'Guiding Light' a 1936 Gauntlet Class 12 ton Cutter

Work progress

2012-01-17T15:14:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Well still keeping very busy.
When investigating the damage to the stern Deadwood, I found that all the bolts had come loose. As this also supports the rudder skeg it has to be fixed. So have begun this as well.
Pic 1 = work on deadwood and rudder. pic 2 = three frames now removed. F11, F14, F15.

Pics 4/5 = Interior after cleaning off the old paint ready to measure up and fit new frames.
Jack will have to stay there till the first three new frames are in and fastened.

I am going back to St Maarten tonight (Tuesday) and will be there for a week to 10 days, lots to do there too.
Roy

More news

2012-01-13T11:45:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone,
Quick update, I recieved word that a boat needed fixing in St Maarten.
I flew there on Sunday and fixed a few things. Came back yesterday. Going back next week to sort out some more.
Very welcome input of working capital.

more later

Roy

2012-01-06T17:15:00.008-04:00

Hi again everyone,
Internet again so more photos.
First three 1= Iguana in the top of a tree behind GL.
2 + 3 = removing the Garboard Plank.

So I had to relax, and went to 'Las Vagas Night' a fund raising for the St Thomas Montisori School before Xmas.
1 = general view 2 = my date for the evening Erin 3= Sanding the Hull after moving the boat

Back to work and the first frame is removed. 1 = frame removed 2 = Frame on bench 3 = View from the room where Evelyne and Chris let me stay.

Pics of prorgress. 1 + 2 = Garboard removed Pic 3 = Hull sanded and Rig for pulling the boat back into shape.

pics 1 = second frame removed. 2 = New Years Party at 'Bottoms Up', Doug, Erin and me, Sam and me

So taking a little time off here and there.
Roy

Greetings to all from St Thomas

2012-01-05T09:58:00.000-04:00

Wishing all my friends and family far and near a very Happy Christmas
and all best wishes for 2012, and Happy Sailing to boatie folk.
Apologies for not contacting those who I usually do - this all due to
the fact that Guiding Light was moved to another part of the boatyard,
the far end, where I can't get internet any more!!!! I only had the
internet connection for a few days,the move was just before Christmas
too, when I most wanted it to get in touch with everyone. I'll have to
get something sorted out again.
Still working hard on the boat, everyone here impressed by my
determination to get GL seaworthy again.Progress slow but steady, I've
been able to get back to partly living on board again. Christmas has
been very pleasant here as I know lots of people now.le
So to one and all, lets hope 2012 will be a good year for us, I'll be
raising a glass or two to drink to Good Health and a Happy New Year!

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.2

2011-12-19T02:01:00.000-04:00

Hi all,
I have been moving the jack around every day for a week now. Frames have responded very good. This shot was taken whilst sitting on the bog, its the only place left I can have a sit down!

Pic 1 = view looking aft from my Head

I Have also been moving back on board to stay. So I needed electrics, I was going to leave this till later but forgot it gets dark of a night.
First night aboard it was so dark its a wonder I didn't kill myself, many bumps on the head and banged shins/elbows etc.

It took a bit of courage to remove the panels hiding my electrics, and the first thing to greet me was the Global Satellite Comms Interface unit, hence Pic 2 = sat comm panel with cover removed.

The overall view wasn't any better either, hence pic 3 = elec. work to do.

Most of what you see here is all corroded after being under water. First day after rescue was spent drowning in there with the fresh water hose, but it was all live when the salt water level reached this high, I had a feeling it wouldn't be good in here.
So the last couple of days has seen me replace all 16 breakers, and all connector strips and buss bars. I have had to re make all cable ends to. At time of writing this, I have nearly finished all the lighting and power circuits. Engine + monitoring and Nav instruments will have to wait till later.

More later guys.
Roy

Going Native

2011-12-14T10:29:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Well everywhere I have been so far I have found 'project boats'. They are usually in need of lots of TLC, but they are owned by people who are not rich, and they can only fix things slowly. Some will never journey again, even though the owner still tries to make the required repairs.

I have always seen these very down to earth people, everyone a 'charecter', that are well worth talking too, going back and forth to their moorings using outboard motors and dingies of dubious age and condition. After the reef, my outboard fits in with this local scene perfectly, hence the pics.

The dingy its on was kindly lent to me by Chis of Custom Canvas and Sails Inc.

The next pics are of my shattered anchor windlass, it sits in the bar at 'Bottoms Up' at the boatyard. Only one foot remains still attached. This winch took the full force of the attempted tow off on the night I ran up the reef, 30-10-20011. It didn't pull out of the deck.

more later
Roy

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.1

2011-12-11T11:37:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone,
Well at last I have an internet connection using a new laptop sent from UK.

photo 1 = bunk and panels removed showing 5 of the damaged frames.

So first posting. I am going to try and post at least once a week, more if something happens.
I've been very busy trying to salvage tools and equipment. Also I have been removing the starboard side bunk and panels. I bought a new Bosch ossilating tool, as, when I opened my Fein toolbox it was full of salt water, with everything rusty. I suspected the electrics were U.S. I have been using it to remove the caulking on the damaged area of planks. Then I needed to use another attachment. I cleaned up the rusy ones as I needed them. While doing this I took the tool itself to bits, and to my suprise I was able to fix it. So I now have a 220 volt tool and a US 120 volt tool.
After doing all that I then sourced a 2" pipe of the correct length, using this and one of the boat stand adjusters, I have been jacking the broken frames back into original position from the inside.
Photo 2 = pic of jacking out the frames.

So far I have been doing this for three days and have had really good results. The planks on the starboard side are just about back in position after being squashed flat on the reef.

I have made a deal with the boatyard manager, this is to stay here for 6 months while repairs are carried out. I have to decide now how or what method to use to replace the frames

More later, as I go with the repairs.
Roy

Pictures Showing the damage

2011-12-06T04:24:00.000-04:00

Three saved batteries and temp wiring for engine start and charging

interior shot after about 5 bin bags filled and dumped, still a mess

Starboard side planks with car sticker.
Frames here are all broken insideon

broken starboard frames before bunk removal

view of damage to port side planks

Tub and pump for running engine

Another view of the damage

Update from St. Thomas

2011-11-28T06:08:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
It’s been Thanksgiving Holiday here in St. Thomas, so everywhere has been closed since last Wednesday, but I’ve been going to the boat every day and trying to keep up a steady work rate so I can get the big Clean up finished. Another three big black bin bags of mush yesterday – to give you an idea of the mess, I had a pack of 12 toilet rolls in my store, this has gone to a mulching mess and is absolutely everywhere. Mixed in with it is all my bits and pieces of documentation and memorabilia from the places and people I’ve met.
There are still two more compartments to open, and the biggee, the electrics compartment, which I’m scared to open because I know it’s just going to be a mangled rusted mess. Where to start there I won’t know. Now I’ve managed to run the engine the water has come out of the diesel tank, gallons of it, and the engine is now running on proper, if somewhat dirty diesel again. The renewed alternator is working great, starts first time to recharge the batteries, the propeller is working, so I’m power independent again.
My next priority is to get the hull back to some sort of condition so that GL will be able to float again, but to do this I have to also buy a completely new windlass and anchor, as during the first failed recovery attempt when all the bad damage happened this was shattered and was lost to the sea.
The cost is scary for just that one item, about 2.800$US. Lost many of my tools to salt water too.
I’m trying to make a deal with the boatyard so I can stay here in an out of the way corner for the time it will take to get the planking stripped and repaired.
To get to the damaged hull will need to take up all the tongue and grooving, remove starboard bunk, door down aft, pull out paneling, dismantle toilet and all fittings. The hull is in worse shape than when I first got Guiding Light, but at least I won’t have to do the mast , rigging and sails again.
Some good news is, today I finished washing all my flags and pennants, so they are neat once more, also my waterproofs and clothed are also OK after a wash.
My camera did turn up, guess where? In the motor of the recovery vessel pump! The girl from the crew said they had heard something rattling around and found my camera inside. It’s in working condition too, except it must be shorting on the rust in the battery compartment as it runs out of battery in about 5 minutes. Haven’t been able to do anything about posting pics on my blog because it’s been Thanksgiving Holiday and everywhere is shut…
Hoping to be able to replace my computer again very soon so I can get communications going to everyone under my own steam.
All for now, more later.

Progress Report

2011-11-22T06:22:00.000-04:00

Working this week on fitting replacement parts to repair damage to alternator. Hoping to post some pics of GL on the blog very soon - my replacement specs are on order too. Working out what needs to be done as a priority, and settling down a bit after all the trauma of the past couple of weeks. More later

Main engine saved and working!

2011-11-18T08:29:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone
Yippee! Extremely hard work this week resulted in being able to see if engine would come back to life – it did and was able to run it for a couple of hours. Not connected to any electrics yet of course, as that has to be completely renewed with new cables and wiring, so it’s just a temporary battery connection for now. It’s a start though, and it made me feel very much happier about things today.

Cleanup cont.

2011-11-16T13:28:00.002-04:00

Hi all again,
Have to say thanks for all the comments and support I have been receiving, I felt very alone for a bit but have rallied myself into gear again. Managed to open up the battery locker yesterday, what a mess, melted cables everywhere and an inch or so of corrosion on the batteries themselves. I spent all day getting them out to see if any could be 'fixed-ish', a good clean up later, and a borrowed battery charger, and to my surprise three of them are in pretty good condition, one though is kaput. I have them on charge now..so.. I can continue with the engine and trying to start that. I have saved the starter motor and I am trying to save the alternator today, using all my knowledge. Also the new battery charger I bought was full of SW but after a complete overhaul I will try switching it on and see what happens. I am expecting a spectacular big bang.
On a lighter note. About a month ago I bought a local car bumper sticker. It reads 'WELCOME TO ST. THOMAS' USVI, underneath it says 'YOU CARN'T MAKE THIS SHIT UP' I found the sticker under the fuel tank, intact...so...I took it outside and stuck it on the worst damaged bit of GL's hull! Its made everyone laugh and say that at least I haven't lost my sense of humour.
I have still to find my camera, it was suposed to be waterproof, but as yet no sign, it could have been washed overboard of course, but have not finished searching everywhere yet, so still hoping.
More later
Roy

The Big Clean Up

2011-11-15T05:30:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,

Haven’t managed to search GL completely yet – you wouldn’t believe the time it’s taken to try to get through the gunk left by the sea water flooding through. Add to this the water levels coming and going during each of the tides while on the reef, then finally being pumped out, and you have some idea of how much flood chaos there has been to try to clear up. I’ve been finding things in very odd places – eg my shaving brush under the electric box. I even found my computer hard-drive back up, thought that had been washed overboard. Don’t know whether it will work or not. Can’t try it in the lap top of course, that’s sitting there completely useless encrusted with dried salt, as is all my radio and sat nav electronic gear . So have very limited access to the internet at present.
Yesterday managed to remove the saloon table to access the floor-boards, so am finding more things washed down below too. Have filled lots of black bags with sodden equipment no longer any use. Including waterproof torches, hmmm.
A few brighter notes to end – Fred survived intact! The new reinforced mounting that I fitted last month has certainly had the mother of all sea trials and passed with flying colours.
The solar panels are giving some output despite not working properly. Also, although the dingy was lost I managed to recover the outboard motor and have managed to repair it except for one small broken piece which I’ll order after the holiday weekend. St Thomas US VI has been celebrating Veterans Week (from 11.11.11).
Friends here are helping me keep positive, and as you know, I haven’t lost my sense of humour either. Thanks everyone.

The Reef Rescue - in Pictures

2011-11-14T15:36:00.001-04:00

Guiding Light last week in October, 2011, in fantastic
shape.

Guiding Light on the Reef at 'False Entrance' Benner
Bay, US Virgin Islands.

Picture used with kind permission Gerald Singer http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/

Guiding Light coming in through the entrance with
assistance, but afloat and un-holed.

Sea Tow recovery vessel with GL being made ready to put ashore

GL Safe in the boatyard - 'Fred' the windvane still intact.

In the cradle sling, water being pumped out with heavy duty pumps

After all the stress and excitement Skipper Roy being
revived by medicinal brandy!

Facebook Page now up

2011-11-09T12:34:00.001-04:00

Very quick update. Have asked my niece to help me out in getting the word out about what's happened to GL. So many people who have admired her in the past.
Please go and like it and we will try to keep that up to date along with blog to keep everyone informed.
Here's the link
Yacht Guiding Light Facebook Page

2011-11-08T18:36:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
It was suggested to me after I described my difficulties that I could
put a Donate Button on the Blog if anyone wanted to help me get
Guiding Light back to a seaworthy state. Thank you for this advice,
the button is there,and if anyone would like to do this they have my
gratitude. Any help will be extremely appreciated by myself.

The terrible sight - Guiding Light on the reef:(

http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/life-on-st-john/false-entrance/ - Courtesy of Gerald Singer - Blog about life in St. John US Virgin Islands

More later
Roy

The prognosis for repair

2011-11-08T14:14:00.004-04:00

Hi Everyone again,

And now my and GL's quandry, it concerns my finance's as much as anything else, also the estimated work and time/materials required to carry it all out.
The main damage is to the starboard side when she was pulled over. Morgan the Shipwright has been aboard for a quick look, and we discussed what needs to be done, and a rough time scale for completion. It doesn't look good for me. All my budget for the next 5 months was used to get her off the reef and into the shipyard. Over $10,000. Right now I am out of funds. I had to spend that amount as I just couldn't stand by and watch as she was battered into matchwood by the relentless waves on the reef. I spent all day yesterday searching the reef and the mangroves for all the items washed overboard. I found them scattered all over the mangroves. And recovered:- outboard motor/washboard/cockpit floor/cockpit cushion/aft hatch cover/salvage pump/bottle of washing up liquid/petrol can/life jacket/dingy oars and dingy which was shreaded and useless. I recovered all except two anchors and my boathook, so luck is still with me a bit.
More news later
Roy

Sink or Swim

2011-11-03T12:49:00.004-03:00

Hi again,

Saga continues,

Monday 31 Oct

I had arranged with my friends to meet very early the next day at Bottoms up 'Carigues Bar and Restaurant'.

We were going to attempt to board GL. I needed my documents, and most important my insurance information to authorise a salvage of GL. We arrived on the inside of the reef about 07:45 and I attempted to walk out to her. The waves however were too much for me to reach her, I kept getting knocked over, I already had fire coral stings on my feet from the previous evacuation in bare feet the night before, I didn't fancy getting anymore, but did on my hands trying to steady myself in the surf.

