiful day. My first task is to call the Charlottetown Yacht Club and find out if they have a berth for me. We stopped in over there yesterday and put our name in the hat for the first available one. Yep, they called and we have one ready.
1100 hrs: switch berths and take a shower at our new marina.
Charlottetown is quite beautiful in a Victorian way. We are right on the waterfront in the old part of town and it is very charming. Definitely worth a visit by land, sea or air. The people are friendly and courteous; the weather is mild and comfortable. There are artists, musicians, and plays going on everynight until September 1st. I guess they have to make the best of it while the weather is decent because the -20 to-30's are the winter fare.
We went out today to do the tourist thing. PEI is noted for its' potatoes. I saw a sign in a restaurant advertising "chocolate covered chips". Not as bizarre as first impression would have it: potatoes are a neutral tasting tuber so just about anything could be concocted. The more I see of this place, the more I like it.
Lot of sailing here. Right now the Charlottetown Yacht Club is have a race starting at 1800 hrs. Great weather for this as the winds are light and "spinnakers" can be used. A spinnaker is a big balloon type sail with fabulous color schemes. Basically it is used in light winds.
We'll be here another day to sort things out and make equipment checks. Our next hurdle will be getting through the Canso Strait Lock and out into the Atlantic Ocean. At this point in time, we have made up enough time where we are back on schedule for scooting down the Nova Scotian coast and then heading for Bar Harbor, ME
A glorious day! We got up at 1030 hrs this morning after going to bed at 1700 hrs yesterday afternoon. It is an absolutely beautiful day. My first task is to call the Charlottetown Yacht Club and find out if they have a berth for me. We stopped in over there yesterday and put our name in the hat for the first available one. Yep, they called and we have one ready.
1100 hrs: switch berths and take a shower at our new marina.
Charlottetown is quite beautiful in a Victorian way. We are right on the waterfront in the old part of town and it is very charming. Definitely worth a visit by land, sea or air. The people are friendly and courteous; the weather is mild and comfortable. There are artists, musicians, and plays going on everynight until September 1st. I guess they have to make the best of it while the weather is decent because the -20 to-30's are the winter fare.
We went out today to do the tourist thing. PEI is noted for its' potatoes. I saw a sign in a restaurant advertising "chocolate covered chips". Not as bizarre as first impression would have it: potatoes are a neutral tasting tuber so just about anything could be concocted. The more I see of this place, the more I like it.
Lot of sailing here. Right now the Charlottetown Yacht Club is have a race starting at 1800 hrs. Great weather for this as the winds are light and "spinnakers" can be used. A spinnaker is a big balloon type sail with fabulous color schemes. Basically it is used in light winds.
We'll be here another day to sort things out and make equipment checks. Our next hurdle will be getting through the Canso Strait Lock and out into the Atlantic Ocean. At this point in time, we have made up enough time where we are back on schedule for scooting down the Nova Scotian coast and then heading for Bar Harbor, ME
RIVIERE AU RENARD TO CHARLOTTETOWN, PEI
August 14, 2011
We departed the marina at 1130 hrs this morning. I needed the extra time to complete the Passage Plan to Charlottetown. The winds were out of the S-SW which was favorable for us as we were on an E'ly heading. We put up the main and "Jenny" about 3 nm off Rimouski and started to have a beautiful sail. The winds started to freshen up and out speeds were close to 8 kts so I pulled in some jib and things settled down. This would have bee an ideal wind to sail all the way to Charelottetown, however, in this part of the Gulf of St Lawrence, winds change direction from one area to another. Sure enough, as soon as we rounded Cape Gaspe, the wind hauled direction to the NE and the died out. Rolled up the "jenny" but kept the main sail in case things changed. Started up "precious" and here we are motoring once again.
August 15, 20011 (Monday)
Here we are motoring along towards Charlottetown. What wind there is is unfavorable as it is out of the NE. We note that it isn't as cold on this leg of the trip. The closer we come to the Northumberland Straits, the warmer the water will get. The claim is made that they have the warmest waters North of Virginia and fog is virtually absent. By the end of July, the waters in the Northumberland Strait have reached 70-75 deg. F, not bad for this part of the Northern world. We spotted some whales and several seals. When you first spot a seal, you see a large black basketball shaped thing in the water. Closer inspection reveals this inquisitive mammal.
The evening put in well into the Northumberland Straits off Egmont Bay at PEI. We started to run into thousands of fishing buoys as the light was fading. #!@^%& this means posting myself on the bow with a searchlight and directing Phyllis at the helm to come left or right. Just to make things more enjoyable, it started to rain!! At least there is no fog! So the night was spent on "bow watch" with searchlight.
August 16, 2011
Yep, still motoring along with a light head wind and light rain.
