A N NN other update from Provo

So here I am Saturday 27th, and all jobs to do finished!!! Thursday I took the boat out for a test sail, I invited Porsche and Adam to keep me company, we had a great days sail in the afternoon, I was so proud to have them aboard and to let them both in turn helm Guiding Light out through the reef with Adam on the tiller, and returning though the reef with Porsche doing all the steering while we put the sails to bed. What a magic day that was.
During the afternoon I checked my new generator output whilst sailing...IT WORKS !!!!!!!!!....so boat is now good to go, and now I am waiting till Monday and see what the weather will be doing this next week, so..... as to leave this gorgeous Island (sadly) and head back to St Thomas.
I have had such a good time here words fail to describe it. I have met so many people and enjoyed their company and conversation like you wouldn't believe,  Porsche and Adam run one of the best Marinas I have ever been too anywhere!!! everyone who comes here are treated by them like a long lost friend! 

Please check out their web site, you will find shit loads of photos of me there as well,
Porsche and Adam especially Porsche post the most amazing photos and give everyone a mention.

 Roy

A N other Provo update

Hi again everyone,
Well I felt so comfy here I decided that at long last (after 5 years) I would rebuild the starboard side bunk and shelving to regain a complete interior saloon and be able to reuse the extra stowage space, and also be able to invite guests down below without being terribly embarrassed.
This meant that I had to paint it all for...again... 5 years ago... all the reef damaged bits that I have just had to suffer because I've had too many other things on the priority list.
                                                              Here are the photos........

my temp. clothes line wiring all had to be removed first (1)

(2)

 

Then the paint job, not only the hull side but underneath the teak deck as well

Because of all the reef damage, and ..........

This local bird fished on the dock every day, and caught serious amounts of Fish.

.........the repairs to the hull frames, they were not exactly the same size as before, so after retrieving all the stowed away woodwork that I had restored in 2012 (and had been carrying around in bits all over the boat!!!), nothing would fit were it used to be before. Following pics show the rebuilding and fitting of all these bits. Note the modified bunk seat that again at long last I made the access hatches in, I can now stow things bigger than a 4" cube under the bunk!

at the children's home another bit of local wildlife...the biggest catapilla I have ever seen, not sure if I would like to meet it after the metamorphoses has finished!

 

 

 

 And finally the finished comfy Bunk with the beginnings of stowed stuff .

Update at Provo.

Hi Everyone,
 

Wednesday 20^th Providenciales Arrival Evening January 2016

I was received with open arms, everyone impressed by my boat and arrival, Adam and Porsche his second in command, whom I haven't seen for approx 5 years were having their annual Staff party that very night! (called Diamonds and Denim) in the 'Salt' Bar and Restaurant. So Adam kitted me out with a Blue Haven hat and 'T' shirt so I could fit in and join in the fun, everyone made me so so welcome. But..I was very tired after the trip so had to pike out a bit early and crash out.

Thursday 21^st January 2016

I had to sort out my customs clearance quickly so that was top priority. Very kindly Adam and Porsche took me to immigration to extend my stay more than 7 days, I already knew it would cost $300.00 US to do that, (very expensive for an Englishman in a British Overseas Territory I thought) when I got there I found out I needed the Customs form first, but filled all their forms out in advance, I was then taken to Lunch on the beach and a 'quickie' tour of the Island by Adam and Porsche showing me all the places I would need to find. When we arrived back and after ringing the customs we arranged to meet customs at the Bar about 1700hrs. He was a bit late and we did the bis at the bar approx 2015hrs instead. Bed again after that.

Friday 22^nd January 2016

Had found out they have Magic and I mean Magic internet here, so spent the morning updating my Blog to let you all know were I am and what I have been up too for the past month, after lunch they took me back to immigration and that job was completed, I now have till 26 March to stay for my visit here, and from what I've seen already I am going to enjoy this place a lot.

Saturday 23^rd January 2016

Of course there are a few jobs to do on the boat, as always, so it was boat day today.