I had no phone or numbers and needed communications. This was only achieved at about 13:30 to late to find info in the uk it being 17:30 there.

My sister went to my house to get the documents required. I wouldn't receive this until the next morning. Meanwhile I put the word out to those I knew here as to my predicament.

That night saw me with my mind basically shot away. With everyone telling me 'that boats don't last very long there, 2 hours 6 hours, some a bit longer', I was trying to come to terms with the fact that GL just can not survive 2 nights and a day on that reef, by everybodys reckoning.

Tuesday 1

Rang UK very early and speaking with my sister found that we had both missed receiving insurance renewal info due to both our computers having been hacked last year. I was now on my own.

I went to the office (Bottoms Up Bar), put my professional hat on and sat at a table, with a coffee, in front of me a pile of contact numbers. After seeing my mast still there in the distance I assumed the boat was still hanging in there, so rang the towing company to arrange to be taken to the boat to retrieve a few personal items and for them to give me an estimate on how much cash, if possible to extract her from the reef. I was taken to the boat at noon, they had already put a pump on board and were seeing if she would pump out. They helped me across the reef and I got aboard. I retrieved most things I was looking for and they put this in a small boat. After dumping this back ashore I returned for the prognosis. They gave a couple of scenarios and knew I had no insurance. It was very expensive. But sitting alone in the tow boat, looking at GL, who it seemed to me was doing her best to stay in one piece, I decided I had to at least get her off the reef, even if she sank in deep water. They waited with the cell phone ready to call the shot while I looked at the forlorn aspect and sight of GL high on the reef. "I'll commit to a try" I said. A call was made and a bigger tow Boat immediately left Tortola BVI bound for our position and the process swung into action. It took time for Huskeys salvage tug to arrive, then pumps were manhandled across the reef and set up aboard. A bridle was made up so both boats could do the pulling when there ropes were shackled up. They were allowing me to watch but said I could stay in the dingy when they went round to seaward to do the towing. All was ready and approx 1600hrs they were ready. I asked if I could come with them and they said yes. So about 1610hrs all 4 pumps running the pull began. Both boats slowly applying more and more power. I had been given there mobile phone to take pics. GL wasn't moving yet then more power then more power, I saw a swell wave running in and as it hit GLs bow she suddenly leaped upright and catapulted foreward towards the deep water. I was saying " come on girl come on girl" a second swell came in, she did the same again. And again and she was off. WWWOOOWWWW. It had taken maybe five minutes tops. They decided to tow her immediately round the point into 8 feet of calm sandy bottom water to assess how many holes needed patching, and how many air bags it would take to keep her afloat. They did this and at 1640 told me amazingly there were no holes on the starboard side, and only one small pump was keeping her afloat. With a bit of persuasion, I convinced Indipendent boat yard manager at 1645hrs to arrange an emergency liftout of GL. He said be quick you only gave me 15 minutes to stop my men going home. 25 minutes after that I had been towed through the moorings with people cheering and was being lifted out on the travel lift. What a result. I was shell shocked and when all secure went to the bar for a beer. I had enough adrenalin in my blood to fly to the moon.
More about the assessmeant of damage later, but for now the hull isnt to badly damaged, 8 or 10 frames have been cracked, a lot of surface deep scuffing marks, but how on earth did a 75 year old survive 48 hrs battered by the swell on such a trrible reef?
more Later
Roy

GL face's her greatest lifes Challange

2011-11-03T08:58:00.003-03:00

Hi To Everybody (with a lot of sadness in my hart.).

I have a bit of a Saga to tell you all. There is a lot of stupidity involved on my part in this story, and also a lot of events that individually wouldn't have meant a lot. But, putting them all together equals a disaster.

As you all know from my last blog post, GL, now all fixed and tested, (looking better than she ever has) was ready for my next adventure 'down island', with only one more promise to fulfill.

Sunday 30th October I decided, was a good day for a relaxing sail to Water Island and Honeymoon Bay.
With two Local friends, beautiful weather, and calm seas, we had a really really nice day out.
On our way back beating into the wind, it was a magic sail, GL effortlessly riding the swell, but darkness was beginning and we knew it would be completely dark before our arrival back. With only about a half mile to go to rounding the point to spot the unlit green marker buoy, we decided to stand off, start the engine and drop the sails. With this all done I handed the tiller to one of my guests, an experienced local charter skipper, and went down below to switch on the charging circuit from the engine to the service batteries. What happens next is a bit hard to recall, I might have spent a bit to long down below I just don't know, BUT, I felt a bump on the keel! As I shot out of the cabin with thoughts of what could we have hit out here in deep water, the other skipper jumped on deck to get a better view ahead, as I looked foreward I could see a reef with a line of terrible looking rocks blocking our way, and they were only just about 300 yards ahead. The engine still in gear was just ticking over but the boat was still doing 3.5 knts straight towards these rocks! I grabbed the throttle control and threw it in astern at full speed, the boat began to stop, then, another sickening and heavier bump occurred, GL shuddered, then a large swell wave lifted her stern and broke just behind, at this point with engine at max astern we had little astern speed and the wave pushed GL forward. When we grounded again this time hard, the sound was more like a crunching sound, I was making no way astern and now being on the wave break line of the reef every wave was pushing her further, we heeled over and GL I knew, was hard aground. During all this I was shouting "were the hell are we", "I don't recognise anything" the other skipper said "we are on the reef at False Entrance."
I had heard of this place of course, but didn't know it.
It would take to long to narrate the next half an hour, and I'm sure typing the words used by all would be banned from being posted.

'Mayday-Mayday-Mayday' words I have never wanted to utter. I broadcast these words for the first time in my life, giving all the info as to GL and our position and situation. Each approx 3 to 4 foot breaking wave was pushing GL further and further up on the reef .

The response was quick and the emergency services were soon in contact. Speed was of the essence, this reef has claimed many many boats. I was in shock. I couldn't understand how this had happened. I kept myself detached however and concentrated on calming my guests, and making sure, No One did anything stupid as to endanger themselves any more than that we were already in. GL wasn't leaking, I had the engine running and as I had fitted an engine driven bilge pump, this was on standby in case it was needed.

The small harbour Coast Guard rib arrived and stood by as we waited for the local salvage towing boat to arrive. I was in constant communication with frequnet updates as to our situation, and everyone knew what was going on. The sea was washing over and being night time in only shorts and t shirts we were all getting very cold.

After this tow boat arrived we discussed the options to attempt a tow off the reef. When this had finally been agreed and a rope attached by myself, an attempt was made. The tow only managed to turn the bow a small amount. The second pull managed a full 180 with the bow now pointing out to seaward. The third pull moved GL about 4 foot towards the deep water. Then the bigee pull. GL was scraping with horrible noises coming from below were I was, she was moving a bit then she lifted nearly upright and dropping back, then she lifted again...teetered on her balance point and went over onto her starboard side and crashed down hard on the rocks. I saw and heard wood splinter inside and at that moment a loud crack from up forward some where. When I got there I found the anchor windless, middle one of three tow fixing points had sheared of its mounting feet. As it had pivoted on the one remaining foot it had guillotined the tow rope. The tow boat with this sudden release had catapulted foreward swamping the boat to the gunwales. and also her massive outboard engines. Now with no engines they drifted backwards and ended alongside about 30 feet off are portside, hard aground! Inside GL were I was, the water level was rising so rapidly even with the engine bilge running it was obvious that was that. With the cooling intake above water and overheating I shut the engine off. Two minutes after that the water hit the batteries and switch panel and all lights power and of course radio died. After shouting questions to the tow boat they said they would be getting a tow off attempt when a line could be taken from the coast guard boat. I then told my guys we get off now onto the tow boat and leave GL on the reef. We did this half drowning in the breaking waves and were all aboard when the attempt was made. It was successful and we came off with a lot of scraping banging bouncing cursing and god knows what else. Halfway to Redhook we were transferred to the big Coast Guard boat which had a cabin we could get in to get a bit warm. 20 mins later we were on the ferry dock Safe.

My thanks go to the Purto Rico rescue center...The USVI Coast Guard...St Johns USVI Rescue Service and Sea Tow for their combined efforts in rescuing my crew and myself.
GL now had to survive a night on the reef enduring the crashing waves.
I found shelter from the owners of Custom Canvas and Sails on Fabians Landing.
My crew went to the skippers yacht.

For everyone to note
Imeadiate family know the complete story, but this is my first opertunity to keep my readers informed.

The next blog will be titled
'Sink or Swim' and will describe what happened to GL on Monday 31, Tuesday 1 Nov. and Wednesday 2 Nov..

Still a very sad person
Roy

General Info

2011-10-09T08:47:00.003-03:00

Hi All,
Just to let everyone know, I have stayed here in Benner Bay because of hurricane season and the facilities available here. Also of course to make sure the boat is ready for another passage. Benner bay is a natural hurricane hole and very protected from wind and waves. I have met many new friends, and have been made very welcome here. I have fixed all the bits and have made a few more mod's to make things easier. Varnish work has had a few new coats, also the cabin top has been painted. Living aboard has enabled me to fix many things, and GL really does look and work better than she ever has. Fred has been tested a couple of times and now appears to be really sorted with this new fix. The Garboard planks port and starboard have been bolted back in position, but, its my opinion I will have to recalk them again as they moved during this process and do leak a bit, well more like weeping would be more accurate, so bilge pump comes on more often than I would like. Its always leaked a bit, but since the aborted Atlantic crossing its been an awfull lot more than at present. The stem however always did leak a lot, this has now stopped completely, everywere up forward is now dry as a bone.
It has been a very active weather season, unpridictable, and so far we have not been hammered. I am keeping an eye on the Atlantic, and its looking as though the trades are starting and begining to push the tropical storms down into the south.
So after I have finished a couple of more little items, my plan will be to go 'down island', prob as far as Grenada, then as the time passes furkle my way back up here to the Virgin Islands, and carry on were I left off this year. This will be 2012 next May, as long as the world is still here. April in Antigua 2012 is the 25th Classic Event, and could prove very prestigous to attend, so.....
Thanks for all your comments and emails, I have terrible internet here, I try every morning to connect, but most times nowt. Today is good though?
Keep the comments coming, Alex hope this answers your queries, Patric you did join, its the only way you can leave a comment!

Fred

2011-10-05T09:07:00.000-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Fred thank goodness is now fixed at last, a different way to mount the struts and a new reinforced mounting were fitted.
I tested the boat this last Sunday and all is now AOK again, which, leaves me free to plan whats next. Hurricane season has only a month to go before the trade winds are supposed to start up again, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.
After the repairs to the Garboard planks Starb. and Port, I have developed a small new leak on the portside, but I belive this is due to me re-bolting the plank, and have probably moved it a bit. As long as it gets no worse that will be another job to do next time I am hauled out. The starboard plank is not now moving, and that rarther large leak 'is no more', I just hope it stays that way, it's taken a long time to get it right.
Will blogpost the pics next time internet is good.
Roy

Fred

2011-09-21T08:12:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone,
Repairs to Fred are now well on the way. After a great deal of thought about the broken casting and why it failed, I came up with a plan to strenthen the support frame. This I have now completed and after a talk with the owner of the local machine shop a design to connect the 2 struts to the frame has been descussed, and today I will make a template so he can manufacture the parts required. Mounting these struts has been very hard to come up with the solution, trying to imagine were the forces from the rudder are transmitted to the 2 supports, with twisting, compression and stretching forces, but feel this latest mod will do the trick at last.
If I get a better internet conn I will post some pic's of this later.
Roy

Update from St Thomas

2011-09-13T18:13:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone,
well it became obvious I wasn't going to suceed fixing 'Fred' at anchor, far to difficult. I made up my mind then to do all the small jobs I coudn't afford to do in the shipyard, or even on a dock there (US $55 a day). While doing this I looked for a private local dock, it took a couple of weeks, but in the end I found one at a very reasonable fee. I have been moored up here now for 2 weeks, Chris the landlord has been very good to me. most of the outside small jobs have been finished, and I am starting 'Fred' next. I figured I carn't really plan a trip just yet because of the tropical storms we keep getting here, Katia formed here and 'Marie' too, is only now disapearing, but as I write, a thunderstorm will hit us soon. There is also so many facilities here it would be silly to go elsewhere just now. Internet is not so good, it was much better at anchor, as I have to sit in the cockpit to get a signal. I have again met so many local characters and have many new friends, Patric and Gabrella to name just 2, Patric helped me set my anchors before Irene hit us, also I have become aquainted with St Thomas as an Island. Many places to see and things to do, and of course learning the local way they do things here.
I'll post next when I have started the repair to fred
Roy

Hurricane Irene and what to do on a Sunday afternoon (corrected)

2011-08-21T22:20:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone
Well I don't believe it but its happening right now as I write this. After leaving the relitive safety of the boat yard dock, and happy with the repairs and boat planks taking up, I went to anchor yesterday morning and spent a nice quiet night afloat. That is not going to happen tonight, as Catagory 1 Irene hit us at 1400hrs this afternoon! So what do you do on a Sunday afternoon in torential tropical rain, with wind gusting in the 60knt bracket.
Well I thought about seeing if there was a internet connection out here, and blow me I have a solid free connection.
So Yard Work pic's for you all to see.

Pic 1
soon after my arrival in the yard I took off the Bobstay fitting and all the filler old and new out of the stem, then removed quite a bit of damaged wood, ready I thought to fit a new piece here.

Pic 2
I removed all the bolts, hoping to use them to secure the new piece inside, so cleaned this up ready.

Pic 3
Alas this was not to be. Shown in the bottom of this pic is the part were I had removed but not found the reason for the damage yet. So the saw had to come out! And deeper and deeper into the stem I went.

Pic 4
And I was finally left with a large piece of missing Stem, also 3 planks unfastened each side

Pic 5
different view of hole

Pic 6
Inside view of hole and frame ends I have cut back to good wood

Pic 7
The reason for all this work found.
Here is the upper stem scarf joint I removed, left is the broken frame end portside and left is the broken part right across the through bolt of the iron frame support.

Pic 8
Myself carving and shaping the first piece of new oak that would be joined to the lower stem.

Pic 9
Closeup of the bit of oak

Pic 10
First piece lower stem and second piece upper stem now all glued screwed and bolted together.

You can enlarge this to see it close up if your not bored out of your tree yet!