At 0610 in the morning, we passed under the 8 mile long Confederation Bridge. If the night had been miserable just ahead was a little extra: the winds picked up to NE 20-25 and the seas to 6ft. The Straits are shallow so any sea will be short and choppy. This isn't like a carnival ride because it goes on hour after hour. So here we are motoring along in a tidal area and every six hours the tide changes. If the tide is against the wind-the seas are more short and choppy; with the wind less so.
The last 20 nm into Hillsborough Bay where the entrance to Charlottetown is located was not enjoyable but all part of the sailing world. And then, everything died out about 8 miles before the Charlottletown entrance. The visibility cleared up and we were able to see the very red clay dirt on PEI. Life is good again.
Charlottetown is located about 10 nm up the Hillsborough River. The River is well marked with range lights and presents no problem for navigation. There was" no room at the inn" for Charlottetown Yacht Club Marina so we went to Quartermaster Marina next door. We were both exhausted from so much amusement that we took a stroll into town, had a few beers and an evening meal. By 1700 hrs we turned in and didn't get up until the following morning.
We departed the marina at 1130 hrs this morning. I needed the extra time to complete the Passage Plan to Charlottetown. The winds were out of the S-SW which was favorable for us as we were on an E'ly heading. We put up the main and "Jenny" about 3 nm off Rimouski and started to have a beautiful sail. The winds started to freshen up and out speeds were close to 8 kts so I pulled in some jib and things settled down. This would have bee an ideal wind to sail all the way to Charelottetown, however, in this part of the Gulf of St Lawrence, winds change direction from one area to another. Sure enough, as soon as we rounded Cape Gaspe, the wind hauled direction to the NE and the died out. Rolled up the "jenny" but kept the main sail in case things changed. Started up "precious" and here we are motoring once again.
August 15, 20011 (Monday)
Here we are motoring along towards Charlottetown. What wind there is is unfavorable as it is out of the NE. We note that it isn't as cold on this leg of the trip. The closer we come to the Northumberland Straits, the warmer the water will get. The claim is made that they have the warmest waters North of Virginia and fog is virtually absent. By the end of July, the waters in the Northumberland Strait have reached 70-75 deg. F, not bad for this part of the Northern world. We spotted some whales and several seals. When you first spot a seal, you see a large black basketball shaped thing in the water. Closer inspection reveals this inquisitive mammal.
The evening put in well into the Northumberland Straits off Egmont Bay at PEI. We started to run into thousands of fishing buoys as the light was fading. #!@^%& this means posting myself on the bow with a searchlight and directing Phyllis at the helm to come left or right. Just to make things more enjoyable, it started to rain!! At least there is no fog! So the night was spent on "bow watch" with searchlight.
August 16, 2011
Yep, still motoring along with a light head wind and light rain.
At 0610 in the morning, we passed under the 8 mile long Confederation Bridge. If the night had been miserable just ahead was a little extra: the winds picked up to NE 20-25 and the seas to 6ft. The Straits are shallow so any sea will be short and choppy. This isn't like a carnival ride because it goes on hour after hour. So here we are motoring along in a tidal area and every six hours the tide changes. If the tide is against the wind-the seas are more short and choppy; with the wind less so.
The last 20 nm into Hillsborough Bay where the entrance to Charlottetown is located was not enjoyable but all part of the sailing world. And then, everything died out about 8 miles before the Charlottletown entrance. The visibility cleared up and we were able to see the very red clay dirt on PEI. Life is good again.
Charlottetown is located about 10 nm up the Hillsborough River. The River is well marked with range lights and presents no problem for navigation. There was" no room at the inn" for Charlottetown Yacht Club Marina so we went to Quartermaster Marina next door. We were both exhausted from so much amusement that we took a stroll into town, had a few beers and an evening meal. By 1700 hrs we turned in and didn't get up until the following morning.
RIMOUSKI TO RIVIERE AU RENARD
August 12, 2011
We have had no Internet since Rimouski so this is being posted from Charlottetown, PEI (Prince Edward Island).
We left Rimouski at 0700 hrs this morning for Riviere Au Renard: distance 180 nm. There was very little wind to work with so we motor sailed using the big foresail (Genoa or Jenny) and set the main sail later on. The wind was out of the NE @ 5-10 kts but this was an unfavorable direction for us as it was almost head on. It would have taken too much time to tack back and forth to make distance. In the high latitudes you have to make time in the good weather window forecast or you'll get smacked with a strong wind/gale warning. Winds from the NE come off Labrador and are cold, cold , cold.
Although the day was spent motor sailing, the seas were calm and we saw several whales and seals. The Gaspe coast is ruggedly beautiful. Fog started to set in around 2000 hrs. We were behind another sail boat "Auburn Angle" and couldn't see them in less than 1/4 mile.