Sunday 24^th January 2016

Hopefully the weather will have improved today so I am not held up with the job list, and my planned excursions into the Island. Weather front that got me on Wednesday is still affecting the Islands at present. Its now 7am and the wind and rain have set in hard, have cancelled any work today, but, not to worry, as Adam is an Aussie he has arranged an Australian Day Party for everyone, Captain and Crews on the marina docks, this with real Kangaroo Burgers and Pleeeeenty of beer! This started at 1300hrs it was very cold 16°C / 66ish F its the coldest I've experienced so far since arriving this side of the world!! as there was little else to do I let myself go and had a great party time ending pretty late!

Monday 25^th January 2016

Was able to get going on the list today, so a big clean up began, having been tossed about so much on Wednesday there was a big mess and re stowage to do. Did a bit of a reconnoitre around the Marina and resort area, nice, also a bit of shopping at the on site market.

What with the wind and tide blowing from the north all last night the current in the channel must have been running at over 7 knts past my stern, boat has never gone that fast backwards in its life!

Sorry about the lack of pictures as I did have so many too post, somehow they went missing from my SD card while I was transfering them, probably had a senior moment and sent them to the trash but didn't find them there either. 
So a couple of pics of my new generator installation which I finished yesterday. I got it from China, and I tested it yesterday on full load. Had the engine in gear at about 180 rpm on propellor shaft, put 4x 36 watt lamps on and the fridge, so with a current draw of approx 12.5 amps voltage was creeping up past 13.5v, if that happens when sailing at approx 6-7knts  all systems could be turned on and still putting a charge in without the engine running.

Water in the Marina here at Blue Haven is really a lovely colour turquoise and what should be passing the stern....

2 Nurse sharks looking for bite to eat.
There are so many fish swimming about its as if the boat is floating in an aquarium,  

Duran (left) who guided me past the reef, and works at the Marina, was given the task of giving me a guided tour off the tourist track of Provincealas last Saturday. He showed me the local hot spots and we had such a good day out. Adam had arranged it on pupose to make me take a break and relax. This we both achived in good style, and ended up back at the Marina I don't know when....

for the required 'One for the road' ???? We had both had a good time and I had seen the real side and met a lot of the local guys and gals.

More to come
Roy

Hi Everyone,
Well at last I have managed to sort out the comms on Sat. message below was received nearly instantly to the blog via Sat. I have no excuse now about not having internet to post, yippee, that means no photos though, but at least I don't have to pack the laptop in a plastic bag and brave the dingy journey hoping the laptop survives, then trying to get the local wi fi to work.
Roy

SMS from 881632655768@msg.iridium.com

Test Msg From Sat Comms

Hi Everyone,

So here is the log of my journey to Turks & Caicos Islands.

1400hrs 12 January 2016.

Position sailing through the anchourage at Water island blowing my conch horn in farewell.

496.5 Nm to Destination which was Blue Haven Marina, Leeward going through, Providenciales, Caicos Islands.

Weather Balmy sunshine, Wind very light from the E ..NE...E... 0-3 Knots 5-10 Knots 0-8 Knots. Speed 2.0 – 6.5 Knots.

1400hrs 13 January 2016

Position 19°09.5' N 066°50.0' W

373.5 Nm to destination first 24hrs 123.0 Nm wind E..ESE.. 0-8 Knots Speed 4=5 Knots Calm seas

1400hrs 14 January 2016

Position 20°05.18' N 068°18.19' W

268.0 Nm to Destination second 24 hrs 105.0 Nm wind East 0-8 Knots Calm seas

1400hrs 15 January 2016

Position 21°05.87' N 069°35.59' W

162.5 Nm to Destination third 24hrs 105.0 Nm winds still ESE 8-12 Knots speed above 5 Knots today sea still calm although long North Atlantic swell running still wall to wall sunshine.