Pic 11
after fitting the interface piece between inner and outer stem laminations, the first three outside pieces were fitted

Pic 12
Half way through fitting the second set of laminations. there were 4 layers altogether, of 3/4" Oak

Pic 13
Inside the frame ends were joined the the new stem pieces and though bolted using bronze bolts, also in this pic you see the bob stay bolts and the stem through bolts

Pic 14
After fitting the planks back and the bobstay fitting, and fairing the laminations, the bow is ready to be calked and painted

Pic 15
All finished Yipee

Pic 16
View of the finished chain locker. I have fitted a lining now to protect the woodwork here.

So on this very windy night I will now post this to the blog, internet is running, wow, best I've had for a long while
enjoy the pics
Roy

Spar Lash

2011-08-17T14:36:00.002-03:00

Good news everyone,GL was splashed this morning 1230hrs your time zone.
I have had to work so hard to fix all this stuff I need a break.
The shipwright here Morgan again congratulated me on a job well done repairing the stem on my own. I only wish I could show the photo's.
I found another 2 coach screws on the port side garboard and replaced them by re-drilling the holes and through bolting them. That made 4 missing bolts, all in the mast step area, no wonder it was moving about. It remains now to see if this has stopped the likelyhood of the garboard, and plank above from moving against each other, cos thats were it leaked bad before.
I have a berth for today and tonight and will anchor tomorrow, need a bit more wood for the chain locker, its just to control were the chain goes, its been falling over and jamming when I try and pull it out again.
I have no idea what happens next though, I have an invite back to Coral Bay of course, but now we are in the middle of hurricane season its a choice of were to go to hide. This present boat yard is nearly full to the brim with boats that have been hauled out, and there is still a queue trying to get out.
After quizzing everyone here it is looking like a trip to Grenada, its south anyway, even St Lucia is not concidered safe in hurricanes, so will have to have another sea trial and make sure everything is ok, so Coral Bay first then make a decision.
I can get internet there and will be posting as many pic's as I can.
Roy

Yard work

2011-07-26T00:27:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Its been awhile since my last post as I have been working quite hard fixing GL. Apart from identifying that I was right about the coach screw, it was obviously put in because the through bolt had snapped, so its spent some time sort of holding things together until it rusted away. What has been taking all my time has been the upper and lower stempost scarf joint. This starts just below the Bob Stay fitting and has always been a proplem to keep filler in. And as this filler was washed out on last years attempt to bring GL home with the resulting water rushing into the boat, this was another leak identified on the recent sea trial. The shpwrights here know their stuff so I sought their advice on what was wrong and more important, how to cure this problem. The stem post was concidered suspect and has become the first structual problem I have had since owning GL. Under pressure whilst sailing, the top part of the stem has been flexing with the jib forces on the bob stay fitting. It's been scary work, as I have been sawing the bow off! Morgan is the chief shipright here and pops round saying things like, "if it was my boat I would like to see this part" then he disappears, I then pick up the saw and hammer chisels etc. and spend 2 days chopping a bit more wood out! I kept doing this because I nor Morgan could understand what we were seeing as I went deeper into the scarf. Eventually I had to release 3 plank ends each side, to enable deeper cuts into the stem until I finally reached the first frame rebates. It still wasn't obvious what was wrong, so inside I removed the Iron floor! Low and behold, underneath this the stem post coming from deck level was broken across a knot in the oak, I could see the branch going from port to starboard, both frame ends had split off with it, and it has been like that we estimated, for about the last 50 years!!! and this was a build defect, this piece of oak should have been rejected during build. I now had no bow left, just a huge hole with a great heap of oak wood chips lying on the floor underneath. I formulated a plan for repairing it, consulting Morgan all the time to confirm that stuctually it would be stronger than brand new when completed, (as long as I did it properly). I have now begun using west epoxy, glueing screwing and bolting new oak piece's onto the two ends of the stem post, its been a long process for me, I have basicaly been carving the wood into the right shapes required, and its taken a lot of trials fitting and removing the pieces until they fit. I'm still not finished yet, but the big hole is now a lot smaller, inside the frames are glued back into the new stem and screwed in place with the modified iron floor bolted back in position, a new block of wood now holding the frame ends bolted and glued as well to the stem.
I have now of course lost any chance of traveling north or back to the UK this season, having had 2 mini hurricanes already, Bret and Cindy. And I have no plans as yet on what happens next but will post again soon. I have no internet here so can not show the photos of the work so far.
More later
Roy

Carnival & Boatyard

2011-07-08T11:04:00.003-03:00

Hi everyone,
If you can not beat them, join them!, so the carnival started in Cruz Bay St John on Monday. I arranged with Erin and company to go and see for myself, as I had a lot of info from everyone here about how amazing it is. It starts July 4th US indipendance day, and its a parade of local people, some advertizing clubs, business's, bars, resturants, rock groups and life syles, and boy the effort put into it by the people is quite something else. Some of the live music bands had mobile sound systems, so powerfull it was deafaning. The parade started at 12 noon and was still passing us at 1700hs! The costumes were fantastic too, a lot of time went into making them and choreographing their dance routines, for such a small Island it was all truly impressive, as, it was done the American way, with a Caribbean twist. About halfway round the capital near the beach and ferry dock they have a judge's stand, and all are judged, they make a special effort during this, with the winners receiving prize's. It all culminates at 2100hrs with a firework display, I can only say you have to be there to appriciate what a good time everyone enjoyed.
Tuesday saw a lovely dawn sunrise with a promise of light winds and no rain for a change, perfect to shoot over too St Thomas and Benner Bay boatyard. I made the appointment and left about 1145hrs, arriving there at approx 1530hrs, After running aground 3 times (its very shallow water all over, but only a sandy muddy bottom), I anchored in 2.8 feet of water (I am aground at 2.4 feet below transducer) opposite the marina to wait till Thursday, my allotted haul out day. So yesterday I was lifted out at about 0830hrs and GL is now ashore were I have already started work.
My Position is: 18,19.28N 064,51.97W I have already met quite a few boat people, they all seem to really like GL, one guy said "thank you for bringing her here so I could see her!" his name is Chris, and he donated 3 x 8" new bronze fastenings for my up coming repair!
Will let you all know how I get on. Oh the weather, it started heavy raining again at about 0500hrs this morning, and at Local Time: 08. July 2011 09:50 it hasn't stopped yet!
Roy

Repair issues

2011-07-04T10:33:00.002-03:00

Hi all,
I've been sorting the frame Fred was mounted on, also sourcing someone who deals in stainless, an engineer was found 'Stephan' a German guy who twigged what went wrong as quick as myself. He has a workshop and the stock, and so when i've got the frame back on GL we will design and fit new supports for the auxillary rudder. The leak that re-appeared has been investigated again, this time I noticed a coach screw each side that should be through bolted. This I will sort out in the Indipendant Boatyard in Banner Bay St. Thomas. I carn't go yet cos its carnival time again, nothing will happen till after Wednesday this week. The weather that hit me is described as a weak tropical wave, we have had high winds and torrential rain here every day since my return. Friday I prepared the boat for a sea trial, a hard one as there was plenty of wind, I recruited 3 experianced local sailors for this job, Colin, Josh and Sean. We went out to trash GL, so I spent the previous 2 days stowing everything away, and tying down the rest, then we left. We went out into deep ocean wind, water and swell, and pushed GL to the limit, this was to indentify just were and how bad the leaks really are. It turned out into an amazing sail, its the hardest I've ever pushed GL, and she loved every minute of it, we delibrately went were the swell and wind was strongest, (a lot of rebound swell) which is off Rams Head St John, and were out approx 2 hours. All leaks identified, the starboard side garboard in way of the mast step being the scariest, so much water coming in it was too much for the 2 electric bilge pumps, so I had to use the engine driven bilge pump as well, only loss was a rope which flew off the deck, and 1/4 ltr of parrafin from my stock.
We then went ashore for a beer, and me a good think about how I will fix it this week. The harbour then got hit by a squall with at least 55knts of wind and horizontal rain, well it felt like a tap running rather than rain, everyone got soaked, inside and out! good job we were back on the mooring!
Roy

Arrived

2011-06-29T07:49:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,
A short post just to let you all know GL with me aboard got me back in one piece, and I am back in Coral Bay harbour in St John.
Roy

Repairs Required

2011-06-27T18:29:00.002-03:00

This post today is a bit delayed and was supposed to be imparting good news all round, circumstances however have seriously modified the tone, and I have some sad bad news instead. I have even been a bit reluctant to even blog a post in the first place.
Well dear friends the story begins.
After a couple of really enjoyable weeks in Coral Bay, I finally got a good weather window for my planned next adventure. I have been gradually storing up the boat for an extended journey, and as the opertunity to cross the Atlantic this year has not arrived, and as I would still have to go a long way north before I could cross, I made the decision to go up to Block Island RI USA. There are many reasons for that but will talk about it in another post.
To this end then I have been sorting out the boat, mechanicaly, electricaly, maintanence, you name it I have been there.
So after letting all the very good friends here know of my impending departure, and with the intention of suprising everyone who reads the blog today, the last plans were put in place. I have borrowed all the charts I need from Chis aboard 'Principito' and on Saturday night a small party to say goodbye was impromptuly organised. I had a very good time, with a bit of sadness thrown in as well. I was all set to leave, all stored up and route planned.
So early yesterday morning, and after double checking nothing had changed in the forecast I left the mooring. I then went to Water Creek in Hurricane hole, this was to put the dingy aboard and make sure all was lashed down and safe. I then hoisted sail and sailed out of Coral Bay, passing the Shipwreck bar at about 1000hrs. I went south about St John past Cruz bay and out through the middle passage. It was good sailing and as I drew level with Jost Van Dyke I set the waypoint in, this showed 1404 Nm to go to Block Island.
Dajavue, the very same thing happened as I started to leave the Virgins as happened last year leaving Antigua. This time a little earlier at about 1400hrs, a big thunder storm cell bore down on me from the east, wind went from the forecasted 15knts to well over 26-27 with strong gusts, wind backing into the NE from East. It was over soon enough but then another one did the same thing.
The boat was under a lot of strain and even with all sheets eased out the boat was flying along at 8knts, not what I wanted and nothing of this had been forecasted. As dusk aproached I was over 55Nm from the Virgins and they had disapeared into the mists of distance. Then another TS bore down, huge, this one traveling very slow, it caught me about 2000hrs and stayed, not going away. Winds were not as fierce but well over 25knts, lots of lightning, with scary bolts of it hitting the sea all around. With GL on a beam reach she was creaming along, I was checking everything I could think of hoping nothing would fail. Well in steps the dreaded Murphy, and yes folks with the wind now a high F6, at 0300hrs the starboard rudder support struts aluminum casting snapped in half at deck level, it then dropped down into the sea. Hanging on the bottom fitting, 'Fred' with now only one support left, was climbing out of the water, pivoting on the bracket like an aries wind vane does. My home made frame was twisting alarmingly, the mountings stainless steel bending so much I didn't really want to watch. Stange thing was Fred was still steering the boat? Well I knew I had to stop that, but now the wooden cross braces had ripped out the screws of the frame, and I didn't fancy standing on it anymore. With the boat bouncing around like a spring lamb, and re-peating to myself two hands for you, two legs for you, two feet for you, teeth for Fred, I balaned on the bumpkin, I managed to get the locking pin in the vane, it took another 3 or 4 goes to get the pin in the rudder, and the same to remove the vane itself, I was of course heaved too during this irisponsible action. The twisting of the frame although not completly stopped, had reduced to the point were I felt I had time to concider what to do next, so I waited till dawn, with millions of possible solutions going through my head. I had a doze then as all my energy, mental as well had been used up.
Dawn arrived 0445hrs.
Whilst going through the options I realised the rudder had to come off, or, at least out of the water, I was still heaved too. The first of these was impossible as I couldn't reach the locking pin, second one seemed more plusable, so I jury rigged 2 rope purchases around the top of Fred, then I undid the port strut and pushed it down to be the same as the broken one, and after transfering the main sheets to the cleats, I used both winches and winched down Fred to the bumpkin. This has lifted the rudder clear of the sea and all strain on the hull fitting has stopped, also the twisting frame is now quiet again, time now 0630hrs. WHEW!. Of course Murphy hadn't finished with me yet. 0700hrs I went back on course to see if GL would sail herself, whilst I was furkling around doing that I noticed the battery voltage was down to only 9volts?? It didn't take me long to find the reason, the seam so recently repaired in Antigua had water pouring into the boat again? as of this minute I don't know why it is doing that, maybe I didn't do a good enough job on it. but all that aside I was and am faced with a difficult decision again. DO I GO BACK TO THE VIRGINS!
Well yes I do.
With only 150Nm completed with another 1320Nm to go, no self steering, water pouring in yet again, yes. So I have turned the boat round, then the leak stopped? I am close hauled in 20+Knts of wind doing only 3 to 4.5knts and getting chucked about like a cork. So it will take some time. Present Position: 19,27.89N , 65,10.14W. Speed: 4 knots, Course: 167 deg. Local Time: 27. June 2011 17:16. I am in no danger, boat is sailing fine, and hasn't really noticed these goings on at all.
Roy
Please read with the intended humour.

St John, 21st June 2011

2011-06-23T10:01:00.000-03:00

The weather since Saturday has been great so as I sipped coffee in the cockpit this morning, I was looking forward to the sailing today. I had spent Sun, Mon, finishing all the loose ends of my 'to do' list, and was all set to go. I went ashore in the dingy about 1000hrs and ate a fried egg bun, 'sunnyside up' at Skinny Legs, cooked to perfection by Rodney, and waited for my guests to arrive. Erin was first but had one little job to do, so would be a fraction late. Then Lindsey, Lisa and Sharon arrived, and I started ferrying them and their gear + supplies to the boat, Erin arrived in plenty of time and at approx 1130hrs we dropped the mooring and motored out of the harbour. Once out and with all sail hoisted in a really good wind, GL showed her ease at cutting through the swell as we tacked towards Laduck Island. We had a discussion on were to go, and all agreed a trip right round the Island of St John would be the most popular choice. So four girls and myself set course and we had glorious sailing. GL showing her paces and everyone having a great time. Once inside Sir Francis Drake Channel with the East wind now behind us, the music was put on. Their choice was the 'Beatles'! They all love that music, and as I was singing along at top note they were tickled that I sang with the same accent. I had a running history lesson from Sharon as we passed various landmarks of St John north shore. We passed Little Thatch Isle and Great Thatch Isle, these are British Virgin isles, and then passing St Marys Point we went inside Whistling Cay and picked up a mooring in Maho Bay for lunch and a swim. After an hour or so of frolicking in the crystal clear waters we again set sail, and carried on round Johnson reef, going inside Ramgoat Cay and Henley Cay down the Durloe Channel. Then passing Caneel Bay and Lind Point we passed Cruz Bay the main town of the Island. Now going down the West and South West of St John inside Stevens Cay. On a reach we passed the submerged breaking reef with Mingo Rock. The wind was now heading us once more and after passing Great Cruz bay and Chocolate Hole the wind was on the nose. Sharon was foreward with the fishing rod, trying to catch dinner, and suceeded to catch enough Sargasso seaweed to make a nice soup (I think not). Then with darkness aproaching on the longest day of the year, it being 1930hrs I decided to lower the 2 jibs and motorsail with main only to Rams Head. This is a huge lump sticking a mile into the Atlantic swell were the waves crash against it with some violence, even in the lightest airs, the sea gets very confused with the rebounding waves. It was now pitch dark and there are no lights to mark the coast, so carefully we navigated round it and passing Laduck Isle on the inside this time, we started sailing again into Coral Bay heading for the harbour (very carefully). We got shelter from the wind by Hurricane Hole, lowerd the main and motored very slowly into the harbour channel, making sure not to hit any moored boats. After spotting the mooring, and as we manouvered towards it, Sara and Chis came over in their dingy, and Josh with the rib, and they all helped us tie up. They came aboard then and we all finished off the cooler beer with an impromptu de-briefing on our adventures.