August 13, 2011
Still sailing towards Riviere Au Renard. The NE wind and fog produced the coldest night I've had on watch. I was layered with a flannel shirt, fleece jacket and Gore Tex foul Wx gear and I was still cold. I should have put on some boots because my feet were cold too. Fog started to dissipate around 0300 hrs and I could see the last of the great Appalachian Mountain Chain ending on the rugged coast. It is along this stretch of Gaspesian coast that we reached our highest latitude at the Mountain of Gros Morne: 49 deg 18 minutes North and 65 deg 32.6 minutes W. From here it's all downhill and getting warmer by the day!!:)
We made Riviere Au Renaud Marina @1645 hrs today (Saturday). This is a small marina with limited facilities. Fortunately, I was able to buy three 20 liter jerry cans of diesel: total 16 gals. I calculate that I burn about 0.75 gals per hour. The price per liter of diesel in Riviere Au Renard is $1.50 CAD. This is $5.96 per gal. Americans should be happy with our fuel prices because gas is even more expensive. It's Saturday so Sunday will find us in a fishing port with everything closed. This being so..I plan to sail for Charlottetown, PEI tomorrow: distance 280 nm.
We have had no Internet since Rimouski so this is being posted from Charlottetown, PEI (Prince Edward Island).
We left Rimouski at 0700 hrs this morning for Riviere Au Renard: distance 180 nm. There was very little wind to work with so we motor sailed using the big foresail (Genoa or Jenny) and set the main sail later on. The wind was out of the NE @ 5-10 kts but this was an unfavorable direction for us as it was almost head on. It would have taken too much time to tack back and forth to make distance. In the high latitudes you have to make time in the good weather window forecast or you'll get smacked with a strong wind/gale warning. Winds from the NE come off Labrador and are cold, cold , cold.
Although the day was spent motor sailing, the seas were calm and we saw several whales and seals. The Gaspe coast is ruggedly beautiful. Fog started to set in around 2000 hrs. We were behind another sail boat "Auburn Angle" and couldn't see them in less than 1/4 mile.
August 13, 2011
Still sailing towards Riviere Au Renard. The NE wind and fog produced the coldest night I've had on watch. I was layered with a flannel shirt, fleece jacket and Gore Tex foul Wx gear and I was still cold. I should have put on some boots because my feet were cold too. Fog started to dissipate around 0300 hrs and I could see the last of the great Appalachian Mountain Chain ending on the rugged coast. It is along this stretch of Gaspesian coast that we reached our highest latitude at the Mountain of Gros Morne: 49 deg 18 minutes North and 65 deg 32.6 minutes W. From here it's all downhill and getting warmer by the day!!:)
We made Riviere Au Renaud Marina @1645 hrs today (Saturday). This is a small marina with limited facilities. Fortunately, I was able to buy three 20 liter jerry cans of diesel: total 16 gals. I calculate that I burn about 0.75 gals per hour. The price per liter of diesel in Riviere Au Renard is $1.50 CAD. This is $5.96 per gal. Americans should be happy with our fuel prices because gas is even more expensive. It's Saturday so Sunday will find us in a fishing port with everything closed. This being so..I plan to sail for Charlottetown, PEI tomorrow: distance 280 nm.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
RIMOUSKI
August 10, 2011
Today has been one of getting ready for the next leg of the journey. I have to make up fender boards for the boat.. They are nothing more than 2" x 6" x 6' lengths of board that are placed outside the fenders to provide more protected surface when alongside fishing boats or walls. I should have done this in Douglas, MI but it was a project that never happened.
Changed oil and filter today: It had 200 hrs on it and was very black. Tomorrow I'll change out the Racor fuel filters and fuel up. Hopefully, sail power will take over the excellent job the Volvo Penta has done.
We have "grubbed up" for the upcoming voyage. It is hard to get used to the Canadian prices. I think I said before that they are at least 30% more that what we pay in the states. Some items are double that.
Today has been one of getting ready for the next leg of the journey. I have to make up fender boards for the boat.. They are nothing more than 2" x 6" x 6' lengths of board that are placed outside the fenders to provide more protected surface when alongside fishing boats or walls. I should have done this in Douglas, MI but it was a project that never happened.
Changed oil and filter today: It had 200 hrs on it and was very black. Tomorrow I'll change out the Racor fuel filters and fuel up. Hopefully, sail power will take over the excellent job the Volvo Penta has done.
We have "grubbed up" for the upcoming voyage. It is hard to get used to the Canadian prices. I think I said before that they are at least 30% more that what we pay in the states. Some items are double that.
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