0930hrs Saturday 16 January 2016

Position 21°26.10' N 071°09.04' W

80 .0 NM to Destination forth only 17.5hrs. 70.5 Nm. Arrived at Sub Base anchourage Grand Turk Island, Turks & Caicos Islands, This was to clear Customs.

Spent all the rest of the day trying to find a Customs officer without success.

Sunday 17^th January 2016

@ anchourage Early morning a cruise liner docked, so walked to the cruise ship dock and found a customs officer and managed to clear into the Islands. They gave only a 7 day short stay stamp.

Found a very nice Beach Bar (Jack's Shack), and spent a few bob on a few beers before turning in.

Monday 18^th January 2016

Moved the boat to the anchourage at Cockburn Town Capital City of the Turks & Caicos.

Position 21°28.0' N 071°08.88' W

Went shopping for essentials like cigarettes as I had only 1 packet left! On my walk about through the old town, full of history and HM Prison! To find Joey's Liquor store I found another nice Beach Bar (The Beach Bar) went there in the dingy after the shopping trip, the swell came up and I got very wet trying to launch the dingy into the waves crashing on the beach.

Tuesday 19^th January 2016

During the night the swell had backed all the way round to the North increasing in violence, and in the small pool outside the town, the anchourage was becoming a dangerous place to be in only 2 mtrs of water. I had already decided to carry on to my final destination (Blue Haven) so I put the dingy back on the cabin roof and made ready for sea again. I left at 0945hrs with 80.5 Nm to Destination. Wind was very light from the SSE as before.

Wednesday 20^th January 2016

During the yesterday a massive cold front bore down on me from the North, NNE by N as the wind then went round it increased to about 25-30 Knots and with two swells coming at me it became very rough indeed, so much so that at 0200hrs I had to heave to in Position 21°28.0' N 071°08.88' W

and spent all night doing about 2.5 knots in very rough conditions, it didn't get any better till about 1100hrs in the morning. I put the boat back on course under full sail, I still had over 60 Nm to Destination and didn't think I could make it.

The pilot book had also warned that any wind from the north made the gap in the reef impassable to enter! So I was worried about that as well!

As the day progressed however I had begun to sail very fast and was now surfing down the swell doing over 9 Knots! With the wind behind me.

I was in contact with Provo Radio asking them for info about the entrance conditions, but they didn't know, I kept calling Blue Haven and when only 1 hour to my arrival at the reef they answered, in fact the very man I had come to see, Adam Foster! He told me they shut a 1700hrs the reef could be entered and he had a boat that would guide me in waiting for me! I arrived at 1715hrs took down the mainsail (I had already taken the jibs off) and went through the gap! Pretty spectacular to say the least, So final Destination was reached at 1730hrs tied up alongside @ Blue Haven Marina in Position 21°49.20' N 072°08.88' W and went straight to the bar to say hello to everyone!

Roy

Hi Everyone,
Well today I have finally got internet again, I'm very disappointed however. because there are no posts displayed that were sent from my Sat. phone. I have been sending them via the email option on the phone, but they have not arrived and been posted. The phone had said msg sent ok, so I have been sending lots of them to the blog.  My blog has only the 18 Dec one I sent from ashore at Water Island.
So will have to try and bring everyone up to date.
I had a great Xmas and New Year, at Water Island, with my feet in the sand and my bum in the water! met everyone I had made friends with during GL refit year, so a very successful visit to St Thomas.
Then keeping an eye on the weather the opportunity weather window occurred to make a go for the Turks and Caicos Islands. This happened on Tuesday 12th Jan 2016 when I left St Thomas for the voyage, finished fueling at 1300hrs and after hoisting sail did a farewell sail through  the anchorage  and at 1400hrs then off towards my waypoint (Blue Haven Marina at Providenciales Island)
I sent a post to the blog every day but they did not get posted.
More coming later.