What can I say but, a magic day was had by all!

This gets me up to date except for missing pictures. I am now studying the weather closely to choose, hopfully, the right moment to leave St John at the opertune time for the next part of Guiding Light's voyage, or, 'Magical Mystery Tour' of the North Atlantic Drift.
Roy

16th cont.

2011-06-22T18:54:00.001-03:00

After the concert Colin left Hurricane Hole, and Breath and comp. made our way back to the mooring, then with an invite to watch them play at Skinny Legs on Friday night 17th, the guests were dropped back ashore. Meanwhile Colin invited us back to Buxom II for a fresh lobster (he had caught 2) dinner. He and Lindsey were leaving for Alaska Friday morning so a little farewell party took place. The Lobster was truly tremendous with a fresh butter and garlic dip, yum yum.
Friday 17th saw me shopping for stocking up the boat, I met all the guests again on my way back to the dingy and we swopped contact details for the future. That night at 1900hrs I went to Skinny Legs and watched 'Damon and Jackson' perform on stage, a very good show, they don't take a break, and played for about 4 hours having started at 1800hrs. Everyone enjoying the great choice of songs they have in their rep. We chatted at the bar after they finished for awhile before they went, they were also leaving for Oaklahoma on Saturday morning so goodbyes were said.
Back to the boat very chilled out, a good night.
Saturday 18th
Today there was a 'Fundraising' to renew the dingy dock. It started at 1200hrs, so I had to go to that. There was a bar-b with lots of good grub, plenty of beer and the inevetable RUM, I joined in and spotted a scuba dive cylinder, I have been looking for one of these since arriving in the caribbean in 2009. I took all my diving kit on board before leaving UK and as up to yet have not used it!
I also accquired Peter Muilenburg's book, 'Adrift on a Sea of Blue Light', all about his adventures aboard the boat Breath that he had built on the beach.
During this I was talking to a local woman Megan, she was in the process of telling me how easy it was to get sucked into the social calender, and never finding the moment to contiue the journey. Sara chose that moment to touch my arm saying "come on Roy I'm taking you to another party!!! Megan and I looked at each other with that there I told you so look. And off we went in Billys big dingy to the east end of Coral Bay. Sara Billy Chris and myself ended up at a farewell party for Trish, a teacher here, who was going back to Calafornia to get more qualifications, I had met her at Lindsey's dinner party so didn't want to miss saying goodbye.
A magic beach party was had by all. We ended up on Billy's boat for a roady, or sundowner, then back to the boat.
Roy....still more coming

Coral bay 16th June

2011-06-22T18:00:00.000-03:00

I awoke early today at about 0600hrs, it hasn't all been party's, I have been working hard on GL getting everything better organised and stowed. There has also been some improvements made here and there. Today I had designated a day off and I was looking forward to the day charter trip aboard 'Breath'. After going aboard Josh brought the guests from shore and they were welcomed aboard. We all introduced ourselves, and so I met Alex Damon and Dean Jackson, their partners and friends. Being an extra, I kept in the background as their gear was stowed aboard, and after a short time we dropped the mooring and proceeded out into the bay. Once passed the entrance bouys Josh hoisted the sails and with engine off 'Breath' Colin at the helm, in a good sailing wind, and in her element was sailing sweet. Colin had his plan, as the guests wanted to go snorkeling. He had told me before of the many good places around the area, but as yet I had not had the time to do any of that. Today it would depend on wind direction which of these we would visit. All went very well, Colin even let me helm for awhile, as he prepared a snack for the guests, and after a good sail Breath was anchored at the first spot, and with all guests in the water, me included, exploring the southern reefs of Flanagans Island began.
It was a good choice, we had all seen different and interesting fish, the guests a shark amongst them. I had spotted a large shoal of fish I couldn't identify, swimming close to the sandy bottom, quite some distance from the reef itself, but after consulting Colins book, they turned out to be a type of barracuda called 'Southern Sennet', not normaly seen in the caribbean.
After this the second spot Colin chose was Hurricane Hole in Coral Bay. As the name implies, it is a refuge for boats when hurricanes strike. As the guests again went exploring, this time the mangrove fish nursaries, Colin pointed out the various spots that were the best. At about 1530hrs and with all guests aboard, Alex and Dean took out their guitars they had brought with them. This is when I found out that Alex and Dean were the band called 'Damon and Jackson' from Oaklahoma! WoW. They then gave us all an impromptu open air concert, the acustics so close to the mangroves was perfect, and as their excllent music driffted out over the calm waters, we sat back and enjoyed the moment
More coming
Roy

Coral bay, St John

2011-06-22T15:31:00.000-03:00

Well folks here I am in Coral bay again, much has happened since my last internet connection.
I have been making new friends handover fist since I moored in the harbour itself. I have to thank Sara and Chris for most of these introductions. Sara owns a Nicholsen sloop and lives aboard, Chris owns a 1931 gaff rigged yacht called 'Principito' which I raced against in Antigua and Foxy's, with Sara helming and Chris as crew on his own boat, both are experianced sailors. Lindsey and Colin had moved 'Buxom II' onto their mooring in the harbour also, they are going to Alaska were Colin comes from for a visit soon.
After the Karaoke night, Tuesday, as Sara and Chris passed my stern they told me I had a dinner party invite from a different Lindsey, (works in 'Skinny Legs') that evening, ? no more details than that, so we met up in 'Skinny Legs' a bar resturant close to the dingy dock. I was taken up the hills into the jungle, and there perched perilously on the side of the hill was this really nice house. The view was something magic, and I could see my boat below me in the near distance. There ensued a great party, tons of food, and loads of new people to meet, I re-met Erin who I met in 2010 and who has also become a very good friend, she was crew aboard 'Buxom II'. During that night I arranged a sailing trip on my boat on Tuesday 21st, this whilst talking with Lisa. Erin and Lindsey were invited too. We had a really good time at the party with a finish about 0200hrs!
I now had another invite on the 16th June by Colin, he has been charter Skipper of a famous boat here called 'Breath' owned by Peter Muilenburg, for 6 years+. Its a 40ft fibreglass Gaff Ketch, which Peter and his wife had built 'on the beach' at East End Coral Bay. This was to join Colin and Josh on this day's charter, there were going to be 6 guests aboard.
See next post
Roy

prev continued

2011-06-16T22:39:00.002-03:00

Hi Again,
To continue the story.
So there I am on the mooring, Saturday night, dingy is stowed away, and I have no intention of getting it ready for going ashore again. I'm sitting there wondering what will happen tomorrow, I tried for 2 hours underwater to get the shaft back into the coupling with no success, a complication to this is the fact that the new bearing fitted in Antigua had also popped out as the shaft is now smaller diameter and the shoulder pushed it out as well. I am sitting there thinking the boat will have to come out the water again with all that extra expense. So I thought I would be irresponsible and on my own get drunk! Which I did! Next day Sunday I was up and ready to have one last go before contacting the shipyard, having lined everything up on the inside I jumped in the water and very carefully gave the propeller a good shove, heavens to mergatroyds it went in just as smooth as you like!
I shot back on board and put a new bolt in as quick as I could, and heaved a big sigh of relief! Another hour later and everything was back to normal again, what a good result, you all may understand just how made up I was with that.
I was now able to head back to St John and Coral Bay, I needed to get there before Monday night as I had been invited to a Karaoke night at a bar called 'Island Blues' by Lindsey from Buxom II, to hear her sing. Lindsey and Colin aboard Buxom II were my rivals in Antigua Classic's 2010, and Foxy's Regatta this year.
The Simpson Bay Bridge opened at 1630hrs and I was first through, hoisted all sail and set course for St John, a good wind blowing I was soon doing 7-7.5 knts. new battery charger was on line and watermaker on, A magic nights sail and all the next day, and I made the 90 odd Nm arriving at 1630hrs with a full tank of fresh sea water. Lindsey came over about 1830hrs on her way to the bar and so I went along and enjoyed a really good night, I did sing a couple of songs too, we even did a duet!
That brings me up to date for the moment, I am chilling out here for a bit, this St John is a bit of a special Island, it was bought by Rockafella and he gave it to the American nation as a National Park, (on condition he could build a posh hotel complex) this has given it protection over the years, and the lifestyle and people who live here are quite something else.
More about my plans after this later.
Roy

Coral Bay St John US Virgin Islands

2011-06-15T16:53:00.000-03:00

Hi everyone,
A quickie post, After the new charger blew up on my way to Jost Van Dyke, and after a couple of days in Round bay inside coral bay at anchor, I made the decision to go back to St Maarten to sort it out. This was accomplished and took 2 days arrived 9-06-11, after having breakfast and clearing customs and going to the shop I walked out 10 mins later with a new unit, great. On my way back to the boat my outboard packed in, only time I didnt take the oars! got a lift back then the anchor dragged, I was in the middle of connecting the new charger with all the electrics dissconnected S****T, got a tow from a Spanish cruising guy to a mooring. Next day Saturday 11-06 was all set to make the 11.30am bridge opening everything working AOK. got to the bridge and just as it opened whilst going astern I heard a snap sound and shaft came out of the coupling, in the middle of the channel with loads of boats coming and going, dropped anchor and ended up outside the customs dock at anchor with the coast guard cutter wanting to go alongside! it all happens to me. They towed me away eventually and put me back on the same mooring, now engineless.
More Later
Roy

Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta

2011-06-04T08:45:00.000-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Well I was all set for the regatta in time, a lot of boats started to arrive during last Thursday and Friday.
Met a few people from this and last years Antigua regatta ashore, so a bit of catching up to do and stories to tell on both sides.
Registration started at 1830hrs Friday night, I chose to do the single handed Saturday and crewed race on Sunday, then we had the welcome party.......We all made new friends and partied hard. But most people went back to thier boats early including me.
Saturday morning went ashore for the skippers briefing at 0930hrs, we had gathered together on the moorings for a laugh, back to the boat and with a safety person on board 'Martha' crew aboard 'Principito' first days race the single handed for wooden boats would start at 1100hrs, which it did in light winds and a shortened course.
I had a particullaly good start and was off east to Sandy Cay round to starboard out to a mark and back across the line westerly...1ST!
Afterwards we all rafted up and started the party, then ashore for the party there in the evening. What a good time we had, such fun.
Sunday was the crewed race Josh who I met last year and his friend Sean, I couldn't find the others and went to the 'Picton Castle' (try finding it on the internet amazing boat) who were also at Antigua this year, they were Pass/crew aboard her but got told they were ashore.
We had a good race but got beaten on the downwind leg by a twin masted local boat and came second. We then heard on the radio that there was another race! this time a fun one. A lot of boats hadn't even finished the first one when the second one started so I didn't start till they got back 45mins later. During that time we went to the 100 foot three masted schooner commitee boat to ask if this was all true and got offered a bottle of Goslings rum if we could get it, this while waiting, a couple of manouvers later and we had the bottle! after that fun part we were all back at the anchorage with six boats rafted up having a party, lots of Rum flowing in good party syle. Then later ashore for the prize giving, more rum, more rum then for a change more rum! I recieved a first prize of $100 us against a new battery,with a handmade sailbag, second prize a scrimshaw engraved handled knife, needless to say the party carried on into the wee hours, lots of dancing tomfoolery and god knows what else, we all managed to get back to the boats and continued the party there.
As most of these boats come over from St John US Virgins, I was invited back there, Buxom II, had also invited me last year as well, so Monday saw a mass exodus to St John 'Coral Bay' every single one of us suffering a hangover!
So present Position: 18,20.10N , 064,40.64W in Round Bay East side of 'Coral Bay' St John. Customs gave me till November to escape.
If I get internet will post pics
Roy

Pics

2011-05-23T13:42:00.002-03:00

1= my crew 2= crew on board 3&4= making ready 5= at the start line 6,7,8,9= various pics of GL during racing. 10 on the Yard dock waiting to come out and fix the leak. 11&12= Catherines resturant and view of the English Harbour anchorage from the table. 13&14= 2 views in the Yard. 15= the repair. 16= view from Jolly Harbour anchorage with Nevis in the far distance. 17= GL at anchor just before leaving for St Maarten. 18= photo in a flat calm on my way to St Maarten
enjoy, More later.
Roy

Pics 1

2011-05-22T18:20:00.021-03:00

Picture update

Jost Van Dyke 2

2011-05-20T11:34:00.001-03:00

Hi all,
Thursday 19th. Woke up this morning and got stuck in with the bits I need to do, achieved more than I expected, I had promised to meet up at 1800hrs with wild fox and did just that, we had a 'todays special' at Foxy's, asparagas soup and fresh caught King fish as a main, magic, ended up on my own and partied with some of the charter people, had a great night with a bit of dancing thrown in!.... Then at the end, went to the dingy dock to go back to the boat..............it had been raining quite hard but stopped for a bit, a quick dash to the boat should sort that.....undid the padlock and promptly dropped the keys in the ogin!!!...boat is also locked up like Fort Knox, so actually I really really need these keys!!!! I happened at that moment to be talking idle drunken chat, as you do, to a bloke sitting there on the dock, he asked what I was going to do, I said "jump in, what do you think", I then asked him to keep his eye out for girls cos I was going to strip off first, (no underpants on), after scrabbling around in the sand for a bit, underneath the dam dingy, the place were dropped marked with an empty beer bottle I just happened to have finished, I came up gasping for breath keyless! the guy then said "you know I work for the local scuba dive place, I'm an instructer there, if you hang on a minute I'll get a mask and get the keys for you!", well I had no argument with that, cut a story short he came back and giving me the same instructions (he had no underpants on either) he jumped in and straight back out again? he then handed me my keys! bugger! Well I just had to go back to the bar and buy this guy a beer, didn't I???
Roy

Jost Van Dyke

2011-05-20T10:42:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone,
OK I'm here, unshipped the dingy and outboard and went ashore to clear customs, made it just before they closed for the day at 1600hrs, met another single hander (Wild Fox) who also took part in the Antigua classic this year, so......., had a few drinks in Foxy's bar and introduced myself to the Man! ho ho ho, he is a great guy! got back to the boat about 1800hrs, made my tea and with all good intentions to go back to the bar, woke up at half past midnight! oh well tomorrow is another day!
Roy

St Maarten 2

2011-05-20T09:43:00.003-03:00

Hi Guys & Gals,
Well second on the list of things to do, success! found a battery charger/shore power unit by Sterling UK, so cheap here being a freeport, don't think I could have done better at home.
Stayed a few days and had a furckle about a bit, made more new friends, hello to all at the St. Maarten Yacht Club.
I left Simpsons Bay lagoon on Tuesday at the 1130hrs opening bridge time, I made the decision to go staight to Jost van Dyke, this will give me some time, like about 8 days or so to do a bit of work on the boat before the regatta.
Had a magic sailing wind, all the way, and at 0815hrs on Wednesday morning entered inside Sir Frances Drake Passage in the British Virgin Islands via the Round Rock Channel, yellow duster flying, went right down passing all the islands at 6 knts, what a lovely sail I had!, carn't really describe how much I enjoyed it.
Well I made such good time, and after passing through Thatch Island Cut I arrived at Grand Harbour 'Jost Van Dyke' at 1200hrs! then... and in full view of the assembled yachts, most of whom are charter boats, and with as much professional expertise I could muster, I lowered all sail and went into the anchorage, I have to say here, a lot of places now have paying moorings, people squeezing as much US $ as they can from boaters, I of course being a sailor man and scary single hander (thier decsription of me) I have to do the anchoring bit for free, with everone watching how a seasoned salt doe's it!! well that is easier said than done, they put these dam moorings in every possible place you could anchor in the first place, but after a bit of a tour of the harbour which took an hour, I found my spot and dropped the hook.
Roy

St Maarten

2011-05-13T09:25:00.001-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Well first part of the current plan has been achieved, I arrived at St Maarten late afternoon 12th May with only 40 mins to spare before the last bridge opening, then I anchored GL in Simpsons Bay Lagoon, unshipped the dingy/outboard and went ashore to find US Dollars, no more ECD dollars from now on. Went to the yacht club and 15mins walk to the ATM and back later, had dollars and a beer in my hand listening to live music at the yacht club bar!
Immigration today, there is no customs here its a freeport! and I desparately need a shorepower/battery charger, far too expensive wherever I've been so far, my original one spectacularly blew up in Febuary 2010, and has been sitting there on the floor in the focsule ever since, busted. Heres me a fully qualified electrical engineer and without the tools and bits, helpless to fix it myself (I've done hundreds of them).
My next bit of news is; I am going to Jost Van Dyke, there is a famous bar there called Foxy's bar/rest, and he organises Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta on 27th May.....could be good fun if I make it in time.
More later
Roy

On the Move at last

2011-05-11T02:11:00.002-03:00

Hi All,
This msg is via Sat Com, (no Internet)
I am leaving antigua today wednesday 11 may 2011 approx 0830 hrs local time from :- position: 17,4.64n , 61,53.89w Jolly harbour anchorage.
I am traveling north, first stop Simpsons Bay, St. Maarten. Then British Virgins, then American Virgins, then......
More later
Roy

Antigua Classic 2

2011-04-23T07:47:00.006-03:00

Hi Again everyone,
Update on the racing.
Well Saturday's race No 2 we crossed the line first again! this time we had done everything we could to leave the 'La Sirene' as far behind as we could, we were successfull and we did come first after corrected time! We were now even again, having both yachts with a first and a second place. So third race on Sunday and although not much wind to begin with we had enough to get going. Our start was good and we pulled away from our class, this course is called the cannon and you race out and back twice on a reach. We couldn't pull away far enough from La Sirene so we knew, although we would be first again, we would get second on corrected time. It was a magic day though, Kate had joined us for the race as well and we had a perfect sail, what a good day.
After the race all the yachts took part in the parade of sail into English Harbour, it is a fantastic spectical as the big and small yachts mix it inside the habour, the crowds and yachts cheering and showing off, a good end to make it a perfect day.
Now Mondays race, this was going to be hard, as predicted La Sirene had won Sunday's race on corrected time, which meant we now had 1 first place and they had 2 first places! we had to come first.
The wind was so light this was begining to look impossible, the race start was delayed a couple of times before we finally got our start at 10.45am. With such light wind we did as much as we could to escape from La Sirene, and were doing very well against them, as we passed the second mark first, which had been a battle to get too, the wind died completely, the whole fleet of 68 boats were becalmed, only 1 boat was still moving and that was the 'J class' 'Ranger'. After about half an hour of this, there then, over the radio, came the killer news,,,,, the commitee abandoned the race!!! what dissapointing news, we now had no chance of evening the score sheet and knew we had Second place overall!
The remaining part of the day was taken up moving the boat from Falmouth Marina to English harbour dock wall for the prize giving on Tuesday night.
So Prizegiving party went well and my crew and myself were on stage to recieve the second place prize, a beautiful engraved glass Tankard. A good result for another Antigua Classic race. When I concider this in quiet moments, I think taking part last year which was an impossible dream come true, and then being here again, well its just a fantastic achievement for a now 75 year old boat.
More later my friends.
Roy

Antigua Classic

2011-04-16T18:30:00.003-03:00

Hi Again everyone,
Well the journey to Antigua was a bit of a battle, the forecast couldn't have been more wrong, but i made it, and arrived Wednesday morning at 0900hrs, after taking the sails down I went to the marina and moored up were I was last year. I did all the registration and customs a very busy day, Duncan who had also had a bad trip arrived in time to join in the welcome party on the AYC lawn.
So Thursday and the judging for Concourse de Elegance.....night time they gave the results and I can tell everyone I came second place this year!! there was no shame as the yacht that won I had already fallen in love with and it certainly deserved the first prize.
Now the racing starts, I have Barry, Duncan and another cuising man Don as crew, Kate will hopefully come on Sunday and Monday, Race 1 was on Friday, not much wind but a lovely day for a sail, we won our class but after corrected time found who our competition is, we had crossed the line 20 minutes before the next boat but he got first place by 6 minutes, So we have a challange on our hands. Todays race Saturday the wind had gone down even more and we had made sure our competition was a long way behind us, on the way to the second mark the commitee boat told everyone that the course was shortened and again we have come first but will have to wait and see the corrected time results to know if we have won.
There are partys galore and we are enjoying the event to the maximum.
More Later Guys and Gals
Roy

Antigua here I come

2011-04-11T08:00:00.002-03:00

Hi again everyone,
Didnt make the Friday launch but went in on Saturday, there then started a very busy time getting the mast stepped and all the rigging sorted out, but as of Sunday 10/04/2011 1800hrs I finished and cleared from customs. I hope to be on my way this morning monday 11th, weather here is not too good, a lot of rain is forecast for the coming week ahead.
I wont be able to post any pics or text until arrival at Falmouth or English Harbour, and have internet connection again but will do my best to update.
Roy

Just about ready to rumble Pics & Text

2011-04-03T06:22:00.003-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Have posted all the latest Pics of my progress with guiding Light, the 2 here are Duncan starting to remove the caulking from the foredeck, and a Pic of the beach front clubhouse of the St Lucia Yacht Club.

I have been made very welcome again here, and last Sunday was invited to race in an Optomist race for adults! 12 brave and fearless adults took part, and Max, the present sailing instructer organised us into 2 groups of six, we then did 3 races in each group, the top 3 of those took part in the Final, I can report after coming 3rd in the group races I went through to the Final, and, I came second! winning a bottle of RUM! lovely.
The previous post of pics are as follows:-
Pic 1 = assembling the finished mast. Pic 2 = mast detailing. Pic 3 = Halfway painting the Hull. Pic 4 = Nearly finished hull and detail of mast top. Pic 5 & 6 = Bow and stern of finished Hull.
Only the deck left to finish so could be in the water with mast back in by Friday this coming week! Then after a good cleanup off to Antigua to take part in the classic racing again! I am booked in, so more news pics and fun to be had again this year, the 24th event.
Roy

Just about ready to rumble Pics

2011-04-03T05:06:00.011-03:00

Rodney Bay

2011-03-10T07:43:00.010-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Well on the Friday 25th Feb I went for a little trial sail with Barry, the wind had become a lot stronger the last couple of days and was predicted to be the same till middle of next week. We had a good sail but did lose the Starboard running backstay in an impromptu gibe, oops, but I was happy to do the trip to St Lucia 'as is'.

Pic 1 back to the water Jolly Harbour

Pic 2 alongside the working dock Jolly Harbour

Pic 3 Sunset over Montserrat

So Saturday 26th Feb I set off waving ta ra to Barry who had driven round to the point to watch me leave, the wheather was still strong winds but sunny, took the sunset pic as night came some 20 odd Nm from Antigua.
That night was really rough, over 28knts of wind, I hadn't had the bottle to put the main up and it was just as well, I was doing over 7.5knts on just my 2 jibs. I shot passed Guadalupe during the night, and morning found me 3/4 of the way across to Dominica. Sunday I passed and then across the next gap to Martinique, I got into relative shelter about 22:30hrs, I then knew I was going far too fast and at this rate would arrive in St Lucia at 03 or o4oohrs Monday. As I was a bit Knackered by all this wind and waves (over 35knts of wind during the night) I decided to heave too and get some sleep, there was no one else sailing only the odd idiot the same as me, so felt quite safe and had a good 3 hours crashed out.
Arrived in Rodney Bay at 14:15hrs, Duncan met me coming up the channel, and after a brief stop at the fuel quay I tied up to a mooring in the Lagoon for the night, and on Thursday morning 07:30Hrs Duncan and myself went to the dock, pulled out the mast and was lifted out.

Pic 4 Mast out and boat ready to be put ashore

Pic 5 Lifting out at Rodney Bay, Ricky the yard foreman watching.

Pic 6 In the Shed with stripped down mast.

So Edwin (shipyard manerger) very kindly let me go in the big shed out of the sun and any rain we might get, a magic result. And here I am with a hell of a lot of work to do, but its warm and dry!

As a note to Alex Houston, well I can not see myself getting to NZ. funds are running low, great if I had a sponser, as would love to carry on, I have made a lot of friends who will be going that way this, last, and next year.
note to Mike, I stll have good memories from our Sunday furckles in Turkey, I am still in touch with the bar staff of the Irish Pub there.
as to the rest, more as it happens.
Roy

3 days to prepare and get out of Dodge!

2011-03-04T06:30:00.003-04:00

So folks, Joke day came!

I had to see the management at Jolly Harbour on Thursday 24th, to finalise my bill, and to find out what if any, form of compensation I would receive from Jolly Harbour, for the purgatory and expense I had been through whilst in their Yard.
$390.00 approx! they halfed my current bill! a long way from the UK £4,500.00 approx. it had cost me to go home and replace all the items and documents that were stolen.
A joke indeed.

March 01

2011-03-04T05:27:00.002-04:00

Hi all,
Well there has been a few developments since the last post and I will now let you know the results.

GL was launched on Monday morning as planned, all went well and I tied up alongside the fuel dock. I had given her a good new antifouling paint job before the launch, this I might add is the only work I have been able to do whilst being in Jolly Harbour shipyard for Six Months. This mainly because of the time, money, and hassle, of dealing with the robberies. Monday night I decided to have a proper celibration drink, so I went to the Dogwatch Pup, and, meeting up with Bruce, who I had met before, a fellow wooden yacht owner, I did my bit for going in, and he did his bit for just coming out. Needless to say but, I (and Bruce) didn't feel very well all day Tuesday. 23rd Feb. Wednesday morning however, was to see the last surprise in the 'SAGA' from the treatment I have received from the Marina Management and Owner here at Jolly Harbour shipyard Antigua, after, having my boat broken into twice! whilst being under their 24hr manned shipyard security protection.

I was informed that now back in the water, Guiding Light and myself were no longer welcome at the shipyard or the Marina at Jolly Harbour !!!!

The reason I was given for this was the way in which I had celibrated on going in the water on Monday! in I might add, an indipendent esablishment.

I have a sneaky feeling however that they didn't want me telling or spreading my story to anyone coming into the yard! especialy owners like Bruce who are regular users.
I was given till Saturday 26th Feb. to leave!
Cont.
Roy

Antigua Update

2011-02-20T13:42:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone,
Well I arrived ok and was met by Barry a good friend here, I was invited to spend the night at his and Kates house which I did.
Next day found myself onboard again yipee, I got straight to work making sure all my comms would work, and download those drivers that were missing from those that didn't. i can report that except for the chart program for the laptop, everything is AOK again, so now to make plans on what to do and how I will proceed on the adventure.
I will have to organise myself as its been awhile since having to think 'boat'.