Hi everyone
You would think the USVI USA islands would have the best internet in the world but not so.
So since last Blog I arrived in Coral Bay, St John USVI on Sat. afternoon in the middle of the thanksgiving regatta, boats everywhere. Found a mooring next morning, and the evening before got my arm twisted to take part in the main race Sunday. I did it with 2 backpacking lads from Lithuania both of whom had never been in any boat in their lives. So good fun ensued. Big party afterwards.
I spent a week there catching up with friends and had a whale of a time. After the week was up I went to Benner Bay in St Thomas USVI to visit all the friends I had made while fixing the boat. I also spent a week there.
I mostly went to get stuff that I have been unable to get anywhere else, also ordered a new part for the Generator. when the week was up I traveled to Water Island and have been here nearly a week now soon to be leaving for the Turks and Caicos Islands, last job is fixing the generator. I have done a mega shopping trip for food and essentials for the trip there and back, so I am all prepared for the coming adventure. It will be a test of my nerve and bottle as there are reefs surrounding everything there, and all shallow water everywhere in between. Its 500 Nm to get there so its the Big Test for GL as well.
So you are all up to date as to where I am up too right now.
In case I don't get another internet connection, I wish everyone all the very best wishes for this Xmas and New Year, hope everyone has a great time, I and Guiding Light are going to push it 100%
More coming when I can.
Roy 

On The Move.

Hi all,

I have done the fiddly bits that required emptying the boat onto the dock, fixed permanently the galley stove after finally finding out the cause of the fire, have only been able to use 1 burner since then, and its been like camping.
Also fixed the water maker after innovating a way to make it work, without having to send it back to Europe for them to do it. Thought I had fixed it last time I had a go at it.
So now I am happy with just about everything that needs to work even the toilet seat has been repaired.
I am leaving Rodney Bay sometime today or early tomorrow, bound for the Virgin Islands, I will miss the ARC boats arriving after the rally, but I need to start early going north.
If all goes well I will try and visit the Turks and Cacos before heading south again for the 2016 classics, if its to tight a time scale Classics will get priority.
More coming
Roy

Better late than never

Yes again at last I have internet,
Hi Every One, @ Tyrell Bay, Carriacou
After the launching I was able to do a couple of jobs because the boat was good, hardly any water coming in. I could even take time to go swimming and enjoying myself! Took her for a test sail and everything was working good.
Towards the end of October 'Susie' aboard 'Spirited Lady' came back from Grenada to celebrate her 60th Birthday. This is what I had been waiting here for, she had had it all arranged for some time and I had an invite which just couldn't missed. Also I was able to leave the boat all day if need be as I had my confidence back at long last.

Susie's party was to last over a week! It all started in the 'Lazy Turtle' Pizzeria Bar Restaurant, with an Evening Party 'Wear a Wig'. Many of her friends had flown out from UK to take part in all the festivities, so all the following pic's were taken during the week.

Susie and guess who, wearing our wigs

party Lazy Turtle

party Lazy Turtle

Next day at Hillsborough, the boat is picking us all up from the beach for a tour of the Tobago Cays and other islands.

 

 

There is a turtle birthing beach at the top end of Carriacou

 

We ended up visiting Palm Island, Mayreau, Jamesby, Baradal, Rameau, and ended up for lunch at Chatham Bay Union Island, where we enjoyed 16 lobster dinners

 ,

Preparing the lobsters for the bar b q

Restaurant at Chatham Bay, Union Island

We went to the Lamby Queen restaurant that night for a live band and snacks and a Bongo Drum Session later.

Next Day it was Sandy Island for Snorkeling in Timo's boat

This cruising Lady,' Son was also having his Tenth Birthday

And Valentines Dad Francis, They have all become good friends since last year.

Then it was the official combined Birthday Party at the Slipway Restaurant, Susie 60 years Valentine 10 years and Susie's yacht 'Spirited Lady' 7 years

Susie and Susie's Party called Posh Frocks and Colorful Shirts

Next Day we went to White Island for an all day BBQ drinks swimming snorkeling walking you name it. (forgot my camera)

Had a party on her boat that night as well.