That was the first week here, I have now come to the conclusion that I will only feel safe and normal again by leaving Jolly Harbour, have looked at many options to do the TLC that is required, it means launching the boat going somewhere and pulling her out again though, a pain.
After searching around have been made an offer from IGY Rodney Bay which will suit me very well, it does mean going south instead of north, and all though i am behind schedule by 3 months I think I can make the time up.
The latest news is I will be launching tomorrow Monday 21 Feb at 2pm local time, have spent time on making sure everything is ok. Started with all through hull valves, one needed replacing and 3 were siezed solid, but as a mention the 5 orignal gate valves from 1936 were working ok and only required a bit of grease. The engine is ok as well, all charging circuits and batteries also ok, so ready for the in. Bending sails on today, will do a day sail maybe Tues. Wed. to make sure nothing else is wrong then choose the day to head for St Lucia
Will try and remember to take pics with the new camera tomorrow and post them before I leave.
More Later
Roy

Headless Chicken Day

2011-02-09T16:13:00.002-04:00

Well Hi everyone,
As you all know I have been re-assembling my life identity back again in the UK, and have been due to return to Antigua tomorrow 10th Feb. All documents and items had been checked off, leaving only the cash amount to transfer to the bank for my budget. That was all 2 weeks ago, then things began to go wrong! BARCLAYCARD chose this opertune moment to refuse athenticating my card, after much bother they chose to send another, this came about 5 days later and was acknowledged by me on the phone. 2 days after that they blocked the card again!!??!!! so today with my flight tomorrow still no card!!! 2 1/2 hrs on the phone today still no card. Well I'm going without it, Its done my head in, and I have prob. forgot something important whilst trying to pack and sort this lot out at the same time.
I will be traveling tomorrow, Thursday 10th Feb, arriving in Antigua at 15:00hrs. Will let you all know what happens next.
Roy

Current Status

2011-01-10T05:10:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone,
Update on this problem. Over Xmas and New Year not much happened, I made a few enquiries were I could, and because of this, it became obvious it was going to be an impossible task to sort this out in Antigua. I managed to get the required documents from the Police allowing me to fly, then I booked a return flight back home. I arrived home last Tuesday 4th Jan. and immediately began to make enquiries about passport replacement etc. Wednesday saw all documents needed filled in and an interview booked for Thursday afternoon at the Liverpool Passport 'IPS' office in Old Hall Street. I must say they were brilliant, and told me to return next day at 10:00am to pick up my new passport! which I did. So dear friends the first hurdle is sorted and I am continuing with the rest. Watch this space.
Roy

Disaster Strikes

2010-12-26T10:43:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone,
I have some terrible news to impart about my future events here.
On the lead up to Xmas, Wednesday 22, I decided to go ashore for a drink, I have been very quiet of a night since returning, as after the theft of my last new computer, and having my present new computer all set up and working again, I felt a bit vulnerable and nervous about that. Every time I left the boat I have been locking it up the same way as it has been since I went to UK on the 16th August, (the boat when I returned on 10 Dec. was as I left it, nothing had been disturbed) As I left the boat yard at 18:45hrs I informed the security I was going but wouldn't be all that late. I have also been telling the security team every time Ive left the boat alone.
So off to the 'Boardwalk Bar' a couple of beers there then off to the 'Dog Watch' also in the marina complex. They have a Line Dancing class here every Wednesday, they play good ole rock n roll and blues, its good music which I enjoy as much as any other. It was a good night, as last before Xmas, but I still left early about 22:15hrs. A short walk and I was back at the boatyard at 22:30hrs, the security man wasn't in his hut but the pedestrian entrance was open, so I went to the boat, unlocked the hatch and went down below.....MY COMPUTER HAD GONE....!!!
Of course I found the guard and informed him but what happened there is too long a story to tell here. It was left to me to phone the Police which I did at approx 11:40hrs. I went to bed after all that my mind in a whirl.
Now the desparate bit. The Police came early as promised 07:30hrs, and began their investigation, during this they asked how I transported the laptop from place to place, I replied here with this Back Pack......The back pack was gone as well,,,,, I hadn't noticed..... I had bought it specially so as not to be obviously carrying a computer type bag around with me.

In this bag was all my documents, my Passport, GL official registration certificate, International helmsman's cert, UK merchant seamans book and immunization log, all my customs clearance papers, everything needed was there......and even if I get a new computer here.. my backup external hard drive with all programs, software, email addresses and everything I need to get a computer to work again aboard GL was in that BAG!!!

So everyone I am in a quandary as what I do next, it is going to take some time too sort this out, some of it never I fear.
As I expect maybe some of you who read this will be as horrified as myself and wish to contact me, I will take a chance and show my Mobile number in my profile, I am in the process of getting a caribbean phone number which is the one I wish everyone to use, my UK phone number will be far too expensive. So please email or txt to the Caribbean number.
Will post when I can if any developments
Roy

Antigua 2

2010-12-16T10:46:00.000-04:00

Hi All,
Well I've had a few days on the boat now, this has given me time to see how she fared whist alone in the hot sun for a few months. Before I left I connected all 4 batteries together and through a controller connected my 3 solar chargers, I also left my anchor light up the masthead turned on, it was nice to see it shining on the first night in the yacht club bar while having a beer with Kate and Barry. When I got on board the batteries were all charged up ready to go. The rest of the boat outside was in good condition, just as I'd left it, woodwork is a bit sun bleached and will need a scrub and oiling but apart from that she is in good condition and is still being praised by passersby
Inside though was a different story, the hot and humid conditions, and lots and lots of rain, had allowed a lot of mold to take hold, and right now I am in cleaning mode, everything has to be washed and cleaned.
Personally I found I had lost my immunity to mossey bites! and have spent a few uncomfortable days getting covered in itchy bites, but that has calmed down now and I am not getting bitten that often.
The good news is all my communications are now working again. I invested in a WiFi booster and that is allowing me good internet connection, also I invested in a different type USB adapter for my Satellite and can report a success there too. I have full access again, and with the replaced laptop can type messages at last.
I've had my first journey on the water already, when I gave 'Len' a hand taking his boat to English Harbour on Monday, I met Len in the bar on Friday night.
Will let everyone know how I get on with the cleaning.
Roy

Antigua 1

2010-12-16T10:06:00.000-04:00

From this-------- a pic of Thomas in the recent cold snap UK (photo by Katey and Josh)

To This........ pic is view from yacht club bar, Jolly harbour.

It was very nice stepping off the plane at 3pm into glorious sunshine again.

Very kindly Barry was there to meet me, and with Kate, offered to put me up for the first night, I excepted, and after a quick walk round the boat for a 'look see' I spent a very pleasant afternoon and evening with them.

Roy

Return to GL in Antigua

2010-12-06T06:49:00.002-04:00

Hello at last to all followers friends and everyone who viewed the Blog.
As you know I had to store GL in the boatyard at Jolly Harbour due to pressing cash issues, this has been temporary fixed, still looking for work though. I am hoping this time as 'plan A' to gradually 'furkle' my way back to UK over the next few months. If nothing else, traveling by boat has shown that not everything can be planned for, so all can change as time and the journey progresses. I am of course looking forward to every new adventure and will be posting to the blog with pictures and text whenever I can.
Whilst at home it didnt feel quite right to post messages here, I felt in a bit of a limbo, I couldnt contact friends by phone, having lost all contacts when my phone was stolen just before I returned, I now have a cloned sim card, with this I hope the local simm, on GL, will have most of them, in the meantime my phone number is the same, please text me with your email address as well, dont forget your name and short reminder where we met (I am getting lots of senior moments having met so many new friends, and being '''That age now'''). I dont think I should post my number here for obvious reasons. Also I will attempt to contact as many of you as I can via e-mail, this could take some time, so please bear with me on this.
So I return on Friday 10 December arriving on Saturday 11 at approx 1500hs local time.
Be Well, have a Great Xmas, and Watch this space for the continuing Saga

Roy

Final Missing Blog Pic's 9

2010-08-25T15:15:00.004-03:00

And here finally are the last pics.
Pic 1 and 2 alongside at Jolly Harbour Marina, with the top diamond wires and starb spreader removed, whilst getting them renewed.
Pics 3, 4 and five, photos by a well met friend Barry, being hauled out for storage at the yard.
Pic 6 plotter showing 9,306 nm since leaving Liverpool Marina in 2009.
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 8

2010-08-25T14:49:00.003-03:00

Here we have a trial sail to Marigot Bay after fixing everything, water was still coming in, and I was hoping this would stop as had been out of the water for a while. Didn't happen!
Pic1 Duncans Yacht 'Stephina'...following pics by Danielle, with her at the tiller helming GL for the first time.
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 7

2010-08-25T14:37:00.005-03:00

Here are photos of the old engine after removal from boat, and New engine ready to put in the engine space. Duncan helped me a lot and together, although hard work in 35 deg C with high humidity, we managed it quite quickly.
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 5

2010-08-24T16:44:00.004-03:00

Here we have my last night before leaving Falmouth Antigua, Passing Sandy Island, then nine days of no sun, Then the plotter ( not good photo) but with 773 miles to go Batteries were back up to 12 volts again, even though pumping 250 gallons of water out per hour. Last pic is pidgon when I made it back. Arrival photos were already posted.
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 6

2010-08-24T16:25:00.007-03:00

Here we have views of the hull condition on arrival back in Rodney Bay Shipyard St Lucia.
Note the sheared off stern fitting, damaged bow caulking, the missing caulking and the leaking starboard garboard plank, down the full length of the boat. Port side is only wet underneath the keel, from the missing sealing port side.
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 4

2010-08-24T15:48:00.003-03:00

Here we have the famous Mount Gay Jump Up staged in Falmouth Harbour at the begining of Sailing week. People are allowed on stage to dance, and its all done 'in peace'. The 2 girls jumped into the freezer van, to hot for some!
And here is, an as yet untold story; The band invited the audience to show how to dance Caribbean style, they do know how to move out there, they then asked the european and usa people to show them how we do it......... well the thing is, a ticket cost 40 EC dollars, no smaller, and for that you get 5! rums with mixers, I had had 2 tickets and was on my own.......so 10 rum and gingers later the band then played the 'Blues Brothers' ( 'I want you, you, you' ) song.......... no one was getting on the stage........so I 'jumped up' and solo on stage, miming the words, did my party piece dancing with all the moves! when finished I jumped off and hid!
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 3

2010-08-24T15:31:00.004-03:00

Here we have at the top 3 views from the top of Pigon Island fort and signal station. Falmouth Harbour on the left.
Pic 4 Tatulah (cat) leaving
pic 5 Aleria leaving
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's 2

2010-08-24T15:09:00.004-03:00

Here we have
Pic 1 The Palm Frond weaver
Pic 2 Guests enjoying the rum and music
Pic 3 My view of Pigon beach in Falmouth harbour
Pic 4 Leaving Falmouth for 'Horta' 23 May 8 am
Pic 5 plotter posn 23 May 8 am with 2,158Nm to go
Roy

Missing Blog Pic's

2010-08-24T14:10:00.003-03:00

pic 1 botm right Pillars of Hercules English Harbour
pic 2 botm left winners plaques
pic 3 enjoying the afternoon Shirley's height's
pic 4 The AMP Halcyon Steel Band
pic 5 'Atlantide' a very beautiful retro motor yacht

Hi Everyone,
Missed posting a few pics whilst involved in GL's troubles, it was difficult to get a solid internet connection and signal kept dropping out. So this series of retro posts starts here after the Racing in April 2010, leaving English harbour to Falmouth harbour Antigua. Spruce left for Bermuda very soon after, and Moonlight left heading for Grenada.
Alerian's, Daria and Alex (Yachting Journalists of the 'Classic Boat' Mag article) The Tatulah's, Ali and Shane and crew John + myself went for a final visit to Shirley's Height's. Then as Aleria waited for gearbox parts and I for engine parts, Tatulah left the anchorage bound for 'Horta'. A few days after, Aleria all fixed, left for 'Horta' via 'St Martean'. I was still there waiting for the parts and failed passport renewal, I then decided to leave engineless.
Everyone knows the story from there on the blog, so now the pics.
Roy

Return to UK

2010-08-12T07:07:00.002-03:00

Hello Everyone,
Well I have repaired GL and went for a final sail yesterday, everything working aoK, it was a beautiful day and I very nearly got carried away, such a magic sail, GL was doing 7knts again, and with hardly any swell at all, all I wanted was to just keep going, but the few responsible brain cells I still posses stopped me and I returned to Jolly Harbour.
I then went and signed a contract to have GL hauled out, put in a steel stand and tied to the ground, the stand is also welded together which is all standed precautions against hurricains. I then checked with customs and imigration and made sure it was all ok. Then a web booking on BA who fly direct to Gatwick.
So everyone the scary bit for me is, I fly to UK on Monday night 16th arriving in Manchester in the late afternoon on Tuesday 17th, Guiding Lightless.
I will then have an overnight stay with my sister and should be in Beaumaris on Wednesday and will be seen standing outside the Old Bulls Head having a smoke! with a pint or 2 of Guiness waiting on the bar.
Hope I see many of you during the next few months.
Roy

PS I will try and keep the blog updates going, and I will be going back to Antigua in November, I think.

Alonside Jolly harbour

2010-08-04T09:00:00.001-03:00

Well folks I am again in dock with repairs to carry out.
I entered into Antigua customs and found its Carnival weekend, no chance of anything being done till Wednesday, have in the meantime investigated the rig failure and found the spreader end protector had split in half, the remaining piece was like a knife and was sawing the wire in half. This happened at the same time as other failures on my escape to St Lucia.
I also found out why my previous engine failed, or I think I now know why. The now, new way, devised to start and stop the new engine has been followed to the letter every time except when I stopped and anchored this time. When I came to start it again it took a couple of goes to start? well the engine has been starting imeadeatly every time so what was different? I've come to realise, the water in the exhaust pipe under the engine before it reaches the waterlock is too much for the engine to push out, before its started, its like putting a plug in the exhaust pipe, the more you keep turning the engine without it starting, the more water is being pumped in! so now I know I will keep having to shut the water off about 45 seconds before stopping it, this is to clear the pipe of water.
I am still thinking about were to take GL now, I have made the desision to come home the easy way and fly, this means to find a safe place for GL for this hurricain season, and leave her all alone. Not something I feel happy about, but I have to come back to sort finances out.
I am meeting the shipyard manager today and will let everyone know what transpires.
Roy

Gaudalupe to Horta.

2010-08-02T12:04:00.001-03:00

Hi all,

0730hrs Yesterday was the final bit of the test sail before crossing the Atlantic. I believe this weather window for August is the last possible chance this year.
I have been constantly watching forecasts and satellite pic's so it was a go for leaving, I had Antigua Barbuda or St Martean as emergency stops if it didn't go well.
It didn't go well I'm afraid. I had to give the boat a serious trial, so with all sails set I pushed her as hard as I could all day. GL was doing over 7 knts in 18-20knts of wind, with no apparent problems. The wind was and is still good. At 1430hrs the port strut holding fred started to move on the wooden pad, I went down below quite calm as this had been concidered in the redesign, so I went for the spanners to tighten it up, the pad had dissapeared when I returned, it was under a lot of pressure so had to slow the boat down.
As luck would have it I was passing Jolly Harbour in Antigua only about 6 miles away so went in there gently and anchored.
I spent the rest of the day making a new pad with success but it got dark and I got tired, I was being so carefull not to drop anything when I dropped myself over the side! so I called it a day and had to wait till today to finish it off.
This too has now been completed with success, with a small mod so I carn't lose the pad again (2 screws).
After this I gave the whole boat a good checkout time 0930hrs and now the bad news. During this check I noticed the Starboard top diamond wire stay was slack? I went up the mast in Rodney Bay and nothing seemed amiss up there then. I Rigged the 'chair' and went up to see what was wrong. I'm afraid to report the stay has all but parted, and I'm also afraid to say, thats this journey over! Until repaired GL can not sail anywhere else, that will take time of course and no way will I be even concidering crossing the Atlantic this year now! I have been lucky in a way that the test showed up this weakness before I had gone to far, dosen't bear thinking about if it had happend next week!
Will let you know what happens next when I find out myself
Roy
Position: 17,4.45N , 61,53.78W

Saturday Evening

2010-07-31T19:39:00.002-03:00

Have popped up to deshaies to do final preparations, couldn't seem to get my head round it in in St Lucia! but 2 days of meeting no one I know seems to have done the trick, of course also I went up the river bed early this morning (about 3 miles into the forest) to have a wonderful swim in freezing cold fresh water, wonderfull.
The weather system coming about Wednesday night Thursday morning is a quickie storm, about 40 to 45 knots of wind! I am trying to time it to leave before it arrives and ride the winds above it, this will give me a really good push into the wind that is traveling east towards the uk. If I get it right will be very good, if I get it wrong the storm will hit me for about 6 to 8 hours. Survivable with sails down all being well. I think this is my last chance to make it across, if it dosent work out, well its back down again towards St Lucia or Granada!
Will keep sending blog updates, I just hope old computer hangs in there as it is still my only means to communicate.
Roy

Blog Spam

2010-07-31T12:08:00.002-03:00

If seen please ignore, Carolyn I have upped the number again. pass worked for me!
I have been in touch with AOL my e-mail provider and they say there is nothing they can do to support attempts to read header info to try and trace the source, this has now prob been passed to many other hackers by now.
Have no time to put right by changing my ID right now.
Roy

The Journey North

2010-07-30T11:05:00.002-03:00

Hi again,
I had a lot of friends come to wish me bon voyage at the shipyard fuel key. Jo from squiggles is writing an article in the IGY news letter, so she interviewed me before I left. Both Adam and Edwin unfortunatly couldn't be there but thier press officer passed on her and thier regards. At about 2.25pm I hoisted sail and with a lot of friendly comments being shouted, and Les taking official photo's, I sailed out of the marina. I busied myself once outside getting the jib up and then went to make a coffe, boat was sailing well, as I passed the chart table I found Duncan's wi fi booster he had lent to me earlier, so now its 3pm and I am 4 miles away just about to lose the phone connection, I sent a text saying I would come back and turned the boat round back to the anchorage, just in time for a very heavy rain cloud to dump it's contents, so all that took till 4pm, then I turned round heading for Martinique waving to Duncan.
I have spent a very rough night and day at sea as winds were 20-25knts gusting 30 in the squalls. By Thursday evening I needed a rest and was coming up to Melandore, middle of Guadalupe at about 5pm, I decided to anchor for the night and sort the mess below.
The journey north to St Martean or Antigua is a test to make sure all is well with the boat/equipment/me and not forgetting the Atlantic Ocean.
Anchoring here has given me a bit of time to get things in the right place, and also esablish a proper communications routine. Anchor was dropped at 6pm ish
at Position: 16,10.36N , 61,46.85W
More to come
Roy

On The Move

2010-07-28T10:13:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Well customs has been cleared and boat has been made ready. Have said goodbye to as many people as possible and now I will be leaving for northern Caribbean, I am expecting quite a lot of rain to begin with, till Sunday anyway, there will be a low pressure system to the north east at least till Wednesday, so will have to keep my eye on the forecasts as I go. Will be on satellite e-mail from now on until my next landfall.
Will leave today about 1400hrs from Rodney Bay Fuel quay.
More as it happens
Roy

July

2010-07-26T17:58:00.002-03:00

Hi everyone,
Well lots of thought has been going into what to do next, Hurricane season is here but not quite as bad as people have been predicting yet, I feel to go south now would be a mistake as winds should make it more difficult to get back this way again. I have a few fellow boat people north of me and feel to go that way will be better, there are many hurricane holes and places to hide from bad weather when it inevitably comes. I have stored GL for approx 3 months at sea! this is just in case the weather holds steady for a while longer and gives me that elusive window to make a dash for the other side of the pond. It would be nice to make it back before this years end so as to sort myself out. GL is now ready to go, and with an engine plus plenty of petrol, repaired jib sail etc. could manage what I went through last time like a breeze. I apologise for the lack of pics, but Internet has been hard to come by, and the time it takes to do has been short too.
My course should I go is via the BVI, a total of 3850NM from here to just south of Anglesey, 2300NM to 'Horta', my new computer won't speak to the satellite but can swop files with mem stick, so will be in touch better as well.
Will be leaving St Lucia this week anyway as Passport finely arrived back from Washington DC.
I will let you know
Roy

trouble continued and sorted

2010-07-22T12:28:00.003-03:00

Hi again everyone,
Sorry for the delay in posting but.......
Much has happened since my last post, the most important of these was Launching GL after renewing engine and fixing leaks.
The Engine is AOK now, it performs really good, I think its a bit more powerfull as well as I get more speed at any rev range.
Big problem when launched was the amount of water GL was taking in! as much if not more than I was hauled out! I stayed in the water for three days in case the boat had dried out a bit, but water was still pouring in. I arranged another haul out to find out why, after the repair it was still leaking.
Imeadiatly the boat was blocked off I inspected the repaired seam on the garboard plank and found the sika had not stuck to anything at all, I pulled one end and the complete seam fell out full length of the boat! can only assume the sika was bad in the tubes used, as all other repairs are still aok.
Have since again recaulked and resealed the garboard plank with new 3M 4200 and relaunched the boat again!
This time success! not only success but the boat now takes in less water than when I first launched her in 1994! so something was always leaking in that seam. Bilge pump now runs for only 20 seconds every 5 hours or so, amazing.
all this has cost a fortune so future plans are in progress of being modified, so will have to advise everyone later on what plan I have come up with.
More later
Roy

My Spam E-Mails

2010-07-07T09:13:00.000-03:00

Hi all,

It was reported to me that some of you were getting Spam e-mails from my address, no subject just a link to a viagre site, I have taken steps to stop this, but if you receive another one after receiving this message please please let me know.

Roy

This E-Mail was sent by Roy Boughton

At St Lucia IGY Shipyard

2010-07-04T20:51:00.002-03:00

Hi Everyone,
Saturday night as you can imagine was spent at the 'Boardwalk' a place to have a beer or two or three or.... I don't remember getting back to the boat, but did wake up there.
Sunday morning I woke bright and early, and thought I'll send a multiple text msg to everyone saying I was OK, then the final fickle finger of fate dealt me the the final blow, my mobile phone refused to recognise my password...three times....then asked me for my PUK code!!!! The last time that happened I threw my phone into a swimming pool in France, I'm not in France this time so controlled myself and I still am waiting for the code.
I started right away fixing the boat, found were it was leaking, and there were 3 other places too, underneath the water tank and fuel tank, basically all the way down the starboard garboard plank!
By the time the engine arrived and Duncan to help me, I had nearly finished all those items, and this Thursday with engine AOK, I had booked my launching for tomorrow Monday 5 July! so as its 4 July I am again in the Boardwalk for a bit of celebration. GL has been scrubbed inside and out today, also teak oiled and looks as if nothing has happened, painted and antifouled,(antifouling by Danielle and Duncan) Danielle had a formal dinner date with her girl friends that night and was covered in black paint, I had no thinners left!!!
As you can see from this Post I have finally at last transferred all my programs over to the new computer, I did have a few probs getting things to work with windows 7, but now all is well, just have to test satellite conn tomorrow.
Could be some pics comming soon as have loads to post.
more later.

Story Part 3

2010-07-02T21:48:00.001-03:00

Hello again everyone,
Well its taken me awhile to get back on line, so I better tell part three of the story……
Seeing this fitting now not supporting Fred at all I had visions of Fred falling off, as it was now the outer jib tension being transferred down the back stay and making it lift up so alarmingly I took the jib off, then I jury rigged another backstay using the topping lift, the backstay itself I rigged a line and re-tensioned it so no pressure was on the frame holding Fred. Now of course I couldn’t work out what was holding Fred up? There were only 2 bolts at deck level and nothing else to support the 50kg load, Fred was still steering the boat with no apparent problem, leaning over to one side a little bit, but nothing seemed to be affecting it, whew.
I was now not going very fast because of the wind and just as it was going dark I went to start the gen-set, batteries were down to 11.3volts, a good pull on the cord and it promptly snapped, the cord disappearing into the innards of the machine! Bloody hell what next, of course I couldn’t see to fix it now it was dark, so I had to do without it that Friday night.
Saturday dawned, the clouds were still threatening rain, but I had to fix the gen-set, pull cord starters are a nuisance to fix, having done it many times and having 20 miles of spring steel with minds of their own doing their own thing which is never to go back in were they belong! That done and geny running it poured down with rain just 2 lts of petrol left now but I could see St Lucia in the distance, I was crawling along doing about 2.6 knts very frustrating, when close enough for the phone I let Danielle know I was getting close, she let me know IGY Marina Shipyard were waiting for me, and sure enough a VHF call came through asking my ETA, it took a bit longer than first estimate but as you’ve seen from Danielle’s photo’s I finally arrived, what you didn’t see was how many people were there, I had met them all before, Danielle, Adam Foster IGY Manager, Adam from Nomad, and Edgar from Loose Cannon, all in the safety boat, looking after the racing Optimists, Edgar handed over a Piton beer, which didn't tough the sides, then gave me another one, and then the boat with Edwin came to tow me into the Shipyard, by 1800hrs I was in the slings and Safe!
more later
Roy

Story Part 2

2010-06-19T13:26:00.002-03:00

Hi again everyone,
So part 2 of the story.
The Captain of 'Cool Express' told me he had been diverted as the closest vessel to my position, and he had been searching for me since 0900hrs local time! He asked me my distress situation and I told him I had not actually called a distress, it was done by concerned friends, He asked what help I required, I replied 20+Ltrs of petrol, they only carry a small amount for their rescue boat but the Engineer said I could have 2Lts, we decided it was not worth the risks involved transferring such a small amount.
He then offered me passage on board his ship, abandoning GL! well I couldn't do that, so said no to that offer. He then went through the protocol required, asking many questions and relaying these back to the RCC Norfolk, who then advised me to send position reports daily, and should the worst happen I was to use my Epirb to send a distress. We had a good talk together, he was very friendly, and we parted company at about 1800hrs.

Again on my own I went over and over which way I should go, a thousand miles back, or one and a half thousand miles to 'Horta' forward. Such a hard decision, but ended up choosing back. As I know a lot of people in St Lucia, I set course. The weather next day was much improved, the wind on the beam, Gl was up to 6knts again, sun was out so 6knts + sun Batteries were now getting charged. I was maintaining 12.3volts with only a 2hr charge daily from genset. All going well, I was treated to a sperm whale diving down with the classic tail flukes going vertical up in the air.
GL had been taking a bashing, everything inside soaking wet, stupid laptop was now giving me 220v electric shocks when sending messages, I found a nut and washer from the mast on deck, this is holding one of the spreaders on! then another bit fell off, all worrying stuff, I ran out of water and had to use water-maker, using precious petrol, then with only 300 miles to go the wind died. The sails were flapping about and GL was going nowhere, I pulled the sheets in, and then went to bed for a good 6hrs kip, there was nothing I could do even if a ship did come close. I awoke about 5am with GL rolling around and a big banging going on, but still no wind, I came out of the cabin to see 'Fred' jumping 12" into the air and crashing down, again and again, looking over the stern I spotted the fitting holding 'Fred' up was no longer attached to the boat! Oh No!
Part 3 next
Roy

Story Part One

2010-06-14T11:54:00.002-03:00

Well hello everyone at last,
Were do I begin? ok, lovely sunny evening sailing away from Antigua, a lightish wind so did the Reflections Blog post.....Just finished that and on the far distant horizon, a very dark ominous cloud, heralding a storm cell coming.....it arrived 1915hrs just as it went dark..Thunder lightening 40+knts and the most torrential downpour experienced yet. This went on for nearly 3hrs, after it had passed there were storm cells all around me with thunder and lightening, and the rest of the night I was going through one after another! No sunrise the next day, and actually no sun for the next 9 days. So much for the forecast, as none of this had been predicted. The wind was zero knts except when a cloud passed by, the boat inside was soaked. The next evening I started to do the blog, I had reopened the foreward hatch and cabin skylight to let some air in when whoosh it rained again, so heavy this rain out here, well by the time I got back in the cabin, water had filled the keyboard on my laptop and that was the end of that!
This is only day 2 but I had already traveled over 150 Nm.
As the voyage progressed and sailing hard on the wind, GL was hammering into the large seas day after day, but only making about 3 to 4 knts, as there was no sun for solar cells and 3-4 knts isn't enough for water geny to charge the batteries, and they were starting to get low. So day 7 I deployed the petrol geny and immediately blew up my 220v shore supply charger, due to water ingress, so used the 12v output from the geny instead. Then I couldn't understand why they wern't charging quickly, something else was taking power, I checked all the systems and found the bilge pump running continuously, water was pouring into the collecting sump like a river! Panic, all the floors came up + saloon table as I searched for the leak, I was led to the chain locker, so the spare anchor, ballast came out, and all the anchor chain, there just below water were two enormous water spouts that spurted every time the boat hit a wave, whoo, so tried to fix and not very successful. This was serious, I had to sit down and review my options, so I had a good think about it. Fellow travelers 'Aleria'(closest) and 'Tatuhla' were ahead of me and reporting weather conditions even worse to come, poor Sue and Andy on 'Spruce' had been heaved too in a gale for 2 days towards Bermuda. Ok, I would tell everyone what was happening, and have the next day trying my best to reduce the flow to a manageable level. All next day from 5 in the morning I spent getting covered in sikaflex ramming cloth into the seams and sealing them up, and by 3 in the afternoon the pump was stopping for over 2 minutes, with only 40 seconds of run time. After doing the sums on power consumption and petrol left, distance to go, and weather prediction, I came to realize I would not make it too Horta, even though I had already done 1000 Nm!. So I tuned the boat round and set course for St Lucia. After cleaning myself up a bit, well enough to use the computer, I sat down to let everyone know. As my sat comms relays any emergency messages issued for the Atlantic to me, as it powered up a emergency call was recieved, I GL had issued a distress call! and a boat had been diverted to attend. Oh heck, they requested information which I responded too, taking forever to assemble the msg (copy paste is not quick) and pressed the send button, this was now 5pm, then suddenly a ships horn blew behind me, I jumped out the cabin like a rocket and there was the 'Cool Express' who had been searching for me since 9 am.
Part 2 Later
Things to do
Roy

Roy's arrival in St Lucia

2010-06-13T10:36:00.001-03:00

Photos courtesy of Danielle of the St Lucia Yacht Club

Change of course to St Lucia

2010-06-04T07:32:00.010-03:00

Guiding Light changed course on Thursday June 3rd, Roy's new destination is St Lucia. Roy is still unable to update the blog himself. Daily map position updates have resumed.
Latest Update: Roy is due to arrive St Lucia soon, but is making slow progress due to a large Easterly swell. He reports he should be pulling into Rodney Bay and drop anchor Saturday 12/6/10 in the am/pm
Guiding Light Position Map

En Route to Horta - Laptop Broken

2010-05-25T12:59:00.003-03:00

Roy has had a problem with his laptop, it is broken due to water. He indicates all is well otherwise and he will send updates for his position every day.
UTC Time: 25. May 2010 14:29
19,22.85N , 57,57.30W
Speed: 5 knots, Course: 25 deg.
Destination: 'Horta' from Antigua
Cargo: 1 soul
To see Roy's last known position view the Google map here: Guiding Light's Voyage

Reflections

2010-05-24T09:39:00.002-03:00

Hi to all,
Well decision was made and I lifted the anchor and left Jolly Harbour at 0715 Sunday 23rd May 2010.