Next day it was BBQ on the local beach as a separate party just for Valentine, I rigged the dingy into sailing mode, and good fun was had by all, again a booze up at Lamby Queen followed.

As my visa was due on the 2^nd of November I prepared the boat for a trip up to Rodney Bay as I needed a pile of bits and bobs from the hardware store. Susie was again going to Sandy Island for a snorkeling session that day, so after I was happy I left the mooring and motored to the island to join in and say a fond farewell to everyone. When that was over I hoisted sail at 1730hrs and set course for St Lucia, the weather wasn't the best, and the forecast was again wrong,

Extract of Log

M    Monday 2^nd November 2015:

Cleared Customs in Carriacou and went for last breakfast at Gallery Cafe. Returned to boat and weighed anchor, as Susie and her party had gone to Sandy Island I motored there and picked up a mooring. Rowed ashore to say a farewell to everyone, and with that completed I went back to the boat, at 1730hrs with sails hoisted I left the mooring bound for St. Lucia.

Forecast Winds East 10 to 15kts , Seas 4 to Six feet

Engine Hours 48.6 at start

approx 130 Nm to Rodney Bay.

Wind East at 10 knts.

Half way to St. Vincent the wind started to back into the North East and I couldn't keep my course, decided not to try and see what happens. Wind kept on backing until it was in the NNE by N. I eventually had to motor and by 0500hrs Tuesday having had many thunder heads pass by I was halfway past St. Vincent.

As I approached the north of the island the seas became very rough and confused, the wind was continuously shifting in direction and strength, I kept the engine running and made good my course for St Lucia. I was well offshore and gradually the swell calmed down. My ETA for arrival was now over 12 hours in an NE wind, and it was already 1200hrs. Kept the engine on and motor sailed the whole way up the coast of St Lucia, and arrived in Rodney Bay at 1600hrs. I dropped sail and motored into the marina, docking at 1730hrs Tuesday 3^rd November 2015, exactly 24hrs from Sandy Island.

Engine Hours 54.4 at finish. 5.8hrs in total

Weather experienced on journey, Winds NNE to NE, 10 to 25knts, Seas 4 to 20 feet

Went to the bar for a well earned beer and something to eat.

WWednesday 4^th November 2015:

Cleared Customs into St Lucia and registered the boat with Marina office.

Rigged dingy and boat for lifting up, outboard fitted.

Sourced Speedy Stitcher.

Removed Mainsail for repair and lost batten renewal.

Fitted awnings.

Connected to shore power and water.

Weather sunny getting cloudy in afternoon, Rain in the evening.

Continued.

TThursday 5 November 2015, Gunpowder Treason and Plot.

Alongside D10

Raining this morning

FFriday 6^th November

Raining this Morning. And then the heavens opened and torrential rain fell all day, I have never experience rain like that in my life, they had many floods ashore and a few deaths as well!!! 

Saturday wasn't quite as bad but we had a lot of rain just the same, I made it and got internet but as I was writing this blog it failed so couldn't send it

Sunday today and I am still on line pressing the post button Now 

More coming 

OUT at Last !!!

Hi everyone,
Well my shipyard stay is over, ended on Monday afternoon 28th. I did have a false start on the Friday before, found another leak when put in the water and had to be put back ashore. Managed a proper repair over the weekend, worked very hard in this 32 deg C too hot no wind summer.
The remaining pictures then follow as have come ashore to get this done after being in the water nearly a week. I am very glad to say no more leaks now that the planks have expanded again, Great!!

primed the bottom first

then the new type Hard antifouling

Han looking on, another single hander

Me with work in progress

you might remember this boat in 2010 Antigua classics

decision time do I paint the hull as well

some views of the boat yard

Yard office and exit

Its a nice place to do a boat up, quiet and with the beach lapping the shore
So Second launch into the unknown

And now not sinking but waiting the night on the fuel dock just in case

So a long few days of tidying the boat up has been getting done. I slept in my own bunk last night, first time since Antigua!
Where do I go from here!!! I'll let you all know when I find out !!!!
Roy