For the first few hours the wind was fairly light, so a pleasant trip round the top of Antigua through the Sandy Island passage, and then past St Johns to Starboard.

As Guiding Light started to head out into the Atlantic Ocean, I began to reflect on all that has happened to bring me to this point of heading back towards the UK. The journeys, the sights and sounds, and very important to me, the people I've had the pleasure to meet. So many people, a lot of whom I didn't really get to say a proper goodbye too. Every where I met such nice normal people I feel a bit sorry to have inflicted myself upon them, giggle, but I wouldn't have missed these times for quidsrillian amounts of cash. An invitation stands from me, that if anyone is anywhere near where I live in UK, please get in touch, you would be so welcome to stay and pay me a visit in Beaumaris Anglesey.

As the evening closed in, a dark ominous cloud was approaching me from the south east, as it got closer the wind veered to the south from the east, and at 1900hrs I was hit with a thunder storm, 35-40knts with horizontal rain, lightening, thunder, the full works, GL was bouncing around like a spring chicken with all sails flying, jumping off the top of the swell at 7+knts and flying down the back, crashing into the troughs sending great plumes of water and spray into the air, it was taking all I had just to hang on, so again I eased the sheets a little, I made sure Fred was happy, then went below and closed the hatch, a cuppa and a fag in hand, I watched the show, pretty spectacular to say the least! That one had past me by 2030hrs, as I came out I could see lightening everywhere around me, North South East and West, so have spent he night going through one after another, this didn't stop me making my dinner in the pressure cooker of four pints of lamp neck very lumpy soup, (watery stew) and very nice it is too.

And as I write this my present Position: 17,54.34N 060,03.36W Speed: 6 knots, Course: 75 deg.

more later

Roy

May Movements

2010-05-22T10:35:00.003-03:00

Hi All,
Now I know engine is a none starter, I have decided to cross 'A' without it, specially since insurers have said 'hull and Machinery' which I insured the boat for, doesn't mean the Engine! seems 'Machinery' and what it does mean is beyond me.
They have informed me that I am now 'Prudently uninsured' something else, that that statement is beyond my understanding.
Sugest everyone with a boat with a similar hull and machinery cover, checks what it means.
Tested the new Mod to 'Fred' by sailing round Montserrat at full blast, everything went very well, better design now than before.
Monserrat was very erie in the moonlight, the ash flows from the volcano look like an avalanch of snow has happened, there are people still living very close to it still.
I am at Jolly Harbour anchorage Antigua now, Position: 17,04.54N 061,53.92W, final shopping and customs clearance and I will be on my way heading for 'Horta', on east side of 'Faial' in the 'Arquipelago Dos Acores'.
More Later
Roy

May update 4

2010-05-17T20:58:00.002-03:00

Hi again to all,
Stupid engine even with new bits still refuses to cooperate and point blank refuses to start ......... those dots are swear words, but every cloud has a silver lining so I now have a brand new green anchor! deploying it will be slow, think I need a 28lb sledge hammer for that. So I am going to be on the move again, hoping tomorrow will be good for a test sail, its been tropical rain storms and squalls (30knts) here for over a week now, test is from here Falmouth, and a 360 deg round Montserrat and back to Jolly Harbour to clear out, store up, then offsky to Horta in the Azores. Have a very kind offer from Berthons Brian May for a week either side of the regatta in Berthons Marina at half price! I will just have to see what the weather and ocean have to say about that.
More Later
Roy

May update 3

2010-05-12T12:20:00.002-03:00

Hi to all again,
Well I have never talked much about mundane matters as I didn't want to bore people to death, maintaining the fixtures and fittings has been a daily routine, fixing what wears out, greasing winches and the such like, but this engine of mine is going to be used as an anchor soon if it doesn't start behaving itself, the past week its given me so much grief, grrrrr. So still waiting for parts, if they come and engine wont work, I will be sailing home with no engine, taking it out here is not possible due to time.
I welcome any new people who watch or follow the blog, and I always enjoy reading the comments, I'll say hi to Phil, looking at the weather r kid, I will be following your suggested route. I am beginning to get excited and raring to get going again as
I plan this part of the journey, more adventures to come I think.

As a footnote, in case I make it in time, I have officially entered GL in the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta at Cowes IOW in July, sponsored by Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010, and a regatta magazine sponsored by Berthon Boat Comp.
Lets hope it all goes to the mouse's plan (H.G.to the G.)
Roy

May update 2

2010-05-07T15:32:00.002-03:00

Hi everyone,
Well I am still waiting for my engine bits to arrive, it has gone very quiet here now, Antigua Race Week has finished as well and a lot of boats have now left, leaving the anchorage quite empty. It has given me time to ponder on what happens next, and as I looked through all the free mag's I was given, something popped up and grabbed my attention.... the British Classic Yacht Club, Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2010!!! in July at Cowes IOW....WHAT IF??? its just a thought, it could be good though.
Roy

May update

2010-05-02T18:00:00.002-03:00

Hi all,
Fred has been put back again with slight mod to frame, I'm hoping this will make it stronger for the return across the Atlantic, I will test it first of course, right now the latest part to fail are the heater plugs on my engine, its never started without them, so engine is a no go at the moment. This Atlantic crossing is the tough one, weather can change on a daily basis, right now the Azores high is over Bermuda?? so as the days go by I will be keeping a close eye on weather developments, as I said before there are quite a few going back to UK, we are arranging a Net so we can keep in touch, important to swop info on passage.
I have been contacted by the Helicopter photo team to view the photo's they took of GL, they did tell me they had some really good shots from the air in the AYC one night but said I had to wait to see them, I've had a look and WOW. check www.airphotoregatta.com will have to save up to get a few of those for GL's history file, and my wall!
have some e-mailing to do so more later.
Roy

2010-05-01T18:30:00.006-03:00

Hi again,
A few more pics of GL whilst racing, these pics by Jason of Jason Pickering Studio, in English Harbour, please note they are copyrighted so don't sell any without asking first. Have 32 images by him, became friends whilst here.
More to come. Check out the web site Ann commented about, there is a really nice photo there too.
Roy

Antigua decisions

2010-04-29T21:25:00.002-03:00

Well folks, even last year when Sue and Dick had to leave GL, I knew I hadn't the funds to employ Fred and reach NZ without Sue And Dick aboard. I had to make a decision, and Antigua was going to be the Island it happened. North or south! north means back to UK! South means carry on to Panama! I have to report that funds are giving way and Panama will not be an option. At this time of year winds are supposed to favour a return via the Azores or Panama, and that will be my plan now. I feel not sad as I have achieved so much at this point in time, who could have thought of GL being so successful, I can not imagine how that could be topped, so I am very happy to come home, there is one hell of a big journey between where I am and Beaumaris with all the trials that it will bring, so hide the kids GL and Roy are coming home again !!!! Of the so many friends Ive made some are going N some are going S, so I will have company on this journey also, to swop horror stories etc i'm becalmed again!!. And absolutely in, on, or under any circumstances am I going to make fish cakes!!! promise.

Roy more as i find out.

A sample of pics by me

2010-04-29T21:09:00.004-03:00

These photos are a taster to what we've seen while racing, I have a complete collection of GL as well but would take too long to blog.

pic 1 Velsheda pic 2= Ranger Pic 3= Rebecca very close pic 4= Rebecca catching Windrose pic 5= ranger at full speed.
Roy

Race pics

2010-04-26T20:46:00.002-03:00

I am still assembling race pics,
it took all day to blog these new pic's so now 8 pm, I fancy food drank and wimen not important in which order!
Roy

even more pics

2010-04-26T20:07:00.003-03:00

Hi again everyone,

These pics are from Ann and John 'Fan Club' members and are 1= receiving 1st for concourse, 2= surprise, 3= receiving special Arne Fritzal prize 4= L t R, John Ann me Daria and Alex, 5= collage by Ann. all photo's here were by Ann
Roy.

more Pics

2010-04-26T19:46:00.003-03:00

Hi again more pics

Some Pics of some 'Fan Club' members at the pre race B-B-Q at Pigeon beach Falmouth Harbour
Roy

Antigua pics update

2010-04-26T18:37:00.004-03:00

Hi Everyone,trying to upload pics to keep blog updated.

A few pics 1 = Montserrat at sunset on my way to Jolly Harbour
2 = At anchor pic from the deserted beach Montserrat and volcano smoke plume, 3 4 5 views taken that Sunday night at Sherlys Tights!

Antigua Classic Prize giving

2010-04-22T15:11:00.004-03:00

Tuesday 20th April was a quiet day for everyone I had moved GL to the dockyard and was about 10 feet away from the coming 'do', they had set up a huge screen to show donated pictures by all the press and private photographers, and a huge Bar-B-Q the 'Fan Club' were there as was all the crews as predicted we knew GL had won, so drinking had started some time before, we sat on the grass and watched the show, amazing pictures of all the boats were shown, every time a picture of GL came up the Fan Club cheered with gusto, I on the other hand had had a senior moment and lost my voice somewhere so was unusually quiet, the time came and trophies were handed out, then as my class was announced my crew and myself went on stage to collect the first prize of a beautiful engraved glass decanter, then photo pose and take the applause, as the night drew to a close I had a foredeck party, then with Marcy (phsyco Bety) from the Pink Lady crew went to another boat and carried the party on into the morning, next door on Buxom II, Lindsey, Erin and Sandra carried on next morning Wednesday in true classic style, so having been told to leave before 12, we all left the dock and have anchored in various places, My Fan Club has started to continue on their journeys but the few left arranged a beach farewell party and a nice evening ensued. Today 22nd I am in the cafe doing this blog and having a calm downer. I have just had the most magical time of my life never to be forgotten experience, some washing and choosing which photos to get from local guys before I leave, a quiet day.
I have read the comments and thank you all for your praise, I think GL deserves it, she is one special boat, it couldn't have happened without her!
more later when pics have been collected
Roy

Race day 4

2010-04-22T14:49:00.002-03:00

During the parade in Nelsons Dockyard we got our first look at the boat 'Alert' that had now beaten us twice as day 3 we again came 2nd, it is a beautiful wooden ketch but it was 62 feet long! there is no way in the world GL could have beaten her, the only reason we managed a first was she had had a collision and DNF on day 2, this is a lowest points winning scoring so we had calculated even if we came 2nd today we would still win, we looked for her on the line but could not find her anywhere. The race was a long one with a long beat to windward, we left our opposition behind again by a long way and finished getting the first cannon, according to the points Guiding Light has won her class Vintage Class B in this the 2010 Antigua Classic Regatta
Needless to say but the partying, celebrations and hard sailing is now taking its toll with all of us, still 2 nights to go, so forget that and carry on, at least no sailing tomorrow.
Roy

'Guiding Light' a 1936 Gauntlet Class 12 ton Cutter

Work progress

More news

Greetings to all from St Thomas

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.2

Going Native

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.1

Pictures Showing the damage

Update from St. Thomas

Progress Report

Main engine saved and working!

Cleanup cont.

The Big Clean Up

The Reef Rescue - in Pictures

Guiding Light on the Reef at 'False Entrance' BennerBay, US Virgin Islands.

Picture used with kind permission Gerald Singer http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/

Facebook Page now up

The prognosis for repair

Sink or Swim

GL face's her greatest lifes Challange

General Info

Fred

Fred

Update from St Thomas

Hurricane Irene and what to do on a Sunday afternoon (corrected)

Spar Lash

Yard work

Carnival & Boatyard

Repair issues

Arrived

Repairs Required

St John, 21st June 2011

16th cont.

Coral bay 16th June

Coral bay, St John

prev continued

Coral Bay St John US Virgin Islands

Foxy's Wooden Boat Regatta

Pics

Pics 1

Jost Van Dyke 2

Jost Van Dyke

St Maarten 2

St Maarten

On the Move at last

Antigua Classic 2

Antigua Classic

Antigua here I come

Just about ready to rumble Pics & Text

Just about ready to rumble Pics

Rodney Bay

3 days to prepare and get out of Dodge!

March 01

Antigua Update

Headless Chicken Day

Current Status

Disaster Strikes

Antigua 2

Antigua 1

Return to GL in Antigua

Final Missing Blog Pic's 9

Missing Blog Pic's 8

Missing Blog Pic's 7

Missing Blog Pic's 5

Missing Blog Pic's 6

Missing Blog Pic's 4

Missing Blog Pic's 3

Missing Blog Pic's 2

Missing Blog Pic's

Return to UK

Alonside Jolly harbour

Gaudalupe to Horta.

Saturday Evening

Blog Spam

The Journey North

On The Move

July

trouble continued and sorted

My Spam E-Mails

At St Lucia IGY Shipyard

Guiding Light on the Reef at 'False Entrance' Benner
Bay, US Virgin Islands.